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10, మార్చి 2022, గురువారం

8pm NEWSFEED

Operation Ganga: Indian Students evacuated from Sumy to board train for Poland

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 07:37 AM PST

Indian students who were evacuated from Sumy in Ukraine on Tuesday have reached the railway station of the western city of Lviv safely and boarded a special train to Poland.

The students were escorted by the Indian Embassy in Ukraine in coordination with the Red Cross. Indian students from Sumy on board the special train organised with the assistance of Ukrainian authorities. Indian Embassy in Ukraine assured that the Mission will continue to facilitate their movement westwards. “Bringing back our students safely and securely will remain our priority,” it wrote in a tweet.

Nearly 22,000 Indians, mainly students, have already been evacuated including from the most active dangerous zones like Kharkiv and Sumy in Ukraine.

When the war broke out, idea was to strengthen the embassy in Kyiv. The first additional MEA team reached Ukraine on February 22. After that, it was a real challenge to flow in personnel, said an official familiar with the developments.

This comes against the backdrop of Russian forces launching military operations in Ukraine on February 24, three days after Moscow recognized Ukraine’s breakaway regions – Donetsk and Luhansk – as independent entities.

COVID-19: PM Modi chairs meeting to review situation

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 07:19 AM PST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired a meeting to review the COVID-19 situation and public health response.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya were present at the meeting along with top officials.

India reported 4,575 new COVID cases in the past 24 hours informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday. The government data shows that the active caseload of the country has risen to 46,962 at present which accounts for 0.11 per cent of total cases.

The daily positivity rate stands at 0.51 per cent while the weekly positivity rate is 0.62 per cent.

Meanwhile, a total of 7,416 people have been recovered from the COVID infection in the past 24 hours, taking the cumulative recoveries to 4,24,13,566. The recovery rate now is at 98.69 per cent.

In the past 24 hours, as many as 145 people have succumbed to coronavirus infection, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With 8,97,904 tests conducted to detect COVID infection in the past 24 hours, the total number of tests conducted so far has gone up to 77.52 crore.

A total of 179.33 crore vaccine doses have been administered so far to eligible beneficiaries under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive. Notably, India’s vaccination drive against the virus commenced on January 16, 2021.

In the view of decline in the COVID-19 cases, the Government of India has decided to resume scheduled commercial international passenger services to and from India from March 27, 2022, informed the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Tuesday.

Delhi CM and his deputy attacked EC for not declaring the date of the MCD election

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 07:11 AM PST

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday attacked the Election Commission for not declaring the date of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) election and alleged that the poll body is afraid of the Central government.

Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Sisodia said “Election Commission is afraid of the Central government and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has pressurised them (EC) on its diktats.” “If EC starts to take decisions under the pressure of BJP then what does democracy mean? Today EC had a prefixed press conference wherein they were supposed to announce the date for the MCD election. But before they do, they came under the pressure of the BJP,” the Deputy Chief Minister accused the EC.

Sisodia further attacked BJP and said the party is anxious about losing the MCD election. “They (BJP) know Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will win over 250 seats out of 272. Therefore BJP is making an excuse for the unification of MCDs,” he added.
“We (AAP) know BJP has no confidence to face Delhi’s people. They are scared of losing the election, but why EC is scared of BJP?” he asked further.

“The Indian constitution has given all the power to EC to make their decisions independently but the way EC has knelt down to BJP, it is dangerous to the constitution and democracy,” Sisodia said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the municipal polls in Delhi have been deferred as the BJP has accepted defeat and is running away, adding that the Election Commission should not have come under the pressure of the BJP.

Earlier in the day, Delhi Election Commissioner SK Srivastava said it has deferred the announcement of Municipal Corporation election dates after the Central government raised a few issues that are yet to be legally examined by the Election Commission.
Addressing the press conference, the State Election Commissioner said, “I have received some communication from the central government at 4.30 pm, so I am not able to announce the dates right now”

“As central government raised few issues that are yet to be legally examined by us, we will not be able to announce MCD election dates as of now. We will take some more days. We have to conduct the elections before May 18,” Srivastava added.
He further said that they were about to announce the dates, but now it will take another five to seven days to announce them.

“We are not postponing the elections. If at all unification of municipal corporations take place before May 18, then we have to examine the situation. That is why we need time as of now to seek legal opinion on it,” said Srivastava.

There are 104 wards each in the North and the South Delhi Municipal Corporations while the East Delhi Municipal Corporation has 64 wards.

European Union approves new sanctions against Russia, Belarus

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 07:01 AM PST

European Union on Wednesday announced new sanctions against Russia and Belarus targeting Russian leaders, oligarchs, their family members, and the maritime sector.
The measures will also disconnect three Belarus banks from the SWIFT financial messaging system. Today’s decision builds on the wide-ranging and unprecedented packages of measures the EU has been taking in response to Russia’s acts of aggression on Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

For Belarus, the measures introduce SWIFT prohibitions similar to those in the Russian regime, clarify that crypto-assets fall under the scope of “transferable securities” and further expand the existing financial restrictions by mirroring the measures already in place regarding Russia sanctions, added European Commission press release.

As guardian of the EU Treaties, the European Commission is in charge of monitoring the enforcement of EU sanctions across the Union.

The agreed measures will restrict the provision of SWIFT services to Belagroprombank, Bank Dabrabyt, and the Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus, as well as their Belarusian subsidiaries, added the release.

It will prohibit transactions with the Central Bank of Belarus related to the management of reserves or assets, and the provision of public financing for trade with and investment in Belarus.

For Russia, the amendment introduced new restrictions on the export of maritime navigation and radio communication technology, adds the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping to the list of state-owned enterprises subject to financing limitations and introduces a prior information sharing provision for exports of maritime safety equipment, read the release.

In addition, it also extended the exemption relating to the acceptance of deposits exceeding Euro 100.000 in EU banks to Swiss and EEA nationals.

Finally, the EU confirmed the common understanding that loans and credit can be provided by any means, including crypto assets, as well as further clarified the notion of “transferable securities”, so as to clearly include crypto-assets, and thus ensure the proper implementation of the restrictions in place, read the release.

Furthermore, an additional 160 individuals have been listed in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

The listed individuals include 14 oligarchs and prominent businesspeople involved in key economic sectors providing a substantial source of revenue to the Russian Federation and 146 members of the Russian Federation Council.

Altogether, EU restrictive measures now apply to a total of 862 individuals and 53 entities.

Cabinet nod to setting up WHO Global Centre for traditional medicine in India

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 05:19 AM PST

The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (WHO GCTM) in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

The WHO GCTM will be established in Jamnagar under the Ministry of AYUSH. This would be the “first and only global outposted” Centre (office) for traditional medicine across the globe. An official release said the Centre will help position AYUSH systems across the globe, provide leadership on global health matters pertaining to traditional medicine and ensure quality, safety and efficacy, accessibility and rational use of traditional medicine.

It will also help develop norms, standards, and guidelines in relevant technical areas, tools and methodologies, for collecting data undertaking analytics, and assess impact.
World Health Organization Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghbereyesus had announced the establishment of WHO GCTM in India on the occasion of fifth Ayurveda Day on November 13, 2020 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Prime Minister had praised this initiative of WHO and mentioned that WHO GCTM would emerge as a centre of global wellness, boost evidence-based research and awareness about traditional medicine.

A Joint Task Force (JTF) has been constituted for coordination, execution and monitoring of activities for the establishment of this Centre.

JTF comprises representatives from the Government of India, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva and the World Health Organization.

Under its ambit, an interim office is being established at the ITRA, Jamnagar to execute the identified technical activities and planning of fully functional WHO GCTM.
The interim office is intended to deliver broadly on generation of evidence and innovation, artificial intelligence-based solutions for traditional medicine, systematic reviews in collaboration with Cochrane, global survey on traditional medicine data across WHO GPW 13 (Thirteenth General Programme of Work 2019-2023) and sustainable development goals.

The WHO GCTM would provide leadership on all global health matters related to traditional medicine as well as extend support to member countries in shaping various policies related to traditional medicine research, practices and public health.
The Ministry of AYUSH has collaborated with WHO on many fronts including developing benchmark documents on training and practice of Ayurveda and Unani System, introducing a second module in the Traditional Medicine Chapter of the International classification of Diseases-11, developing apps like M-yoga, supporting the work of International Pharmacopeia of Herbal Medicine (IPHM) and other research studies.

The release said that traditional medicine is a key pillar of health care delivery systems and plays a crucial role in maintaining good health and well-being.

Safe and effective traditional medicine will play a significant role in ensuring all people have access to quality essential health care services and safe, effective and affordable essential medicines as the world approaches the ten-year milestone for Sustainable Development Goals in 2030.

The WHO-GCTM will identify various challenges faced by the countries in regulating, integrating and further positioning traditional medicine in respective countries.

The upcoming WHO-GCTM and various other initiatives in collaboration with WHO will aid India in positioning traditional medicine across the globe, the release said.

ED attaches properties worth Rs 1984 crore in Karvy Stock Broking scam

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 05:09 AM PST

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) said on Wednesday it has attached immovable and movable properties in the form of lands, buildings and shareholdings worth Rs 1984 crore belonging to Karvy Stock Broking and its chairman C Parathasarathy and others in a money laundering case.

ED initiated a money-laundering investigation on the basis of FIRs filed by the CCS Police Station, Hyderabad Police, on the complaints of lending Banks who complained that the Karvy Group had availed large amounts of loans by illegally pledging their clients’ shares worth about Rs 2800 crore and the said loans have become NPA after the release of the client’s securities as per the orders of the National Stock Exchange and the market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Karvy Stock Broking Limited (KSBL) was one of the leading Stock Brokers in the country with millions of clients.

The scam came to light after a limited purpose inspection of KSBL conducted by NSE in 2019 revealed that KSBL had not revealed a DP Account and credited the funds raised by pledging of client securities to 6 of its own bank accounts (“Stock Broker-own Account”) instead of the “Stock Broker-Client Account”.

“In order to safeguard the proceeds of crime from alienation, ED has identified and attached 102 number of landed properties worth Rs 213.69 crore, shareholding of C Parathasarathy in M/s KFin Technologies worth Rs 438.70 crore and tangible/intangible assets worth Rs 1280 crore of M/s KDMSL, M/s KFSL NBFC, M/s KSBL, etc totaling to Rs 1984 crore,” the ED said in a statement.
“Further investigation is in progress,” the ED said.

On September 22, 2021, the ED conducted searches at 9 locations and subsequently, C Parathasarathy, CMD of Karvy Group, and G Hari Krishna, CFO, were brought on production warrant and produced before ED PMLA Special Court and were arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on January 20, 2022. They are presently in judicial custody.

“C Parathasarathy has been totally evasive & non-cooperative during the investigation and while admitting a few wrong doings by KSBL, has been shifting the entire blame on the CEO, CFO & other senior management,” ED said in a statement.

According to ED investigation, KSBL had misused the Power of Attorney given by its clients and misused the same to illegally raise loans. Shares of clients who did not owe any funds to KSBL had been transferred to the Margin / Pool Account of KSBL and were pledged with the banks by making misleading declaration of ownership.

Share transfers were done from the client’s accounts for which the KSBL’s Sales Team claimed that they had taken clients’ approval for stock lending through phone or orally, but there are no supporting documentary evidence. Subsequently, the loans were diverted from the stated purpose by a set of high ranking functionaries working under the overall control of the CMD from a ‘Secretariat Section’ which maintained ‘Back Office Control Account’.

Funds were diverted to related companies like – KDMSL, KRIL which was set up for real estate ventures, diverted loan funds were routed via multiple defunct NBFCs to KFSL NBFC to wash its bad debts and large chunks of loan proceeds were pumped into Shell Insurance companies which did massive speculative share trading with KSBL as the Stock Broker and ostensibly suffered massive losses.

Very complex web of financial transactions, using several shell entities and NBFCs, have been executed to conceal the source of these funds with a view to project them as untainted funds. Large amounts of proceeds of crime have been ‘invested’ by infusing in the form of investments/share capital/short term advances/loans to group companies. This has resulted in enhancement of the value of the subsidiary companies of KSBL.

Now the accused are trying to sell these subsidiary businesses at a profit to yield indirect windfall gains to the main accused, the ED said.

All Indian students from Sumy evacuated

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 04:07 AM PST

Bhubaneshwar (Odisha): A total of 8,000 Indians who were stranded in war-torn Ukraine have been evacuated through Romania, informed the Government of India on Wednesday.


As per the government, the last flight will depart from Bucharest today. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday informed that it evacuated all Indian students from Ukraine’s Sumy.


Under ‘Operation Ganga’ to rescue Indian citizens from Ukraine’s neighbouring countries, about 18,000 Indians have been brought back by special flights so far.
A total of 410 Indians arrived in India on Tuesday by two special civilian flights from Ukraine’s neighbouring countries, said the Ministry of Civil Aviation in a media statement.


With this, about 18,000 stranded Indians in Ukraine have been brought back through special flights which were pressed in services since February 22, 2022.


The number of Indians airlifted by 75 special civilian flights goes up to 15,521. IAF had flown 12 missions to bring back 2,467 passengers, as part of Operation Ganga, and carried over 32-tonne relief material, read the release.


Among the civilian flights, 4,575 passengers have been brought from Bucharest by 21 flights, 1,820 from Suceava by 9 flights, 5,571 from Budapest by 28 flights, 909 passengers by 5 flights from Kosice, 2,404 Indians from Rzeszow by 11 flights, and 242 persons by a flight from Kyiv.


This comes against the backdrop of Russian forces launching military operations in Ukraine on February 24, three days after Moscow recognised Ukraine’s breakaway regions – Donetsk and Luhansk – as independent entities. 

Delhi Minister Kailash Gehlot given charge of women and child development dept

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 04:01 AM PST

New Delhi [India]: Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot has been given the additional charge of the Women and Child Development Department.


The Department was earlier held by Rajendra Pal Gautam who has also the department of Social Welfare.

Notably, the reshuffling of the Women and Child Development department comes at a time when the Anganwadi workers and helpers have been protesting against the Delhi as well as the Central government under the banner of Delhi State Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union since January 31, demanding the honorarium of the Anganwadi workers to be hiked to Rs 25,000 and helpers to Rs 20,000. 

Punjab Congress meeting underway to devise strategy ahead of polls results

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 03:57 AM PST

Chandigarh [India]: A day ahead of the counting of votes of the Assembly elections, a meeting of Punjab Congress leaders with the observer for the party in the state, Ajay Maken is underway to devise the strategy of the party after the declaration of the poll result.


Congress state president Navjot Singh Sidhu, spokesperson Pawan Khera, in-charge Harish Chaudhary are present in the meeting at a hotel here. Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi is also expected to join the meeting shortly. However, he has not joined in so far.


Earlier today, party MLA Thekedar Madan Lal Jalalpur paid a visit to Channi’s residence before the commencement of the meeting.


Speaking on the matter, Jalalpur dismissed the exit polls predicting the formation of the AAP government in Punjab and said that Congress will form a government in the state.


“The picture of Punjab will be clear tomorrow. Congress will form its government tomorrow. In the 2017 Assembly elections as well, the Aam Aadmi Party was predicted to form government in the state, but Congress had formed a government.”
The counting of votes of the Punjab Assembly polls is slated to take place on March 10.

Making changes to calorie intake, physical activity does not prevent long-term weight gain- Study

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 03:52 AM PST

According to a trial done by researchers, small changes to calorie intake and physical activity levels do not prevent long-term weight gain better than monitoring alone.
The study was published in the journal, ‘Canadian Medical Association Journal’. The trial involved 320 sedentary adults aged 25-70 years living with overweight or obesity (body mass index between 25 and 39.9 kg/m2). The mean age of participants was 52.6 years, and 77 per cent were female. They were randomized to either monitoring alone or to a small change approach that involved reducing caloric intake by 100 kilocalories per day or increasing physical activity by 2000 steps a day throughout the 2-year study.

“We found that the small change approach was not more effective than monitoring alone in preventing weight gain at 2 or 3 years in adults with overweight or obesity,” wrote Dr Robert Ross, lead author and professor of health kinesiology at Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, with co-authors.

“We had reasoned that the prevention of weight gain by making small changes in dietary intake or physical activity behaviours would be sustainable long term and would have clinical relevance, as even modest weight gain (0.5-1.0 kg/yr) in adults with overweight and obesity is negatively associated with important health outcomes,” the authors wrote.

Although the small change approach led to reduced weight at 3, 6, 12 and 15 months, by 24 months the prevention of weight gain did not differ from that associated with monitoring alone. On average, prevention of weight gain was observed in both arms of the trial.

Researchers were surprised at the study results, which contrasted with those of a previous study that showed the small change approach prevented weight gain over 3 years in a large sample of young adults with overweight. However, in a sub-analysis, the authors observed that weight gain was prevented in adults with overweight, but not those with obesity.

More than 63 per cent of Canadian adults currently live with overweight or obesity, which contributes to chronic health conditions.

“The management of adults with overweight and obesity remains a public health challenge,” the authors concluded. 

Pakistani student thanks Indian govt for safe evacuation from Ukraine’s Sumy

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 03:52 AM PST

Sumy [Ukraine]: Asma Shafique, a Pakistani student of Sumy State Medical College on Wednesday thanked the Indian Government for her safe evacuation amid the Russia-Ukraine war which entered the fourteenth day today.


“Hi, my name is Asma Shafique from Pakistan. I am really grateful and thankful to the Red Cross Society, the Indian Government and the Indian Embassy for safely evacuating us from our places and letting us go to the borders and reach our destinations safely. Thank You,” she said. Pakistani student of Sumy State Medical College is en route to western Ukraine with fellow batchmates for further evacuation from the country.


“We are Indian students from Sumy State University, Ukraine. We have been evacuated yesterday from Sumy safely with full security and currently, we are moving towards Lviv border along my friend from Pakistan,” said an Indian student.
The evacuation process of Indian students from Ukraine under ‘Operation Ganga’ has brought about 18 thousand Indians through special flights so far.


This comes against the backdrop of Russian forces launching military operations in Ukraine on February 24, three days after Moscow recognised Ukraine’s breakaway regions – Donetsk and Luhansk – as independent entities. 

India is one country that will decide the fate of this century; Ukraine MP

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 03:48 AM PST

Kyiv [Ukraine]: Sviatoslav Yurash, Ukraine’s youngest Member of Parliament praised India for the humanitarian measures taken to help those affected by the Russian military operation against Ukraine and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for speaking with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the current situation in Ukraine.


“India is one of those countries which will decide the fate of this century. As far as the Indian position on the Russian relationship is concerned, thankful for the call PM Modi made to our President. We’re thankful for the humanitarian steps that India has been making,” said the MP. The Ukrainian MP also asserted that India has a strategic partnership with Russia however, India needs to reconsider that position amid the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine.


“As far as India-Russia is concerned, you have a treaty on strategic friendship and partnership,I think that needs to be reconsidered in light of not just Ukraine but all misdeeds that Putin’s regime has been doing for the last 20 years. Russia needs to be punished by India,” he added.


Replying to a question whether the MP sees peace returning soon in Ukraine, he noted, “Depends on Kremlin. If Kremlin decides to continue pushing, we’ll continue fighting. Fighting for fundamental rights that we want to safeguard as our ancestors had safeguarded. Not going to abandon all that we won.”


Earlier, the Ukrainian MP was also seen guarding the post and carrying a gun. Commenting on that picture, the MP asserted, “Fact of the matter is, with Kyiv besieged and Ukraine needs to mobilise and try to defend against Russian invasion, everybody is a soldier now. Everybody needs to find their place.”


The MP also appreciated the steps that Western nations are taking amid the war between Russia and Ukraine. The Ukrainian MP, when asked whether Ukraine feels that it is betrayed by its partner (Western nations), said, “We understand the West does the right thing after exhausting other options. The reality is, it takes time for those institutions to spring into action. We don’t have time, so we’re fighting Russian invaders.”


“As far as the West is concerned, we have received a lot of aid, we have received a lot of help and we are thankful for that. But again nothing is enough, nothing is too much and all are welcome,” he added.


Russia’s invasion of Ukraine after recognizing the Ukrainian breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent republics.


Russia continues to maintain that it started the “military operations” in Ukraine to save the residents of eastern Ukraine and “demilitarise” and “denazify” the political leadership of the country. 

Rajiv Gandhi assassination: SC grants bail to convict AG Perarivalan

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 03:41 AM PST

New Delhi [India]: The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted bail to AG Perarivalan, one of the convicts serving life imprisonment in connection with the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.


The top court granted relief to Perarivalan taking into consideration his conduct, ill health and the fact that he has spent more than 30 years in prison. A bench of Justices L Nageswara Rao and BR Gavai noted that there were no complaints about his conduct when he was released thrice before on parole.


Perarivalan was ordered to be released on bail for the first time since he was arrested.


“There is sufficient material produced by the petitioner regarding his conduct, his ill health, educational qualification and taking into account the fact that he has spent more than 30 years in prison, we are of the view that he should be released on bail,” said the bench in its order.


The bench said that the bail will be subject to the satisfaction of the trial court’s conditions and also, the petitioner has to report to the local police at his native place during the first week of every month.


The bench also took into note that Governor is yet to decide Perarivalan’s plea seeking release from prison.

The apex court granted bail to Perarivalan despite the Centre opposing his bail plea vehemently.


Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for the Centre, said that he had already availed the benefit of reduction of death sentence to life term by citing delay in deciding his mercy plea and cannot claim more benefit by citing another delay.
In view of the stand taken by the Union of India that the State government has no power to make a decision on mercy petition especially when the death was commuted to life, the matter is to be heard finally, said the top court and posted the matter for hearing in April.


ASG Nataraj said that the Central government (President) is the appropriate authority to decide his request.


The bench also took into consideration of senior advocate Gopal Shankarnarayan, appearing for Perarivalan, that the conditions of his parole are very restricted and he cannot go outside his house and there is vigilance.


Shankaranarayanan submitted that Perarivalan has been granted parole three times and there has been no case of misconduct. During the sentence period, his conduct was good and he has acquired educational qualifications and rendered assistance in the library in jail, he added.


Before granting bail, the apex court has said that the case highlights a “very important” issue on whether a Governor can “sit on” plea for remission despite State Cabinet’s approval.


Perarivalan had approached the top court seeking release from the prison based on the recommendation made by the Tamil Nadu government in September 2018.
The central government had earlier apprised the apex court that the Tamil Nadu Governor, after considering all the facts on record and relevant documents, said that the President of India is the “appropriate competent authority” to deal with the pardon plea of AG Perarivalan, a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.
The top court by its January 21, 2021 order had asked the Governor to decide the Perarivalan’s remission of sentence plea.


The top court had earlier expressed unhappiness over the fact that the recommendation made by the Tamil Nadu state government for the remission of the sentence had been pending before the Governor for over two years.


Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on the night of May 21, 1991, at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu by a woman suicide bomber, identified as Dhanu, at a poll rally.
On February 18, 2014, the apex court had commuted the death sentence of Perarivalan to life imprisonment on grounds of a delay of 11 years in deciding the mercy pleas by the Centre.

It was not an instant yes for Ekta’s ‘Lock Upp’- Kangana Ranaut

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 03:36 AM PST

Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, who is basking in the success of her new reality show ‘Lock Upp’, recently revealed that the show’s concept was different when it was pitched to her. She also opened up about what made her get on board to host the show.

‘Lock Upp’ has a team of the most controversial celebrities locked up in a jail-like setup with basic amenities. Ever since it has released on February 27, audiences have been widely accepting it as a source of entertainment. On being asked about her thoughts before signing the project, Kangana told ANI that the show didn’t actually come to her as ‘Lock Upp’.

“It didn’t come as ‘Lock Upp’. It came as a collaboration,” Kangana said.
“So Ekta Kapoor and Ruchikaa Kapoor came and they said we want to collaborate with you for your digital debut and we have a couple of ideas of the reality show for you to host,” the 34-year-old actor shared.

Kangana revealed that the team built the concept of ‘Lock Upp’ together and the brainstorming took a “good 6-7 months” for the final project.

“The more I interacted with them and got to know what she wanted to do, the more I became convinced and the show happened gradually,” Kangana said.

‘Lock Upp’ is live-streamed on digital platforms MX Player and ALTBalaji.
Meanwhile, on the film front, Kangana will soon be seen in movies including ‘Tejas’, ‘Dhaakad’, ‘Manikarnika Returns: The Legend Of Didda’, ‘Emergency’, and ‘The Incarnation: Sita’.

She is also producing the upcoming dark comedy ‘Tiku Weds Sheru’ under her production house, Manikarnika Films. 

Delhi Court sends Anand Subramanian, advisor to Ex MD Chitra Ramkrishna, to 14-day judicial custody

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 03:35 AM PST

New Delhi [India]: A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Court of Delhi on Wednesday sent Anand Subramanian, former Group Operating Officer and advisor to former MD of National Stock Exchange (NSE), to judicial custody for 14 days.


He was the first person arrested by CBI in the NSE Co-Location case. The Special CBI Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal on Wednesday while sending him in judicial custody pulled up for the slow pace of the investigation and asked about the status of the investigation.


On that Advocate appeared for CBI, submitted, “We are seriously looking in the investigation and a special team of 30 officials consisting of a senior official to probe the case. We are also probing the role of SEBI officials in the matter. We have also recently questioned Ravi Narain, former MD of NSE.”


The same court is already scheduled to hear Anand Subramanian’s bail petition on March 11 (Friday).


The court on Monday also sent former managing director and chief executive officer of National Stock Exchange (NSE) Chitra Ramkrishna in connection with the NSE co-location case on CBI remand till March 14, 2022.


CBI while producing Chitra Ramkrishna after arresting also apprised the court that Chitra Ramakrishna did not recognise Anand Subramanian in the first meeting.


CBI in its remand application of Chitra Ramkrishna stated that Chitra Ramakrishna continues to provide evasive answers and misguide the Investigation Officer. CBI counsel submitted, “The custodial interrogation of the accused Chitra Ramakrishna is needed to unearth the criminal conspiracy and the role of other NSE officials and brokers in the company. She is also required to be confronted with co-accused Anand Subramanian, who is already in police custody of CBI, to understand the magnitude and scope of the criminal conspiracy.”


According to the CBI investigation, group operating Officer Anand Subramanian’s appointment was influenced by NSE chairman and MD Chitra Ramakrishnan.


The CBI is probing the alleged improper dissemination of information from the computer servers of the market exchanges to the stockbrokers.


Earlier The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has penalized the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and its former CEOs Chitra Ramakrishna and Ravi Narayan and two other officials for lapses in recruitment at the senior level.
Ravi Narain was the MD and CEO of the National Stock Exchange from April 1994 till March 2013, while Chitra Ramkrishna was the MD and CEO of the NSE from April 2013 to December 2016.


The market regulators observed that the NSE and its top executives violated securities contract norms relating to the appointment of Anand Subramaniam as group operating officer and advisor to the managing director. 

Chhattisgarh CM Baghel carries briefcase made of cow dung to present Budget

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 03:28 AM PST

Raipur (Chhattisgarh): In a first, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday presented the state budget 2022-23 at the Legislative Assembly in a briefcase which was made of cow dung.


The briefcase has been made by applying layer by layer mixture of cow dung powder, chuna powder, maida wood and guar gum in 10 days. Specially designed for budget, the handle and corner of this briefcase are crafted from Bastar Art Artisans by Kondagaon City Group. Notably, Godhan Nyay Yojana of Chhattisgarh has made a different identity in the country and also received praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the past.

Presenting the state Budget 2022-23, Baghel announced the increase in annual assistance under the Rajiv Gandhi Bhumihin Krishi Majdur Nyay Yojana from Rs 6,000 to 7,000 per annum from the next year.


“In this Budget, I propose the restoration of the old pension scheme for govt employees. Rs 2 crore proposed for Chhattisgarh Rojgaar Mission to work on the possibilities of creating new jobs by coordinating the skill development programs,” Baghel said.


The annual assistance under the Rajiv Gandhi Bhumihin Krishi Majdur Nyay Yojana has been increased from 6,000 to 7,000 per annum from the next year.
In the Budget, the government made the provision of Rs 600 crore to provide basic amenities like improved infrastructure and basic services like electricity, water in industrial parks.


The Chief Minister also proposed the provision of Rs 2 crore for Chhattisgarh Rojgaar Mission to work on the possibilities of creating new jobs by coordinating the skill development programme run in urban and rural areas.


Baghel also announced the provision of Rs 123 crore in The Krishak Samagra Vikas Yojana to ensure the availability of high-quality certified seeds to the farmers. 

Women empowerment in Pakistan appalling: Report

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 03:24 AM PST

Islamabad [Pakistan]: Pakistan’s hierarchical and patriarchal society has a long way to go with regards to women’s empowerment and addressing crimes against women, a media report said on Tuesday.


Issues such as the wage gap are a far cry in a country where the major issue facing women is still the threat of physical violence, Islam Khabar said, adding that the notion of female empowerment in the country seems to exist only on paper. The horrific practise of honour killing is prevalent in Pakistan, wherein the perpetrators are victims’ own family members, the report stated.


Highlighting the prevalence of prejudices even in the top institutions of the country, the report cited the Lahore High Court’s acquittal of the prime suspect in the murder case of model Qandeel Baloch. The model was strangulated to death by her own brother, Muhammad Waseem, in 2016. Waseem claimed that videos and photographs posted by Qandeel on social media were embarrassing to the family.


Sometimes, the families may even hire strangers to murder the women in their families for “crimes” such as having sexual relationships, having a boyfriend, marrying without family consent, failing to prove virginity on the wedding night, being a rape victim, leaving an abusive husband, using a mobile phone, and posting on social media, the report said.


Prime Minister Imran Khan routinely blames the victims themselves, criticizing them for adopting the “immoral mannerisms” of the west. In a 2021 interview, he reportedly said, “Men are not robots, ladies wearing small clothes impact them,” the report further said.


The report also pointed out the threats and the warnings women faced from both radical organisations and the government for organising the ‘Aurat March’ on the occasion of International Women’s Day.


In 2021, nearly 34,000 Pakistani women lodged complaints regarding different types of offences. The highest number of complaints (up to 71 per cent) were received from the Punjab province. In the last five years, nearly 41,000 women have been reported missing in the Punjab province alone, the report said.


“Violence against women and girls, including rape, murder, acid attacks, domestic violence, and forced marriage, is endemic throughout Pakistan. Human rights defenders estimate that roughly 1,000 women are killed in so-called honour killings every year,” the report said quoting Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) annual World Report 2022.


According to ‘Global Gender Gap Report 2021’, Pakistan ranked 153 out of 156 countries on the gender parity index, that is, among the bottom four.


Human rights activists in the country assert that Pakistani society needs to change from within and alter the social structures and narratives that enable such heinous crimes. Meanwhile, any deeper change in Pakistani society’s treatment of women may be a distant dream, the report concluded. 

Tough targets before Xi’s third term

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 03:16 AM PST

Beijing [China]: A string of meetings of China’s central leadership in the new year have expressed worries about the state of the country’s economy. The leadership is now eager to contain any unrest over price rise and unemployment at a time when President Xi Jinping is poised to seek a fresh term of power later in the year.


The State Council of the Chinese Communist Party met last November. At the Council plenum, Premier Li Keqiang is reported to have said: “(China’s) economy is currently facing new downward pressures and uncertainties have grown in number”. The Polit Buro of CCP’s central meeting met in late February to discuss the draft Government Work Report.

President Xi presided over the meeting. The report was delivered at the annual session of the National People’s Congress on March 5.


Interestingly, Polit Buro skipped formal mention of two important issues. One, there was no mention of the Russian invasion of Ukraine or the fact that China abstained from United Nation resolutions condemning Russia. Two, the economic plight of the country was not mentioned in Polit Buro.


The only mention of the Ukraine crisis was made, extremely indirectly, in Premier Li’s report to the State Council: “China will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy of peace, stay on the path of peaceful development, work for a new type of international relations.”


The leadership took a similarly oblique way of addressing the unsettled economy. Its priority for 2022 was to “first ensure economic and social stability and then seek progress”.


The priorities set for 2022 tell the real story. They are: Stabilise the economy through more robust macroeconomic measures; stimulate market vitality by deepening reform; implement the innovation-driven development strategy; expand domestic demand, and promote inter-region coordinated development and urbanisation.


Two other economic challenges, also indirectly mentioned, were rampant financial corruption and the challenges in implementing financial reforms. The central leadership discussed the issues and the Polit Buro decided to link “financial corruption, political supervision and financial sector reform as issues that should be tackled in an integrated way”.


The Polit Buro repeated its stress on addressing developmental challenges in view of the crucial 20th CPC National Congress being convened this year-end. They include the following targets: “Completely, accurately and comprehensively implement the New Development Concept; accelerate the construction of a new development paradigm; comprehensively deepen reform and opening up; adhere to innovation-driven development; adhere to the mainline of supply-side structural reform; coordinate and plan the prevention and control of the (Covid-19) epidemic with economic and social development; coordinate and plan development and security; continue to improve the livelihood of the people; focus on stabilising the macro-economic situation.


Another indicator of the leadership’s concern over the economy comes through its reiteration of the ‘Six Stabilities’ and the ‘Six Guarantees’ work. That relates to “stable employment, finance, foreign trade, foreign investment, investment and expectations, and guarantees for employment, basic livelihoods, economic entities, grain and energy security, industry supply chains and operations at the grassroots”.
While the economic growth target was re-set at 5.5 per cent, the special economic targets for 2022 had an inherent political message that they should “prioritise stability while seeking progress”.


The special targets were: “(To) increase the implementation efforts of macroeconomic policies to stabilise the economic situation; unwaveringly deepen reform to stimulate the vitality of market entities; deeply implement the innovation-driven development strategy; firmly implement the strategy of expanding domestic demand, and promote inter-region coordinated development and new-type urbanisation; firmly grasp agricultural production and promote the comprehensive revitalisation of the countryside; expand high-level openness to the outside world to promote the steady development of foreign trade and foreign investment.


For the first time in recent years, the Polit Buro issued clear policy guidelines that will oversee the path and pace of economic progress: “Guard against and resolve financial risks, and hold the bottom line of no systemic [financial] risks; earnestly guarantee and improve the people’s livelihood, and strengthen and innovate on social governance, and strengthen the government’s self-construction, strictly prevent and eliminate formalism and bureaucratism, and strive to complete the annual economic and social development goals and tasks.”


The party leadership “realised” that many “salient problems” remained despite new achievements made in the financial sector. “Some of these problems are common in nature and must be earnestly addressed. We must concretise and reform the responsibilities of (these) entities, strengthen and reform day-to-day supervision, and solve one problem after another.” It did not identify the problems but there was some indication of where the fault lay given the Polit Buro stressing the “need to strengthen the centralised and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee over financial work and unswervingly follow the path of financial development with Chinese characteristics”.


The shortcomings were to be removed through the following measures: “Strengthen the atmosphere of the full and strict governance over the Party; implement the ‘Two Responsibility’ (Party committee has the main responsible while the commission for discipline inspection is responsible for supervision); strengthen the supervision of the ‘Number Ones’ (the top cadres in their respective organisations) and leading teams; conduct targeted rectifications to address typical problems such as the violation of the spirit of the Central Committee’s eight-point decision (on improving Party and government conduct) and ‘revolving doors’ between politics and business; and conduct anti-corruption in an integrated manner so that (officials) dare not, cannot and do not want to be corrupt.” 

Sheikh Hasina thanks PM Modi for rescuing B’deshi nationals in Ukraine

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 03:10 AM PST

New Delhi [India]: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for rescuing Bangladeshi nationals stranded in Ukraine under ‘Operation Ganga’, said government sources.


As per the sources, India has rescued nine Bangladeshis from war-torn Ukraine. Notably, the Indian authorities have also rescued Nepalese and Tunisian students from the war-torn country.


Earlier, a Pakistani student, Asma Shafique, who was also rescued by the Indian authorities, thanked the Indian embassy in Kyiv and PM Modi for their support.
“I want to thank the Indian embassy of Kyiv for supporting us all the way here as we were stuck in a very difficult situation and I also want to thank the Prime Minister of India for supporting us. Hope we get home safely because of the Indian embassy,” she said.


Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday informed that it evacuated all Indian students from Ukraine’s Sumy.


Under ‘Operation Ganga’ to rescue Indian citizens from Ukraine’s neighbouring countries, about 18,000 Indians have been brought back by special flights so far.
A total of 410 Indians arrived in India on Tuesday by two special civilian flights from Ukraine’s neighbouring countries, said the Ministery of Civil Aviation in a media statement.


With this, about 18,000 stranded Indians in Ukraine have been brought back through special flights which were pressed in services since February 22, 2022. 

IMF considering provision of USD 1.4 bln financial aid to Ukraine

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 03:01 AM PST

Washington [US]: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will discuss on Wednesday the emergency financial assistance to Ukraine in the amount of USD 1.4 billion, the IMF said.


“Today, we have sent to our Executive Board a proposal they will consider for approval tomorrow for USD 1.4 billion in support for Ukraine, to help it cope with the shock caused by this war,” IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Tuesday at a Climate Capital Conference organized by Financial Times. The IMF has changed the focus of discussions with Kyiv from “reforms” to “crisis management,” she added.


On February 24, Russia began a military operation in Ukraine, responding to calls for help from the breakaway republics Donetsk and Luhansk in countering the aggression of Ukrainian troops. The Russian Defense Ministry said the operation is targeting Ukrainian military infrastructure only. 

Kyiv confirms opening of humanitarian corridors in a number of Ukrainian cities

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 02:56 AM PST

Kyiv [Ukraine]: Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk confirmed on Wednesday the opening of humanitarian corridors from Enerhodar, Mariupol to Zaporizhia, from Sumy to Poltava and other Ukrainian cities.


Earlier in the day, Enerhodar’s head announced the opening of a humanitarian corridor on Wednesday to evacuate residents to Zaporizhia. The local authorities in Bucha, in turn, said that residents of the city and Vorzel will be evacuated to Kyiv on Wednesday. “From 09:00 [local time, 07:00 GMT], a ceasefire will be introduced on the following routes: Enerhodar – Zaporizhia, Sumy – Poltava, Izyum – Lozova, Mariupol – Zaporizhia, Volnovakha – Pokrovsk, Vorzel, Borodyanka, Bucha, Irpin, Hostomel (Kyiv region) – Kyiv,” Vereshchuk told reporters.


It is also planned to evacuate 55 children and staff from the orphanage in the city of Vorzel, the official said.


Earlier today, Russia had announced a humanitarian ceasefire in Ukraine for Wednesday morning for the evacuation of the civilian population, media reports said.
The announcement comes after both sides previously blamed each other for disrupting humanitarian corridors. The Russians said that they are ready to provide corridors from Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Mariupol, and Zaporizhzhia. 

Adequate security measures in place for counting votes; UP Police

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 02:50 AM PST

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh): Ahead of the counting of votes in the recently held Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, Additional Director General of Police (law and order) on Wednesday said that Uttar Pradesh police has ramped up the police presence and actions will be taken against those disturbing peace on the day of results.


“For March 10, we have deployed about 70,000 civil police workers, 245 company – paramilitary forces and 69 company PSE commanders. We have ensured peaceful voting, we will ensure peaceful counting also, said Prashant Kumar, UP ADG (Law and Order). Meanwhile, the state Excise government has prohibited the sale and operation of liquor in the entire state on the day of the result.


“In view of vote counting of UP Election 2022 on March 10, sale and operations of liquor prohibited in the state for the entire day, tomorrow. Action to be taken in case of violation,” reads the Excise Department order.


Amid the allegations made by Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav of EVM tampering, Lucknow Police Commissioner DK Thakur said that the authorities have made adequate security measures in place at EVM strong rooms.

“We’ve adequate security measures in place at EVM strong room. The strong room will be opened around 7 am in the presence of election observers and candidates. Counting will begin at 8 am tomorrow. Police patrolling will be done in sensitive areas,” said Thakur.


Voting for the seventh and last phase of Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh was held on Monday.


The exit polls have predicted the BJP getting a comfortable majority in the state. The counting of votes will take place on March 10. 

Akhilesh Yadav should be put behind bars; BJP MP, Harnath Singh Yadav

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 02:42 AM PST

New Delhi [India]: The Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav should be put behind the bars for spreading rumours that the Uttar Pradesh government is stealing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), demanded the BJP Rajya Sabha MP Harnath Singh Yadav on Wednesday.


Speaking on the matter, Harnath Singh Yadav said, “According to the Indian Penal Code, (IPC) spreading rumours, misleading the public, giving wrong information, come under the category of serious offences and Akhilesh Yadav is committing such crimes indiscriminately.” “I will demand from the Election Commission to register a case against Akhilesh Yadav for spreading rumours and he should be put behind the bar,” Yadav said.


Launching a scathing attack on Akhilesh Yadav, he said, “It is strange to hear about democracy from his mouth because he had trampled all the democratic values, ideals, principles of democracy during his five years of rule in Uttar Pradesh. The entire state was made hell and was in the grip of mafia, and goons.”


Further, he said that the state government fund was looted and rules and regulations were flouted during SP’s tenure.


The SP chief on Tuesday alleged attempts of “tampering with electronic voting machines”, saying the BJP was scared as his party was winning the Ayodhya Assembly seat. He also claimed that a truck carrying voting machines was caught in Varanasi.


“Exit polls want to create a perception that the BJP is winning. This is the last fight for democracy. The EVM is being transported without being informed to candidates. We need to be alert if EVMs are being transported this way. This is theft. We need to save our votes. We may go to court against it but before that, I want to appeal to people to save the democracy,” SP chief said.


The exit polls have predicted the BJP getting a comfortable majority in the state. The counting of votes will take place on March 10.

The nominees for ICC Players of the Month of February- Shreya Iyer, Mithali Raj and Deepti Sharma

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 02:37 AM PST

The nominees for ICC Players of the Month of February for men’s and women’s international cricket were announced on Wednesday.
February saw some strong men and women candidates staking their claim with some brilliant performances. The ICC Player of the Month nominations in the men’s category features UAE batter, Vriitya Aravind, India batter Shreyas Iyer and Nepal’s Dipendra Sing Airee. In the women’s category, New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr, India veteran star Mithali Raj and all-rounder Deepti Sharma are nominated.
Shreyas Iyer was in unstoppable form in the month of February and played a vital role in India’s white-ball domination. He started the month with a Player of the Match-winning 80 against West Indies in the final ODI and a 16-ball 25 in the last T20I.
With India opting to rest players and injury to Suryakumar Yadav, Iyer was promoted to No.3 in the T20I series against Sri Lanka. He scored three unbeaten fifties in three games and finished with 204 runs at a blistering strike rate of 174.35 and was awarded the Player of the Series for his exploits.
Mithali Raj was one of the few shining lights for India in the ODI series against New Zealand. She was the highest run-scorer for India and the second-highest overall with 232 runs, including three fifties, averaging 77.33 with a strike rate of 82.56.
In the final ODI, she played the role of the finisher to perfection, remaining unbeaten on 54 as India chased down 252 with four overs to spare. With the win, India ensured that they finished the series with a win in their kitty.
Deepti Sharma was brilliant with both the bat and ball in the series against New Zealand. She took the most wickets (10) in the ODI series and was handy with the bat as well, aggregating 116 runs in five matches. She grabbed a four-for in the second ODI and followed it up with a 69* in the next match.

Hijab row: Police register 3 FIRs as confrontation breaks out in Mangaluru college

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 02:37 AM PST

Mangaluru (Karnataka) : While the Karnataka High Court is yet to announce its verdict on the ban on Hijab in educational institutions case, three cases have been registered in Mangaluru post the confrontation between two groups of students over wearing Hijab during the examination.


“Three FIRs have been registered after a confrontation broke out between two groups on Thursday over allowing few girls to appear to appear for the internal examinations wearing hijab,” said N Shashi Kumar, City Police Commissioner, Mangaluru on Tuesday. Kumar said that “one case is registered on the complaint of a girl student against some students and 15 ABVP members for threatening and hurting her religious sentiments.”


“The second case has been registered on the complaint of a girl student (against the complainant of the first case) and six other on the charges of threatening and intimidation,” said Police Commissioner.


“The third FIR is also filed on the complaint of one of the student,” police officer said.
Controversy around Hijab in educational institutions came to light recently in Karnataka after some students of Government Girls PU college in the Udupi district started protesting in January against the school administration for allegedly barring them from attending classes.


During the protests, some students claimed they were denied entry into the college for wearing hijab.


Following this incident, students of different colleges arrived at Shanteshwar Education Trust in Vijayapura wearing saffron stoles. The situation was the same in several colleges in the Udupi district.


The pre-University education board had released a circular stating that students can wear only the uniform approved by the school administration and no other religious practices will be allowed in colleges.

Is Maha govt standing with Dawood Ibrahim? asks Fadnavis

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 02:31 AM PST

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Reiterating its demand for the resignation of Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) party leader Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said “if this government doesn’t sack him then it will be seen standing with the underworld fugitive Dawood Ibrahim?”.


Currently, the NCP leader and state minister Nawab Malik is in judicial custody in connection with the Dawood Ibrahim money laundering case. “One minister who is in jail is still sitting on the post of a Minister. This is not fair. We request the Speaker of the Assembly to remove him from the cabinet,” said Fadnavis, who is also the leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly.


Fadnavis pressed for the sacking of Malik in the ongoing Budget session of the Maharashtra Assembly amidst the BJP MLAs raising slogans against the state government. The House was adjourned for 30 minutes as the BJP MLAs continued protesting in the Assembly.


Malik on Monday arrived at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai after a Special PMLA court sentenced him to 14-day judicial custody till March 21 in connection with the Dawood Ibrahim money laundering case.


Earlier in February, the ED conducted raids at the residence of Dawood Ibrahim’s sister Haseena Parkar in Mumbai in connection with the money laundering case.
Searches were carried out by the ED at several places linked to people associated with the underworld in Mumbai, informed sources said.


Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party has demanded the resignation of Malik but the Maha Vikas Agadhi (MV), comprising Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP, has rejected the demand.

One killed, several injured in blast in J-K’s Udhampur

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 02:27 AM PST

Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir) [India]: One person was killed and several injured in a blast outside the district court complex in the Jammu region’s Udhampur town.


Speaking to reporters, Senior Superintendent of Police, Udhampur, Vinod Kumar said, “A blast took place here in Udhampur town. The cause of the blast is yet to be ascertained. One person has died and fourteen have been injured.” Meanwhile, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that 13 people have been injured in the incident. The Union Minister assured that he is monitoring the situation closely.


“Blast explosion around “Rehri” near Tehsildar office at #Udhampur. One life lost, 13 injured being moved to hospital. I am in touch with DC Indu Chib on minute to minute basis. Exact cause and origin of the blast being worked out..too early to draw any definite conclusion,” Singh tweeted today.


Further probe in the matter is underway.

Goa: Congress moves candidates to resort

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 02:19 AM PST

Panaji (Goa): Amid the predictions of a hung Assembly in Goa by the pollsters, Congress has moved its 2022 Assembly poll candidates to a resort to avoid poaching bids by rival parties.


“We have not forced any candidate to stay over (at the resort). They voluntarily decided to stay together,” said Sunil Kauthankar, general secretary, Congress, Goa. The party has brought in its senior leadership, including DK Shivakumar from Karnataka, with the candidates in Bambolim Beach Resort of Goa.


“Not correct to say that we are keeping a hold on our leaders because they have come from other states also (to ensure framing of Congress government),” said Kauthankar.


Congress, which is predicted by the pollsters to be in a close race with the BJP for the seat of power in the state, doesn’t want to repeat the mistake of the 2017 polls when the party couldn’t form the government emerging as the single largest party.


“This time we have adopted a strategy which is very complex and comprehensive. We are very confident that all our candidates are sticking together,” said Congress leader on being asked about 2017 polls.


“…got strong response from other political parties who have fought against the BJP… confident of forming government tomorrow itself,” he added.


Exit polls have predicted a hung Assembly in Goa, with the close contest between the BJP and Congress.


Assembly elections in Goa were held on February 14. The counting of votes will take place on March 10.

62 yr old watchman beaten to death in Lakhimpur Kheri

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 02:14 AM PST

Lakhimpur Kheri (Uttar Pradesh): A 62-year-old watchman was allegedly beaten to death in the Girja Dayal College campus located in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh on late on Tuesday.


The watchman had been identified as Santram. The body of the watchman was found lying in a pool of blood on the college premises. As soon as the police received the information, they reached the spot and sent the body for post-mortem.


“The guard has been murdered by beating, an investigation is being done, it will be revealed soon,” said the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Arun Kumar Singh.

Opposition has accepted defeat in UP; BJP’s Shrikant Sharma

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 02:10 AM PST

Mathura (Uttar Pradesh): Uttar Pradesh Minister Shrikant Sharma on Wednesday slammed the Samajwadi Party for levelling allegations of the EVM tampering and said that the Opposition party has already accepted the defeat in the Assembly elections.


“Their (Akhilesh Yadav) allegations are baseless. They have accepted their defeat that is why they are blaming EVMs,” said Sharma. Further launching an attack on Akhilesh Yadav, the BJP leader said that the SP government had served the interests only of particular castes.


“People had rejected him in the 2017 elections. His government was limited for the benefit of certain families and castes,” he said.


Confident about the BJP’s victory, Sharma said, “We have travelled across the state to review the works done by our departments.”


“We did not just sit in the state capital, Lucknow, and because of our hard work people will elect us again and we will form the government,” he added.


The exit polls have predicted the BJP getting a comfortable majority in the state. The counting of votes will take place on March 10. 

CBI arrests two CGST officers in Port Blair for accepting bribe

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 02:02 AM PST

Port Blair (Andaman and Nicobar Islands): A Superintendent and an Inspector working in CGST, Port Blair, in Andaman & Nicobar Islands were arrested in a bribery case, informed the Central Bureau of Investigation.


They were caught accepting bribes from complainants worth Rs. 9.33 lakh.

Incriminating documents were also recovered from their possession. Both the officials have been remanded to judicial custody, added the CBI. 

‘It’s a matter of pride Russian Forces did not stop us after seeing the Tricolor Flag’

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 01:58 AM PST

Students evacuated from war-battered Ukraine expressed their gratitude towards the Indian Flag in helping them seek safe passage to home.

The Centre launched ‘Operation Ganga’ to bring back the stranded students in Ukraine and neighboring countries following the Russian military attack in Ukraine.

The evacuated students shared their mixed experiences and thanked the Indian Embassy and the Centre for their safe return. The Centre had arranged flights for the Indian nationals once they crossed the Romania border. But the journey to the borders was not easy for the students. The embassy had advised the students to paste Indian Flags on buses on their way to borders to get easy clearance.

“Seeking a way out to Romania was difficult, there was less help from the Indian Embassy. We had to arrange transport on our own to move out of the city. As the war started, we were in contact with the Embassy but they did not issue any advisory regarding evacuation. Once we reached the borders, the Indian Embassy helped us to get back home safely. We were told to put the Indian Flag on our buses to avoid facing problems on the way. It’s a matter of pride for us that Russian Forces did not stop us seeing the Tricolor Flag and we got easy clearance,” told a second-year medical student, Neyam Rashid, who has returned from Ukraine.

Syed Rashid Alam, Neyam’s father had tears of happiness and relief to have her daughter return home safely. He thanked the Indian government for the immediate evacuation of the students.

“I am happy to see my daughter return safely. More than 35 students from Aligarh were studying in Ukraine and I am grateful to the Indian government that it has safely and successfully brought our children back home. There is one student from Aligarh who is stuck, I pray to God for his safe return,” said Rashid Alam.

More than 18,000 Indians have returned to India under ‘Operation Ganga’ launched by the Centre on February 22, 2022.

Ravindra Jadeja becomes No.1 ranked all-rounder in Tests

Posted: 09 Mar 2022 01:48 AM PST

Ravindra Jadeja’s performance at India’s recent Test home win against Sri Lanka in Mohali has catapulted him to the no. 1 position in the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings.
His unbeaten 175 lifted him up to 17 places from 54th to 37th with the bat and he added nine wickets to move up to 17th with the ball. His all-round contribution was enough for him to regain the top all-rounder spot from Jason Holder, who had held it since February 2021. Jadeja’s only previous time on top was in August 2017, when he spent a week at number one. The Rawalpindi Test between host Pakistan and Australia was a batting feast, and Imam-ul-Haq celebrated by striking a century in each innings to move to a career-best 63rd with 477 points.

His teammate Azhar Ali struck 185 and moved up ten places to 12 whilst Abdullah Shafique added a second-innings century to gain 27 places to 67. Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne missed out on a century, being dismissed for 90, but that was enough to gain a point up to 936 and 12th position on his own in the list of highest-ever batting ratings. Usman Khawaja also fell in the 90s but continued his renaissance, moving up six places to 24 with the bat, his highest position for three years.
In bowlers, Nauman Ali of Pakistan impressed with figures of 6-107 in Australia’s first innings and saw him gain 19 places to 51.

In T20I cricket, whilst the top 12 batters are unchanged, at joint thirteenth position is Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai, who’s unbeaten 59 in the second match against Bangladesh at Mirpur ensured a shared series win.

For the hosts, Liton Das starred in the first match with 60, which helped him to gain 26 places to 49th over the course of the series. With the ball, Nasum Ahmed has made his first appearance in the top 10 bowlers, thanks to his ‘Player of the Match’ performance of 4-10 in the first match.

Uttarakhand: High command, party MLAs will decide CM; Cong’s Mohan Prakash

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 10:27 PM PST

Dehradun (Uttarakhand): A day ahead of the counting of the votes, Congress poll observer in Uttarakhand Mohan Prakash on Wednesday said that Chief Minister will be decided by the party high commands and elected MLAs.


“High command and (party) MLAs will decide (on CM face) after discussion…We are sure of forming govt in Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab and getting majority numbers in Uttar Pradesh,” said Prakash. His remarks came in the wake of Congress leader Harish Rawat saying that nobody in the party has any objections to his name as the Chief Ministerial candidate.


“I do politics of struggle, not power. The party has told me that the election campaign will be led by me. We are fighting to win the elections. Nobody in the party has any objections to my name as the Chief Ministerial candidate. No party member has expressed any objection to my name,” Rawat said a day ahead of polling.


Further, unleashing an attack on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), senior Congress leader said, “The BJP has a habit of robbing the mandate. We saw it in the viral video that came from Varanasi yesterday where EVMs were seen shifting from one place to another.”


“When the mandate is not in their favour, they attempt (ballot) rigging. Our workers and senior party leaders are deployed in every district to keep an eye on EVM strong rooms and counting process,” he added.


The exit polls on Monday predicted a close race in Uttarakhand, with many of them giving an edge to the BJP to form the government in the state.


Polling in Uttrakhand took place on February 14 and the counting of votes will take place on March 10.

SC adjourns for March 10 Vijay Mallya’s contempt case hearing

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 10:24 PM PST

New Delhi [India]: The Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing for Thursday of the contempt case against fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya who was found guilty in a contempt case for withholding information from the court.


The matter listed before the bench of Justices UU Lalit, Ravindra S Bhat and PS Narasimha has adjourned on request of amicus curiae senior advocate Jaideep Gupta.

The top court had held Mallya guilty of contempt of court for transferring USD 40 million to his children in violation of the court’s order and sought his presence before it on various occasions.


On February 10, the Supreme Court granted the last opportunity of two weeks to Mallya to personally present or through counsel in the contempt case against him and if he fails to do so the court will take the matter to the logical conclusion.


The apex court had accepted the contentions of amicus curiae and senior advocate Jaideep Gupta, who was assisting the court in the matter, that on the issue of quantum of sentence Mallya be given last opportunity to make his stand in the case.


“In his (Gupta) submission matter may be adjourned for short time with an expression that this would be final opportunity and in case he choses to not remain personally present or advance submissions through counsel, court may proceed further with the matter. Going by submissions… we adjourn for 2 weeks. Respondent contemnor is at liberty to act in directions of November 30, 2021 order failing which matter shall be taken to logical conclusion and proceeded further,” the bench had stated in its order.


During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had clarified that it’s not the government of India’s stand that something confidential is going on in the case in the United Kingdom but it is what the government has been informed by the UK that there is something going on which can’t be shared.


Last year, the top court while saying that it has waited “long enough” and cannot “wait longer now” for Mallya to get extradited from the United Kingdom to India, decided to go ahead with the hearing on quantum of punishment in the contempt case against him.


Earlier, Solicitor General appearing for Ministry of External Affairs, had furnished a document of Deputy Secretary (Extradition) Ministry of External Affairs, to which the bench had said the proceedings for extradition of Mallya to India from United Kingdom has attained finality but certain “confidential proceedings” are pending in UK, details of which are not known.


Centre had also said that Mallya has already exhausted all his avenues of appeal in UK.


On the previous occasion, the Centre had informed the top court that legal complexities in the United Kingdom are preventing the extradition of fugitive Mallya, but the government of India is making all efforts and doing its best to extradite him.
The Centre had further said that extradition of Mallya was ordered by the highest court of the United Kingdom but it has not been put into effect. The government had said it is not aware of the “secret’ ongoing proceedings in UK which is delaying Mallya’s extradition.


The apex court had dismissed a plea filed by Mallya seeking a review of its May 2017 order holding him guilty of contempt.


Mallya is an accused in a bank loan default case of over Rs 9,000 crore involving his defunct Kingfisher Airlines and is presently in the United Kingdom.


The Supreme Court had issued its May 9, 2017, order on a plea by a consortium of banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI), claiming he had allegedly transferred USD 40 million received from British firm Diageo to his children in “flagrant violation” of various judicial orders.


Earlier, the apex court had asked Mallya about the “truthfulness” of his disclosure of assets and the transfer of money to his children.


At that time, the top court was dealing with pleas of lending banks seeking contempt action and a direction to Mallya to deposit USD 40 million received from offshore firm Diageo to the banks respectively.


The banks had then accused Mallya of concealing the facts and diverted the money to his son Siddharth Mallya and daughters Leanna Mallya and Tanya Mallya in flagrant violation of the orders passed by the Karnataka High Court. 

Why dream of Kashmir, when Pak cannot protect its own citizens; Pak journalist on Peshawar mosque attack

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 10:13 PM PST

New Delhi [India]: The recent attack at a Shia mosque in Peshawar bares the irony of Pakistan, which cannot protect its own citizens against terrorism, dreaming about Kashmir, said Noman Hossain, a freelance journalist, in an opinion piece.


Hossain argued that terrorists reared by Pakistan are out to devour their own master. He further opined that the Peshawar mosque attack, which accounted for deaths of over 60 Shia Muslims and injuries for 200 others, illustrates that Pakistan is a failed state, having utterly failed to act against terrorists. The attack, claimed by the Islamic State, was a grim reminder of the fact that terror has no religion and it can hit anyone, he further argued.


Notably, the incident, that took place on the same day when international money laundering and terrorist funding watchdog Financial Action Task Force announced Pakistan’s retention on its grey list, left Pakistan rulers embarrassed.


Hossain, in the article, stated that Pakistan ministers sought to pass the buck by falling back on the conspiracy alibi behind the attack to counter the growth and stability of Pakistan.


“They tried to pass the buck by blaming external forces for the dastardly act that killed more than 60 innocent devotees, who had assembled in a mosque to offer congregational Friday prayers,” said the article.


The Peshawar mosque attack has also raised concerns in Kashmir, which is proceeding towards normalcy after the Central government abrogated Article 370, which ensured the special status for Jammu and Kashmir, on August 5, 2019.


The people in Kashmir have realised that Pakistan sponsored insurgency wreaked havoc in their lives, he said, adding that the people have rejected the idea of separatism and the so-called “Azadi”. Hossain further stated that the changed attitude of people has baffled the terrorist handlers sitting across the Line of Control (LoC), who are hell-bent upon ensuring that the common man in Kashmir doesn’t live in peace.


Thus, a grenade attack in a crowded flea market at Hari Singh High Street in Srinagar, just a day after the Peshawar attack, not only demonstrates how terrorists can go to any extent to fan disturbance in the Kashmir valley but also shows that the fear of the common man is not misplaced, argued Hossain.


Choosing crowded places like markets and places of worship could be part of the strategy to disrupt normal life, the article opined, adding that the terrorists in Kashmir follow the orders of their bosses sitting across the LoC and timings of both incidents, that is, Peshawar blast and Hari Singh High Street attack, are a matter of concern.


However, Pakistan can shrug off the responsibility for terror attacks by shifting the blame on external powers, but India knows how to deal with the elements inimical to peace as can be seen through its 24 by 7 operations to track down the terrorists, he added.


Hossain opined that the people in Kashmir, who have been misled by Pakistan for three decades, need to muster the courage to say no to violence and express their rejection of the idea of the merger of the valley with a country where even devotees are not spared.

Assam civic polls: BJP leads in 296 wards

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 10:01 PM PST

Guwahati (Assam): The counting of votes for 80 municipal corporations in Assam, which consist of 977 wards, began on Wednesday.


According to the Assam State Election Commission, by 10 am the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies were leading in 296 out of 977 wards, while the Congress and its allies were leading in 66 wards. Out of 977 wards, 57 had already been declared uncontested and elections were held for 920 wards.


This is the first time that EVMs were used instead of ballot papers in these elections.
“We have made all the arrangements. Security has been beefed up. Since we are using EVMs this time, I believe the counting will get over early,” said Biswajit Pegu, District Deputy Commissioner, Dibrugarh.

The polls recorded a total voter turnout of 70 per cent, said the state election commission.


In the Assam civic polls, 2,532 candidates are in the fray. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded the maximum number of candidates (825), followed by Congress with 706 candidates and BJP’s ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) with 243 candidates.

NIA conducts raids at multiple locations in Baramulla district

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 09:59 PM PST

Baramulla (Jammu and Kashmir): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at multiple locations in Pattan town of Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir, informed NIA officials on Wednesday.


NIA officials said that the places being raided include the residential house of former District President Jamate Islamia Abdul Gani Wani and Peer Tanveer. “Among places being raided presently are the residences of former District President Jamate Islamia Abdul Gani Wani and Peer Tanveer,” NIA officials stated.

More details are awaited.

India reports 4,575 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 09:27 PM PST

New Delhi [India]: India reported 4,575 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday.


The government data shows that the active caseload of the country has risen to 46,962 at present which accounts for 0.11 per cent of total cases. The daily positivity rate stands at 0.51 per cent while the weekly positivity rate is 0.62 per cent.


Meanwhile, a total of 7,416 people have been recovered from the COVID-19 infection in the past 24 hours, taking the cumulative recoveries to 4,24,13,566. The recovery rate now is at 98.69 per cent.


In the past 24 hours, as many as 145 people have succumbed to coronavirus infection, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.


With 8,97,904 tests conducted to detect COVID-19 infection in the past 24 hours, the total number of tests conducted so far has gone up to 77.52 crore.


A total of 179.33 crore vaccine doses have been administered so far to eligible beneficiaries under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive. Notably, India’s vaccination drive against the virus commenced on January 16, 2021. 

Thousands of workers given round wise training for vote counting: Punjab Chief Electoral Officer

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 09:22 PM PST

Chandigarh [India]: Punjab Chief Electoral Officer, S Karuna Raju, on Wednesday informed that thousands of workers have been given round wise training for the counting of votes in the state as the real task is the declaration of results of Assembly elections.


He also said that the Election Commission of India has issued a counting schedule which will begin at 8 am tomorrow. “The real task is result declaration. The EC has issued a counting schedule which will start at 8 am tomorrow, March 10. Thousands of our workers have been given round wise training,” says Raju.


Further, Punjab CEO termed the vote-counting a “systematic work” that requires precision and patience.


“Counting of votes is a systematic work requiring precision and patience,” Raju added.


The polling for the Assembly elections in Punjab took place in a single phase on February 20.


Punjab witnessed a multi-cornered contest with Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiromani Akali Dal-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance, and the coalition of Bharatiya Janata Party-former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh’s Punjab Lok Congress party as key players.


However, exit polls on Monday predicted a clear victory for AAP in Punjab with the scale of the party’s victory varying across various surveys. 

Ladoos flood mithai shops ahead of Punjab poll verdict

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 09:16 PM PST

Ludhiana (Punjab): Sweet shops in Punjab are bracing for the Punjab poll outcome, readying tonnes of laddoos and other sweets to cater to the demands of the political parties who are making preparations for celebrations for tomorrow.


A large number of candidates of various political parties have flooded the sweet shops with their orders for various kinds of ladoos. A sweet shop in Ludhiana prepared ‘Jeet ke laddoos’ (ladoos of victory), weighing about five kilograms each approximately.


Narinder Singh, president of Punjab’s Halwai Association, said, “This year, we have received orders of laddus in bulk to mark the victory of political parties in the recently held Assembly polls. We have deployed our trained staff members to prepare these special laddoos with care.”


Narinder’s staff was busy making laddoos and packing them in decorative trays.
Counting of votes in the recently concluded Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur, and Goa will take place from tomorrow. 

Pune-based baker creates world record makes 100kg. royal icing structure

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 09:12 PM PST

Pune (Maharashtra): Indian origin baker Prachi Dhabal Deb from Pune bagged a prestigious international award by making it to the World Book of Records, London, for creating a 100 kilograms vegan edible royal icing structure of the Milan Cathedral.


An expert in baking artisanal cakes and customised theme cakes, Prachi’s latest feat has been her recognition as an exemplary royal icing artist by the World Book of Records, London.

The acclaim is for her towering 100 kilograms of vegan royal icing edible structure that has been a majestic recreation of the grand Milan Cathedral, a monument whose regality offers a perfect blend of beauty and aesthetics.

Speaking about her feat, Prachi said to ANI, “There has been a lot of effort over years that I had put toward my work. I feel grateful for the outcome received from the industry that is warm and appreciative.

The World Book Of Records, London, having certified the same in such a dignified manner has been an achievement that has been beyond my dreams and goals. I feel so grateful for this unique and coveted honour and feel elated at heart to have received it.”

Explaining more about the achievement, she says, “The planning and preparation took a lot of time as it needed about 1,500 pieces to demonstrate the Cathedral, and I single-handedly piped every piece, and later, assembling those pieces took about a month. Getting every aspect of this Cathedral structure right was surely a challenge, but I thoroughly enjoyed creating it.”


The monumental structure measures 6 feet 4 inches in length, 4 feet 6 inches in height and 3 feet 10 inches in width and approximately 100 kilograms in weight. Typically, the traditional recipe for royal icing has eggs; but to make it ideal for the Indian market, Prachi developed an egg-free and vegan product of royal icing (Vegan Royal Icing).


Taking inspiration from the artistic elements around the world, Prachi incorporates these in her cake designs. “It has been 10 years since I have been working in this industry and I always wanted to celebrate this milestone. So, I decided to create this unique structure with royal icing. I have always been fascinated with the beauty and elegance of Victorian and European architecture, and the grandeur of these monuments is spellbinding. I love to recreate these with my cakes,” she added.


Prachi’s parents are from Dehradun and she is married to an IT professional working in Pune but has roots in the royal family of the erstwhile Dhalbhum estate in West Bengal.

BJP slams Jayant Chaudhary, says- didn’t cast vote, he can’t see exit polls procedure

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 08:01 PM PST

New Delhi [India]: Rajya Sabha MP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijaypal Singh Tomar on Wednesday took a jibe at Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary for rejecting the prediction of exit polls, saying that one who doesn’t cast his vote will naturally not see anyone conducting surveys near polling booths.


Earlier rejecting the exit polls which predicted the BJP gaining majority in Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Chaudhary said, “I have never seen any person conducting exit polls at booths during polling. I do not agree with the exit polls.” Slamming Chaudhary for not casting his vote, the BJP leader said that it is the responsibility of every citizen, especially politicians, to cast their votes. “Chaudhary did not cast his vote. This shows he is not a serious politician. He did not see anyone conducting exit polls as he did not go there,” said the BJP leader.


Rejecting the allegations of EVM tampering made by the Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, the BJP leader said, “Opposition always does this. If they win everything is fine, if not they find fault with the EVM.”


“Tampering with EVM is not possible. Otherwise, they (SP) would have done this when they were in the government,” he said.


“If they think there is something illegal or wrong (with EVM) then they should complain to the authorities,” said Tomar on the SP’s allegation that some EVM has been transported in Varanasi without intimating the local candidate.


On the speculations around the possible rise in fuel prices, the BJP leader said, “Congress during its tenure decided to change the rule and handed over the price mechanism to market forces. They should address this issue.”


The voting for the seventh and last phase of Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh was held on Monday.


The exit polls have predicted the BJP getting a comfortable majority in the state. The counting of votes will take place on March 10. 

Sukhbir, Harsimrat visit Golden temple ahead of Punjab verdict

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 07:56 PM PST

Amritsar (Punjab) [India]: Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and former Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Wednesday visited Amritsar’s Golden Temple, a day before the announcement of Assembly Elections results.


Notably, the SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal contested from Jalalabad Assembly constituency in Punjab Assembly elections. His wife, Harsimrat Kaur Badal is a Lok Sabha MP. Counting of votes in the recently concluded Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur, and Goa will take place from tomorrow.

Delhi Police chief interacts with 50,000 women on International Women’s Day

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 07:52 PM PST

New Delhi [India]: On the occasion of International Women’s Day held on Tuesday, the Delhi Police gave information about the various initiatives it has taken to uplift the overall condition of its women force.


Addressing an event, Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said, “Many initiatives have been taken by the Delhi Police regarding women than in any state police.” The Police Commissioner interacted with around 50,000 women through a hybrid platform ‘Tarangini’ on March 8. Along with this, several women officers, who worked tirelessly for the upliftment of women, were honoured.


He said, “Delhi Police takes more initiatives for women than any other state police. In all schemes for women, we try to keep common people together.”


“As many as 127 pink booths have been set up with women police staff so that women can approach the police without any hesitation and share their concerns,” Rakesh Asthana added.


The Police Commissioner further said that it is determined to protect women. “Our mission is to ensure the safety of women, children, elderly and all citizens. Our efforts are also showing encouraging results,” he said.


He underlined that Women’s Day should not remain limited to being just a specific day in the year, rather it should be observed every day in order to foster the values of dignity and equality towards them. “We cannot imagine the wholesome progress of the society without the active participation of women who constitute a significant percentage of the population,” said Asthana


International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8. 

India rescues Pakistani student stranded in Ukraine

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 07:48 PM PST

Kyiv [Ukraine]: Amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, a Pakistani student stranded in the war-hit country was rescued by the Indian authorities.


According to sources, Pakistan’s Asma Shafique, who was rescued by the Indian authorities, is now en route to Western Ukraine for further evacuation out of the country. She will be reunited with her family soon, said the sources.


After the Indian authorities rescued her, Shafique expressed her gratitude towards the Indian embassy in Kyiv and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their support.


“I want to thank the Indian embassy of Kyiv for supporting us all the way here as we were stuck in a very difficult situation and I also want to thank the Prime Minister of India for supporting us. Hope we get home safely because of the Indian embassy,” she said.


This is not the first time a foreign national was rescued by India. Earlier, India had evacuated one Bangladeshi national, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), that had later also informed that that one Nepali citizen will be coming on board an Indian flight under Operation Ganga.


Roshan Jha, the first Nepali national to have been evacuated from Ukraine by the Indian authorities, had also expressed his gratitude towards the Indian government for their support, reported The Kathmandu Post.


Later, the Indian embassy in Kathmandu had informed that seven more Nepalis were being evacuated by the Indian government from Poland.


Meanwhile, the MEA on Tuesday informed that it had evacuated all Indian students from Ukraine’s Sumy.


Under ‘Operation Ganga’ to rescue Indian citizens from Ukraine’s neighbouring countries, about 18 thousand Indians have been brought back by special flights so far.


410 Indians were brought back on Tuesday by special Civilian flights from Ukraine’s neighbouring countries by 2 special civilian flights from Suceava, said the Ministery of Civil Aviation press release.


With this, about 18,000 Indians have been brought back through the special flights which began on February 22, 2022. 

Pakistani Government’s silence on crimes against women shameful: The Dawn

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 07:44 PM PST

Karachi [Pakistan]: The silence of the Pakistani government in the face of increasing aggression against women is shameful, an editorial in The Dawn said on the occasion of International Women’s Day on Tuesday.


Highlighting the opposition that the ‘Aurat March’ (Women’s March) faces from radical Islamist organisations, the editorial said that it has become clear there is no tolerance for women collectively demanding their rights in such a visible and inclusive way, even when they do so entirely peacefully.

Earlier, Pakistan’s opposition party Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) voiced its opposition to the Aurat March, a women’s rights movement in Pakistan saying it was against the norms of society and Islam.


This came after other parties like Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) which are at loggerheads, also come together to oppose the ‘Aurat March’.


The editorial further attacked the hypocrisy of Imran Khan’s PTI which had criticised the regressive elements of the society while not in power.


“Clearly, the women were useful for political point-scoring at the time; otherwise, regressive elements can incite violence against them at will and face no consequences,” the editorial said.


The editorial went on to talk about the misogynistic heart of Pakistani society, saying that “despite all the ‘pro-women’ laws that have been enacted over the last few years, their rights in actual practice remain circumscribed by narrow mindsets and hidebound tradition.”


Notably, since the Imran Khan government came to power in August 2018, Pakistan’s Global Gender Gap Index has worsened over time. In 2017, Pakistan ranked 143, slipping to 148 in 2018.


According to the last year’s ‘Global Gender Gap Report 2021’, Pakistan ranked 153 out of 156 countries on the gender parity index, that is, among the last four.
The country has become more conservative since Imran Khan came to power.

Islamist parties such as TLP and Jamaat-e-Islami, among others, are feeling emboldened and have gained more popularity across the country in the last three years, spreading harsher versions of Islam, especially targeting women and minorities.


In addition, the Taliban’s forceful takeover of Afghanistan last year and the subsequent increase in violence against women under the Sharia Law has further exacerbated fears among women in Pakistan. 

McDonald’s, Starbucks, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola suspend business in Russia

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 07:38 PM PST

New York [US]: US beverage giants PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, along with fast food major McDonald’s and coffeehouse chain Starbucks all announced on Tuesday that they were temporarily suspending their business in Russia in response to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.


“Given the horrific events occurring in Ukraine, we are announcing the suspension of the sale of Pepsi-Cola, and our global beverage brands in Russia, including 7Up and Mirinda. We will also be suspending capital investments and all advertising and promotional activities in Russia,” CEO Ramon Laguarta wrote in a letter to PepsiCo associates. However, PepsiCo added that it will continue to offer its daily essentials such as milk and other dairy offerings, baby formula and baby food in the Russian markets.


The Coca-Cola Company announced in a press release that it was “suspending its business in Russia,”. “Our hearts are with the people who are enduring unconscionable effects from these tragic events in Ukraine,” it said.


Both the US brands produce popular carbonated drinks. PepsiCo produces Pepsi-Cola, 7Up and Mirinda, while the Coca-Cola company produces Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta.


American multinational fast food corporation McDonald’s too announced the suspension of work of all its restaurants in Russia, along with Starbucks, a coffee-house chain.


“McDonald’s has decided to temporarily close all our restaurants in Russia and pause all operations in the market,” the company’s CEO Chris Kempczinski informed through a letter sent to McDonald’s employees and franchisees.


“We condemn the horrific attacks on Ukraine by Russia and our hearts go out to all those affected,” Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson said announcing, “We have decided to suspend all business activity in Russia, including shipment of all Starbucks products.”
In less than two weeks, multinational companies, media houses and several large scales businesses have announced their plans to leave Russia.


The slew of sanctions and suspensions of businesses come following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine after recognising the Ukrainian breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent republics.


Russia continues to maintain that it started the “military operations” in Ukraine to save the residents of eastern Ukraine and “demilitarise” and “denazify” the political leadership of the country. 

Brent oil to average USD 117/Bbl in March, up 30pc from February

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 07:34 PM PST

Washington [US]: Global oil prices, as indicated by the London-traded benchmark Brent, are expected to average $117 per barrel by end-March or 30% more than the forecast for last month, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Tuesday as Western sanctions on Russia boosted prices.


“We expect the Brent price will average $117/b in March… and $102/b in the second half of 2022,” the EIA said. It had previously forecast $90 per barrel for February.

The United States and its allies have imposed comprehensive sanctions against Russia in response to its special military operation in Ukraine. The sanctions have slowed but not entirely eliminated the ability of Russian exporters of oil and gas to transact deals that require world financial networks and especially dollars.


The United States also announced on Tuesday that it was unilaterally banning imports of Russian oil, with President Joe Biden acknowledging that Europe may not be ready yet to join America in this direction due to the bloc’s heavy reliance on Russian gas supplies.


Russia provides 10% of the world’s crude oil needs and 40% of Europe’s gas requirements. The United States, however, buys a limited amount of Russian oil, taking just 20% of the 10.5 million barrels per day exported by Russia in 2021.


The sanctions against Russia have led to a dramatic rise in global oil prices this year, with Brent rising more than 60% to reprise 2008 highs of above $130 a barrel. At Tuesday’s lunch hour in New York, Brent traded at $125 a barrel, off the day’s high of $133.


The EIA said it expects Brent to average $89 a barrel by 2023, but acknowledged that his price forecast is highly uncertain.


“Actual price outcomes will be dependent on the degree to which existing sanctions imposed on Russia, any potential future sanctions, and independent corporate actions affect Russia’s oil production or the sale of Russia’s oil in the global market,” the EIA said. “In addition, the degree to which other oil producers respond to current oil prices, as well as the effects macroeconomic developments might have on global oil demand, will be important for oil price formation.”


The EIA also forecast that US crude’s West Texas Intermediate, or WTI, benchmark will average $101.17 for all of 2022. WTI was trading at $123 a barrel by the New York lunch hour on Tuesday.

Fitch downgrades Russia’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating to ‘C’

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 07:30 PM PST

Moscow [Russia]: International rating agency Fitch Ratings said it has downgraded Russia’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating to ‘C’ from ‘B’.


“Fitch Ratings has downgraded Russia’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘C’ from ‘B’,” according to the statement. Russia started a special military operation in Ukraine on February 24 in response to calls from the Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics for protection against intensifying attacks by Ukrainian troops.


The Russian Defense Ministry said the special operation is targeting Ukrainian military infrastructure only and the civilian population is not in danger. Moscow has repeatedly said it has no plans to occupy Ukraine. Western nations have imposed numerous sanctions on Russia. 

At 13 million barrels a day, US oil output seen near record high in 2023: EIA

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 07:25 PM PST

Washington [US]: US oil output is expected to return to a near record high averaging 13 million barrels daily by next year, the Energy Information Administration forecast as oil drillers in the country suggested they may produce more after crude prices hit 14-year highs above $130 a barrel.


“We forecast that production will rise to average 12.0 million b/d in 2022 and then to record high production on an annual-average basis of 13.0 million b/d in 2023,” the EIA said in its monthly report on the US Short-Term Energy Outlook on Tuesday.

US oil production hit all-time highs of 13.1 million barrels daily in March 2020, just before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. The demand destruction in energy that followed sent the benchmark price of US crude to a historic minus $40 per barrel in April 2020 and production to below 11.6 million barrels daily by December that year.


Since those lows, oil prices have jumped dramatically though production has barely picked up, standing at just around 11.6 million barrels last week, according to weekly EIA data.


US West Texas Intermediate crude currently trades at around $125 a barrel, after hitting above $130 this week on fears of a global supply crisis sparked by sanctions on Russia from US and European government’s protesting Moscow’s war against Ukraine. The retail price of automobile fuel gasoline at US pumps, meanwhile, starts at 14-year highs of around $4 a gallon.


The EIA production outlook came as Scott Sheffield, chief executive of Pioneer Natural Resources, the biggest US shale oil driller, told London-based Financial Times in an interview published Tuesday that America needs to add up to 2.5 million barrels daily in production to bring output meaningfully higher and gasoline prices lower.


But Sheffield said this cannot be done overnight. The process will take months, requiring the blessings of each drilling company’s shareholders — who were just earning the dividends they deserv

ed, after losing money for years on shale oil, he said.
“We’d have to go to our shareholder base and ask what their thoughts are,” Sheffield added.


Separately, the shale industry and rival Republican politicians in Congress supported President Joe Biden on Tuesday in his announcement of a unilateral US ban on Russian oil that would add to existing sanctions against Moscow.

As Crude heads to record high, how will it impact Indian economy?

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 07:21 PM PST

New Delhi [India]: Crude oil prices soared to a 14-year high of $140 a barrel on Monday. With the Ukraine conflict showing no signs of a thaw, the crude oil price is set to surpass its record high of $147.50 a barrel sooner rather than later. How will it impact the Indian economy?


India is heavily dependent on imports to meet its energy requirements. Around 86 per cent of the country’s crude oil requirements are met through imports. So clearly, the country’s import bills are set to surge. The trade deficit will widen putting pressure on the country’s current account balance.

According to the latest RBI data, India posted a current account deficit of $9.6 billion or 1.3 per cent of the GDP in the second quarter of 2021-22. In the first quarter of fiscal 2021-22, India had posted a current account surplus of $6.6 billion or 0.9 per cent of the GDP.


The current account records the value of exports and imports of both goods and services along with international transfers of capital. The trade deficit has widened in recent months. This is expected to lead to a sharp jump in the current account deficit.

However, it’s not just the current account balance that will get hurt due to the surge in crude oil prices. It is set to have a much wider impact on the Indian economy.
“Higher oil prices hurt the current account, add to inflationary pressures and increase sensitivity to Fed rate hikes,” Dan Fineman, co-head of equity strategy for Asia-Pacific at Credit Suisse, said in a research note.


The rise in crude oil prices will stoke inflation and severely hurt economic growth.
Brent crude oil price at $120 a barrel would add $60 billion to India’s import bills, according to Credit Suisse estimates.


Due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the prices of other commodities like gas, edible oils, fertilisers and coal have also surged. This could add another $35 billion to India’s import bills. High import bill of crude oil and other commodities is estimated to stoke inflation by at least one percentage point.


The headline inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to 6.01 per cent in January 2022 from 5.66 per cent in the previous month, according to data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) last month. The retail inflation crossed the upper limit of the RBI’s tolerance band of 6 per cent for the first time in seven months. Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation stood at 12.96 per cent in January.


The Economic Survey tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on January 31, projects GDP growth of 8 to 8.5 per cent for the year beginning April 2022 assuming that crude oil prices will average $70 to $75 per barrel during 2022-23.


The crude oil price has reached a level of almost double the government’s assumptions of $70 to $75 per barrel.


In fact, the situation seems to be getting worse. Russia has warned that the crude oil price may soar to $300 a barrel if the US and European countries completely ban imports of Russian oil.


Crude oil prices in the international markets are inching closer to the all-time high. Brent crude, also known as London Brent, hit an all-time high of $147.50 a barrel in July 2008 during the global financial crisis. The record high for the US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil stands at $145.29. It was also hit in July 2008.
The crude oil price has more than doubled in the past year. It has risen by more than 30 per cent since Russia started a military operation in Ukraine on February 24.
Brent crude oil price, which was less than $50 a barrel in December 2020, soared to $140 a barrel on March 7. Brent crude oil price had hit a low of $16 a barrel in April 2020 after the COVID pandemic hit demands.


If the crude oil price remains above $100 a barrel during 2022-23, it will considerably upset India’s Budget math. It will have a considerable impact on almost all macro-economic projections made in the Union Budget 2022-23.


As far as managing the high crude oil prices is concerned, there are two possibilities. One, the rise in crude oil prices is passed on to the consumers by a corresponding increase in retail prices of petrol, diesel and other petroleum products. It will have a cascading inflationary impact.


The second possibility is that the government absorbs the entire oil price shock rather than passing it to the end-user. This will lead to an increase in deficits. If the government decides to maintain its fiscal and other deficits commitments, then it would be required to lower the spending on the areas like social welfare and infrastructure development.


According to a Mint Street memo published by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in January 2019, a $10 per barrel increase in oil price will raise inflation by roughly 49 basis points (bps) or increase the fiscal deficit by 43 bps (as a percentage of GDP) if the government decides to absorb the entire oil price shock.


Retail prices of diesel and petrol have not been increased in India for the past four months. Analysts say the oil marketing companies, which are controlled by the government, have not hiked the retail prices of diesel and petrol since November 2021 due to state elections. It might have been because of an unofficial diktat. As the elections in the five states are now over, oil prices would be increased sooner rather than later.


The retail price of petrol in Delhi rose to an all-time high of Rs 110.04 a litre and that of diesel to Rs 98.42 a litre on November 2. On November 4, the Central government cut excise duty on petrol by Rs 5 a litre and on diesel by Rs 10. The state governments also reduced Value Added Tax (VAT). This led to a substantial decrease in petrol and diesel prices across the country.


Oil prices have a multiplier impact on inflation. The headline inflation has already crossed the tolerance limit of the RBI and any further increase would force the central bank to tighten the monetary policy. The monetary policy tightening like an increase in policy rates would negatively impact economic recovery.

RBI launches UPI service for feature phones

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 07:15 PM PST

Mumbai (Maharashtra): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday launched a unified payments interface (UPI) service for feature phones, a move which is expected to give a big boost to digital payment adoption in the country.


RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das launched the new initiatives called UPI123Pay and DigiSaathi. UPI123Pay gives the option to make UPI payments for feature phone users, and DigiSaathi is a 24×7 helpline to address the queries of digital payment users across products. India has around 40 crore features phone users.


The RBI Governor said the two initiatives would help in enhancing the diversity, utility, and transformational power of digital innovations in the country.
“These initiatives will further deepen the digital ecosystem and financial inclusion,” Das said.


At present, efficient access to UPI is available on smartphones. UPI can be accessed through NUUP (National Unified USSD Platform) using the short code of *99#. But this option is cumbersome and not popular. Considering that there are more than 40 crore feature phone mobile subscribers in the country, UPI123pay will materially improve the options for such users to access UPI.


Distinct features of UPI123Pay include App-based functionality, missed call, Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and Proximity Sound-based Payments.
An app would be installed on the feature phone through which several UPI functions, available on smartphones, will also be available on feature phones. Missed Call feature will allow feature phone users to access their bank account and perform routine transactions such as receiving, transferring funds, regular purchases, bill payments, etc., by giving a missed call on the number displayed at the merchant outlet. The customer will receive an incoming call to authenticate the transaction by entering UPI PIN.


The UPI payment through pre-defined IVR numbers would require users to initiate a secured call from their feature phones to a predetermined number and complete UPI on-boarding formalities to be able to start making financial transactions without an internet connection.


UPI123Pay uses sound waves to enable contactless, offline, and proximity data communication on any device.


“Initiatives are envisioned to accelerate the process of digital adoption in India, by creating a richer and inclusive ecosystem that can accommodate larger sections of population,” RBI said in a statement. 

Russia now global economic, financial pariah: US after oil ban announcement

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 07:08 PM PST

Washington [US]: Russia has become a global economic and financial pariah, said a US senior administration official after President Joe Biden announced a ban on Russian oil, natural gas and coal imports to the US.


Earlier on Tuesday (local time), Biden announced a ban on the US import of Russian energy in a bid to ramp up sanctions on Russia for invading Ukraine. America is united in its resolve to stand up to Russian President Vladimir Putin, said a senior US administration official, adding that “there’s broad support across the country for degrading the strength of Putin’s economy and war machine through curb on energy exports”.


The official said that the ban will further deprive Putin of the economic resources to fund his “needless war of choice”.


Explaining the mechanics of the ban, the official said that the move blocks any new purchases of Russian crude oil and certain petroleum products, liquefied natural gas, and coal, and winds down the deliveries of existing purchases that have already been contracted for.


“It also bans new US investment in Russia’s energy sector, which will ensure that American companies and investors are not underwriting Putin’s efforts to expand Russian energy production,” he added.


The official further informed that the Americans will also be prohibited from participating in foreign investments in the Russian energy sector.


The official clarified that the US does not expect its European allies to join the ban since they don’t have strong domestic energy production and infrastructure, unlike the US.


“Russian oil was just under 10 per cent of our overall imports of oil but accounts for a third of Europe’s imports. As of last year, Europe imports more than six times more oil from Russia than we do — about four and a half million barrels for Europe versus seven hundred thousand barrels for the US per day,” he added.


Speaking on the domestic impact of the Ukraine crisis, the official said, “Putin’s unprovoked and brutal war has led to higher energy prices and raised costs for Americans at home — about 75 cents at the gas pump — since Putin began to amass troops at the Ukrainian border in early November.”


In response to this, the US will continue to mitigate the effect of the crisis and reduce dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels, said the official.


The official further said that this announcement builds on unprecedented economic costs the US and its allies and partners have imposed on Russia.


Enumerating the various economic sanctions imposed against Russia, the official said that Russia has become a global economic and financial pariah. “Over 30 counties, representing well over half the world’s economy, have announced immediate sanctions, with debilitating economic costs on Russia, cutting off its access to high technology, stunting growth and weakening its military for years to come,” he added.

Ukraine conflict: Sumy evacuation of stranded Indian students– how it unfolded

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 07:04 PM PST

Sumy [Ukraine]: More than 650 Indian students were evacuated from the war-torn Ukrainian city of Sumy on Tuesday.


Sumy is a hub of educational institutions and is home to a large number of international students. Ever since the war broke out, it has become a theatre of intense battle. For the last several days, Sumy has been witnessing heavy shelling and intense exchange of fire between Russians and Ukrainian forces.


Stuck in the quagmire, Indians and other international students had made several desperate pleas for evacuation via social media but the Indian mission and its teams on the ground were helpless as there was no safe passage in the war zone.


Even at one stage supply of food and water became a difficult task.


Moreover, both Russia and Ukraine failed to honour the ceasefire and bombings in and around the city continued unabated. An official familiar with developments said, “It was a complicated and dangerous situation.”
The first attempt to evacuate students on March 7 failed, despite ceasefire and planning. Safe passage for students could not be secured as there was shelling and a lot of risks were involved, an official said.


The evacuation was then aborted. However, channels of communication and efforts to secure the safe exit of students continued. Subsequently, the matter was dealt with at the highest levels.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to both Russian President Vladamir Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, during which both leaders assured the safe evacuation of students.


On the other hand, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was in constant touch with counterparts from Russia, Ukraine and their neighbouring countries. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla was holding meetings with ambassadors of Russia and


Ukraine and their neighbouring countries in New Delhi.


India also engaged with Red Cross both in Geneva and Ukraine seeking assistance in evacuation. Indian ambassador to Ukraine and his team were also constantly engaged with local authorities. Moreover, the defence ministry was also roped in.
ANI has learnt that arrangements for the evacuation of stranded Indian students were made on both sides of Ukraine as well as the Russian border.


Hiring buses in the war-torn region was also a daunting challenge, said one official.
Ukrainian drivers were not willing to drive towards the Russian side. However, finally, local arrangements for buses were made. ANI has learnt from sources that India demanded escort from Ukraine and it was provided after some delay.


Red Cross also helped and humanitarian passage for all international students was indeed created and students were finally evacuated. They were asked to maintain radio silence until they crossed the danger zone.


Students boarded the buses and reached Poltava. They will be boarding a special train to cross the border and are expected to reach India on Wednesday by special flights.


India has brought back nearly 20,000 stranded citizens from the war-torn country. 

Charge sheets filed against prime accused in Bulli Bai, Sulli Deals app cases

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 06:59 PM PST

New Delhi [India]: Delhi Police on Tuesday filed charge sheet against two accused Aumkareshwar Thakur and Neeraj Bishnoi, who were allegedly running the “Sulli Deals and Bulli Bai mobile apps to auction Muslim women in the virtual space”.


Accused Aumkareshwar Thakur, who is the creator of the “Sulli Deals app”, was arrested by Delhi Police on January 8 this year, and the charge sheet against him has been filed under sections 153A, 153B, 354A(3) IPC r/w 66, 67 IT Act, police said.

Meanwhile, Neeraj Bishnoi, who is a resident of the Digambar area of Assam’s Jorhat and a B. Tech student, was arrested on January 6 this year and the charge sheet against him has been filed under sections 153A, 153B, 354A, 509 IPC r/w 66, 67 IT Act, said a senior police official.


Both the charge sheets have been submitted before the Chief Metropolitan (CMM) Court, New Delhi, Patiala House Court on March 4, the police said. The accused are in judicial custody since their arrest.


In July 2021, the ‘Sulli Deal’ app was allegedly created on the Github platform to auction Muslim women. The matter came to light when Delhi Police took suo moto cognizance of the case.


The Delhi Police were investigating the case for the last few months but the first arrest in the Bulli Bai app was made by nabbing the alleged mastermind Niraj Bishnoi from Assam’s Jorhat.


The investigation by the Delhi Police revealed that the alleged Bulli Bai mastermind Niraj Bishnoi and Aumkareshwar Thakur were virtually connected over the internet through chat rooms. 

Manipur polls: Will win over 40 seats – BJP

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 06:55 PM PST

Imphal (Manipur): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Manipur President, Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, on Tuesday, exuded confidence over its victory in the State Assembly elections that went for polling in two phases in February this year.


Devi said that BJP has set a target of bagging more than 40 seats out of a total of 60 constituencies in Manipur. “We have set a target of over 40 seats and are confident of forming a stable government. When the final results are declared, we expect the number to be 40 plus only… We haven’t taken a decision on Chief Ministerial candidate and there is no point of a new CM here,” Devi said.


Assembly polls in Manipur were conducted in two phases on February 28 and March 5. The counting of votes will take place on March 10.


The exit polls in Manipur gave a clear edge to the ruling BJP in forming the next government with many of them predicting that it may fall short of the halfway mark.

Allahabad High Court grants bail to Azam Khan in land grab case

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 06:50 PM PST

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh): The Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court on Tuesday granted bail to Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan in connection with a land grab case.


The relief for Khan came just two days ahead of the results of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls. However, Khan will continue to be lodged in jail as a judgment in two cases against him is reserved.


Khan has been lodged in Sitapur jail since February 2020 last year over several cases registered against him. 

‘Claim Your Public Place’ campaign for women started by Kochi police

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 06:46 PM PST

Kochi (Kerala) : The Kochi Police started a campaign on International Women’s Day as ‘Claim Your Public Place’. As part of the campaign, being held from March 8 to 10, the police will campaign at three different places in Kochi city to give a message to women that the city and its public places are safe and to encourage nightlife.

The campaign has started tonight at Queen’s walkway in Kochi with programs conducted by the Kochi police itself.

CH Nagaraju IPS, Kochi City Police Commissioner, “On March 8, 9 and 10, the Kochi Police are conducting ‘Claim Your Public Place’ campaign on three places in Kochi which is now started on the occasion of International Women’s Day in Queen’s walkway. There will be police protection from 7 pm to 1 am.

Women in particular should come. Come alone or with their children, family or friends. We guarantee their protection. Come and enjoy public places, claim your public places. This kochi city is very safe. All public places are very safe. Please come out and enjoy your public places.”


He added, “We will do every Friday after these three days on a weekly basis. That too from 7 pm to 1 am. It will slowly expand, based on the public response. It is also intended to encourage nightlife.”

EC responds to Akhilesh’s allegations: EVMs transported were meant for training

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 06:40 PM PST

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh): Hours after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that electronic voting machine (EVM) is being tampered and Varanasi district magistrate is transporting it without informing local candidates, UP State Election Commission has denied the allegation and said the EVMs shown in a video were for “training purpose”.


Earlier, Yadav had alleged that the state election commission officials are tampering with EVMs and Varanasi district magistrate is transporting them without informing the local candidates.

Replying to this allegations, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), in a press release, said, “Some political parties have brought to our attention that a few EVMs were being transported in a vehicle in Varanasi district.

On investigation, it was found that these EVMs were for training purpose. These EVMs were being taken to training locations at a college in the state on March 9, 2022 and were kept at a food grain warehouse. “


The CEO further said, “During the transportation of these EVMs, some members of a political party stopped the vehicle and started spreading rumours that vehicle contains EVMs meant for counting of votes.”


Following the allegations, Varanasi District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma held a meeting with representatives of several political parties on Tuesday.


Sharma said, “About 20 EVMs were being taken to UP College for training. Some political people stopped the vehicle and spread rumours by saying that these EVMs were used in elections. Whereas the strong room is different and this EVM machine caught is different. Tomorrow is the second training of the employees deputed for counting duty and these machines are always used in training for hands-on training.”
He said the above-mentioned 20 EVMs were not used in polling and were being sent for training purposes.

Eminem makes history by breaking record for most Gold, Platinum singles

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 06:39 PM PST

American rapper and songwriter Eminem has made history by becoming the Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) new King of Gold and Platinum Singles.

According to Deadline, RIAA revealed that the rapper has now become the No. 1 awarded act for singles in the 64-year history of the Gold and Platinum program. Thanks to 73.5 million new certifications, the Oscar winner’s career haul currently sits at 227.5 million, which consists of 166 million single certifications and 61.5 million album certifications, reported the outlet.

He has also become one of only seven artists with three or more Diamond-certified albums for sales of at least 10 million units in the U.S.

Eminem broke out in 1999 with his second album ‘The Real Slim Shady’, which featured the classic single ‘My Name Is’, then hit the stratosphere with his 2000 follow-up ‘The Marshall Mathers LP’.

Recently, he was part of the historic Super Bowl Halftime Show that also featured Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar.

Semiconductor demand set to rise by 30% compounding

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 06:34 PM PST

Bengaluru (Karnataka): Even as the demand for semiconductors is increasing, there is a need for increasing and proper funding for nanotechnology in India, according to Dr Sangeeta Semwal, a scientist at the Ministry of Electronics and IT.


Addressing a session on “Focus on Funding” at the “Bengaluru India Nano Summit 2022” on Tuesday here she said the demand for semiconductors is set to rise at 30% compound annual growth rate by 2025. She said every component will require nanotechnology and with the government of India approving an investment of Rs 76,000 crore on a semiconductor mission, India is set to rapid strides to develop a nanotechnology ecosystem.


She said India has seven centres of excellence where the necessary platform is being provided for designers, fabricators in the nanotechnology space not only to researchers but also to outside entrepreneurs. These centres were also imparting training to researchers and are open for commercialisation.


Dr Semwal said 43% of the researchers had gone overseas after making use of the facility and added that a new ‘Idea to Innovation’ programme has been launched in September 2021 to help start-ups.


She said a number of patents had been filed and technology transfers were also happening even as some start-ups have begun to generate revenue. She said 17 technologies will get added due to the programme.


On the funding initiatives, Dr Semwal said there was a huge funding support requirement in the long-term but added that combined funding from various ministries is becoming available.


There is a strong start-up ecosystem in Karnataka thanks to the Government of Karnataka’s initiatives to provide funding and support to entrepreneurs, Champa E of the Dept of IT-BT, Karnataka government said.


She said the Elevate programme, a flagship scheme of the government is providing incubation funding and supporting entrepreneurs to commercialise besides extending fiscal incentives including reimbursements and holidays on repayments without becoming a equity partner in the new venture. Champa said the government has also set up another incubation support centre ‘Incense’ in association with the Indian Institute of Science with state-of-the-art lab and fabrication facility.


Champa said the government has been continuing to extend support at various levels right from the college level including funding the student projects.


In his address, Ganesh Thyagarajan of McLaren Strategic Ventures said newer technologies will generate next generation jobs and nanotechnology is emerging as an inexpensive and a highly productive option for companies to gain scalability.
Prof Srinivasan Raghavan of IISc also spoke during the event.

UEFA Champions League: Liverpool advance despite loss to Inter at Anfield

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 06:33 PM PST

Liverpool are through to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, but the English side were given a fright as Inter threatened an upset in the second leg at Anfield on Tuesday.

Lautaro Martinez’s stunning strike briefly gave Inter hope of a famous comeback, but after Alexis Sanchez was sent off Liverpool sealed their passage to the last eight. The onus was firmly on Inter after their 2-0 defeat in the first leg and, just for a moment midway through the second half, a famous Anfield comeback of another hue looked on the cards. Lautaro Martinez’s stunning strike halved the deficit for the ascendant visitors.

Hope did not spring eternal, though. It barely lasted a minute. A second yellow card for Alexis Sanchez left Inter down to ten, an uphill task became a mountainous one. Jurgen Klopp brought on his wise old heads in midfield and Liverpool played the game out with a degree of comfort.

The Reds, denied by the woodwork either side of half-time through Joel Matip and Mohamed Salah, and again through Salah in the closing stages, are through to the quarter-finals.

Congress deploys senior leaders in Uttarakhand ahead of poll results

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 06:28 PM PST

Dehradun (Uttarakhand): Ahead of the counting of votes in Uttarakhand, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Tuesday deployed senior Congress leaders in 13 districts of the state in order to coordinate with the party candidates.

The Congress party has sent senior leaders including party MPs, AICC office-bearers, and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.


The other leaders include Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda, AICC Tripura in-charge Dr Ajoy Kumar, AICC secretary Szarita Liatphlang, National Spokesperson Prof Gaurav Vallabh, Jeetu Patwari, MB Patil, Jharkhand Health Minister Bana Gupta, AICC Uttarakhand in-charge Devender Yadav, Co-incharge Deepika Pandey Singh and AICC observer Mohan Prakash who have reached Dehradun.


CM Baghel is expected to reach Dehradun on March 10.


These leaders will be coordinating with the party candidates. After the results are announced, the newly elected MLAs will reach Dehradun to decide a future course of action with the senior leaders.


Speaking on the matter, Mohan Prakash said, “BJP has tried to achieve a majority in small states by using the powers of the Governor and by spending money. They are planning to do the same in Uttarakhand. Their expert has already arrived here. But they will not get success as we are ready to deal with any situation and we are getting the full majority in the state.”

The European Union announces EUR500mn for humanitarian aid to Ukraine

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 06:25 PM PST

The European Union has announced 500 million euros for humanitarian aid to Ukraine, saying it had taken in two million refugees fleeing the Russian invasion so far and expected millions more.

“As President von der Leyen has announced, EUR500 million from the EU budget is being directed to deal with the tragic humanitarian consequences of the war, both inside Ukraine and beyond,” the Europan Commission said in a statement. “Of this, EUR90 million in humanitarian aid including EUR85 million for Ukraine and EUR5 million for Moldova, is already under way to provide food, as well as water, healthcare, shelter, and to help cover the basic needs of the most vulnerable,” the statement added.

EU High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell said: e are living the darkest times in Europe since World War II. Civilians are the first victims of Putin’s senseless war against Ukraine. The EU will support and protect those escaping Russia’s aggression – no matter their nationality, no matter where they come from. The EU will also mobilise all its tools to help those who host them.”

Vice-President for Promoting out European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, said: “Visiting the borders, we witnessed incredibly moving scenes, with national officials, civil society and ordinary citizens coming to the aid of those arriving from Ukraine.”

On 24 February, the Russian started the invasion of Ukraine. As a result of this military operation, substantial areas of the Ukrainian territory now constitute areas of war from which many persons are fleeing.

Through stepping up humanitarian assistance in Ukraine, the EU and its Member States are providing protection for people fleeing war in Ukraine. The EU has also reacted swiftly and decisively to Russia’s aggression by adopting severe sanctions that will have massive consequences for Russia.

Odisha tops in full immunisation with 90.5% coverage

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 06:23 PM PST

Bhubaneswar (Odisha): Additional Chief Secretary Health & Family Welfare, Raj Kumar Sharma said, “As per the reports of National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5, Odisha topped the list at national level in full immunisation coverage with 90.5% of full immunisation.

Generally, full immunisation includes preventive doses against 12 different kinds of diseases including polio, tuberculosis, jaundice, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, Hib brain fever, pneumonia, measles, rubella, diarrhoea, Japanese fever etc”. Twenty districts of the state were above 90% in full immunisation, and 10 districts were below 90%.


“A composite index including 5 variables was adopted for selecting the districts to be taken up under present IMI 4.0,” Sharma added.


Director Family Welfare, Dr Bijaya Panigrahi said that 12 districts namely Cuttack, Ganjam, Jharsuguda, Kendrapara, Keonjhar, Koraput, Khordha, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur and Sundargarh were selected for inclusion under IMI as per the composite index assessment.

Further, in a step towards preventive health care for mothers and children, the intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 4.0 has been rolled out in the State from 7 March for boosting full immunisation coverage of the targeted women and children, said State government on Tuesday.


Reviewing the progress made so far, Chief Secretary, Suresh Chandra Mahapatra directed to strengthen the awareness and mobilisation activities at the ground level with the active participation of the community leaders, PRI representatives, NGOs, ASHA and Anganwadi Workers.

He also directed concerned departments more particularly the departments of women and child welfare, school and mass education, panchayati raj and drinking water, scheduled tribe, scheduled caste and minorities development, housing and urban development, labour and ESI, sports and youth affairs, information and public relations to ensure convergence at the ground zero level as per the micro plans, and ensure that no eligible child or pregnant mother is left without full immunisation coverage in this drive. Mahapatra also directed to ensure that “ongoing COVID vaccination does not get affected in course of this Mission”.


Further, Dr Panigrahi added that the vaccination drive would be done in three rounds wherein different doses of various vaccines would be given. The targeted population would be the unvaccinated or partially vaccinated pregnant women, and children of less than 2 years.


Vaccination would be done in 3 rounds viz. 1st Round- from 7 March, 2nd Round- from 4 April, and 3rd Round from 2 May of the current year, and duration of each round would be seven days.


Chief Secretary Mahapatra directed to focus on coverage of the children who took birth in homes, children of migrating people to nearby towns, nomadic tribes, brick kiln workers, workers on construction sites, urban slums, orphanages, prisons, hard to reach areas, and tribal pockets etc. 

Chinese firms aiding Russia could be shut down, US official warns

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 06:19 PM PST

Chinese companies that defy Western sanctions on Russia and Belarus can be subjected to “devastating” actions, US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said on Tuesday.

On February 24, Russia started the invasion of Ukraine. Since then, dozens of countries, including Japan, South Korea and Australia, have imposed financial sanctions and travel bans against Russia. “We could essentially shut SMIC [Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation] down because we prevent them from using our equipment and our software,” Raimondo said told The New York Times (NYT) in an interview about Chinese firms that continue working with Russia.
US Commerce Secretary added that SMIC or any Chinese companies breaching US export control measures can be shut down should they deliver chips and other high-tech items to the sanctioned countries.

The NYT report said the export controls prohibit the sale of certain high-tech products, including advanced semiconductors, to Russia and Belarus.

According to the report, the export controls apply not just to US firms, but also to companies that use American software or technology to manufacture their products.
Raimondo’s remarks come a day after the US had issued a warning saying, Washington has the means to “take steps” against China if Beijing does not abide by the sanctions on Russia amid the conflict in Ukraine.

“We have also seen China abide by the sanctions that have been put in place. They obviously abstained, also from the UN Security Council vote, and have made some comments about the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. If they don’t abide by the sanctions we always have, you know, we clearly have means to take steps but that’s what we have seen today,” White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said during a press briefing.

India’s 1st women-owned industrial park opened in Hyderabad

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 06:14 PM PST

Hyderabad (Telangana): India’s first 100 per cent women-owned ‘FLO Industrial Park’ began operations with 25 Green Projects in Hyderabad.


According to a statement, India’s First 100% women-owned FLO Industrial Park at Hyderabad is promoted by FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) in partnership with the Telangana government. The commencement of operations by 25 women-owned and operated units represent 16 diverse Green Category Industries at the Park to commemorate International Women Day.

The 50 acres FLO Industrial Park in Hyderabad was established with an investment of Rs 250 crore is the Flagship project and first of its kind at a national level with participation open to Chapter Members, and the national members of FLO.

The park has already garnered tremendous interest from women entrepreneurs to run and operate their business from this park.


Minister KT Rama Rao, in his address during the inauguration, urged the entrepreneurs to think big, start to think about emerging technologies. Focus on aerospace, defence, food processing, forge global partnership. He promised another 100 acres for the expansion of FLO women industrial park, subject to the park focus on novel products. Offer additional 10% subsidy for women entrepreneurs.


Jyotsana Angara, National Governing body member, FLO, said, “We launched the first FLO Industrial Park which is 100% women owned & driven, spread in about 50 acres of land with 25 green projects. This manufacturing unit is pretty innovative product base. He has requested to bring in higher investment than what we have done here. In this park, we have brought in 250 crore of investment.” 

Chinar Corps celebrates women’s day in Srinagar

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 06:09 PM PST

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) : Chinar Corps organised a program in Srinagar on the occasion of International Women’s Day on Tuesday.


GoC of Chinar Corps Lt General DP Pandey participated in the event. Speaking to media persons, Lt General DP Pandey said, “Today (March 8) we are celebrating International Women’s Day. Chinar Corps has always worked for the empowerment of women in Kashmir. A woman is the pillar of strength of any society. We want every woman to step forward and help us in establishing long-term peace in Kashmir.”


Chinar Corps organised programmes wherein women from different walks of life shared their experiences and struggles.

Telangana’s Gundla Pochampally Railway Station is All Women employees station

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 06:06 PM PST

Rangareddy (Telangana): On International Women’s Day, Gundla Pochampally Railway Station became an ‘All Women Employees Railway Station’.


According to the statement by CH Rakesh, CPRO, South Central Railway, “On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Gundla Pochampally Railway station, one of the sub-urban Railway stations in Secunderabad – Medchal section was declared as an All Women Station today i.e. March 8, 2022.

All women staff have been deployed to handle all the day to day activities including train operations, technicians, ticketing, security and other relevant duties at Gundla Pochampally Railway station.” The statement read, “South Central Railway has always been in the forefront in providing opportunities to the women employees to encourage and excel in the field. With a view to further empower the women workforce and to boost their morale, Gundla Pochampally Railway station has been announced as an all-women station today to coincide with International women’ day.”


Towards this endeavour, thus far, five Railway stations on SCR are already functioning as all women stations i.e., Begumpet Railway station on Secunderabad Division which is one of the busiest stations in Hyderabad City; Vidyanagar station on Hyderabad Division, Ramavarapadu Railway Station on Vijayawada Division, New Guntur Railway Station on Guntur Division and Chandragiri Railway Station on Guntakal Division, read the statement.


In addition, women employees are handling critical duties such as loco pilots, station masters, track maintainers effectively and on par with male staff. The strength of women employees in these areas are Loco Pilot – 53; Station Masters – 64; Track Maintainers – 837.


Further, SCR sportswomen are bringing laurels to the organization by showcasing their talent duly participating in National and International matches. The zone continues to encourage sportswomen by providing state of the art facilities of their practice and accommodation.


Sanjeev Kishore, General Manager, South Central Railway, expressed his happiness over women empowerment activities on SCR and stated that such initiatives will help to further boost the confidence of the women employees. He stated that the women working in Railways are performing their duties with utmost dedication. He added that SCR is leading by example to empower women and bring positive change in society.

Case registered for allegedly trying to rape woman in five-star hotel in Delhi

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 05:57 PM PST

New Delhi [India]: A case has been registered against a man for allegedly trying to rape a woman in a five-star hotel, said police on Tuesday.


The case has been registered at Parliament Street police station. According to the police, the case was registered on Monday. The police said that the incident happened last year. The police have registered a case under Sections 376 and 354 of the IPC.
Further details are awaited. 

UP polls last change to save democracy, ‘iske baad janata ko kranti karni padegi’: Akhilesh Yadav

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 05:55 PM PST

Ahead of the results of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday said the state elections were the last chance to save democracy and after this, people would have to launch a movement to bring about change.

Addressing a press conference here, the SP chief said, “What is the reason EVMs were transported without security? EVM cannot be moved from a warehouse without any information. EVM is being transported without candidates being informed. We need to be alert if EVMs are being transported this way. This is theft. We need to save our votes. We may go to court against it but before that, I want to appeal to people to save democracy. We have to save our votes. Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections are our last chance to save democracy. ‘Is ke baad toh janata ko kranti karni padegi'(after this, people would have to launch a movement to bring about change).”

“Exit polls want to create a perception that BJP is winning so that this kind of theft can be done. Samajwadi Party is winning Ayodhya that is why BJP is scared. Election Commission officials are tampering with EVMs,” Yadav said.

The SP chief also made similar allegations in a tweet.
“The reports of EVM being caught (transported) in Varanasi are a message to be alert in every constituency. To deal with any attempt of cheating during the counting of votes, the candidates of the Samajwadi Party and its allies should stay ready with their cameras. The youth should become soldiers during counting for the sake of democracy and their future,” he said.

SP workers staged a protest outside an EVM strong room in Varanasi’s Pahariya Mandi area on Tuesday.

Following this, Varanasi District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma held a meeting with representatives of several political parties on Tuesday.

Speaking to media persons, Sharma said, “About 20 EVMs were being taken to UP College for training. Some political workers stopped the vehicle and spread rumours by saying that these EVMs were used in elections. Whereas the strong room is different and this EVM caught is different. Tomorrow is the second training of the employees deputed for counting duty and these machines are always used for hands-on training.”

He said the above-mentioned 20 EVMs were not used in polling and were being sent for training purposes. The District Magistrate said that an inquiry has been set up under a senior magistrate whether there is any kind of violation of the election guidelines.

The voting for the seventh and last phase of assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh was held on Monday.

The exit polls have predicted BJP getting a comfortable majority in the state. The counting of votes will take place on March 10. 

Zelenskyy thanks Biden for banning energy imports from Russia

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 05:47 PM PST

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked US President Joe Biden Tuesday banning Russian oil, natural gas and coal imports to the US.

“Thankful for US and @POTUS personal leadership in striking in the heart of Putin’s war machine and banning oil, gas and coal from US market,” Zelenskyy tweeted. Biden on Tuesday announced the banning of Russian oil, natural gas and coal imports to the US in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“Today I am announcing the United States is targeting the main artery of Russia’s economy. We’re banning all imports of Russian oil and gas and energy,” Biden said in remarks from the White House. “That means Russian oil will no longer be acceptable at US ports and the American people will deal another powerful blow to Putin’s war machine.”

The United Kingdom also announced that it will phase out imports of Russian oil by the end of the year.

UK Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng on Tuesday said that the phasing out of imports will not be immediate, but instead will allow the UK more than enough time to adjust supply chains, supporting industry and consumers.

Notably, there were some disagreements among European nations about whether to ban Russian energy imports.

EU countries have significantly more dependence on Russian energy than the US. US imports from Russia make up a small slice of the American energy portfolio — roughly 8 per cent in 2021, of which only about 3 per cent as crude oil.

The Department of Energy reported that in the last two weeks of February, Russian oil imports dropped to zero as US companies cut ties with Russia, effectively implementing their own ban, CNN reported.

The leaders of Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands on Monday said Europe was too dependent on Russian energy supplies to stop imports overnight as part of any eventual sanctions package in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

Russia is the largest supplier of natural gas to Germany, currently accounting for 38 per cent of imports, according to government statistics. Gas accounts for around a fifth of German power production reported DW. 

Biden announces ban on Russian oil, gas and coal imports to US

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 09:44 AM PST

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced the banning of Russian oil, natural gas and coal imports to the US in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“Today I am announcing the United States is targeting the main artery of Russia’s economy. We’re banning all imports of Russian oil and gas and energy,” Biden said in remarks from the White House. “That means Russian oil will no longer be acceptable at US ports and the American people will deal another powerful blow to Putin’s war machine.” The move made by the US is unilateral, without its European allies.

Notably, there were some disagreements among European nations about whether to ban Russian energy imports.

Notably, EU countries have significantly more dependent on Russian energy than the US. US imports from Russia make up a small slice of the American energy portfolio — roughly 8 per cent in 2021, of which only about 3 per cent as crude oil.

The Department of Energy reported that in the last two weeks of February, Russian oil imports dropped to zero as US companies cut ties with Russia, effectively implementing their own ban, reported CNN.

The leaders of Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands on Monday said Europe was too dependent on Russian energy supplies to stop imports overnight as part of any eventual sanctions package in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that although Berlin supported tough measures against Moscow, Russian energy supplies remained “essential” for daily life in Europe.
“Europe’s supply with energy for heating, for mobility, power supply and for the industry cannot at the moment be secured otherwise,” Scholz said in a statement.

Russia is the largest supplier of natural gas to Germany, currently accounting for 38 per cent of imports, according to government statistics. Gas accounts for around a fifth of German power production reported DW.

German Open: Saina Nehwal, Lakshay Sen storm into second round

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 09:34 AM PST

Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal on Tuesday stormed into the second round of the ongoing German Open here in Westenergie Sporthalle.

Playing at court 1, Nehwal defeated Spain’s Clara Azurmendi 21-15, 17-21, 21-14 in a match that lasted for 47 minutes. Apart from her, shuttler Lakshya Sen also advanced into the second round after winning against Thailand’s Kantaphon Wangcharoen.

Lakshya stood better off Wangcharoen in straight games 21-6, 22-20, here at court 3 in a match that lasted for 36 minutes.

Earlier in the day, two-time Olympic Medalist PV Sindhu defeated Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan in straight games 21-8, 21-7 and advanced into the second round.
Apart from Sindhu, Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth also emerged victorious on the opening day of the German Open, as he defeated France’s Brice Leverdez in his men’s singles’ clash.

Srikanth stood better off Leverdez 21-10, 13-21, 21-7, here at court 2 in a match that lasted for 48 minutes.

Meanwhile, mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Kapila and Pullela Gayatri Gopichand got defeated by Indonesia’s Adnan Maulana and Mychelle Crhystine Bandaso in straight games 21-19, 21-19, in a match that lasted for 38 minutes.

COVID-19: India to resume commercial international passenger flights from March 27

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 09:31 AM PST

In the view of decline in the COVID-19 cases, the Government of India has decided to resume scheduled commercial international passenger services to and from India from March 27, 2022, informed the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Tuesday.

Taking to Twitter, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia said with this step, the sector will reach new heights. “After deliberation with stakeholders and keeping in view the decline in the COVID-19 caseload, we have decided to resume international travel from March 27 onwards. Air Bubble arrangements will also stand revoked thereafter. With this step, I am confident the sector will reach new heights!,” said Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia.

The ministry further said that the suspension of scheduled commercial international passenger services to and from India, thus, stands extended till 2359 hrs IST on March 26, 2022, and air bubble arrangements shall accordingly be extended to this extent only.

In order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had suspended operations of scheduled international commercial passenger services to and from India with effect from March 23, 2020.
Currently, in terms of DGCA’s circular February 28, 2022, suspension of scheduled international commercial passenger services to/from India has been extended till further orders.

The ministry added that the international operations shall be subject to strict adherence to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guidelines for international travel dated February 10, 2022, and as amended from time to time.

Premier League suspends agreement with Russian broadcast partner

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 09:26 AM PST

The Premier League and its clubs on Tuesday unanimously agreed to suspend their agreement with Russian broadcast partner Rambler (Okko Sport) with immediate effect and to donate one million pounds to support the people of Ukraine.

“The League strongly condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We call for peace and our thoughts are with all those impacted. The 1 million pounds donation will be made to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to deliver humanitarian aid directly to those in need,” Premier League stated in an official statement. This action follows a weekend of matches displaying League-wide support for Ukraine.

All club captains wore special armbands and fans joined players, managers, match officials and club staff in a moment of reflection and solidarity before kick-off at each match.

“Big screens displayed “Football Stands Together” against the backdrop of the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag. These words were also shown on LED perimeter boards during matches. This message of solidarity was visible to fans around the world across Premier League digital channels and via match broadcasts. This is in addition to the numerous ways in which clubs continue to display their support,” it stated further.

Following rising tension between Russia and Ukraine, the sports fraternity has become proactive and many events in Russia have been cancelled, including the Russian Grand Prix.

The Champions League final has also been moved out of Russia and it will now take place in Paris.

UEFA and FIFA have also barred Russia from international football until further notice. Russian President Vladimir Putin last month had announced a military operation in Ukraine and warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to “consequences they have never seen.” 

Akhilesh Yadav resorting to gimmicks – Keshav Prasad Maurya

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 09:17 AM PST

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Tuesday slammed Akhilesh Yadav over his allegations cocnerning tampering of EVMs and said the Samajwadi Party chief was afraid of results and preparing press note of party’s defeat before the counting of votes on Thursday.

“Instead of welcoming fair and peaceful elections, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav is preparing a press note before the counting of votes to be released for the media after the party’s defeat. SP’s defeat will be due to its misdeeds when it was in power,” he said in a tweet. “All the so-called big leaders of the SP alliance have lost the elections. Stop gimmicks before counting of votes. Election Commission allows all candidates to guard EVM machines. UP is now with that party’s government which is against casteism, rioters, hooliganism, and dynasty politics,” he added.
Maurya said BJP is saving democracy from “dynast politicians”.

“Akhilesh Yadav, a symbol of dynasty politics, talking of revolution to save democracy from the fear of defeat is simply ridiculous. Only BJP is doing the work of saving democracy from the so-called dynast politicians,” he added.

Maurya said democracy has survived and will survive and “Samajwadi Party and goondaism” will be defeated.

Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday alleged “tampering with electronic voting machines” saying BJP was scared as his party was winning Ayodhya. He urged Election Commission to look into the issue.

“Samajwadi Party is winning Ayodhya that is why BJP is scared. Election Commission officials tampering with EVMs,” he claimed at a press conference.
He also alleged that EVMs had been tranported in Varanasi without information to local candidates.

“Exit polls want to create a perception that BJP is winning. This is the last fight for democracy. EVM is being transported without being informed to candidates. We need to be alert if EVMs are being transported this way. This is theft. We need to save our votes. We may go to court against it but before that, I want to appeal to people to save the democracy,” he said.

The SP chief also made similar allegations in a tweet.
“The reports of EVM being caught (transported) in Varanasi is a message to be alert in every constituency. To deal with any attempt of cheating during counting of votes, the candidates of Samajwadi Party and its allies should stay ready with their cameras.

The youth should become soldiers during counting for the sake of democracy and their future,” he said.

The voting for seventh and last phase of assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh were held on Monday.

The exit polls have predicted BJP getting a comfortable majority in the state. The counting of votes will take place on March 10.

After Akhilesh Yadav’s EVMs tampering allegations, SP workers stage protest outside EVM strong room in Varanasi

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 09:01 AM PST

Following Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav’s allegation of tampering with electronic voting machines (EVM), his party workers staged a protest outside an EVM strong room in Varanasi’s Pahariya Mandi area on Tuesday.

Heavy deployment of police personnel has been made in the area.

Ahead of the counting of votes for Uttar Pradesh assembly polls on Thursday, Akhilesh Yadav alleged “tampering with electronic voting machines” saying BJP was scared as his party was winning Ayodhya. He urged the Election Commission to look into the issue.

“Samajwadi Party is winning Ayodhya that is why BJP is scared. Election Commission officials tampering with EVMs,” he claimed at a press conference here.

He also alleged that EVMs had been transported in Varanasi without information to local candidates.

“Exit polls want to create a perception that BJP is winning. This is the last fight for democracy. EVM is being transported without being informed to candidates. We need to be alert if EVMs are being transported this way. This is theft. We need to save our votes. We may go to court against it but before that, I want to appeal to people to save the democracy,” he said.

The SP chief also made similar allegations in a tweet.

“The reports of EVM being caught (transported) in Varanasi is a message to be alert in every constituency. To deal with any attempt of cheating during the counting of votes, the candidates of the Samajwadi Party and its allies should stay ready with their cameras. The youth should become soldiers during counting for the sake of democracy and their future,” he said.

The voting for the seventh and last phase of assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh was held on Monday.

The exit polls have predicted BJP getting a comfortable majority in the state. The counting of votes will take place on March 10.

Akhilesh Yadav alleges tampering with EVMs- seeks intervention of EC

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 08:56 AM PST

Ahead of the counting of votes for Uttar Pradesh assembly polls on Thursday, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has alleged “tampering with electronic voting machines” saying BJP was scared as his party was winning Ayodhya. He urged Election Commission to look into the issue.

“Samajwadi Party is winning Ayodhya that is why BJP is scared. Election Commission officials tampering with EVMs,” he claimed at a press conference here. He also alleged that EVMs had been tranported in Varanasi without information to local candidates.

“Exit polls want to create a perception that BJP is winning. This is the last fight for democracy. EVM is being transported without being informed to candidates. We need to be alert if EVMs are being transported this way. This is theft. We need to save our votes. We may go to court against it but before that, I want to appeal to people to save the democracy,” he said.

The SP chief also made similar allegations in a tweet.

“The reports of EVM being caught (transported) in Varanasi is a message to be alert in every constituency. To deal with any attempt of cheating during counting of votes, the candidates of Samajwadi Party and its allies should stay ready with their cameras. The youth should become soldiers during counting for the sake of democracy and their future,” he said.

The voting for seventh and last phase of assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh were held on Monday.

The exit polls have predicted BJP getting a comfortable majority in the state. The counting of votes will take place on March 10.

Indian Ambassador to Ukraine meets Lviv Mayor, discusses evacuation of stranded citizens

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 08:52 AM PST

Indian Ambassador to Ukraine, Partha Satpathy met with the Mayor of Lviv, Andriy Sadovyi on Tuesday (local time) where both sides discussed the evacuation of Indian citizens in Ukraine.

Ambassador also expressed his gratitude to the Mayor for facilitating the evacuation process of the Indian citizens stranded in Ukraine. Taking to Twitter, Indian Embassy in Ukraine, wrote, “Ambassador met the Mayor of Lviv City, H.E. Mr. Andriy Sadovyi. Sides discussed the evacuation of Indian citizens in Ukraine. Ambassador expressed thanks for the support received in evacuation efforts.” Earlier, the Embassy issued an advisory for Indian nationals stranded in Ukraine urging them to leave the conflict-ridden country using the humanitarian corridors using trains or any other means of transport from 10 am on Tuesday.

“The Humanitarian Corridor for evacuation of stranded people has been announced in various parts of Ukraine from 1000 hrs on 8 March 2022,” the advisory said.
It added that considering the security situation, the establishment of the next humanitarian corridor is uncertain. “All stranded Indian nationals are urged to make use of this opportunity and evacuate using trains/vehicles or any other available means of transport giving due consideration to safety,” it added.

Under ‘Operation Ganga’ to rescue Indian citizens from Ukraine’s neighbouring countries, 410 Indians have been airlifted today by 2 special civilian flights from Suceava. With this, about 18 thousand Indians have been brought back through the special flights which began on February 22.

The number of Indians airlifted by 75 special civilian flights goes up to 15521. IAF had flown 12 missions to bring back 2467 passengers, as part of Operation Ganga, and carried over 32-tonne relief material.

Among the civilian flights, 4575 passengers have been brought from Bucharest by 21 flights, 1820 from Suceava by 9 flights, 5571 from Budapest by 28 flights, 909 passengers by 5 flights from Kosice, 2404 Indians from Rzeszow by 11 flights, and 242 persons by a flight from Kyiv.

Notably, the Russian forces launched military operations in Ukraine on February 24, three days after Moscow recognized Ukraine’s breakaway regions, Donetsk and Luhansk as independent republics followed by the announcement of a “special military operation” to “demilitarize” and “denazify” Ukraine.

Moved out all Indian students from Ukraine’s Sumy: MEA

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 08:46 AM PST

The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday announced that it had evacuated all Indian students from Ukraine’s Sumy.

“Happy to inform that we have been able to move out all Indian students from Sumy. They are currently en route to Poltava, from where they will board trains to western Ukraine. Flights under #OperationGanga are being prepared to bring them home,” tweeted MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.


Under ‘Operation Ganga’ to rescue Indian citizens from Ukraine’s neighbouring countries, about 18 thousand Indians have been brought back by special flights so far.

410 Indians were brought back on Tuesday by special Civilian flights from Ukraine’s neighbouring countries by 2 special civilian flights from Suceava, said the Ministry of Civil Aviation press release.

With this, about 18,000 Indians have been brought back through the special flights which began on February 22, 2022.

The number of Indians airlifted by 75 special civilian flights goes up to 15521. IAF had flown 12 missions to bring back 2467 passengers, as part of Operation Ganga, and carried over 32-tonne relief material, read the release.

The humanitarian toll has increased amid Russian military operations in Ukraine that was launched on February 24. As per the UN, around 1.5 million refugees have fled Ukraine. 

Operation Ganga: About 18,000 Indians brought back from Ukraine by special flights so far

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 08:41 AM PST

Under ‘Operation Ganga’ to rescue Indian citizens from Ukraine’s neighbouring countries, about 18 thousand Indians have been brought back by special flights so far.

410 Indians were brought back on Tuesday by special Civilian flights from Ukraine’s neighbouring countries by 2 special civilian flights from Suceava, said the Ministry of Civil Aviation press release. With this, about 18 thousand Indians have been brought back through the special flights which began on February 22, 2022.

The number of Indians airlifted by 75 special civilian flights goes up to 15521. IAF had flown 12 missions to bring back 2467 passengers, as part of Operation Ganga, and carried over 32-tonne relief material, read the release.

Among the civilian flights, 4575 passengers have been brought from Bucharest by 21 flights, 1820 from Suceava by 9 flights, 5571 from Budapest by 28 flights, 909 passengers by 5 flights from Kosice, 2404 Indians from Rzeszow by 11 flights, and 242 persons by a flight from Kyiv. 

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy denounces unkept ‘promises’ by West

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 03:50 AM PST

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday denounced Western powers for not approving necessary decisions against Russian military operations in Ukraine and also not saving the country from the missiles and bomb attacks.

“Zelensky: “While Russians are to blame for the killings, responsibility is shared by those who for 13 days in their Western offices haven’t been able to approve an obviously necessary decision, who didn’t save our cities from these bombs and missiles – although they can,” tweeted The Kyiv Independent. President Joe Biden and European leaders are facing political and geopolitical heat after Russian President Vladimir Putin crossed the red line by launching military operations in Ukraine.

Moreover, Zelenskyy daily videos highlighting his country’s heroism make it impossible to look away from the horror of the Russian military operation.
In the latest video message, Zelenskyy left his bunker and appeared defiantly in his government office, lauding Ukrainians protesting against Russian troops.

“(They say), ‘I’m here, it’s mine, and I won’t give it away. My city. My community. My Ukraine,’ ” Zelenskyy said in the message on Monday.

The West hitting a wall: But nearly two weeks after the invasion began, the question for the West is becoming what options there are for stepping up the economic heat rising on Russia while avoiding a parallel military escalation, CNN reported.

And there are increasing signs that for all his heroism, Zelenskyy may be coming up against the West’s prudent desire to avoid triggering a worst-case scenario that could lead to a third world war.

Meanwhile, in the latest development, Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine alleged that Russia is holding 300k civilians hostage in Mariupol.

“Russia holds 300k civilians hostage in Mariupol, prevents humanitarian evacuation despite agreements with ICRC mediation. One child died of dehydration (!) yesterday! War crimes are part of Russia’s deliberate strategy. I urge all states to publicly demand: RUSSIA, LET PEOPLE GO!” tweeted Kuleba.

As per The Kyiv Independent, 21 civilians, including 2 children were killed in the Russian attack on Sumy. Russian forces bombed a residential neighbourhood in Sumy in the early hours of March 8.

Russia on Tuesday declared a ceasefire amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine from 10 am (Moscow time) to provide humanitarian corridors in the cities of Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv and Mariupol.

“Ceasefire violated! Russian forces are now shelling the humanitarian corridor from Zaporizhzhia to Mariupol. 8 trucks + 30 buses ready to deliver humanitarian aid to Mariupol and to evac civilians to Zaporizhzhia. Pressure on Russia MUST step up to make it uphold its commitments,” tweeted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

All 694 Indian students stranded in Ukraine’s Sumy have left for Poltava: Hardeep Puri

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 03:44 AM PST

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday said that all 694 Indian students stranded in Ukraine’s Sumy have left for Poltava today.

Answering queries of reporters about Indians stranded in Ukraine, he said, “Last night, I checked with the control room, 694 Indian students remain stranded in Sumy. Today, they have all left in buses for Poltava.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and suggested that a direct conversation between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine may greatly assist the ongoing peace efforts to deal with the ongoing conflict.

Prime Minister Modi conveyed his deep concern for the safety and security of the Indian students still remaining in Sumy.

President Putin briefed Prime Minister about the ongoing measures related to humanitarian corridors for facilitating the evacuation of civilians including Indian students.

The Prime Minister welcomed the ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and expressed hope that they would lead to the cessation of the conflict.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Kyiv evacuated 75 Indian sailors stranded in Mykolaiv Port on Tuesday.

“Mission intervened to evacuate 75 Indian sailors stranded in Mykolaiv Port. Yesterday buses arranged by Mission evacuated a total of 57 sailors including 2 Lebanese & 3 Syrians. Route constraints precluded the evacuation of balance 23 sailors. Mission is attempting their evacuation today,” tweeted the Embassy of India in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Russia on Tuesday declared a ceasefire amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine from 10 am (Moscow time) to provide humanitarian corridors in the cities of Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv and Mariupol.

Sensex snaps 4-day losing run, closes 581 points higher

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 03:39 AM PST

The Indian stock markets witnessed volatile trading on Tuesday with the benchmark Sensex closing 581 points higher, snapping four days of losing run.

The 30 stock S&P BSE Sensex ended the day at 53,424.09 points, which is 581.34 points or 1.10 per cent higher from its previous day’s close at 52,842.75 points.

Earlier, the Sensex started the day deep in the red at 52,430.06 points and tumbled to a low of 52,260.82 points. The Sensex witnessed smart recovery at the fag-end of the session. It surged to a high of 53,484.26 points in the intra-day.

The Sensex has closed in the positive for the first time in the last five trading sessions. The index had slumped 1491.06 points or 2.74 per cent on Monday.

The broader Nifty 50 of the National Stock Exchange regained the 16,000 points level. The Nifty closed 150.30 points or 0.95 per cent higher at 16,013.45 points.
The Nifty also closed in the positive for the first time in the last five trading sessions. The Nifty had lost 382.20 points or 2.35 per cent on Monday.

There was strong buying support in IT stocks.

TCS surged 3.29 per cent to Rs 3599.95. Wipro soared 2.73 per cent to Rs 587.10. Tech Mahindra rose 2.69 per cent to Rs 1462.60. Infosys rose 2.24 per cent to Rs 1778.45. HCL Technologies closed 1.87 per cent higher at Rs 1175.25.

Sun Pharma surged nearly four per cent to Rs 855.55. NTPC 2.77 per cent higher at Rs 133.60; Dr Reddy’s Laboratories 2.55 per cent higher at Rs 3867.25 and UltraTech Cement 2.33 per cent higher at Rs 5831.85 were among the major Sensex gainers.

Only six of the 30 scrips that are part of the Sensex closed in the red. Tata Steel slipped 1.73 per cent to Rs 1269.35. Power Grid Corporation, Titan, Nestle India, Reliance Industries and SBI also closed in the red. 

Govt to take decisions on oil prices in best interest of citizens: Hardeep Singh Puri

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 03:36 AM PST

Amid the speculations that fuel prices may rise owing to soaring crude prices due to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday ruled out that the government had controlled oil prices due to elections and said the decision will be taken in the best interest of the citizens.

Addressing a press conference, the Union Minister said, “Oil prices are determined by global prices. There is a war-like situation in one part of the country. The oil companies will factor that in. We will take decisions in the best interest of our citizens.” To say that the government had controlled oil prices due to elections is not correct. We will make sure that our energy requirements are met,” he added.

Earlier on Saturday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a jibe at the BJP-led Central government over rising fuel prices and advised people to fill up their fuel tanks, warning them that the Centre’s election offer is going to end.
“Get your petrol tanks full immediately. Modi government’s ‘election’ offer is going to end,” he said in a tweet.

On Rahul Gandhi’s advice to people to get their tanks filled with petrol, Petroleum Minister said, One is our youth leader, he says get your tank filled soon. The elections are over. The question was asked that the tanks should be filled because the price of oil is going to increase. Get the tank filled now or get it filled later, sometime or the other election will come.”

Crude oil price may surge to $300 a barrel, warns Russia

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 01:41 AM PST

Ban on imports of Russian petroleum products by the western countries will have catastrophic consequences for the global economy and it will push crude oil price to over $300 per barrel, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has warned.

“It is absolutely obvious that abandoning Russian oil will lead to catastrophic consequences for the world market. A surge in prices will be unpredictable – more than $300 per barrel, if not more,” Russian News Agency TASS quoted Novak as saying. The crude oil price has soared to a 14-year high. Brent crude oil price in London surged to near $140 a barrel on Monday, the highest level since July 2008.

Novak said the ban on Russian oil will lead to a rise in prices for fuel, electricity and heating in Europe and the United States.

“It is impossible to replace the volume of Russian oil on the European market quickly, it will take more than one year, and it will be much more expensive for European consumers,” Novak told reporters in Moscow.

“Under this scenario, they will become the main victims. European politicians should then honestly warn their citizens, consumers, what awaits them and that prices for gas stations, for electricity, for heating will skyrocket. This will affect other markets, including the American one,” he said.

Netflix unveils first look poster of ‘Masaba Masaba’ season 2

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 01:12 AM PST

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, streaming giant Netflix India unveiled the first official poster of ‘Masaba Masaba’ season 2.

The poster sees fashion designer and actor Masaba sitting on a throne in her princess avatar. She looks stunning dressed in a cheetah print attire. Sharing the poster, the official Twitter account of Netflix India wrote, “Lights, camera, fashion! @MasabaG and @Neenagupta001 are getting ready to take us on the rollercoaster ride of their lives! Season 2 of #MasabaMasaba arrives soon on Netflix!”

‘Masaba Masaba’ is a semi-fictionalised show, which showcases the life of fashion designer and actor Neena Gupta’s daughter Masaba on screen, following her unique background, diverse worlds she straddles across fashion and family, and her foray back into the dating world.

Neena Gupta also plays a key role in the hit show.

Directed by Sonam Nair, the first season of the show, which debuted in August 2020 on Netflix, had received favourable reviews from the critics as well as the audiences.

BJP MLAs stage protest to demand Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik’s resignation

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 01:09 AM PST

The Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs on Tuesday staged a protest outside Maharashtra Assembly, demanding the resignation of the state minister Nawab Malik who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with links with Dawood Ibrahim and money laundering case.

A Special PMLA court had sentenced the NCP leader Nawab Malik to 14-day judicial custody till March 21 in connection with the money laundering case. Earlier in February, the ED had also conducted raids at the residence of Dawood Ibrahim’s sister Haseena Parkar in Mumbai in connection with the case.

Searches were carried out by the ED at several places linked to people associated with the underworld in Mumbai, informed sources said. 

BJP Central leadership talking to MGP for post-poll alliance: Goa CM Pramod Sawant

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 01:03 AM PST

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s central leadership is in talks with Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) over the possibility of the post-poll alliance if the party falls short of the majority mark, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Tuesday. “We will take the support of independent MLAs and MGP if we fall short of the majority mark. I am not aware of the exact demands made by the MGP. Our Central leadership is talking to them,” said Sawant two days ahead of the counting of the votes.

Reacting to Exit polls, which predicted close finish in the state, Sawant said, “Barring one or two, every exit poll predicted that we will form the government. If we fall short of some number, the BJP is open to the prospects of a post-poll alliance.”

Sawant met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital on Tuesday to brief him about the polls.

“I met PM Modi and briefed him about the elections,” said BJP leader, adding that the BJP is set to win the polls.

In 2017, even though Congress had emerged as the single largest party, the BJP had formed the government with the support of regional parties like MGP and the Goa Forward Party.

However, ahead of the 2022 polls, MGP announced a pre-poll alliance with the Mamata Banerjee led Trinamool Congress.

Polling on 40 Assembly seats was held on February 14 and the counting of votes will take place on March 10.

Central agencies have become ‘publicity machinery’ of BJP: Aaditya Thackeray

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 01:00 AM PST

Maharashtra Cabinet Minister and Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray on Tuesday alleged that the Central agencies have become the “publicity machinery” of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but the state will now bow down.

His remarks came after the Income Tax department carried out searches at the premises of Shiv Sena corporator and Standing Committee chairperson of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Yashwant Jadhav. Enforcement Directorate had also carried out searches at the residence of Sujit Patkar, who is a partner in a firm of Raut’s daughters, Purvashi and Vidhita, in a Rs 1034 crore land scam case last month.

“The Central agencies have been misused in the past too. It happened in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and now it’s happening in Maharashtra. The Central agencies have in a way become publicity machinery of the BJP. Maharashtra will not bow down,” Thackeray told media persons.

Earlier, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut also alleged that the BJP-led Centre is troubling party leaders using the central agencies.
“The Central agencies are troubling our party leaders. Pressure is being created on our leaders using these agencies. Some of the BJP leaders are saying that the Maha Vikas Aghadi government will fall on March 10. All these rumours started after I wrote to (Vice President) M Venkaiah Naidu,” Raut said. 

PM Modi likely to chair Union Cabinet meet tomorrow

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 12:54 AM PST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to chair Union Cabinet meet on Wednesday.
The cabinet meeting comes amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and evacuations of Indian citizens via neighbouring countries.

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Monday, more than 17,400 Indians have been brought back under ‘Operation Ganga’ since special flights began on February 22 this year. The number of Indians airlifted by 73 special civilian flights have gone up to 15,206. 

Japan to closely monitor meeting of Russian, Ukrainian Foreign Ministers: Chief Secretary

Posted: 08 Mar 2022 12:51 AM PST

Japan intends to closely follow the course of the meeting between Foreign Ministers of Russia and Ukraine, Sergey Lavrov and Dmytro Kuleba, scheduled for March 10 in the Turkish city of Antalya, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said on Tuesday.


“We are aware of the reports about the meeting scheduled for March 10. We intend to monitor the progress of the talks very closely,” Matsuno said. On February 24, Russia began a special operation to demilitarize and “denazify” Ukraine, responding to calls for help from the Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics in countering the aggression of Ukrainian troops. The Russian Defense Ministry said the special operation is targeting Ukrainian military infrastructure only and the civilian population is not in danger. Moscow has repeatedly stressed that it has no plans to occupy Ukraine.

Environment-friendly projects need to be accelerated to achieve net-zero carbon emissions – PM Modi

Posted: 07 Mar 2022 11:32 PM PST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stressed that environment-friendly projects need to be accelerated to achieve the target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
Addressing the inaugural plenary session of the post-budget webinar on ‘financing for growth and aspirational economy ‘, PM Modi said: “Green financing is the need of the hour today.” “India has set a target of net-zero carbon emission by the year 2070. Work for this has already started in the country. To speed up these works, it is necessary to accelerate environment-friendly projects,” he added.

Our Startups can grow only when we encourage entrepreneurship, lay stress on innovation, focus on new business areas, he said while adding that the financial sector needs to look at new futuristic ideas with innovative financing of initiatives and sustainable risk management.

Further talking about the Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), PM Modi said, “India’s aspirations today are linked to the strength of our MSMEs. We have done many fundamental reforms and made new schemes to strengthen MSMEs.”
He added that the success of these reforms is dependent on addressing the issues concerning the financing of the ideas.

“India’s aspirations are related to organic and natural farming. If someone is coming forward to do new work in these areas, then it is necessary to think about how our financial institutions can help,” he stated.

He further said that today the country is running a self-reliant India campaign. The dependence of our country on other countries should be minimized, he said, adding that it is necessary to brainstorm about different models of financing the projects.
“In the Budget, the government has taken several steps to continue the momentum of rapid growth. By encouraging foreign capital flows, reducing tax on infrastructure investment, creating institutions like NIIF, Gift City, new DFIs, we have tried to accelerate financial and economic growth,” he stated.

Extending his greetings on International Women’s Day, he said, “As we hold discussions regarding Budget today, it is a matter of pride that India has a woman finance minister who presented a progressive budget.

Indian stocks slide for 5th straight session, Sensex down 389 points

Posted: 07 Mar 2022 11:26 PM PST

The Indian stock markets key indices slumped for the fifth straight session on Tuesday with benchmark Sensex sliding 380 points as crude oil prices continue to soar amid worsening Russia-Ukraine crisis.

The 30 stock S&P BSE Sensex started the day deep in the red at 52,430.06 points and tumbled to a low of 52,333.61 points. At 12.19 pm, the Sensex was trading 389.47 points or 0.74 per cent down at 52,453.28 points against its previous day’s close at 52,842.75 points.

This is the fifth straight session of loss in the benchmark Sensex. The index had slumped 1491.06 points or 2.74 per cent on Monday.

The broader Nifty 50 of the National Stock Exchange was trading 133.20 points or 0.84 per cent down at 15,729.95 points. The Nifty had lost 382.20 points or 2.35 per cent on Monday.

There was heavy selling pressure in auto and banking and financial stocks.
Maruti Suzuki slumped 3.21 per cent to Rs 6551.95.
Bajaj Finance tumbled 2.99 per cent to Rs 5939.25. Axis Bank slipped 2.77 per cent to Rs 648.75. HDFC fell 2.50 per cent to Rs 2067.65. State Bank of India was trading 1.96 per cent down at Rs 431.70.

However, IT stocks were trading with good gains. Tech Mahindra jumped 2.68 per cent to Rs 1462.40. TCS soared 2.57 per cent to Rs 3575. Infosys rose 2.49 per cent to Rs 1782.85. HCL Technologies and Wipro were also trading in the positive.

War will not stop at Ukraine- Zelenskyy warns Western countries

Posted: 07 Mar 2022 11:25 PM PST

Terming Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “beast” who will never be satisfied, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday (local time) warned Western countries that the ongoing war will not stop at Ukraine and will affect the rest of the world as well.

“Everyone thinks that we are far away from America or Canada. No, we are in this zone of freedom. And when the limits of rights and freedoms are being violated and stepped on, then you have to protect us. Because we will come first. You will come second. Because the more this beast will eat, he wants more, more, and more,” CNN quoted Zelenskyy as saying during an interview on ABC World News Tonight with David Muir. Reiterating his appeal to secure the airspace of Ukraine, Zelenskyy said, “We cannot allow Russia to be active there only, because they’re bombing us, they are shelling us, they are sending missiles, helicopters, jet fighters — a lot of things. We don’t control our sky.”

Zelenskyy further said that he believes US President Joe Biden “can do more” to stop the war. “I am sure he can and I would like to believe that. He is capable of doing that,” reported the media outlet quoting him.

The Ukrainian President’s remarks came as NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Friday outrightly rejected a no-fly zone over Ukraine, and warned that such a move could provoke widespread war in Europe with Russia.

Reacting to Biden’s commitment to keeping US troops out of the conflict, Zelenskyy said that missiles were hitting civilian structures including universities and pediatric clinics in Ukraine. If a missile is flying overhead, “I think there is no other answer … they need to be shot down. You have to preserve lives,” he said, according to CNN.
Russian forces launched military operations in Ukraine on February 24, three days after Moscow recognized Ukraine’s breakaway regions, Donetsk and Luhansk as independent entities.

Quotes by female icons to mark International Women’s Day 2022

Posted: 07 Mar 2022 11:01 PM PST

International Women’s Day, celebrated every year on March 8, is a global day for commemorating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

The entertainment industry has given many brilliant women-centric films which have inspired the audience to achieve their full potential. Not only through the films, but with their inspirational thoughts and stories, successful female leads from various sectors have proven many a time how female empowerment is a must, and women should feel empowered more and more to do what they wish to accomplish in their life with their own choice.

Here we have compiled a list of powerful and empowering quotes by the female leads that you should live by!


1. Either you match the size of my diamond or the size of my heart –Sushmita Sen

2. Financial independence is paramount. My mom always says that when a woman is financially independent, she has the ability to live life on her own terms. –Priyanka Chopra

3. Women don’t need to find a voice. They have a voice. They need to feel empowered to use it, and people need to be encouraged to listen. –Meghan Markle

4. A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman. –Melinda Gates

5. A girl should be two things: who and what she wants. –Coco Chanel

6. I don’t need a man in my life to have diamonds. I can own them myself. –Sushmita Sen

7. There’s something so special about a woman who dominates in a man’s world. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness, and the nerve to never take no for an answer. –Rihanna

8. I don’t want to be called a feminist, but I don’t disown feminism. Our actions are more important than these labels. –Tabu

9. We have to teach our boys the rules of equality and respect, so that as they grow up gender equality becomes a natural way of life. And we have to teach our girls that they can reach as high as humanly possible. –Beyonce

10. What I want young women and girls to know is: You are powerful and your voice matters. You’re going to walk into many rooms in your life and career where you may be the only one who looks like you or who has had the experiences you’ve had. But you remember that when you are in those rooms, you are not alone. We are all in that room with you applauding you on. Cheering your voice. And just so proud of you. So you use that voice and be strong. –US Vice President Kamala Harris

These female leads have set examples for speaking out for themselves and showing that female empowerment is important because it is essential that women are able to do everything they set their motivations on.

Actress Assault Case: Kerala HC dismisses actor Dileep’s plea for suspension of further investigation

Posted: 07 Mar 2022 10:53 PM PST

The Kerala High Court dismissed the plea of accused Malayalam actor Dileep seeking suspension of further investigation into the 2017 Actress Assault Case.
A single bench of Justice Kauser Edappagath considered the plea. The court directed the investigation team to conclude the investigation by April 15.

In the plea, Dileep alleged, “Further probe was a willful attempt to protract the trial in that matter. A series of vindictive acts were being carried out by the police under the guise of the further probe. Further probe was not permissible as a final report had been filed in November 2017, charges were framed in January 2020 and only one prosecution witness remained to be examined.”

Dileep is the eighth accused in the 2017 Actress Assault Case. The case pertains that an actress who worked in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu films was allegedly abducted and molested inside her car by a group of men who had forced their way into the vehicle on the night of February 17, 2017.

Haryana CM Khattar proposes over Rs 1.77 lakh crore state budget

Posted: 07 Mar 2022 10:29 PM PST

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday presented the state budget in the state assembly and proposed a Budget of Rs 1,77,255.99 crore for the year 2022-23.

Khattar, who also holds the Finance portfolio, gave an estimation of Rs 73,000 crore to be collected in tax revenue in the financial year 2022-23. “For Budget Estimates (BE) 2022-23, total revenue receipts are projected to be Rs 1,06,424.70 crore comprising tax revenues of Rs 73,727.50 crore and non-tax revenue of Rs 12,205.36 crore. The share of Central taxes is expected to be at Rs 8,925.98 crore and grant-in-aid at Rs 11,565.86 crore. Capital receipts are projected to be at Rs 5,393.89 crore,” said Khattar.

Meanwhile, the Fiscal deficit is expected to be at 2.98 per cent of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in 2022-23.

“With prudent fiscal management, we were able to restrict the market borrowing to about Rs 30,820 crore against the permissible limit of Rs 40,872 crore and fiscal deficit is estimated to be 2.99 per cent of GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) in the RE (Revised Estimate) of 2021-22,” he said.

“For the financial year 2022-23, the fiscal deficit is expected to be within the prescribed limit of 3.5 per cent by the 15th Finance Commission, at 2.98 per cent of GSDP, as per the BE (Budget Estimate) of 2022-23”, he added.

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