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8pm NEWSFEED

28, మార్చి 2022, సోమవారం

8pm NEWSFEED

Russian delegation arrives in Istanbul for peace talks with Ukraine

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 08:36 AM PDT

Istanbul [Turkey]: The Russian delegation has arrived in Turkey’s largest city Istanbul on Monday for a fresh round of peace talks with Ukraine, reported Xinhua citing CNN Turk broadcaster.


The plane carrying the Russian representatives landed at the Ataturk Airport, which is exclusively used for diplomatic missions. According to Turkish diplomatic sources, the Peace talks are expected to begin on Tuesday morning.

In a phone call on Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agreed to hold the next round of negotiations in Istanbul.


Erdogan reiterated that Turkey would continue to contribute in every possible way during this process.


So far, Russia and Ukraine have held three rounds of in-person talks in Belarus, and their fourth session was a video conference. 

Tensions Between Local Workers And Chinese Firms in Bangladesh Grow

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 08:27 AM PDT

Dhaka [Bangladesh]: Bangladesh is not only falling into the ‘debt trap’ of China but also the Islamic nation is hurt by the disrespect to its religion by the Chinese workers in the country, even as tensions between local workers and Chinese firms grow, media reports said.


A large number of Chinese are working in Bangladesh as Beijing has heavily invested in infrastructure projects in the country. Reportedly, the Chinese image in Bangladesh is suffering due to disrespect shown towards the local sentiments. It is reported that Chinese officials working on various projects openly eat pork and tortoise meat in front of their Muslim colleagues and labourers.


Sources reveal that Chinese officials even refuse to give time off to the locals for ‘Iftar’ during Ramadan month. Salaries have been deducted for those who left the working site for Iftar.


Several incidents have been reported where clashes have taken place between Chinese officials and local workers. Last April, at least five people were killed and dozens injured after police opened fire on a crowd of workers protesting to demand unpaid wages and a pay rise at a Chinese-backed power plant in Chittagong.


The USD 2.4 billion power plant is a major source of foreign investment in Bangladesh, and one of a series of projects that Beijing is pushing to cultivate closer ties with Dhaka.


Chinese projects in Bangladesh also show faulty payment, poor labour facilities, impracticality and corruption.


In June 2019, hundreds of Chinese and Bangladeshi labourers clashed at the site of a power plant, leaving a Chinese dead and more than a dozen others injured.


Chinese projects in Bangladesh demonstrate the consequences of China’s failure to engage in open and transparent conduct.


Chinese state-run and private firms have invested billions of dollars in the South Asian country’s infrastructure projects – mostly in the power, energy and transport sectors.


The presence of large numbers of Chinese workers in Bangladesh has caused tensions with the locals as they not only fear job insecurity but also disrespect of its religion by hurting Islamic sentiments.

PM Modi To Address Party Workers On BJP’s Foundation Day

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 08:11 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: The Bhartiya Janata Party has planned a range of activities, starting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to party workers, to commemorate the party’s Foundation Day on April 6.


The various events planned by BJP will take place for the entire week starting from April 6 and will conclude with the commemoration of Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14. “Hoist the party flag with the proper procedure at 9 am. Then, embark on a procession filled with patriotic songs and slogans. Be ready by 9.45 am to listen to PM Modi’s address to party workers,” reads the official release from the BJP to its worker.


The party workers are directed to organise various events on the block-level staring from Foundation Day on April 6 to 14.


“Cleaning lakes, blood donation camps, health checkups and vaccinations camps” are among some of the events BJP workers have been asked to organise.


On April 14, party workers will celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti by organising various events in residential areas of the poor. 

No-confidence Motion Against Imran Tabled-Debate To Begin On March-31

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 08:00 AM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]: After the no-confidence motion against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was tabled in the National Assembly with a total of 161 votes in favour, the proceedings were adjourned till March 31. Debate will begin on March 31.


Pakistan’s Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif on Monday tabled the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan in the lower house. Following the tabling of the resolution, the deputy speaker announced that the debate on the resolution would begin on March 31. “The session is adjourned until 4 pm on March 31,” he said.


This is a key development as the political fate of Imran Khan hangs in the balance amid the changing power equations. Deputy NA Speaker Qasim Suri, during the session, asked the members of the Parliament who are in favour of the motion, to stand up so that the total number of supporting members of the motion could be counted.


Asad Qaiser, Speaker of the National Assembly, while meeting the opposition leader shortly before the session assured them that the session would be adjourned after the no-confidence motion is tabled, sources informed Geo News.


The leaders agreed that the session would resume and the house would debate on the no-trust motion.


The session on the no-confidence motion was adjourned on Friday morning shortly after tributes were offered to Khayal Zaman, a member of the house from the ruling PTI who had recently passed away.


The no-confidence motion was submitted on March 8 after the PPP’s long march in Islamabad. The Opposition is confident that its motion would be successful as many PTI lawmakers have come out in the open against PM Imran Khan.


Adding to Khan’s woes, almost 20 members from his own party had recently sought refuge in the Sindh House in Islamabad, and none of them showed up to the National Assembly on Friday.


The Pakistani National Assembly has a total strength of 342 members, with the majority mark being 172. The PTI led coalition was formed with the support of 179 members, with Imran Khan’s PTI having 155 members, and four major allies Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) having seven, five, five and three members respectively. 

Congress Membership Drive: South States Ahead In Enrolment

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 07:49 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: With Congress making efforts for the success of its membership drive, the party’s Telangana unit is ahead of other southern states in enrolling new members, party sources said.


The membership drive began on November 1 and the emphasis seems to be on digital membership to make the party better prepared for electoral challenges.

The sources said 39 lakh members had enrolled in Telangana, 34 lakh in Karnataka, 15 lakh in Maharashtra, 10 lakh in Gujarat, 10 lakh in Kerala, five lakh in Chhattisgarh, four lakh in Bihar, three lakh in Delhi and three lakh in Rajasthan.


The southern states appear to have an upper hand in terms of Congress membership drive. Party leaders are trying to boost the ‘digital membership’ drive in all states including the five where assembly polls were held in February-March.


Congress is keen that those who have taken membership via ‘paper’ are also part of the digital register. This, the party feels, will help in better preparations for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.


The party’s membership drive is expected to be completed on March 31.


Sources said about 4.5 crore people have become members of Congress so far with options available for enrolling through paper and digitally.


While about three crore people joined the party in five months of the commencement of the paper membership, 1.3 crore members opted for digital membership in the first 40 days of the drive, sources said.


Party leader Rahul Gandhi enrolled digitally and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is expected to do so in the next few days.


Sources said 42 per cent of women and 47 per cent of men aged between 18 to 40 years have opted for a digital membership.


The membership of the party has been 18 per cent for general, 32 per cent for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), 21 per cent for Scheduled Castes (SCs), 12 per cent for Scheduled Tribes (STs), 10 per cent for minorities and four per cent for economically backward people.


Party sources estimate that by March 31, about four crore more members are likely to take party membership through the conventional method and about two crore more in a digital manner.


The final figures are expected in the first week of April.


A Congress leader said there is “no place for forgery in the drive.” He said the process has three stages – members’ name and photo are captured, there is OTP confirmation and Election Commission data is matched.


“The biggest advantage is that members’ accounts and information will be available with a single click and this will help improve penetration of party’s programmes. This will help us take on the BJP in 2024 Lok Sabha polls and counter their narrative,” the leader said. Congress data department head Praveen Chakraborty is also running the party’s digital membership campaign.


A source quoted Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot as saying during a meeting recently that priority will be given in ticket distribution to people who make more members.


The membership drive is a crucial step for the Congress organisational polls to be held later this year. 

‘RRR’ Becomes Highest Grossing Film At Worldwide Box Office In 3-days; Collects Rs. 500 Cr.

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 07:40 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: SS Rajamouli’s directorial ‘RRR’ has reached Rs 500 crore worldwide gross box office collection on the third day of its release.


The highest-grossing film at the worldwide box office in the last three days boasts of a powerful star cast including Jr NTR, Ram Charan, Alia Bhatt and Ajay Devgn among others. Film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the gross box office collection of the hit film on his Twitter handle.


He wrote, “#RRR is setting new BENCHMARKS… Rs 500 cr [and counting]… WORLDWIDE GBOC *opening weekend* biz… EXTRAORDINARY Monday on the cards… #SSRajamouli brings back glory of INDIAN CINEMA. Note: Non-holiday release. Pandemic era.”

He also shared a list of the top five Hindi films in the pandemic era, based on their net box office collection in the country on Sunday. ‘RRR’ topped the list with a whopping Rs. 31.50 crore.

The magnum opus also became India’s biggest-ever opener with Rs 223 crore worldwide, after overtaking ‘Baahubali 2’, which had made Rs 217 crore worldwide on its opening day.


Set in pre-independence India, ‘RRR’ is a fictional take on the younger days of celebrated freedom fighters, Komaram Bheem and Alluri Seetharama Raju, portrayed by Jr. NTR and Ram Charan.


The movie also features Samuthirakani, Olivia Morris, Alison Doody, and Ray Stevenson.

No-confidence Motion Against Imran Khan Tabled In Assembly

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 07:24 AM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]: Pakistan’s Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif on Monday tabled the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan in the lower house.


This is a key development as the political fate of Imran Khan hangs in the balance amid the changing power equations.

Deputy NA Speaker Qasim Suri, during the session, asked the members of the Parliament who are in favour of the motion, to stand up so that the total number of supporting members of the motion could be counted. Asad Qaiser, Speaker of the National Assembly, while meeting the opposition leader shortly before the session assured them that the session would be adjourned after the no-confidence motion is tabled, sources informed Geo News.


The leaders agreed that the session would resume and the house would debate on the no-trust motion.


The session on the no-confidence motion was adjourned on Friday morning shortly after tributes were offered to Khayal Zaman, a member of the house from the ruling PTI who had recently passed away.


The no-confidence motion was submitted on March 8 after the PPP’s long march in Islamabad. The Opposition is confident that its motion would be successful as many PTI lawmakers have come out in the open against PM Imran Khan.


Adding to Khan’s woes, almost 20 members from his own party had recently sought refuge in the Sindh House in Islamabad, and none of them showed up to the National Assembly on Friday.


The Pakistani National Assembly has a total strength of 342 members, with the majority mark being 172. The PTI led coalition was formed with the support of 179 members, with Imran Khan’s PTI having 155 members, and four major allies Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) having seven, five, five and three members respectively.

Generating employment and developing tourism infrastructure top priorities : CM Pramod Sawant

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 06:05 AM PDT

Hours after taking the oath as the Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant took charge of his office here on Monday and revealed that making Goa self-reliant, generating employment and developing tourism infrastructure are his top priorities.

After taking charge of this office, Sawant said resuming the mining industry is also on the list of his priorities as the Chief Minister of Goa. “I have taken charge of the office and instead of saying my priority, I would like to address it as Goa’s priority. ‘Swayampurna Goa 2.0’ mission, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission will be started, and we will try and make Goa ‘Swayampurna’ in true sense.”

“The second priority would be generating employment in the government, private or be it IT sector. Developing tourism infrastructure further will be the third priority and resuming the mining industry will be our priority,” he added.

The Chief Minister assured Goa that all the promises that the BJP made in its manifesto will be fulfilled in the next five years. “Be it 3 free cylinders or any other scheme, we will follow our manifesto in letter and spirit as it was not only a manifesto but a ‘Vachan nama’ of BJP.”

Sawant took oath as the Goa Chief Minister for the second consecutive term at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium today.

In the recently-concluded Goa Assembly elections, BJP emerged as the single largest party, winning 20 seats in the 40-member state Assembly and reducing Congress to 11 seats. It fell one seat short of the majority figure in Goa but formed the state with the help of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and Independents. 

At present, no contracts for purchase of crude oil in Indian rupee – Centre

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 05:39 AM PDT

Amid the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, the Central government clarified in the Rajya Sabha on Monday that its Oil Public Sector Undertakings, presently, do not have any contracts for the purchase of crude oil in Indian Rupees (INR) from Russia or any such other countries.

“At present, Oil Public Sector Undertakings neither have any contract nor is any such proposal under consideration from Russia or any other country for the purchase of crude oil in Indian Rupees (INR),” Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli said in a written reply.

The Minister’s response came when Biju Janata Dal MP Sujeet Kumar asked: “Whether India is under any contract with any country to purchase crude oil in rupees instead of dollars, either partially or wholly”.

The reply is significant amid assumptions that both India and Russia trade may take place in local currencies.

Amid reports that New Delhi is planning to buy Russian oil at a discounted rate following the surge in global oil prices after the Ukraine conflict, sources said India’s legitimate energy transactions should not be politicized.

The sources further stated that the jump in oil prices after the Ukraine conflict has now added to our challenges.

According to some media reports, Indian Oil Corporation purchased 3 million barrels of Russian crude oil, the first such transaction since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February.

19 killed in shooting in central Mexico

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 05:31 AM PDT

Nineteen people were shot to death in central Mexico, the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) said in a statement on Monday.

At around 10:30 p.m. local time on Sunday (0430 GMT Monday), the Prosecutor’s Office was informed of the attack on a festive gathering in the town of Las Tinajas, Michoacan state, said the statement. Personnel from the Crime Scene and Expert Services Unit went to the scene immediately, and “19 lifeless bodies were found (16 men and three women), who had gunshot wounds,” said the FGE.

Several others who were injured in the attack had been taken to the hospital, it confirmed.
The reason for the shooting is under investigation, according to the statement.

Russia dismisses plans for Putin-Zelenskyy meet after talks in Istanbul

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 05:26 AM PDT

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the talks between Russia-Ukraine negotiators could take place on Tuesday but there are no plans for a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to the Russian Times, Peskov said that Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul is unlikely to start on Monday but could happen on Tuesday instead. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke by phone on Sunday with Putin. They agreed that the next round of talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators would be held in Istanbul, a source familiar with the matter told Sputnik.

“The meeting is expected to begin tomorrow afternoon and last until the evening. Ankara’s mediation on Ukraine will be the top item on the agenda,” the source said.
Earlier, the head of the Russian delegation and presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky said that Russia-Ukraine talks are ongoing every day in a video format.

On February 24, Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine after the breakaway republics of Donetsk and Luhansk appealed for help in defending themselves against Ukrainian provocations. In response to Russia’s operation, Western countries have rolled out a comprehensive sanctions campaign against Moscow.

SC to look into urgent listing of plea by TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, wife challenging ED’s summons

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 05:17 AM PDT

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to consider for urgent listing of a plea of Trinamool Congress’s (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee and his wife Rujira Banerjee in connection with the money laundering probe linked to an alleged coal scam in West Bengal challenging the summons issued to them by Enforcement Directorate (ED) for appearance in the Delhi High Court.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said it will look into the urgent listing of the plea after senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi mentioned the matter for urgent listing. Sibal said the matter related to the interpretation of provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and it involved an interplay between the PMLA and the Criminal Procedure Code.
Singhvi said the issue was important as it arose out of summons issued by the ED and against the Delhi High Court order.

The couple has challenged the Delhi High Court March 11 order by which their pleas against the issuance of summons were dismissed.

Filing the plea through advocate Sunil Fernandes, Banerjee’s requested the top court to quash summons and restrain ED from seeking their presence for questioning in Delhi. They pleaded that they can be questioned by the ED at Kolkata and sought a stay on the High Court’s order.

The petitioners have asked the apex court to decide whether the ED can assume pan-India jurisdiction to summon persons from anywhere to Delhi.

“Whether the Respondent can assume pan-India jurisdiction to summon any person at the place of their choice while exercising powers under Section 50 PMLA?,” the plea questioned while adding that High Court has failed to appreciate that the couple is permanent residents of Kolkata and the entire alleged cause of action and the place of the alleged offence, is in West Bengal.

The search and seizure operations recorded in the FIR/RC took place in West Bengal wherein allegedly stolen coal was recovered and all the accused persons named in the FIR/RC are permanent residents of West Bengal, it added.

Seeking relief from appearance in Delhi, the plea stated, “Direct the Respondent (ED) to summon the Petitioners under Section 50 PMLA only at Kolkata (for Petitioner no. 1 -Abhishek Banerjee) or only at their residence (for Petitioner no. 2 – Rujira Banerjee), as the case may be, during the pendency of the present proceedings.”

The High Court on March 11 dismissed their plea and following this, the ED issued fresh summons to Banerjee and his wife to depose before the financial probe agency’s office in Delhi on March 21 and 22.

Lok Sabha Business Advisory Committee to hold discussion on price rise this week

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 05:08 AM PDT

Lok Sabha Business Advisory Committee has agreed to hold a discussion on the price rise of commodities in the country.

The discussion will be held in the ongoing week under the Rule 193 Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha. Lok Sabha speaker On Birla is the chairman of the Business Advisory Committee which consist of members from across the political party.

The Business Advisory Committee discusses and decides the issues to be taken up for discussion in the House.

The opposition parties have been demanding a discussion in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha over the issue of hike in fuel prices.

Earlier on Monday, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till noon as Opposition parties created a ruckus over the rising prices of petroleum products in India.

Sudip Bandyopadhyay, PP Chaudhary, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Sanjay Jaiswal and Pinaki Misra are among the 15-member Business Advisory Committee.

The second half of the Budget session of Parliament began on March 14 and will conclude on April 8. The first half of the Budget session began on January 31 and concluded on February 11. 

Sri Lankan President thanks Indian govt for USD 1bn credit line

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 04:32 AM PDT

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar called on Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday as part of his three-day visit to the island nation.


Jaishankar, who arrived in Colombo on Sunday, met President Rajapaksa and reviewed various dimensions of India-Sri Lanka’s close neighbourly relationship. He assured Gotabaya Rajapaksa of India’s continued cooperation and understanding.

“Pleased to call on President @GotabayaR of Sri Lanka. Reviewed various dimensions of our close neighbourly relationship. Assured him of India’s continued cooperation and understanding,” Jaishankar tweeted.

During the meeting, Sri Lankan President thanked Jaishankar for assistance in form of a USD 1 billion credit line.

“Met with Indian Foreign Minister @DrSJaishankar today, and I expressed my gratitude to the Government of #India for the invaluable assistance provided recently via the line of credit, on behalf of the people of #lka,” wrote the official Twitter account of The President of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka, earlier, this month signed USD 1 billion credit line with India for the procurement of food, medicines and other essential items, amid the island nation’s worsening economic crisis.

Jaishankar is currently on a bilateral visit to Sri Lanka amid this severe economic and energy crisis triggered due to the shortage of foreign exchange.

The External Affairs Minister today met Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and held a discussion over the economic situation of Colombo as well as India’s supportive response.

During his bilateral visit, Jaishankar will also attend the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) meeting.

The bilateral meetings and interactions which EAM will have in Sri Lanka highlight the priority that Sri Lanka occupies for India. While in Sri Lanka, EAM will also participate in the BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on March 29 in Colombo.

Jaishankar visits Sri Lanka IOC, takes stock of fuel supply situation

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 04:21 AM PDT

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Monday visited Sri Lanka IOC, the local subsidiary of India’s oil major, Indian Oil Corporation and took stock of the island nation’s fuel supply situation amid India’s support during its severe economic crisis.

Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar, wrote “Visited Lanka IOC in downtown Colombo. MD Manoj Gupta briefed me on the fuel supply situation. Indian LoC of US$ 500 million is helping Sri Lankan people in their everyday life.” Jaishankar arrived in Colombo for a bilateral visit on Sunday. He met Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa on Monday and held a discussion over the economic situation of Colombo as well as India’s supportive response.

“Began the visit by meeting Finance Minister @RealBRajapaksa (Basil Rajapaksa). Discussed the economic situation and India’s supportive response. We will continue to be guided by Neighbourhood First,” Jaishankar said in a Tweet.

The island nation is witnessing a severe economic and energy crisis triggered due to the shortage of foreign exchange.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday recommended a number of measures for macroeconomic stability in Sri Lanka and also to mitigate adverse impacts on the vulnerable and the poor.

The IMF noted that the country faces mounting challenges, including public debt that has risen to unsustainable levels, low foreign currency reserves, and persistently large financing needs in the coming years. Four Sri Lankan ministers received Indian External Affairs Minister at the airport on Sunday evening.

The ministers, Gamini Lokuge, Minister of Energy, Johnston Fernando, Minister of Highways, Prasanna Ranatunga, Ministry of Tourism and, D V Chanaka, State Minister of Aviation and Export Zones Development, received Jaishankar at the airport. Jaishankar will be in Sri Lanka from March 28 to 30.

Left, DMK MPs protest at Parliament’s Gandhi statue in support of ‘Bharat Bandh’

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 03:11 AM PDT

Rajya Sabha MPs from the Left and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) parties on Monday staged a protest inside the Parliament premises against the government in support of the two-day ‘Bharat Bandh’ strike called by trade unions.

The MPs held the protest at the Gandhi statue when the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till noon due to disruption in proceedings by Opposition parties over rising prices of petroleum products and over trade union protests. The MPs also marched towards the Vijay Chowk from the Gandhi statue to protest against government policies.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) MPs Jharna Das Baidya, K Somaprasad, V Sivadasan, CPI leader Binoy Viswam, DMK leaders TKS Elangovan, were among those who took part in the protest.

Speaking to ANI, Baidya said that the government has not done anything since 2014 except privatisation.

“Air India to Airports, everything is being privatised. What is the meaning of Parliament, MPs, and Ministers when the government will not do anything for the public?… The trade union strike was very necessary for common people. We are supporting the strike. As long as BJP will keep pushing its own free will, we will keep protesting,” Baidya said.

The Rajya Sabha MPs held the protest as Central trade unions on Monday began a two-day nationwide strike against the government’s alleged wrong policies that are affecting farmers, workers, and people.

A joint forum of central trade unions had given a call for a nationwide strike on March 28 and March 29.

Their demands include the scrapping of the labour codes, no privatisation of any form, scrapping of the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP), increased allocation of wages under MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act), and regularisation of contract workers among others.

The central trade unions that are part of this joint forum are the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), and United Trade Union Congress (UTUC).
However, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has kept its distance from the strike.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann rolls out doorstep ration delivery scheme

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 02:46 AM PDT

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday rolled out a doorstep ration delivery scheme in the state.

“The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has decided to start doorstep delivery of ration for the people of Punjab. Our officers will call you to ask the timings of the same and will deliver the ration at that time,” Mann said. He also informed that the scheme is an optional one, and the ration-card holders can opt out from it.

Mann also assured that the ration that’ll be delivered will be of good quality.
“The ration will be of good quality and not substandard. It will be delivered to you in clean packages too,” he said.

“Even after 75 years of Independence, it is sad to see that the poor and common people have to stand in long lines to take their share of ration. Whereas, on the other hand, the world is digitalizing and everything is easily delivered at the ease of touch.

Sometimes, the poor even have to let go of their daily wage to just stand in line for their share of ration. Some very old women have to walk for kilometers to procure ration,” the Punjab CM said.

The door step delivery of ration has been the AAP’s key campaign agenda in the polls.
Mann also mentioned that the same scheme was rolled out in Delhi by the AAP government.

In November last year, the Supreme Court had declined to interfere with the Delhi High Court interim order which had cleared the way for the Delhi government’s doorstep delivery of ration scheme.

Delhi government had told the apex court that nowadays everything is being delivered home, including cooked food and liquor, and there is nothing wrong with the delivery of food grains at the doors of poor people under the Public Distribution System.

The Central government has filed an appeal in the top court against the High Court’s decision clearing the way for the Delhi government’s doorstep delivery of ration scheme.

Piyush Goyal rules out India rejoining RCEP negotiations

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 02:43 AM PDT

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has ruled out India resuming talks to join the ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)’, saying that the country walked out of the negotiations two years ago to give primacy to the national interest.

Goyal said that some of the countries (during the RCEP negotiations) were not following the rule of law while being opaque in trade talks. “India lost precious time because of an ill-conceived decision to start discussing and taking part in the RCEP negotiation,” said Goyal criticising the then Congress -led UPA government for joining the negotiations.

He said that the decision was taken 10 years ago by the then government to make India a party to the RCEP negotiations. Goyal added that the NDA government “did our very best to engage with the grouping of 15 other countries”.

The 15-nation RCEP is touted as the world’s largest trading bloc. India joined the RCEP negotiations in 2012. In 2019, 15 nations, including China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand among others, signed the free trade agreement. However, India walked out of the negotiations, citing national interests.

Goyal said India’s dairy, agriculture, and MSME sectors would have been badly affected had the government decided to join the RCEP in 2019.

“We would have been flooded with low quality opaquely priced products against which India could never have competed. It was a very wise decision that Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to walk out of RCEP. The entire country heaved a sigh of relief,” the minister said.

Jaishankar meets Sri Lankan Finance Minister, discusses economic situation

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 01:46 AM PDT

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa on Monday and held a discussion over the economic situation of Colombo as well as India’s supportive response.

Jaishankar arrived in Colombo for a bilateral visit on Sunday. “Began the visit by meeting Finance Minister @RealBRajapaksa (Basil Rajapaksa). Discussed the economic situation and India’s supportive response. We will continue to be guided by Neighbourhood First,” Jaishankar said in a Tweet.

The island nation is witnessing a severe economic and energy crisis triggered due to the shortage of foreign exchange.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday recommended a number of measures for macroeconomic stability in Sri Lanka and also to mitigate adverse impacts on the vulnerable and the poor.

The IMF noted that the country faces mounting challenges, including public debt that has risen to unsustainable levels, low foreign currency reserves, and persistently large financing needs in the coming years.

During his bilateral visit, Jaishankar will also attend the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) meeting.
Four Sri Lankan ministers received Indian External Affairs Minister at the airport on Sunday evening.

The ministers, Gamini Lokuge, Minister of Energy, Johnston Fernando, Minister of Highways, Prasanna Ranatunga, Ministry of Tourism and, D V Chanaka, State Minister of Aviation and Export Zones Development, received Jaishankar at the airport.

Jaishankar will be in Sri Lanka from March 28 to 30.

This follows the visits to India by Sri Lanka Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa in December 2021 earlier this month and that of Sri Lanka Foreign Minister professor G L Peiris in February 2022.

According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the bilateral meetings and interactions which EAM will have in Sri Lanka highlight the priority that Sri Lanka occupies for India.

While in Sri Lanka, EAM will also participate in the BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on March 29 in Colombo.

Both Maldives and Sri Lanka are India’s key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and occupy a special place in the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ and Neighbourhood First.

The EAM’s visit is testimony to the importance that India attaches to its close and friendly relations with the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Hijab row: All India Muslim Personal Law Board moves Supreme Court against Karnataka

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 01:40 AM PDT

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has moved to Supreme Court against Karnataka High Court order which dismissed pleas against the ban on Hijab in educational institutes.

In the petition filed through advocate MR Shamshad, the petitioners All India Muslim Personal Law Board and two Muslim women members, have challenged the Karnataka High Court order dated March 15, 2022 which has upheld government order relating to strict enforcement of dress code in educational institutes. The petitioner claimed that the Karnataka HC’s judgment presents an erroneous understanding of the Islamic texts particularly the primary and highest source of Islamic law i.e, the Holy Quran.

“In its impugned Judgment, the High Court of Karnataka curtails religious freedom and constitutional rights of Muslim women,” the board claimed.

They further said that certain sporadic groups started heckling Muslim girl students practicing Hijab in December 2021 and when it escalated to a larger scale, the Government of Karnataka issued the impugned Government Order dated February 5, 2022, making an issue of direct discrimination of selectively chosen class of girls by directly referring to “headscarf or a garment covering the head” not being violative of Article 25.

“The Government Order dated February 5, 2022, is on the face of it blatantly partisan and communal in colour appeasing to hecklers demand. Ironically, the impugned Government Order dated February 5, 2022, was upheld as being in consonance with “constitutional secularism” ignoring that the same leads to discrimination against Muslims in general and Muslim girls in particular whose right to education are denied,” the petitioner said.

Turning to the second issue, the petitioner said that the High Court of Karnataka totally misdirected itself by assuming that the Petitioners had ever objected to wearing of the school uniform.

“From the records before the High Court, it clearly shows that the contention raised by the Petitioners before the High Court was that they should be allowed to wear a Headscarf/Hijab of the same color of the uniform so that they may remain consistent with their fundamental right of conscience and expression,” they said.

The petitioner further said that the ground reality is that the women are compelled to remove their Hijab to avail the right of education, at the cost of self-respect and dignity.

“As far as interpretation of scriptures in the holy Quran are concerned there is a consensus amongst religious scholars of all schools of thought namely, Hanafi, Maliki, Shafai and Hambli that practice of Hijab is ‘wajib’ (mandatory), a set of obligations, which if not followed, he/she will commit “sin” or become a “sinner”. Wajib has been kept in the “First Degree” of obedience,” read the petition.

Although AIMPLB clarified that they were not a party in the matter heard in Karnataka High Court, but they stressed that it has a suitable locus in the present case to take up this issue.

In February this year, the Karnataka government closed high schools and colleges briefly due to protests and disputes over the wearing of the hijab. The matter is pending before the Supreme Court. 

3 BJP MLAs dismissed from Delhi Assembly session today

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 01:26 AM PDT

Three BJP MLAs were dismissed from the House for the day for raising slogans against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal while standing on benches in the Delhi assembly session on Monday.

Chaos erupted in the House on Monday due to the protest by the Aam Aadmi Party leaders over “derogatory” remarks made by Delhi BJP president Adesh Kumar Gupta against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The House was briefly adjourned twice over the same issue. AAP MLAs protested demanding an apology from BJP over alleged derogatory remarks on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The clutter between the two political parties surfaced after Adesh Gupta slammed CM Kejriwal with making defamatory remarks for his statements on ‘The Kashmir Files’ movie.

Kejriwal, in his speech in the Delhi Assembly, had accused the BJP leaders of “promoting” the movie and asked the makers of the movie to upload the film on YouTube which attracted backlash against the Chief Minister on social media.

The Vivek-Agnihotri directed ‘Kashmir Files’ that was released in theatres on March 11 stars Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumaar and others. It revolves around the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990.

The film has been declared tax-free in several states including Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, Goa, Haryana and Uttarakhand.

Two female judges take oath of office in Delhi HC, strength rises to 35

Posted: 28 Mar 2022 01:21 AM PDT

Two new judges were administered the oath of office as judges of the Delhi High Court on Monday.

Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi administered the oath of office to Poonam A Bamba and Swarana Kanta Sharma as Judges of the Delhi High Court. The new appointments take the number of judges in the court to 35 against a sanctioned strength of 60.

With these new appointments, the number of women judges in Delhi High Court now stands at nine.

The Ministry of Law and Justice last week notified the appointment of new judges to the High Courts of Delhi.

Notification in this regards stated: “In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 217 and by clause (1) of Article Article 224 of the Constitution of India, the President, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, is pleased to appoint Poonam A Bamba and Swarana Kanta Sharma as Judges of the Delhi High Courts, w.e.f. the date they assume charge of their respective offices.”

Law and Justice Ministry, in February month also appointed four judges as Delhi High Court Judges named Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma, and Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta.

Poonam A Bamba was the District Judge of Saket District court.

Earlier, she practiced as an advocate in Delhi District Courts and High Courts for about five years from 1983-1987, and worked as Law Officer/Deputy Chief Officer (Law) with Punjab National Bank and Central Bank of India, respectively from 1987 to 1996.

She also worked with the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Mumbai as Division Chief (Legal) and Joint Legal Advisor from 1996-2002. She joined Judiciary in Delhi Higher Judicial Services on December 5, 2002.

Swarana Kanta Sharma was the District Judge of Rohini District of Delhi.

She completed her LLB in the year 1991 and became a Magistrate at a very young age of 24 and Sessions Judge the day she turned 35. She also holds an LLM degree and is a trained Judicial Mediator.

She is a fellow of Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute, Canada.

CM Yogi stresses on medical tourism, says world inclining towards Ayurveda

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 11:15 PM PDT

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth on Monday said that the world has started inclining towards Ayurveda healthcare for the treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

His remarks came while participating in the ‘Deeksha Curriculum’ program of Guru Gorakshnath Institute of Medical Sciences via video conferencing. “We have seen people inclining more towards Ayurveda medical science in the country and across the world during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Medical tourism got established in the country from Ayurveda and not Allopathy,” Adityanath said.

He asserted that people acknowledged the importance of Ayurveda during this period when the world is struggling with the coronavirus pandemic.

He emphasized that traditional medicine is the most important pillar of the entire ecosystem associated with Ayurveda which has boosted medical tourism.

“India has done a lot of progress in modern medical sciences as compared to Ayurveda. However, people always adopt Ayurveda whenever any pandemic situation hits the world,” he stated.

Congress MP gives adjournment motion notice in LS to discuss rise in prices of essential drugs

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 11:11 PM PDT

Congress MP Suresh Kodikunnil on Monday gave an adjournment motion in Lok Sabha to discuss the rise in prices of essential drugs.

“The unjustifiable rise of 11 to 16 per cent in the prices of over 800 essential drugs is an assault on the poor and common man, who is being systematically denied the right to essential medication as the government is pandering to the interests of the pharmaceutical lobby,” the MP said in his notice.

Kodikunnil further said that the government must revoke the decision for the stated rise in prices of essential drugs which will have a disastrous effect on the lives of the common man who is struggling to make two ends meet.

Referring to the rise in fuel prices, he said, “The government must also roll back the surging prices of all essential commodities and revoke the tax rate increase in petrol, diesel and cooking gas to benefit the common man.”

The prices of petrol and diesel were hiked once again on Monday, that is, for the sixth time in a week, leading to an increase of Rs 4.00 and Rs 4.10 per litre respectively since Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Tiruchi Siva has also given Suspension of Business notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 over hike in fuel and LPG prices.

In extraordinary gesture, four Sri Lankan ministers receive EAM Jaishankar at airport

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 11:03 PM PDT

In an extraordinary gesture, four Sri Lankan ministers received Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, who is on a bilateral visit to the island nation, at the airport on Sunday evening.

The ministers, Gamini Lokuge, Minister of Energy, Johnston Fernando, Minister of Highways, Prasanna Ranatunga, Ministry of Tourism and, D V Chanaka, State Minister of Aviation and Export Zones Development, recieved Jaishankar at the airport.

On Sunday, Jaishankar arrived in Colombo for a bilateral visit. During his visit, he will also attend the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) meeting.

“Arrived in Colombo for a bilateral visit and BIMSTEC meeting. Look forward to my discussions over the next two days,” Jaishankar tweeted hours after concluding his Maldives visit.

The minister will be in Sri Lanka from March 28 to 30.

This follows the visits to India by Sri Lanka Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa in December 2021 earlier this month and that of Sri Lanka Foreign Minister professor G L Peiris in February 2022.

According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the bilateral meetings and interactions which EAM will have in Sri Lanka highlight the priority that Sri Lanka occupies for India.

While in Sri Lanka, EAM will also participate in the BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on March 29 in Colombo.

Both Maldives and Sri Lanka are India’s key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and occupy a special place in the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ and Neighbourhood First.

The EAM’s visit is testimony to the importance that India attaches to its close and friendly relations with the Maldives and Sri Lanka.v

Pramod Sawant takes oath as Goa Chief Minister for 2nd consecutive term

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 10:55 PM PDT

Pramod Sawant on Monday took oath as the Goa Chief Minister for the second consecutive term at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium.

The key attendees included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President JP Nadda, Haryana CM ML Khattar and Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.


Vishwajeet Rane, Mauvin Godinho, Ravi Naik, Nilesh Cabral, Subhash Shirodkar, Rohan Khaunte, Atanasio Monserrate, and Govind Gaude also took oath as Ministers today.

Before Sawant, Goa for the Bharatiya Janata Party had all been about the former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who had also served as Union Minister for Defence.

Sawant, 48, is widely known to have been the protege of Parrikar.

Parrikar, a former IIT graduate, was the flag-bearer of the BJP in the coastal state for decades.

Drafted in politics by Parrikar, Sawant steadily rose the ranks in the state unit of the BJP, and soon plunged into electoral politics.

First, he unsuccessfully contested the by-elections in 2008 on the BJP ticket from the Pale Assembly seat. He, however, lost to Congress’ Pratap Gauns.

Sawant stayed put, working in the shadow of Parrikar, and was back in the electoral fray in 2012 Assembly elections. He tasted success, and won from the Sanquelim Assembly constituency. The party entrusted him with the responsibility of the spokesperson.

In the 2017 Assembly polls, Sawant repeated his electoral success, and was rewarded with elevation after he was elected to the Speaker of the Goa Assembly.

Sawant, incidentally, was groomed by Parrikar with aims that he should helm the affairs of the BJP in the state as part of the strategy to help generational shift in the leadership. After Parrikar’s death following a prolonged battle with cancer in 2019, the BJP found Sawant ready to take the riegn of the state, becoming the Chief Minister.

Beginning his journey as the Chief Minister after swearing-in as 13th Chief Minister of Goa on March 19, 2019, he made a mark in the BJP’s Goa politics, stepping out of the shadow of the Parrikar and leading the party at a time when the aspirations of the senior leaders knew no limits.

In the recently concluded state Assembly polls, the BJP emerged as the single largest party in Goa, winning 20 seats in the 40-member state Assembly while Congress came a distant second with 11 seats.

The BJP has bagged the support of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and independent candidates.

Sawant holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery from Ganga Education Society’s Ayurvedic College in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. His wife Sulakshana heads the BJP Mahila Morcha in Goa.

Flight services to Hyderabad, Bengaluru will boost tourism: Lt Governor

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 10:49 PM PDT

Flight services from Puducherry to Hyderabad and Bengaluru resumed on Sunday after being suspended for two years following the outbreak of the pandemic Covid-19.

Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan travelled on the first flight to Hyderabad from Puducherry, on Sunday, after a two years gap.

The Governor said that resumption of flights from the Union Territory to Hyderabad and Bengaluru will boost the development of the UT, especially tourism. and daily direct flights between the UT and Hyderabad will increase the connectivity and bonding between the people.

“The UT administration has requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to allocate land for the expansion of the runway here. This expansion will also benefit the people of Tamil Nadu to increase the inflow of tourists,” said Dr Soundararajan.

She was received by UT CM N Rangasamy, he offered her a bouquet and a shawl in a welcoming gesture. Besides the CM, Minister of Public Works, K Lakshminarayanan, Deputy Speaker Rajavelu, Civil Supplies Minister A.K. Sai J Saravanan Kumar and several other Legislators were also present at the airport.

SpiceJet airlines resumed its flight services after being suspended for two years following the outbreak of the pandemic Covid-19.

The airlines had introduced their flights to Hyderabad in August 2017 in an initiative to connect small cities with air services under UDAN, the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), and in the subsequent year, the airline launched flights to Bangalore from the UT. But following the Covid outbreak, both the services were stopped.

In early March, Chief Minister of the Union Territory, N Rangasamy had announced in a press release, to resume the operation of flights between Puducherry to Hyderabad and Bengaluru, which was on halt for a long time.

States can declare a community minority, Centre tells Supreme Court

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 10:36 PM PDT

The Central government has told the Supreme Court that certain States, where Hindus or other communities are less in number, can declare them as minorities within their own territories, to enable them to set up and administer their own institutions.

Putting the onus on States, the Central government in an affidavit stated that State governments have the power to declare communities as a minority. The affidavit filed in the top court by the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs said, “The state governments can also declare a religious or linguistic community as a minority community within the state.”

States can also declare a religious or linguistic group as a minority community within its territory, as Maharashtra did in the case of Jews in 2016, and Karnataka notified Urdu, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Marathi, Tulu, Lamani, Hindi, Konkani, and Gujrati languages as minority languages.

The response of the Central government came on a plea filed in 2020 by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, that as per the 2011 Census, Hindus were a minority in Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Punjab and that they should be given minority status in these states in accordance with the principle laid down by the Supreme Court in its 2002 TMA Pai Foundation ruling.

The apex court in the TMA Pai case had said that for the purposes of Article 30 which deals with the rights of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions, religious and linguistic minorities have to be considered state-wise.
Under Section 2(c) of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, the Centre had in 1993 notified five communities — Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians — as minorities.

The affidavit said that the petitioner’s contention was that followers of Judaism, Bahaism and Hinduism, who are minorities in Laddakh, Mizoram, Lakshadweep, Kashmir, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Punjab and Manipur, can’t administer their institutions was not correct.

“They can establish and administer educational institutions of their choice in the said State and laying down guidelines for identification of minorities at State level may be considered by the concerned state governments,” added the Centre’s affidavit.
Seeking the dismissal of the plea, the Centre said in the affidavit that “the reliefs sought by the petitioner are not in larger public or national interest”.

It said the issue of identification of religious and linguistic minorities cannot be straight-jacketed and “religious and linguistic minorities are spread all over the country and are not related or restricted to any single state/UT of India. India is a country with very unique characteristics. A religious group that is in majority in one state may be in minority in another state.”

The plea had sought direction to the Centre to lay down guidelines for identification of minorities at the state level saying the Hindus are in minority in 10 states and are not able to avail the benefits of schemes meant for minorities.

In his plea, the petitioner had also challenged the validity of Section 2(f) of the National Commission for Minority Education Institution Act 2004 for giving unbridled power to the Centre and being manifestly arbitrary, irrational and offending.

The plea had said, “Direct and declare that followers of Judaism, Bahaism and Hinduism, who are minorities in Laddakh, Mizoram, Lakshadweep, Kashmir, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Punjab and Manipur, can establish and administer educational institutions of their choice in the spirit of the TMA Pai Ruling.”

Amit Shah to introduce ‘The Criminal Procedure Bill, 2022’ in LS today

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 10:35 PM PDT

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday will introduce “The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022” in the Lok Sabha.

The Bill aims at authorising the police to take measurements of convicts and other persons for the purposes of their identifications and investigations in criminal matters to preserve records. The Bill allows police to collect “finger-impressions, palm-print impressions, footprint impressions, photographs, iris and retina scan, physical, biological samples and their analysis, behavioural attributes, including signatures, handwriting or any other examination” referred to in section 53 or section 53A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

As per the provisions of the Bill, any person convicted, arrested or detained under any preventive detention law will be required to provide “measurements” to a police officer or a prison official.

The bill will repeal the existing ‘The Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920’.
In this Act, it is limited to allow for the taking of finger and footprint impressions and for a limited category of convicted and non-convicted persons and photographs on the order of a Magistrate.

The second half of the Budget session of Parliament began on March 14 and will conclude on April 8. The first half of the Budget session began on January 31 and concluded on February 11.

Bharat Bandh: 48-hour strike begins, partial response seen in states

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 09:57 PM PDT

A 48 hours Bharat bandh or a nationwide strike called by different trade unions to protest against government policies has kicked off in several states on Monday.

The strike will be observed for two days, March 28 and 29. This is the first such strike after the BJP won the Assembly elections in four of five states.

Reduced rate of interest on Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation, rising fuel prices, are among a few reasons for the Bandh call.

In Kerala, the roads wore a deserted look, and only a few private vehicles could be seen. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has halted its services.
The police have arranged for a travel facility to help people reach destinations like railway stations, hospitals etc.

However, the emergency services have been excluded from the strike. The Kerala High Court has restrained five unions in the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) from participating in the strike.

In West Bengal, even though the trade unions could be seen protesting on the streets, the state government has asked all offices to remain open and mandated employees to report for duty.

Members from the Left Front gathered in huge numbers and blocked railway tracks at Jadavpur Railway Station in Kolkata, in view of the two-day nationwide strike called by different trade unions.

Other than the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), almost all other trade unions are participating in the strike.

In Parliament, the CPI(M) MP Bikashranjan Bhattacharyya has moved the motion for suspension of business in Rajya Sabha under Rule 267 to discuss the issue of the two-day nationwide strike.

Likewise, the CPI MP Binoy Viswam gave a suspension of business notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 over the “two-day nationwide strike called by workers across the country to protest against the corporatisation and privatisation policies of the Central Government”.

A joint forum of central trade unions has given a call for a nationwide strike on March 28 and 29, to protest against government policies affecting workers, farmers, and people.

COVID-19: India reports 1,270 new cases in last 24 hours

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 09:46 PM PDT

With 1,270 new COVID infections in the last 24 hours, the active caseload in India has dipped to 15,859 on Monday, Union Health Ministry informed.

The active caseload now constitutes 0.04 per cent of India’s total positive cases. The Ministry, in a press release, said that there has been a sustained fall in the weekly and daily positivity rates too.

The weekly positivity rate in the country currently stands at 0.26 per cent and the daily positivity rate is reported to be 0.29 per cent.

In the last 24 hours, as many as 1,567 patients have recovered from the virus, taking the cumulative tally of recovered patients since the beginning of the pandemic to 4,24,83,829.

India’s recovery rate stands at 98.75 per cent.

As per the release, the last 24 hours saw a total of 4,32,389 COVID-19 tests being conducted. With this, India has so far conducted over 78.73 crore (78,73,55,354) cumulative COVID tests.

The COVID-19 vaccination coverage in India has exceeded 183.26 crore (1,83,26,35,673) as per provisional reports till 7 am today.

This has been achieved through 2,17,89,216 sessions, the Ministry said.

Under the COVID-19 vaccination drive for the age group 12-14 years, which started on March 16 this year, more than 1.23 crore (1,23,75,762) adolescents have been administered with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

IPL 2022: RCB skipper Du Plessis expresses disappointment after loss against PBKS

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 08:53 PM PDT

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Faf du Plessis expressed disappointment after his side got thrashed by Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 clash on Sunday.

Punjab Kings scored 208/5 in 19 overs in reply to Royal Challengers Bangalore’s 205/2 to register a five-wicket win in Match-3 of the IPL 2022 played here at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday. “I think the batting was really good. The catches towards the end. Odean Smith 25 off 8 balls. I think we probably dropped him on 10. After that, we are looking at some tailenders coming in. The cliche of catches win watches.

There was a bit of dew out there, a tough night for the bowlers, but I thought they were pretty decent with the wet ball. Small margins, but they chased it down really well. They had a really good powerplay,” said Du Plessis in a post-match presentation.

“The ball skidded on a bit more in the second innings and then we pulled it back beautifully. We did a lot of good things in the middle. But you know what Odean Smith can do to you. So you got to hold on to those chances. Even the other guy, Shahrukh Khan, didn’t really nail it tonight until the last couple of balls. So a completely different game if you hold on to those chances. I am tired!” he added.

Faf du Plessis’ 88-run knock off 57-balls and Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 41 off 29 balls went on to set a massive target for Punjab but Mayank Agarwal led side chased down the target in 19 overs.

IPL 2022: Two points for us is important, credit to the way we finished: Mayank Agarwal

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 08:46 PM PDT

Punjab Kings captain Mayank Agarwal is happy after registering a five-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore in Match-3 of the Indian Premier League 2022 played here at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday. Punjab scored 208/5 in 19 overs in reply to RCB’s 205/2 in 20 overs.

“Two points for us is very important. Good wicket. Very good wicket as both sides scored 200 plus. One or two balls held up but nothing apart from that. Credit to the way we finished,” said Punjab Kings captain Mayank Agarwal in the post-match presentation. Barring Rahul Chahar and Arshdeep Kaur all the bowlers of Punjab went for plenty with the ball as RCB scored 205 in 20 overs.

“We took the right chances and am glad it came off. I think we gave them 15-20 more,” said Mayank Agarwal.

Faf du Plessis’ 88-run knock off 57-balls and Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 41 off 29 balls went on to set a massive target for Punjab but Mayank Agarwal led side chased down the target in 19 overs.

“Virat and Faf took the game away from us but credit to our batters to chase this down. We trust our skills. It doesn’t come off, it doesn’t come off but we are not going to panic and make a scene out of it,” told Mayank Agarwal.

Odean Smith bagged the ‘Player of the Match’ award for scoring an unbeaten 25 from eight balls. With this win, Punjab Kings have made a winning start to IPL 2022.

Oscars 2022: Will Smith punches Chris Rock over a joke about his wife

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 08:39 PM PDT

American actor Will Smith punched comedian Chris Rock after he got miffed at the latter’s joke directed at his wife Jada Pinkett Smith during the 94th Academy Awards.
After slapping Rock, Smith walked back and used expletives, saying: “Keep my wife’s name out of your *** mouth”.

As per Variety, Rock appeared on stage to present the Oscar for documentary feature and he then made a joke about Jada-Pinkett Smith (Will Smith’s wife) being in ‘G.I. Jane’ because of her shaved bald head.

Initially, Smith was laughing but Jada clearly looked affected by the joke. Smith then took to the stage to punch Rock.

Many in the ceremony looked stunned by the altercation. Diddy, who was the next presenter addressed the situation by saying: “Will and Chris, we’re going to solve that like family. Right now we’re moving on with love. Everybody make some nose.”

Last year, Jada Pinkett Smith had announced that she shaved her head after struggling with alopecia.

Talking about Will Smith, the actor is nominated in the Best Actor Category for ‘King Richard’.

The 94th Academy Awards are being held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and the ceremony is being hosted by Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes. The nominations for the Oscars were announced on February 8 this year by actors Tracee Ellis Ross and Leslie Jordan.

COVID-19: Africa reports 2,422 new cases

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 08:11 PM PDT

The African continent reported 2,422 new COVID-19 cases during the past 24 hours, the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said on Sunday.

Figures from the Africa CDC showed that the number of confirmed positive cases across the continent rose from 11,320,465 on Saturday to 11,322,887 as of Sunday evening. The death toll from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the African continent has reached 250,942, while 10,630,071 people who have been infected with the disease have recovered, the specialized healthcare agency of the African Union said.

South Africa has recorded the most COVID-19 cases in Africa with 3,712,263 cases, while northern African countries Morocco and Tunisia reported 1,162,764 and 1,033,762 cases respectively, it said.

In terms of the caseload, southern Africa is the most affected region, followed by the northern and eastern parts of the continent, while central Africa is the least affected region in the continent, according to the Africa CDC. 

‘Hopeful’ that Taliban will reverse ban on girls’ education decision: US special envoy

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 08:06 PM PDT

The US special envoy for Afghanistan, Thomas West said he was hopeful that the Taliban will reverse their decision over banning teenage girls from going to schools and allowing them to get an education.

Speaking at Doha Forum on Saturday West added that he hoped to witness the Taliban announcing all Afghan girls going back to schools in the coming days, Khaama Press reported. The special representative accused the Taliban of breaching the promises they had made to the Afghan people, as per Khaama Press.

“I believe hope is not lost. I’ve talked to a lot of Afghans here who also believe that. I’m hopeful that we will see a reversal of this decision in the coming days,” US special envoy said.

Earlier, the Taliban regime issued a decree banning female students above grade six from participating in their classes. The girls were further told to stay home until the Islamic Emirate announces its next decision.

Dozens of female students in Afghanistan’s capital city of Kabul took to the streets demanding the Taliban regime to withdraw its decision to ban girls from attending school above the sixth grade.

Chanting the slogans of “education is our absolute right,” the protestors called for the reopening of schools for girls in grades 7-12 across Afghanistan, Tolo News reported.
According to HRW, women and girls are blocked from accessing health care as well. Reports suggest that women and girls facing violence have no escape route.
Allowing girls into schools and other educational institutes has been one of the main demands of the international community.

The majority of countries have refused to formally recognize the Taliban amid worries over their treatment of girls and women and other human rights issues.The US special envoy for Afghanistan, Thomas West said he was hopeful that the Taliban will reverse their decision over banning teenage girls from going to schools and allowing them to get an education.

Speaking at Doha Forum on Saturday West added that he hoped to witness the Taliban announcing all Afghan girls going back to schools in the coming days, Khaama Press reported. The special representative accused the Taliban of breaching the promises they had made to the Afghan people, as per Khaama Press.

“I believe hope is not lost. I’ve talked to a lot of Afghans here who also believe that. I’m hopeful that we will see a reversal of this decision in the coming days,” US special envoy said.

Earlier, the Taliban regime issued a decree banning female students above grade six from participating in their classes. The girls were further told to stay home until the Islamic Emirate announces its next decision.

Dozens of female students in Afghanistan’s capital city of Kabul took to the streets demanding the Taliban regime to withdraw its decision to ban girls from attending school above the sixth grade.

Chanting the slogans of “education is our absolute right,” the protestors called for the reopening of schools for girls in grades 7-12 across Afghanistan, Tolo News reported.
According to HRW, women and girls are blocked from accessing health care as well.

Reports suggest that women and girls facing violence have no escape route.
Allowing girls into schools and other educational institutes has been one of the main demands of the international community.

The majority of countries have refused to formally recognize the Taliban amid worries over their treatment of girls and women and other human rights issues.

Germany considering purchasing weapons for missile defence: Chancellor Scholz

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 08:00 PM PDT

Germany is looking into the possibility of strengthening its missile defence by acquiring a new defence system, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said.

“This is certainly one of the issues we are discussing,” Scholz said in an interview with the German ARD broadcaster when asked whether Berlin could purchase a missile defense system, such as Israel’s Iron Dome.

The chancellor did not disclose any details of the consultations being held on the issue. Earlier this month, the Bild newspaper reported that Scholz and Inspector General of the Bundeswehr Eberhard Zorn had discussed possibilities to acquire the Arrow 3 (Hetz 3) missile defence system from Israel.

Such a purchase would cost Germany 2 billion euros and the anti-ballistic missile system would enter into service in 2025, according to Bild. The defence system could cover Poland, Romania and the Baltics, thanks to the strong radars.

Myanmar’s military leader vows no talks with ‘opposition terrorist groups’

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 07:52 PM PDT

Myanmar’s military leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on Sunday said the military will not negotiate with “terrorist” opposition groups, vowing to “annihilate” them, local media reported.

Hlaing made these remarks during the 77th annual Armed Forces Day. Hlaing said the military will not negotiate with the opposition groups, which it calls “terrorist groups”, Kyodo News reported. He said the military will continue “annihilating such groups until the country regains peace and stability”.

“I would like to highlight that there are no governments or armies worldwide that negotiate with any terrorist groups,” Hlaing said.

The senior general in his speech also expressed concern about unity within the military, warning that “foreign aggressors” and some political forces in the country are trying to disintegrate the military by acts of “internal and external mischiefs,” Kyodo News reported.

“It is always needed to have a strong sense of unity within the organization,” he said.
The Myanmar military seized power in February 2021 after accusing civilian leaders of rigging the general election.

Nearly 1,700 people have died in Myanmar at the hands of the military since the coup, according to a human rights group monitoring the situation in the country, Kyodo News reported.

Oscars 2022 red carpet lit up in Ukrainian flag colours

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 07:28 PM PDT

From wearing a badge of Ukrainian flag to teaming up their outfits with blue ribbons, a slew of actors showed their support for Ukraine in their own different ways on the red carpet of Oscars 2022.

Stars like Benedict Cumberbatch, Jason Momoa, Jamie Lee Curtis, Joe Walker, Nicole Kidman, Jessica Chastain among others expressed their solidarity with Ukraine with their accessories, using the red carpet as a stage to amplify their voices. Nicholas Britell, nominated for his ‘Don’t Look Up’ score, wore a blue ribbon on one lapel in support of Ukraine, and Diane Warren in an Emerald green tuxedo suit, wore a blue lapel ribbon of her own on behalf of Ukraine refugees.

Yoon Yeo-jeong, last year’s Best Supporting Actress for ‘Minari’, also sported a blue ribbon as a mark of support for Ukraine refugees.

Jamie Lee Curtis even spoke about the importance of a blue ribbon while hitting the red carpet at the Dolby Theatre.

“The ribbon is about the refugee crisis.It’s an incredibly important moment given what’s happening in Ukraine, the displacement of human beings in the world. The exodus of human beings is a crucial story for our time right now,” Curtis said.
‘The Godfather’ director Director Francis Ford Coppola wore a pin with the Ukrainian flag.

‘Game of Thrones’ fame star Jason Momoa was spotted donning a handkerchief in the colours of the Ukrainian flag – blue and yellow – in his pocket.

Like others, Benedict Cumberbatch, too, showed support for Ukraine. He sported the Ukrainian flag colours, in a pin on his suit jacket, after he shared a poignant message for the country while receiving his Hollywood Walk of Fame star a few days weeks ago.

Producer-director-actor Tyler Perry, who received the Academy’s Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 2021, marked his presence on the red carpet by wearing a Ukrainian flag ribbon.

For the unversed, Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine last month on February 24 after recognising the Ukrainian breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as “independent republics.”

Russia has since continued to maintain that the aim of its operations has been to “demilitarize” and “de-nazify” the country.

The conflict, which has now entered its second month, has caused a severe humanitarian crisis with millions of refugees fleeing to neighbouring Western countries, including Poland, Romania, Moldova and Hungary.

The Russian actions have been condemned by almost all the western countries, who rolled out severe sets of sanctions targetting the Russian economy, and key individuals.

Pakistan should apologise for genocide in 1971, says Bangladesh Foreign Minister

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 07:20 PM PDT

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said that Pakistan should be ashamed for not seeking an apology for the genocide they committed in 1971.

Replying to the reporter at Foreign Service Academy on Saturday, Momen said, “It’s unfortunate. We always say that Pakistanis should be ashamed. Pakistani military at that time committed heinous crimes and genocide. Even reports from the Pakistan government also said they resorted to excessive torture and violated human rights,” according to Bangladeshi newspaper Prothom Alo. “Even reports from Pakistan government also said they resorted to excessive torture and violated human rights,” he added.

Momen further said that the Pakistan government should punish those people who were responsible for the genocide and seek an apology from Bangladesh.

“I believe, the younger generation of Pakistan would come forward to seek an apology. Such wrongdoings can recur if Pakistan cannot understand (the importance of seeking apology),” Momen was saying as quoted by Prothom Alo.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) has urged the US and the international community to recognize the 1971 genocide of Bangladeshis by Pakistan and take immediate action against it.

In a virtual press conference, the HRCBM called for immediate steps to bring to trial the 195 current and former members of the Pakistan Army, who were recorded as being responsible for the genocide.

On March 25, 1971, Pakistan Army launched ‘Operation Searchlight’, wherein a planned military operation was carried out by the Pakistani Army and its military deliberately harmed hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi citizens. Rights group says the horrors of 1971 are considered one of the worst mass atrocities in history.

The damage they inflicted can be described in the following numbers. As many as three million people were believed to have been killed, up to 200,000 women were violated and over 10 million people were forced to cross the border to India to seek shelter.

‘Dune’ kick-starts its winning run at Oscars 2022

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 07:05 PM PDT

After receiving accolades at different film festivals, ‘Dune’ is now winning big at the 94th Academy Awards.

Denis Villeneuve’s directorial has just bagged four awards at the Oscars, which are currently being held at the Dolby Theatre. Before the broadcast of the main ceremony, the Academy took to its official Twitter handle and announced that Dune has won the awards in ‘Best Film Editing’, ‘Best Score’, ‘Best Sound’, and ‘Best Production Design’ so far.

‘Dune’ earned 10 nominations at the Oscars 2022. Now it remains to be seen whether the sci-fi film will take home more golden trophies or not.

For the unversed, ‘Dune’ is adapted from Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic novel ‘Dune’. It stars Timothee Chalamat and Jessica Ferguson in the lead roles.

Oscars 2022: Beyonce opens ceremony with tennis-themed performance

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 06:59 PM PDT

Iconic singer-songwriter Beyonce opened the 94th Academy Awards and gave a tribute to Venus and Serena Williams at the famed tennis court in Compton.

The singer performed ‘Be Alive’, which happens to be her song from the Will Smith-starrer ‘King Richard’, based on the Williams sisters. Venus and Serena Williams introduced Beyonce’s opening set and said that they came alive as professional athletes at the tennis court in Compton which happens to be in the heart of the city, reported Variety.

The performance had opened with a number of characteristically statuesque Beyonce dancers, and they were dressed up in tennis-ball-green outfits. They appeared to be walking down a Compton street toward the courts. Beyonce and Jay-Z’s daughter Blue Ivy was also dancing at the front.

The Williams sisters share a close association with Beyonce and in 2016, Serena had made an appearance in the singer’s 2016 video for the song ‘Sorry’.

At the 94th Academy Awards, ‘King Richard’ is nominated in several categories, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Will Smith) and Best Screenplay.

The 94th Academy Awards are being held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and the ceremony is being hosted by Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes. The nominations for the Oscars were announced on February 8 this year by actors Tracee Ellis Ross and Leslie Jordan. 

Pramod Sawant to take oath as Goa CM for second consecutive term today

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 06:50 PM PDT

Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Pramod Sawant to take oath as Goa Chief Minister for the second consecutive term on Monday.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Taleigao. Earlier on Saturday, Sawant inspected the preparations for the swearing-in ceremony at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium.

The list of invitees for the ceremony include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief JP Nadda, other Union Ministers and Chief Ministers of at least eight states.

In the recently concluded state Assembly polls, the BJP emerged as the single largest party in Goa, winning 20 seats in the 40-member state Assembly and reducing Congress to 11 seats.

The BJP fell one seat short of the majority figure in Goa but is set to retain power in the state with the help of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and independent candidates.

IPL 2022: Punjab Kings chased mammoth 206-run target, beat Royal Challengers

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 06:38 PM PDT

Punjab Kings scored 208/5 in 19 overs in reply to Royal Challengers Bangalore’s 205/2 to register a five-wicket win in Match-3 of the Indian Premier League 2022 played here at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing a mammoth 206-run target Punjab Kings needed a flying start and their openers Shikhar Dhawan and captain Mayank Agarwal did exactly. The Dhawan-Agarwal duo took their team’s total to the 50-run mark in just 4.3 overs. In six overs the 2014 finalist Punjab had put on 63 runs in six overs. The 71-run opening partnership was finally broken as leg-break bowler Wanindu Hasaranga dismissed Punjab captain Mayank Agarwal for 32 off 24 balls.

Sri Lanka wicket-keeper batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa joined Shikhar Dhawan in the middle and they both took Punjab’s total to a triple-figure mark in 10.1 overs.
The 47-run partnership between Dhawan and Rajapaksa came to an end as Harshal Patel got the important wicket of Dhawan who scored 43 off 29 balls hitting five fours and one six to leave Punjab at 118/2.

Rajapaksa hit some big blows to put some pressure on RCB bowlers but Mohammed Siraj got his wicket to bring Bangalore back in the game. Rajapaksa scored 43 from 22 balls hitting four sixes and two fours. On the very next ball, Siraj dismissed Raj Bawa leg before wicket to a golden duck to reduce Punjab Kings to 139/3.

Liam Livingstone and Shahrukh Khan took the team’s total beyond the 150-run mark in 14.3 overs. Medium-pacer Akash Deep dismissed Livingstone caught by Anuj Rawat for 19 from 10 balls as Punjab lost half of its side for 156.

With half of the side dismissed Punjab needed 36 to win from the last three overs at a required run-rate of 12 runs per over Shahrukh Khan and Odean Smith batted brilliantly to chase down a target with one over to spare.

Shahrukh Khan scored an unbeaten 24 from 20 balls hitting two sixes and Odean Smith slammed an eight ball 25 not out hitting three sixes and one four to help Punjab 208/5 in 19 overs.

Earlier in the day Punjab Kings won the toss and put Royal Challengers Bangalore to bat first and RCB got off to a good start as captain Faf du Plessis led from the front and attacked Punjab Kings bowlers. The RCB skipper du Plessis along with his opening partner Anuj Rawat scored 50 runs for the opening wicket.

The opening partnership was finally broken by leg-spinner Rahul Chahar as he cleaned up Anuj Rawat for 21 as Punjab lost the first wicket for 50 in the seventh over.

Virat Kohli walked in to bat with his skipper as the duo batted brilliantly to take the team to a strong position as RCB went past the triple-figure mark in 12.3 overs.
Faf du Plessis notched up his half-century off just 41 balls and he also brought a fifty partnership with Kohli. The two-time finalist RCB reached 150 in 15.3 overs. Faf-Kohli duo went on to score a century partnership as RCB looked all set for a big first-innings total.

Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh finally broke the 118-run partnership as he got the prized scalp of RCB captain du Plessis caught by Shahrukh Khan for 88 off 57 balls. The South African batter struck seven sixes in his blistering knock of 88.

Despite the fall of Faf du Plessis’ wicket, the run rate did not fall as Dinesh Karthik joined Kohli and they both kept toying away with Punjab’s bowling attack.

Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 41 off 29 balls and Dinesh Karthik’s 32 not out off 14 balls helped Royal Challengers Bangalore score 205/2 in 20 overs setting a 206-run target.
Brief Scores: Punjab Kings 208/5 in 19 overs (Bhanuka Rajapaksa 43, Shikhar Dhawan 43; Mohammed Siraj 2/59) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore 205/2 in 20 overs (Faf du Plessis 88, Virat Kohli 41*; Rahul Chahar 1/22). 

Imran goes after opposition but stays mum on the Army in Islamabad power show

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 10:32 AM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]): Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday held a power show in Islamabad on Sunday where he smeared the opposition leaders, claimed conspiracy against his government, however, he did not utter a word on the Pakistan army.


Addressing a power show ahead of a decisive no-confidence vote in the National Assembly, Khan made an all-out effort to prevent his ouster. Launching an attack against the opposition parties ahead of the no-confidence vote, he said that “three rats” are looting the country for the last 30 years. He blamed them for seeking amnesty for politicians, political workers who were accused of corruption.


“For the last 30 years, they jointly sucked the blood of the country. They have accumulated millions of dollars worth of property outside the country and have offshore accounts. All this drama is happening for the sake of NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance),” he said.


While referring to two prominent political families — Bhuttos and Zardaris, Imran Khan said Pakistan has been left behind in every sphere due to the corruption of these two families.


“Since the arrival of these two corrupt families, we have been left behind in every sphere. India has surpassed Pakistan in every way. Till 90s, we were ahead of them. We were ahead of Bangladesh. Nobody could have thought, we will be left behind Bangladesh,” he said.


Claiming that outside forces are trying to control the foreign policy of Pakistan, Imran Khan said that he is being threatened for following an independent foreign policy.
“Outsiders are trying to control the foreign policy of our country. We– have been aware of this conspiracy for several months,” he said.


The no-confidence motion was submitted by the Opposition parties on March 8 after the Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) long march in Islamabad. The Opposition has been confident that its motion would be carried as many PTI lawmakers have come out in the open against PM Imran Khan.


The Pakistani National Assembly has a total strength of 342 members, with the majority mark being 172. The PTI led coalition was formed with the support of 179 members, with Imran Khan’s PTI having 155 members, and four major allies Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) having seven, five, five and three members respectively.


Imran Khan’s situation was precarious given that three of the four allies, that is, MQM-P, PML-Q and BAP had stated their support to the Opposition’s no-confidence motion and said that they will vote accordingly.


On Saturday, it was reported that the Prime Minister was himself setting up meetings with the estranged allies, particularly the MQM-P in order to reach an understanding.

Nitish Kumar attacked by youth during a programme

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 10:16 AM PDT

Bakhtiarpur (Bihar) [India]: Bihar Police on Sunday arrested a youth for allegedly making an attempt to attack Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during a programme in the Bakhtiarpur town of Patna district.


In the video that went viral on the internet, the youth can be seen approaching Nitish Kumar and trying to hit him from behind. The police arrested the youth and interrogated him, however, the reason behind the attack is yet to be ascertained.


Further details awaited.

Alia Bhatt wishes ‘RRR’ co-star Ram Charan on his Birthday

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 10:05 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Alia Bhatt extended heartfelt birthday wishes to her ‘RRR’ co-star Ram Charan who turned 37 on Sunday.


Alia who played Sita, Ram Charan’s fiancee in ‘RRR’, took to her Instagram story and shared a still of the birthday boy from the movie. Alongside the picture, she wrote, “DOUBLE THE CELEBRATIONS DOUBLE THE LOVE. Happiest birrrthday Charan. Wishing you all the happiness, love and cake.”

For the unversed, ‘RRR’ is SS Rajamouli’s directorial. It also features Jr NTR in the lead role. It has earned Rs 257 crore worldwide on day one of its release on Friday.

Ajay Devgn and Alia Bhatt have played cameos in the magnum opus.

Three rats looting country-Imran Khan at rally ahead of no-trust vote

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 09:54 AM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday launched a scathing attack against the opposition parties ahead of the no-confidence vote and said that “three rats” are looting the country for the last 30 years. He blamed them for seeking amnesty for politicians, political workers who were accused of corruption.


Speaking at a power show in Islamabad, Imran Khan lauded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers for refusing the opposition’s offers to bribe them in return for their votes on the no-trust motion. “I am proud of you,” he said. While referring to the main opposition parties (Pakistan Muslim League (N), Pakistan Peoples Party), he said, “These three rats are looting the country for the last 30 years.”


“For the last 30 years, they jointly sucked the blood of the country. They have accumulated millions of dollars worth of property outside the country and have offshore accounts. All this drama is happening for the sake of NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance). They want Imran Khan to kneel in front of them, as (former Pakistan army chief ) General Pervez Musharraf did,” Imran Khan said during a rally at the Parade Ground in the capital city.


“From day one, they (opposition) have been trying to blackmail me,” he added
The Pakistan PM thanked the participants for responding to his call for the rally and vowed to speak his heart out to discuss the conspiracy against him.


The show of strength by Imran Khan comes as the opposition geared up for a no-trust vote in the National Assembly to oust his government. This comes as the opposition has geared up for a no-trust vote in the National Assembly to oust his government over massive corruption, unemployment, inflation and price hike.


Earlier this week, Imran Khan had claimed that the no-confidence motion was tabled so that the opposition leaders could get an ‘easy escape’. “Three rats are trying to hunt me down but what they don’t know is that they will be hunted down instead… I will defeat them,” he had said during a rally in Mansehra.


Earlier, rumours of Imran Khan resigning from his office were rife after the renaming of Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office YouTube channel to “Imran Khan” on Saturday.


The no-confidence motion was submitted by the Opposition parties on March 8 after the Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) long march in Islamabad. The Opposition has been confident that its motion would be carried as many PTI lawmakers have come out in the open against PM Imran Khan.


As the crucial no-confidence motion session inched closer and uncertainty continued to shroud political alliances, at least 50 ministers belonging to the ruling party had gone ‘missing’ from the political front.


The Pakistani National Assembly has a total strength of 342 members, with the majority mark being 172. The PTI led coalition was formed with the support of 179 members, with Imran Khan’s PTI having 155 members, and four major allies Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) having seven, five, five and three members respectively.


Imran Khan’s situation was precarious given that three of the four allies, that is, MQM-P, PML-Q and BAP had stated their support to the Opposition’s no-confidence motion and said that they will vote accordingly.

Ranbir, Alia visit Bridal wear designer; post pictures

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 09:43 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Do we hear wedding bells for star couple Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt? The duo recently visited Indian designer Beena Kannan, the lead designer of Seematti textiles, which specialises in bridal wear.


Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt are one of the most adored couples of Bollywood. The duo has been dating for more than four years and fans are eagerly waiting for them to announce their wedding soon. The pair recently visited Indian designer Beena Kannan who is the CEO and lead designer of Seematti textiles, which specialises in bridal wear.


Talking about her achievements, she is also a 2007 Guinness Book Record holder for the longest ever silk saree, created by her.


Taking to her Instagram handle, Kannan shared a picture featuring herself with Alia and Ranbir. She captioned the post as “With @aliaabhatt & Ranbir Kapoor”.

While Alia looked radiant in a white floral accentuated kurta, Ranbir looked handsome as always in a navy blue shirt paired with blue jeans.


Soon after Kannan shared the picture, fans of Alia and Ranbir flocked the comments section asking, “Is it Wedding bells?”


One fan wrote, “Shaadi kab hai?” (When is the wedding)


“It look likes wedding bells…” wrote another.


However, some fans also speculated the picture might be taken during a dress trial for their upcoming film ‘Brahmastra’.


Directed by Ayan Mukerji, ‘Brahmastra’ has been in the making for the last seven years. Ranbir and Alia had also fallen in love on the sets of the film.


It will release in theatres on September 9 in five Indian languages – Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. Amitabh Bachchan, Mouni Roy and Nagarjuna Akkineni are also a part of the film. 

Pakistan has accumulated $10 Billion new debt during COVID-19; Report

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 09:28 AM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]: Asian Development Bank released a report which states that Pakistan has accumulated over USD10 billion in new debt during the Covid-19 pandemic.


To manage the fiscal imbalance, the government massively stockpiled debt, which led to impacts on financial markets. A high fiscal deficit affects resource allocation among the private and the public sectors. In Pakistan, the borrowing of the government from banks constitutes more than 90 per cent of total loans, the report noted.

Pakistan’s debt to Gross Domestic Product ratio was the highest in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program (CAREC) region at 86 per cent in 2019 which increased in 2020, reading at 99 per cent, as per Business Recorder citing the ADB report named as “COVID-19 and Economic Recovery Potential in the CAREC Region”.


The report further states that the debt sustainability analysis for the CAREC region that the overall risk of debt distress for Pakistan is high.


Pakistani government borrowed over 90 per cent of the total loans, the report added.
Pakistan has the third-highest debt services, which constitutes nearly 7 per cent or USD 15 billion of the total CAREC region in 2020.


The direct health costs of COVID-19 are highest in Pakistan which was around USD 2,019 million.


Earlier, on Friday, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan claims that all economic indicators are going in the right direction and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated that the Pakistan economy is moving in the right direction. The above report and claims by the government are contradictory.


Meanwhile today, the Pakistani PM is addressing the public which is dubbed as a “battle for the future” ahead of the Opposition’s no-trust motion in the National Assembly.


Incidentally, the Opposition’s marches from different cities, which are being led by Pakistan’s People’s Pary (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), are also going to reach Islamabad today.


Imran Khan’s party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf set to face a no-trust motion in the National Assembly. The session is called on March 28.


The Pakistani National Assembly has a total strength of 342 members, with the majority mark being 172. The PTI led coalition was formed with the support of 179 members, with Imran Khan’s PTI having 155 members, and four major allies Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) having seven, five, five and three members respectively.

Service rules of Chandigarh administration to match to that of Central Civil Services

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 09:16 AM PDT

Chandigarh [India]: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced that the service conditions of the employees of Chandigarh administration will now be matched to that of the Central Civil Services.


This decision is expected to bring big gains to the employees. He said this after inaugurating the first phase of Chandigarh Police Residential Complex and laying the foundation stone of the third phase.


Speaking at the event today, Shah said, “Today, I also announce that the service conditions of the employees of Chandigarh administration will now be matched to that of the Central Civil Services. This is expected to bring big gains to the employees.”


Shah at the inauguration of the Chandigarh Police Housing complex said, “High Housing Satisfaction Ratio is important to keep police personnel motivated, and I am happy to see Chandigarh moving forward in this direction.”


Shah further highlighted that for those working in the Chandigarh administration, the retirement age will be of 60 years up from the existing 58 years. Further, he said that women employees will now have two years of Child Care Leave up from the existing one year.


Earlier in the day, Shah inaugurated the new office of the Housing Board and Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC) in Chandigarh. Shah also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects in Urban Park, Sector 17 here.

Delhi Capitals’ Tim Seifert says ‘we showed fighting courage’

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 09:06 AM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Delhi Capitals pulled off an amazing chase despite getting off to a poor start as they lost three wickets inside the first six overs.


The 2020 finalist needed 75 off 42 balls at one point when Shardul Thakur became the sixth wicket to fall soon after.

But they weren’t done yet as Axar Patel and Lalit Yadav pulled off a coup to gather points for Capitals.

“Everything is good. Great way to start the campaign, for me and the team. It was an entertaining (game), T20 cricket. We showed fighting courage, ” said Delhi Capitals opener Tim Seifert after the match.


Tim Seifert scored only 21 off 14 balls but his brilliant catch to get rid of dangerous Kieron Pollard of Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling ensured that the dangerous batter was out cheaply for 3.


“Sometimes you got to stick the mitts out. It was good to see the back of him early (on Pollard’s catch),” said Tim Seifert.


Delhi Capitals will now take on Hardik Pandya led side Gujarat Titans in their next match on April 2.


“We have been here for a week. It has been excellent. The cricket we have been talking about (with Ponting) has been excellent. Looking forward to the next few months with him,” said Tim Seifert.

Ace shuttler PV Sindhu wins Swiss Open; PM sends congratulations

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 08:56 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated Indian shuttler, PV Sindhu, on winning the women’s singles title of Swiss Open 2022.


“Congratulations to @Pvsindhu1 on winning the Swiss Open 2022. Her accomplishments inspire the youth of India. Best wishes to her for her future endeavours,” said PM Narendra Modi in a tweet.


The double Olympic medallist Indian defeated Busanan Ongbamrungphan of Thailand by 21-16, 21-8 in 49 minutes. With this win, Sindhu now has a head-to-head record of 16-1 against the Thai player.


This is Sindhu’s second Super 300 title of the year. She has won Syed Modi International back in January.

IPL: Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel script stunning turnaround win for Delhi Capitals

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 07:17 AM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Fighting knocks from Lalit Yadav and Axar Patel helped Delhi Capitals in defeating Mumbai Indians by 4 wickets in the Indian Premier League 2022 clash on Sunday.


At the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, Lalit Yadav and Axar Patel played unbeaten knocks of 48 and 38 respectively as Delhi chased the target of 178 with 10 balls left to play. Capitals who needed 75 off 42 at one point looked deep in trouble when Shardul Thakur became the sixth wicket to fall soon after. But they weren’t done yet as Patel and Yadav pulled off a coup to gather points for Capitals.


Earlier, knocks from Ishan Kishan and captain Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians to a total of 177/5 in their Indian Premier League 2022 match against Delhi Capitals.


Chasing 178, Delhi got off to a bad start as they lost three wickets inside the first six overs. Murugan Ashwin was the pick for Rohit Sharma as bowler removed Tim Seifert for 21 and Mandeep Singh in his first over for Mumbai Indians.


In the very next over which was the 5th of the innings, Tymal Mills sent DC captain Rishabh Pant back in the hut. With a short length delivery just outside off stump, Pant looked to cut over point but got the outside edge that travelled straight to Tim David at third man. Delhi’s score read 46/3 after the first power play.


Lalit Yadav then joined opener, Prithvi Shaw, on the crease as both batters kept runs clocking for Delhi. With DC looking to gain momentum in the middle overs, Basil Thampi struck twice in the 10th over to dismantle the chase of Capitals. Thampi first sent set opener, Prithvi Shaw, for 38 and then packed the bags of Rovman Powell in the same over.


Thampi struck again in the 14th over to remove dangerous-looking Shardul Thakur for 22. MI bowler got his third wicket of the day as Thakur went for the pull but the ball was fuller for the shot and hence got the top edge that went to Rohit Sharma at covers.


Axar Patel then joined Lalit Yadav in the middle and both batters valiantly took the charge against MI bowlers as Delhi needed 28 runs from 18 balls.


The 18th over proved vital as Patel and Yadav smashed Daniel Sams for 24 runs which included three mammoth sixes as Delhi ended any hope of Mumbai.


In the second ball of the penultimate over Patel smashed Jasprit Bumrah to four and Capitals took the honours and grabbed all the points.


Put in to bat first, Mumbai Indians amassed a total of 177/5 in their assigned twenty overs as Ishan Kishan who was bought for Rs 15.25 crore in IPL Auction by five-time champions smashed an unbeaten 81 while skipper Rohit played a crucial knock of 41.

For Delhi, spinner Kuldeep Yadav stole the limelight as he scalped three wickets and Khaleel Ahmed took two.


Brief Scores: Mumbai Indians 177/5 (Ishan Kishan 81*, Rohit Sharma 41; Kuldeep Yadav 3-18) vs Delhi Capitals 179/6 (Lalit Yadav 48*, Axar Patel 38*; Basil Thampi 3-35). 

Brain waves during sleep can determine one’s risk taking ability

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 07:09 AM PDT

Bern [Switzerland]: According to the University of Bern’s latest research, the brain waves during sleep can determine the extent of an individual’s propensity for risk.


The findings of the research were published in the journal ‘NeuroImage’. “The fewer slow waves an individual has over their right prefrontal cortex during deep sleep, the greater their propensity for risk. Among other functions, this region of the brain is important to control one’s own impulses,” explained neuroscientist Daria Knoch.


Slow waves occur during deep sleep and indicate good sleep quality and regeneration. The topographical distribution of slow waves in the brain is highly individual and is highly stable over time, this means each individual has their own personal neuronal sleep profile.


To determine whether this profile reveals anything about an individual’s propensity for risk, the research team studied 54 “good sleepers,” who typically sleep for seven to eight hours. These were identified using actigraphs, which track the patterns of movement during sleep.”


The individual slow-wave profile can only be interpreted correctly during normal sleep,” explained the leader of the study, Lorena Gianotti. In the next step, sleep data was collected at participants’ homes using a portable polysomnographic system with 64 electrodes placed at their scalp.


“The undisturbed measurement of the brain activity during sleep in a familiar environment and the high density of data collected by the 64 electrodes are rather rare as a constellation in sleep research. This allows the participants to sleep naturally and allows us to collect a large quantity of data,” explained doctoral student and first author, Mirjam Studler.


And this data is very meaningful and significant: participants who show lower slow-wave activity over their right prefrontal cortex generally demonstrate a greater propensity for risk than individuals with more slow-wave activity.The propensity to take risks was elicited in a computer game where they could win actual money: the participants had to decide how far they would drive a car in the knowledge that at some point, a wall would appear with which the car would collide.


Each meter driven earned them more money, but also increased their risk of crashing.”Interestingly, the sleep duration had no impact in terms of the propensity for risk, at least in our study with good sleepers. Rather, it is crucial that deep sleep takes place in the right-brain regions — in this case, in the right prefrontal cortex,” explained Lorena Gianotti.


Health economics research has demonstrated that risky behaviour can have both considerable health-related and financial consequences. According to the researchers, gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the propensity for risky behaviour is therefore important.”Our findings can be incorporated into targeted interventions. Sleep researchers are now developing techniques to specifically modulate slow waves,” said Daria Knoch.

India is emerging as a preferred destination for investments-Piyush Goyal

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 06:59 AM PDT

Dubai (UAE): Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Sunday said that India is emerging as a preferred destination for investments as the Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) has been consistently growing over the past seven years.


In an interview, Goyal said, “You will appreciate that FDIs in the past 7 years has been consistently growing, year after year it has broken all the records. It shows that India is emerging as a preferred destination for investments.” The minister said that India has record investments even during the COVID-19 period.


On being asked about the visit of a high-level delegation from UAE to Jammu and Kashmir for business opportunities, he said that Kashmir has become an “attraction for investors” both in India and internationally after the abrogation of Article 370.


“After the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the way Kashmir has become an attraction for investors both in India and internationally was evident when a high-level delegation from UAE has come to Jammu and Kashmir for investments,” Goyal stated.


Jammu and Kashmir administration hosted a Gulf Investment Summit in Srinagar to strengthen ties and boost investment opportunities in the region. Delegates from over thirty-six countries attended the event.


“In fact, one of the MoUs was signed during my earlier visit also when I was there with LG Manoj Sinha in Kashmir. It seems that a whole host of investors had the benefit of visiting Jammu and Kashmir, experiencing the beauty, glory and offerings of the union territory,” the Union Minister stated.


He also asserted that “very rapid and enormous” progress will be there in Jammu and Kashmir in the years to come, given the huge thrust of the Government of India to promote investments in the union territory.


“I have no doubt in my mind that given the huge thrust of GoI to promote investments in J-K, the excellent package that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given to promote industrial development here, the enthusiasm that I can see both in India and internationally, particularly in UAE….very rapid and enormous progress in J-K will be there in the years to come,” Goyal added.


The 36-member delegation included Indian businessmen based in the UAE and a representative of the Rulers Office in Abu Dhabi.


During the Gulf Investment Summit in Srinagar, investment proposals of Rs 27,000 crores have been cleared by the Jammu and Kashmir administration.

Mamata Banerjee demands impartial probe in Birbhum violence

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 06:50 AM PDT

Bagdogra (West Bengal): Clarifying that the Trinamool Congress has no role in the Birbhum violence, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday asserted that there is a conspiracy behind the incident, adding that CBI should not follow BJP’s direction in the ongoing investigation.


She further demanded an impartial probe in Birbhum violence that took place in West Bengal “We (TMC) were not involved in the Rampurhat incident. A Trinamool worker was murdered by another party worker. But the media only criticised TMC. We took several steps to find out the original cause of the incident,” the chief minister said while addressing an event here.


As many as eight people were killed in the Rampurhat area of West Bengal’s Birbhum on Tuesday after a mob allegedly set houses on fire following the killing of TMC leader Bhadu Sheikh.


Citing an example of other such incidents in BJP ruled states, CM Banerjee said that the West Bengal government never stopped any political party visiting the Rampurhat area, however, TMC workers were not allowed when such happenings took place in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Tripura or Assam.


She further appealed to people to help the local police stations if they get information regarding any unwanted incident in this regard.


“I still think that there is a conspiracy behind the Rampurhut incident. It’s good that CBI took charge but if they only follow BJP’s direction, we are ready to protest,” she cautioned that an impartial probe is required to find the real culprit.


Her clarification came after BJL MLAs staged a protest in the Vidhan Sabha premises on Friday against Mamata Banerjee, demanding her statement over the Birbhum violence.


“The SIT by the state government was an attempt to suppress the facts. We had demanded a CBI inquiry in the case so that truth can be divulged. We thank the High Court for ordering a CBI probe in the case. We believe that a fair inquiry will be done now and justice will be given to the victims and their families,” the BJP MLAs said.


Meanwhile, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari also staged a protest along with party workers in front of the SDO office of Rampurhat on Saturday over the Birbhum violence.


The BJP leaders demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Centre’s intervention in the matter.


Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court on Friday ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe in the case.


The High Court sought a report that is to be submitted by April 7. The case was being investigated by an SIT formed by the West Bengal government.


Earlier today, West Bengal police also recovered crude bombs in Sikandarpur village of Birbhum.


Director-General of Police (DGP) West Bengal, Manoj Malviya on Friday informed that 11 arrests have been made in the case so far.


Also, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had sought a detailed report from the West Bengal government over the arson incident. The move came after a nine-member delegation of BJP MPs from West Bengal met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and sought his intervention and action against the perpetrators involved in the crime. 

Swiss Open: India’s HS Prannoy loses to Jonatan Christie in final

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 05:41 AM PDT

Indian shuttler HS Prannoy lost to Jonatan Christie of Indonesia 12-21 18-21 in the men’s singles final of Swiss Open 2022 which lasted for 48 minutes here at St. Jakobshalle arena.

In the opening game World No.8, Jonatan Christie started off on a positive note taking a 4-1 lead by winning three points on the trot. The Indian fought back winning 4 consecutive points taking a 5-4 lead. The World No. 26 Indian led 7-5 at one point but from there on lost his way as the Indonesian won four consecutive points to take a 12-8 lead. At 13-10 lead the World No.8 Christie won seven points consecutively to take a massive 20-10 lead and went on to win the opening game 21-12 to go one game up.

In the second game, both the shuttlers fought neck-to-neck as at one point they were both levelled at 7-7 but from there on Jonatan Christie won four consecutive points to take an 11-7 lead. Trailing 9-13 the Indian made a comeback to make it 13-13. After that, the Indonesian World No.8 made the race away with a 20-15 lead and it all seemed over.

Prannoy fought winning three consecutive points but it was too little too late for him as Jonatan Christie won the second game 21-18 and claim the men’s single title of Swiss Open Super 300.

Katrina pens heartfelt message for ‘The Fame Game’ director Karishma Kohli on her B’day

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 05:39 AM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Actor Katrina Kaif shares a special bond with ‘The Fame Game’ director Karishma Kohli.


On the occasion of her birthday, Katrina took to Instagram Story and penned a heartwarming birthday wish for Karishma. She dropped a picture with Karishma and captioned it as, “Happiest birthday Karishma…my most special. “

In the image, Kaif and Karishma can be seen sharing smiles.


For the unversed, Karishma has assisted director Kabir Khan in the film ‘Ek Tha Tiger’, which stars Katrina opposite Salman Khan. She has also worked in ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ and ‘Tubelight’.


Currently, she has been basking in the glory of Madhuri Dixit Nenne- starrer ‘The Fame Game’.

PVR and INOX merge to deliver unparalleled movie-going experience

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 05:32 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Cinema brands PVR Limited and INOX Leisure Limited announced their merger on Sunday with a view to “delivering an unparalleled movie-going experience” to the audience.


The combined entity will be named PVR INOX Limited with the branding of existing screens to continue as PVR and INOX respectively. New cinemas opened post the merger will be branded as PVR INOX, said a press release by PVR and INOX. “Post the merger, PVR Promoters will have a 10.62 per cent stake while INOX Promoters will have a 16.66 per cent stake in the combined entity,” said the release.


Upon obtaining all approvals, when the merger becomes effective, INOX will merge with PVR. Shareholders of INOX will receive shares of PVR in exchange for shares in INOX at the approved share exchange (“swap”) ratio.


Ajay Bijli would be appointed as the Managing Director and Sanjeev Kumar would be appointed as the Executive Director. Pavan Kumar Jain would be appointed as the Non- Executive Chairman of the Board. Siddharth Jain would be appointed as Non-Executive Non-Independent Director in the combined entity.


“With PVR currently operating 871 screens across 181 properties in 73 cities and INOX operating 675 screens across 160 properties in 72 cities, the combined entity will become the largest film exhibition company in India operating 1546 screens across 341 properties across 109 cities,” said the release.


Commenting on the announcement, Ajay Bijli, Chairman and Managing Director of PVR said that the partnership will put consumers at the centre of its vision.


“This is a momentous occasion that brings together two companies with significantly complementary strengths. The partnership of these two brands will put consumers at the centre of its vision and deliver an unparalleled movie-going experience to them. The film exhibition sector has been one of the worst impacted sectors on account of the pandemic and creating scale to achieve efficiencies is critical for the long term survival of the business and fight the onslaught of digital OTT platforms,” he said.


Siddharth Jain, Director, INOX Leisure Ltd called the merger of the cinema brands “historic” and said it is driven by passion.


“Coming together of two iconic cinema brands, which are driven by passion, is certainly the most historic moment in the Indian cinema exhibition industry. Both companies have set high service benchmarks in an endeavour to offer the best cinema experience in the world, to the most passionate moviegoers, and would continue to do so as a unified entity,” he said. 

Topple Imran Khan’s corrupt govt to save Pak, Opposition urges public

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 05:31 AM PDT

Pakistani opposition party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shahbaz Sharif urged people to topple the corrupt government of Prime Minister Imran Khan to save Pakistan.

Shahbaz Sharif has asked the people to “topple down this corrupt government to save the future of the nation,” Geo News reported. Addressing the public through a video message, Sharif urged the people to join the joint opposition-led protest “Mehngai Mukao March” against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led government.

He said that he wanted to convey the important message of Nawaz Sharif to the nation. He further criticized the PTI-led government over alleged worst corruption, poverty, unemployment and cruel behaviour to the common man.

Earlier, on Saturday, the PML-N’s “Mehngai Mukao March” kick-started from Lahore where the party’s Vice-President Maryam Nawaz said that the Imran Khan-led government has “already been ousted” and the Opposition was heading to Islamabad to say “goodbye” to Prime Minister.

“(Prime Minister) Imran Khan’s government has gone he is shouting every day. The government has gone we are going to say goodbye to it,” Maryam said, according to Geo News.

The PML-N leader said that the “people are echoing” the name of party supremo Nawaz Sharif due to the “incompetent government and inflation”.

“The government has gone a goodbye is left only. He’s (Imran Khan) is pleading but nothing will happen now,” said the PML-N leader. She added that move to oust PM Imran was taken by the government and not the Opposition.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani PM is all set for his rally where he will address the public at around 4 PM, ahead of the Opposition’s no-trust motion in the National Assembly.
Imran Khan’s party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf set to face a no-trust motion in the National Assembly. The session is called on March 28.
The Pakistani National Assembly has a total strength of 342 members, with the majority mark being 172. The PTI led coalition was formed with the support of 179 members, with Imran Khan’s PTI having 155 members, and four major allies Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) having seven, five, five and three members respectively.

Sanjay Raut targets BJP over Mehbooba Mufti’s comments on Kashmir

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 05:22 AM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday attacked Bharatiya Janata Party for providing Peoples Democratic Party chief (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, who is a known terrorist sympathiser and has pro-Pakistan views, the power to form a government with her party in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.


Reacting to PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s comment where she advocated for dialogue with Pakistan and the people of Jammu and Kashmir to bring peace in the region, Sena leader said, “She has been making such statements because BJP has given her strength by earlier forming a government with her.” “PDP has always been pro-Pakistan and sympathiser with terrorists. By forming a government with her BJP has given them strength, BJP is responsible for her comments,” said Raut.


PDP and BJP had formed a post-poll alliance in 2015 to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir. The alliance broke in June 2018.


“Mehbooba Mufti has been a good friend of the BJP. Despite her supporting Afzal Guru and Burhan Wani, BJP formed the government with her in Jammu and Kashmir. BJP is responsible for whatever Mufti is saying today. Our party will continue opposing it,” said Raut.


Mufti on Saturday while addressing the party workers in Ramban had said that the peace in the region will only come when the Kashmir issue is resolved.


“Kashmir has been awaiting a solution for the last 70 years…there will be no peace in the region until the Kashmir issue is resolved, and for that, dialogue with Pakistan and the people of Jammu and Kashmir is imperative,” said former chief minister Mufti.


The Rajya Sabha member Raut further said Shiv Sena’s view on Kashmir is clear that they oppose the ideology of PDP. 

Sara Ali Khan shares throwback pictures of ‘Badi Amma’ Sharmila Tagore

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 05:07 AM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): There is nothing quite like a grandparent’s love. Actor Sara Ali Khan feels blessed to have her “badi amma” and veteran star Sharmila Tagore around her.


Taking to Instagram, Sara shared a collage of two throwback pictures with her grandmother. The first picture was from Sara’s childhood, wherein she could be seen sitting on Sharmila’s lap, who was hugging her from behind.

The other picture was from Sharmila’s 76th birthday bash, where Sara was seen hugging her badi amma from behind,


“From holding me to holding you. Love you Badi Amma,” she captioned the post.
Sara is the firstborn of Sharmila’s son Saif Ali Khan with his first wife Amrita Singh. The former couple also has a son named Ibrahim.


Speaking of Sara’s work projects, the actor is currently busy shooting for ‘Gaslight’, which also features Vikrant Massey. She will also be seen sharing screen space with Vicky Kaushal in Laxman Utekar’s next. 

Amarnath Yatra to commence on June 30

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 05:00 AM PDT

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): The Amarnath Yatra will start on June 30, 2022 with all COVID-19 protocols and culminate on the day of the Raksha Bandhan.


The Amarnath Yatra will last for 43 days this year, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir informed today.

In a tweet today by the office of the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, it read, “Today chaired Board meeting of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board. The 43-day holy pilgrimage will commence on 30th June with all COVID protocols in place and culminate, as per the tradition, on the day of Raksha Bandhan. We had in-depth discussion on various issues also on upcoming Yatra.”


On June 21 last year, the Jammu and Kashmir Government had decided to cancel this year’s Amarnath Yatra due to the COVID-19 situation in the country but all the traditional religious rituals were performed at the Holy Cave Shrine as per past practice.


Out of all Hindu deities, Lord Shiva is worshipped not only by Indians but also by people of other countries.

To get closer to their revered God, who appears on this earth in the unique form of an ice Lingam, millions of devotees trek through the daunting mountains to Shri Amarnathji Shrine in South Kashmir every year in the summer months to pay their obeisance.


The Shrine is managed by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which was constituted by an Act of the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislature in 2000 with the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir as its ex-officio Chairman. 

Elon Musk thinking of creating a new social media platform

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 04:55 AM PDT

Washington [US]: Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk said on Sunday that he is “giving serious thought” to creating a new social media platform consisting of an open-source algorithm.


“Am giving serious thought to this,” Musk tweeted in response to another user’s question whether he considers building a new social media platform, which would consist of an open-source algorithm and on which free speech would be given top priority.

On Friday, Musk posted a poll to his Twitter account, asking other users to vote whether they believe the platform adheres to the free speech principle. Over 2 million users participated in the poll, with 70.4% responding negatively. 

With CUET in place, students need not write multiple exams for UG admission

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 04:54 AM PDT

Chairman of University Grants Commission (UGC), Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar has said that the state Universities, private and deemed to be universities to use Common University Entrance Test (CUET) scores for admissions in the Under Graduate (UG) programs and with CUET in place there is no need for students to write multiple exams for admission in UG programs.

The Chairman stated, “We have written to the Vice-Chancellors, Directors, Principals of all State Universities, Private Universities, Deemed to be Universities and Colleges for using CUET scores for admissions in UG programs from the academic session 2022-23 in all UGC funded central universities in 13 Indian languages by the National Testing Agency (NTA).” He stated that with CUET in place there is no need for the students to worry about getting sky-rocketing scores in the 12th standard and they do not have to write multiple examinations.

In the letter written to the state universities, the Chairman wrote, “Many State universities, deemed to be universities, private universities and other Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in the country also use either marks of 12th Board or conduct entrance test for admission in UG programmes.”

The letter added, “To save students from appearing in multiple entrance examinations, conducted on different dates, sometimes coinciding with each other, and to also provide equal opportunity to all students from different Boards, UGC invites and encourages all state universities, deemed to be universities, private universities and other HEIs to adopt and use CUET score from 2022-23 onwards for admission of students in their UG programs.”

The NTA in its notice mentioned, “The CUET (UG) – 2022 will be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) Mode and will be objective type with multiple-choice questions. The test will consist of four sections which are Section IA – 13 Languages, Section IB – 20 Languages, Section II – 27 Domain-specific Subjects, Section III – General Test The aspirants.”

As per the NTA notice, the aspirants will be able to register for CUET examination online from April 2, 2022.

The NTA also advises candidates to visit the NTA CUET (UG)-2022 official website (https://cuet.samarth.ac.in/), available from April 2, 2022, for the latest updates regarding the Examination.

After nearly two years of Pandemic, regular international flights to start from Sunday

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 03:19 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Nearly after two years of the pandemic, India is all set to resume regular international flights from Sunday, according to an order issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.


The order said that Scheduled Foreign Carriers have applied for approval of their international schedule. The Summer Schedule 2022 is effective from March 27, 2022, till October 29 this year.

A total of 60 foreign airlines of 40 countries including Mauritius, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, the United States of America, Iraq and others have been given the approval to operate 1783 frequencies to/from India during Summer Schedule 2022.


However, there are a few new airlines which include India Salam Air, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, Qantas and American airline, to begin airline operations with India.
Notably, India had suspended the international flights since March 2020, due to the COVID pandemic. 

Uttarakhand: Two leopard cubs rescued

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 03:14 AM PDT

Nanital (Uttarakhand): Two leopard cubs were rescued from a sugarcane field in Gorakhpur village, Nanital on Sunday.


The incident came to light when the sugarcane field caught fire in the Ampokhara range of Terai West Forest Division. The farmers spotted the cubs and informed the forest department. The forest department officials rescued the cubs and immediately rushed them to the veterinary hospital.


“The young cubs have survived minor burns and injuries and would recover soon,” said Dushyant Kumar, veterinary doctor.


Both the cubs are being treated and would be released in the forest after recovery informed officials

BJP accuses Bihar Minister of cheating fishermen

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 03:06 AM PDT

Patna (Bihar): Bihar Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) president Sanjay Jaiswal accused Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Mukesh Sahani of cheating the fishermen and the department and said action will be taken against him.


The development came days after all the three MLAs of Mukesh Sahani’s Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) joined the BJP. “I am in shock today. Over 30 members of the ministry have complained about the Bihar minister’s negligence in the matter. The minister has asked to dissolve the standing committee and an officer would be in charge of the new committee. This is shocking,” said Jaiswal.


He later informed that the committee members had been writing letters to Sahni repeatedly but there was no response in clarifying which strata is to be included in the traditional fishermen society.


The state BJP chief alleged Sahani kept on deceiving everyone throughout his life and now he has cheated his own society too. “This would be investigated definitely.”


VIP is part of the BJP-Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) government in Bihar.

However, Sanjay Jaiswal Mukesh Sahani is no more with the NDA in Bihar.


Sahani has refused to resign from the post of Bihar cabinet minister stating that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has to take a decision on it and he will abide by his orders.

Wang Yi fails to get Nepal to sign the BRI agreement during visit

Posted: 27 Mar 2022 02:38 AM PDT

Kathmandu [Nepal]: Amid the ongoing visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Nepal, the two countries failed to sign an agreement on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects and the accompanying loans, with the Himalayan country asserting that it will not accept any project that comes with strings attached.


A total of nine agreements were signed between Nepal and China after the delegation-level talks between Nepali Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka and his counterpart Wang Yi on Saturday in wide-ranging areas including economic and technical cooperation, protocols on bilateral trade and people exchanges, and on the ongoing Chinese projects in Nepal.

However, none of the agreements related to the BRI. “While stressing the country’s economic priority, the prime minister during his meeting with the Chinese foreign minister and state councillor said that a loan is not what Nepal prefers at this point and sought more projects from China under a grant assistance,” Govinda Pariyar, the prime minister’s publicity affairs chief was quoted by Kathmandu Post.


Nepal signed up to the BRI Framework Agreement in May 2017 but not a single project has taken off due to several constraints including finalisation of the text of the project implementation agreement as well as strong protests from locals alleging land grabbing by the Chinese investors and inadequate compensation.


Nepal had put forward its reservations on the BRI projects even before the Chinese FM’s arrival.


Kathmandu had made it clear that there should be a joint mechanism for selecting the projects, preference should be given to grants but if a loan is required then the loan interest should not go beyond two per cent and that repayment time for the loan should be decided based on a mutually agreed timeline.


“Soft loans for the projects financed under the BRI must not have an interest rate of more than 2 per cent. Similarly, the repayment time should be as per the international standard or as per the interest rate imposed by the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and others,” a senior Finance Ministry official in Nepal was quoted by the Kathmandu Post.


Nepal had also set a condition that there should be competitive bidding in BRI projects and they should be open to all, not just Chinese firms.


Beijing has been trying to push some projects under the BRI in Nepal, especially in the wake of Nepal’s ratification of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a $500 million American grant for building electricity transmission lines and improving roads.


The Chinese had expressed their disappointment at the deal and had even called the MCC to grant a “pandora’s box”.


“The Chinese foreign minister did not raise the issue of MCC during the meetings with the prime minister and me,” Foreign Minister Khadka told reporters after the meeting between Deuba and Wang. “But since concerns had been raised (by China) in the past, I clarified that any development assistance coming from outside (to Nepal) is purely for developmental objectives.”


The visit of Chinese FM Wang Yi to Nepal comes at a time when relations between the two countries are experiencing a downturn, due to growing suspicion about the Chinese investments in the country.


Wang’s Nepal visit will also culminate the slew of trips that the Chinese Foreign Minister has made to the South Asian countries since he arrived in Pakistan on March 21 to attend the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) summit as a “special guest”.

Wang held talks with Taliban representatives in Afghanistan on Thursday, followed by his arrival in New Delhi the same evening, where he held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday before departing for Kathmandu on a three-day visit that concludes today. 

Naveen Patnaik’s ‘corruption-free’ govt behind party victory in polls – Prasanna Acharya

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 11:27 PM PDT

Biju Janta Dal (BJD) Senior Vice President Prasanna Acharya on Sunday hailed his party victory in state’s civic body polls saying that “pro-people and corruption-free government” led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is the reason behind party’s win.

Acharya, Rajya Sabha MP from Odisha, said, “Time and again people in Odisha keep expressing their faith in our leader Naveen Patnaik ji and our party.

Last month, the Panchayat elections were also held in the state and BJD got record success in it. Thereafter, municipal elections were held and yesterday its results were declared. There is a record victory for Biju Janata Dal in Odisha. Hardly any other regional party of country would have got such a huge success in the last 22 years.”

He appreciated the working style of the Odisha government and attributed the success of the party to Naveen Patnaik. “The reason for the success of BJD is the pro-people policy of the government, zero tolerance on corruption and simplicity of Naveen Patnaik,” he added.

The BJD leader further said that the Chief Minister has instructed the party workers to continue to humbly work for the people even after winning the polls.

Acharya hit out at Congress for their ‘Mehngai Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ over rising fuel prices and said that the grand old party is not “serious” alleging that they also rose the prices of fuel during their tenure. He expressed doubt over Congress being able to play its role as a “true Opposition.”

PM congratulates people on $400 Billion exports in ‘Mann Ki Baat’

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 11:24 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated the people for a “momentous feat” of 400 billion dollar exports and said that it signifies the country’s potential and capability.


“India has achieved the target of 400 billion dollar exports. It has filled us with pride This signifies India’s capabilities and potential. It means that the demand for Indian goods is rising in the world,” said PM Modi, in his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’. He said that India is reaching different corners and new markets in the world.


“There was a time when the figure of exports from India used to be 100 billion, at times 150 billion, sometimes 200 billion. India has reached 400 billion dollars,” he said.


He said that the success of small entrepreneurs is a thing of pride.


“Many fruits and vegetables like Ladakh’s apricot, Tamil Nadu’s bananas, Himachal’s millets are reaching the world. The list of ‘Make in India’ products are as huge as our potential and hard work of our farmers, manufacturers and industry,” said the Prime Minister.


The Prime Minister said that earlier it was believed only big people could sell products to the Government but the GeM Portal has changed this, illustrating the spirit of a New India.


“Right from Bijapur’s fruits and vegetables to the black rice from Chandoli we are seeing exponential exports. The best part is that our exports are being supplied to new destinations like Denmark, South Korea, London, Kenya among other nations,” he said.


“When each and every Indian is vocal for local, it does not take long for the local to become global. Let’s make the local ‘global’ and augment the prestige of our products further,” he added.


Speaking further, the Prime Minister said, “Today our small entrepreneurs are playing a major partnership role in government procurement through Government e-Market place – GeM. A much more transparent system has been developed through technology.”


India on March 23, scripted history of achieving its highest ever goods export target of USD 400 billion nine days ahead of schedule. On average, every hour USD 46 million goods are exported, USD 1 billion goods are exported everyday and USD 33 billion every month.


The exports in the financial year 2020-21 were USD 292 billion while the exports in 2021-22 are USD 400 billion with a 37 per cent rise. 

Madhya Pradesh: PM will perform virtual Griha Pravesh of 5.21L houses on Tuesday

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 11:17 PM PDT

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The virtual ‘Griha Pravesh’ of 5.21 houses built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) in Madhya Pradesh will be performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, according to the state government’s Public Relations Department.


More than 24.10 lakh houses have been completed under this scheme so far. 152 houses were completed in the year 2016-17, 6.36 lakh in 2017-18, 6.79 lakh in 2018-19, 2.71 lakh in 2019-20, 2.60 lakh in 2020-21 and more than 5.41 lakh Pradhan Mantri Awas have been completed during the year 2021-22.

“Under the scheme PMAY (Rural), out of the approved houses of Baiga, Sahariya, and Bharia tribes, more than 23,000 houses have been completed,” said the press release by the Public Relations Department.


“Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has resolved that no poor of the state will live in a kuccha house. Every person will have his own Pucca house. Pucca houses will be provided to every person by the year 2024 under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. In the state, work is going on at a rapid pace in this scheme to fulfil Chief Minister Shri Chouhan’s resolve and it has brought good results also,” it further read.


The ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural)’ was launched in the country on April 1, 2016, by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.


Under this scheme, all eligible homeless families and families living in kuccha and dilapidated houses will be provided pucca houses by the year 2024, equipped with all basic facilities. The beneficiaries in the scheme are selected on the basis of the survey list of Social, Economic and Caste Census-2021.


Under the scheme, people living in plain areas are provided Rs 1.20 lakh per house and Rs 1.30 lakh in Integrated Action Plan for Tribal and Backward Districts (IPA districts).


Once the house is approved, the first instalment of Rs 25,000 is given, the second instalment of Rs 40,000-45,000 is given at plinth level, the third instalment of Rs 40,000-45,000 is given at lintel level and the fourth instalment of Rs 15,000 is provided, under the scheme, on the completion of the house.


Apart from this, Rs 12,000 is additionally given for the construction of toilets. Under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) scheme, wages for 90 to 95 days are also paid to the beneficiary of the house.


The ‘Awas Plus Yojana’ has been started, by the government, to provide Pradhan Mantri Awas to eligible persons who have been left out in the survey list of Social, Economic and Caste Census-2021. 

Increase female labour force participation and reducing unemployment – IMF to Sri Lanka

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 11:12 PM PDT

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday recommended Sri Lanka, a number of measures for macroeconomic stability and also to mitigate adverse impacts on the vulnerable and the poor.

The IMF noted that the country faces mounting challenges, including public debt that has risen to unsustainable levels, low foreign currency reserves, and persistently large financing needs in the coming years.

The report recommended implementing a credible and coherent strategy to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability while protecting vulnerable groups and reducing poverty through strengthened, well-targeted social safety nets.

Noting Sri Lanka’s low tax-to-GDP ratio, the IMF report also recommended raising income tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) rates and minimising exemptions, complemented with revenue administration reform.

“A tighter monetary policy stance is needed to contain rising inflationary pressures while phasing out the Central bank’s direct financing of Budget deficits,” IMF said.

Sri Lanka’s economy has been in a free-fall since the COVID-19 pandemic due to the crash of the tourism sector.

The country’s foreign reserves have dried up and the country is facing a severe shortage of fuel and other essential commodities.

Sri Lanka’s currency has devalued by almost SLR 90 against the US dollar since March 8, as the country’s central bank attempts to stabilise the economy.

India provided more than USD 500 million in foreign currency swaps to strengthen Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves, taking the total up to USD 900 million. India also extended the repayment time frame for the USD 500 million debt of Sri Lanka under the Asian Clearance Arbitration.

The report also stressed the importance of increasing female labour force participation and reducing youth unemployment while adding that further efforts are needed to diversify the economy, phase out import restrictions, and improve the business and investment climate in general.

Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister Basil Rajapakse is scheduled to travel to Washington in April in order to seek IMF assistance to deal with the country’s economic crisis.

Kim Kardashian reveals Pete Davidson’s ‘MY GIRL IS A LAWYER’ tattoo

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 11:05 PM PDT

Washington [US]: After revealing that Pete Davidson has several tattoos dedicated to her, Kim Kardashian finally gave fans a glimpse of her favourite one.


The reality star, 41, took to her Instagram Story and shared a pic of the ‘Saturday Night Live’ star’s latest tattoo tribute to her, which she first spoke about on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ earlier this month. In the monochrome snap, the phrase “MY GIRL IS A LAWYER” appears inked on Pete’s skin.

In December, Kim announced that she had passed her First-Year Law Students’ Examination, also known as “the baby bar” on her fourth attempt. Before she can officially become the future Kim Kardashian, Esquire, she will first have to pass the General Bar Exam.


Earlier this month, Kim revealed on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ that Pete already “has a few tattoos” dedicated to her, and that the one honouring her legal aspirations was her favourite.


“That one’s really cute,” Kim said.


The ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ alum also clarified the recent speculation that Pete got her name inked on his chest.


“It’s actually a branding,” she explained. “He wanted to do something that was really different. The first tattoo he got, I was like, ‘Oh, so cute, thank you! Oh my god!’ Second, whatever, I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s so cute.’ But that’s what tattoo people do, right? They get tattoos of what’s going on in their life.”


For the unversed, Kim shares four children — North (8), Saint (6), Chicago (4), and Psalm (2) with her ex-husband Kanye West. She filed to divorce with West in February 2021 and was declared legally single this month. 

Mizoram: Woman arrested with over Rs. 11 Lakh fake currency

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 10:54 PM PDT

Aizwal [Mizoram]: A woman has been arrested with Rs 11,35,600 fake Indian currency notes (FICN) by the police and security force in Mizoram’s Aizawl.


The arrest was made by the Aizawl Border Security Force (BSF) along with Special Narcotics Police on Saturday. According to the Special Narcotics Police the woman had Rs 11,35,600 FICN in the denomination of Rs 500, 200 and 100.


Further investigation into the case is underway. 

IPL 2022: There is always sense of tension when Dhoni is batting: Shreyas Iyer

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 10:05 PM PDT

After thrashing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with a six-wicket victory in the season opener of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Shreyas Iyer said that there is always a sense of tension when Mahendra Singh Dhoni is batting.

Ajinkya Rahane’s knock of 44 runs put Dhoni’s half-century in vain as KKR registered a six-wicket victory over CSK, here at Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

“There is always tension when MS Dhoni is batting. I knew momentum was going to shift towards them with the dew around. It was difficult to grip the ball. Enjoying the new franchise. CEO, management, support staff have been outstanding. Just need to carry the momentum. It was spungier than we imagined,” said Shreyas in a post-match presentation.

“This is one place I love to play. I grew up here. I thought it would be flat. It was pretty easy for me with the bowling lineup I had. Umesh has worked hard in the nets and did well in the practice games too. Really chuffed to see him perform today,” he added.

After Rahane’s 44-run knock, it was Shreyas who hit the winning boundary and brought KKR home with 9 balls remaining.

For CSK, Dhoni scored an unbeaten half-century, to provide his team with a respectable total of 131/5 after they faced an early loss of wickets.

CSK will now be facing Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their next clash on March 31 while KKR will be going up against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 30.

Uttarakhand CM Dhami greets President Kovind in Dehradun

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 10:05 PM PDT

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India]: The newly-sworn in Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami attended a dinner organised to welcome President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday.


The dinner was arranged at Raj Bhavan where President Kovind has been staying.
The CM also introduced the President to his newly formed cabinet colleagues who were also present at the occasion.


President Ram Nath Kovind is on a two-day visit to Uttarakhand starting March 26, where he will also address the concluding ceremony of the silver jubilee celebrations of Divya Prem Seva Mission in Haridwar on Monday. 

Maldives welcomes India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 10:00 PM PDT

Male [Maldives]: Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has welcomed India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” under which both countries have gained immense socio-economic benefits including the assistance provided by New Delhi throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.


Shahid, who is also a President of the United Nations General Assembly thanked India for standing in solidarity with the Maldives, and for being its friend and partner throughout the years.

“The Maldives welcomes India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” under which we have gained immense socio-economic benefits. And we remain committed to our “India First Policy”. Our relationship is one that has stood the test of time, and one that will continue to flourish,” Maldives Foreign Minister said in a Tweet.


“I thank India for the assistance it has provided throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. We remain grateful that we can always rely on #India during times of need. Both our countries have experienced the hardships and tragedies of the pandemic, but we are emerging stronger together,” he said further on Saturday.


“I thank the Government and the people of India, for standing in solidarity with us, and for being our friend and partner throughout the years. May the close bonds between our two countries continue to grow deeper and stronger,” Shahid added.


On Saturday, India’s External Affair Minister S Jaishankar went to the Maldives on a two-day visit from March 26 to March 27 after he got an invite from his Maldivian counterpart.


Welcoming Jaishankar, Maldives Foreign Minister said that this is the first time official talks have been held out of the Capital City Male.


“You’ve made history, Minister @DrSJaishankar! This is the first time official talks have been held out of the Capital City Male’. Fortifying & building on the long-standing – ties is one of the top foreign policy priorities of President Solih’s administration,” Abdulla Shahid tweeted.


Neighbourhood First Policy of India is a core component of India’s foreign policy, focusing on peaceful relations and collaborative synergetic co-development with its South Asian neighbours.

IPL 2022: Dew will play vital role in this edition of IPL- CSK skipper Ravindra Jadeja

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 09:56 PM PDT

Ravindra Jadeja newly-appointed skipper of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) expressed disappointment after his side lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the season opener of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 on Saturday.

Ajinkya Rahane’s knock of 44 runs put Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s half-century in vain as KKR claimed a six-wicket victory over CSK here at Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

“Dew will be the vital part in this edition. If you win the toss, you will look to bowl first. The wicket was a little damp in the first 6-7 overs and then it came on nicely in the back end of the innings. We were trying to take the game deep. Everybody bowled well given the dew. Bravo bowled very well,” said Ravindra Jadeja in a post-match presentation.

Chasing 132, KKR openers Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer provided their team with a great start as they scored 43 runs in the power-play. CSK finally heaved a sigh of relief when Venkatesh got caught by Dhoni on Dwayne Bravo’s delivery.

Nitish Rana then joined Rahane and troubled the CSK bowlers for a brief period of time and departed after scoring 21 runs, with 76 runs on the board. Following Rana’s dismissal, Rahane also perished on Mitchell Santner’s delivery as he got caught by Ravindra Jadeja, leaving the team’s total at 87/3 in 11.4 overs.

KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer and Sam Billings came to the crease and anchored the innings. The duo took the score to 123 but before they could take their side through the victory line, Billings got dismissed by Bravo for 25 runs.

Later, Shreyas, who was then joined by Sheldon Jackson, ended the match with a boundary with 6 wickets and 9 balls remaining in hand.

Earlier, Dhoni scored an unbeaten half-century to provide CSK, which was led by Jadeja, with a respectable total of 131/5, after they faced an early loss of wickets.

CSK will now be facing Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their next clash on March 31 while KKR will be going up against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 30.

India records 1421 new COVID cases, falls below 1500 mark

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 09:53 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: India’s daily new COVID-19 cases fell below the 1,500 mark on Sunday and 1,421 fresh infections were recorded in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.


Following a continuous downward trend, the country’s active caseload also fell below 20,000-mark and currently stands at 16,187, accounting for 0.04 per cent of the total caseload. A reduction of 554 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24.


The daily positivity rate is at 0.23 per cent while the weekly positivity rate is at 0.27 per cent.


As many as 1,826 people were recovered from the viral disease, in a single day and the total recoveries now stand at 4,24,82,262. The recovery rate is currently at 98.75 per cent.


The death toll climbed to 5,21,004 as 149 people succumbed to the disease in the last 24 hours. The case fatality rate is at 1.21 per cent.


A total of 6,20,251 tests were conducted to detect the infection in the last 24 hours. India has so far conducted over 78.69 crore COVID-19 tests.


The cumulative number of COVID vaccine doses administered in the country has exceeded 183.20 crore. This has been achieved through 2,17,73,803 sessions.


The world’s largest COVID vaccination drive began in India on January 16, 2021. In a period of 145 days, India administered 25 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses as of June 9, 2021. On August 4, 2021, the vaccination coverage reached the 50 crore mark.


The new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on June 21, 2021.


India crossed 75 crore vaccinations milestone on September 7, 2021, and achieved a milestone of 100 crore vaccinations on October 21, 2021.


On December 2, 2021, a total of 125 crore vaccine doses were administered in the country. India on January 9, 2022, crossed the 150 crore vaccine mark while on February 19, India crossed the 175 crore vaccination mark.


COVID-19 vaccination for the age group 12-14 years was started on March 16, 2022. So far, more than 1.22 crore (1,22,01,065) adolescents have been administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.


As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, the Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalisation of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Central Government will procure and supply (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs. 

Petrol & Diesel prices hiked; Increase of Rs. 3.70 & Rs. 3.75/litre in 6 days

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 09:48 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: The prices of petrol and diesel were hiked again on Sunday, for the fifth time in a week, leading to an increase of Rs 3.70 and Rs 3.75 per litre respectively since Tuesday.


Petrol and diesel after the hike of 50 paise and 55 paise respectively in Delhi are now being sold at Rs 99.11 per litre and Rs 90.42 per litre today.

In Mumbai, the prices of petrol and diesel were hiked by 53 paise and 58 paise respectively. Now, the people in the finance capital will have to pay Rs 113.88 for petrol and Rs 98.13 for diesel.


The revised rates of petrol and diesel in Chennai is Rs 104.90 and Rs 95.00, while in Kolkata, the price of petrol is Rs 108.53 and diesel is Rs 93.57.

This is the fifth increase in fuel prices since ending a four-and-half-month pause on March 22. On all four occasions, fuel prices were hiked by 80 paise per litre.


There had been a pause in the revision of fuel prices since November 4 last year, which was broken on March 22 following the crude oil going upwards in the wake of the Russian military operations in Ukraine.


Prices are set to be raised further given the sharp jump in crude oil prices in the international markets. It will have a cascading impact on the prices of other items and lead to inflationary pressure and hurt growth. It will have a cascading effect on the prices of other items.


Meanwhile, Congress has decided to launch a nationwide programme ‘Mehngai Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ against price rise under which it will organise rallies and marches across the country from March 31 to April 7.


Speaking on the matter, a Delhi resident said that the fuel prices are increasing every day, but this should not happen and the government should take action to stop the trend.

“Price should come down as it is affecting our budget. I urge the government to take action,” said Pramod Kumar, a Delhi resident.


Another commuter and a resident of Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut urged the state government to decrease the Value-Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel to provide relief to people or to bring it under the single nationwide Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.

“The fuel prices are increasing daily because of the Ukraine-Russia war. The prices are changing in every country. But the government should cut excise duty to control the prices. We have to give more VAT on petroleum products because it is not under the GST regime. I urge the state government to reduce VAT or bring it under the single nationwide GST regime. Now, we are giving 35 per cent tax on petrol and diesel but if it comes under GST we will just have to pay 28 per cent tax,” he added.


It is high time that petroleum products, including petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), are brought under the single nationwide Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.


“Bringing petroleum products under GST will help a lot. It is good for everyone. It is good for the economy,” Pradeep Multani, President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told ANI in an interview.


On November 3 last year the Centre had cut excise duty by Rs 5 per litre on petrol and Rs 10 per litre on diesel to bring down the retail prices across the country. Following this, several state governments had reduced Value-Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel to provide relief to people. 

Road Safety World Series to kick start from June 4

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 08:10 PM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): The second edition of the Road Safety World Series will be played from June 4 till July 3, 2022, across three venues — Lucknow, Indore and Jodhpur.


New Zealand Legends are the new team in this edition and they will join the Legends of India, Australia, Sri Lanka, West Indies, South Africa, Bangladesh and England during the 30-day event played primarily to create awareness towards road safety in the country and around the globe.

The Road Safety World Series is supported by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Ministry of Information & Technology and Youth Affairs & Sports Government of India.


“The Road Safety World Series is a very good initiative to create awareness towards road safety through cricket. We want every individual in this country to be aware and obey every rules and regulations while on the road and for that to happen, we have to create awareness among the people, I strongly believe that this series will be able to do and achieve the goal of saving lives on Indian roads,” Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways said in a statement.


Wishing all success to the event Anurag Thakur, Union Minister Information and Technology and Youth Affairs and Sports, said, “I am sure the Road Safety World Series will drive social change and work as an ideal platform to influence people’s mindset towards their behaviour on the road and road safety.”


The former BCCI chief also said that he is “extremely delighted to know that legends from eight countries i.e. Australia, West Indies, South Africa, England, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and hosts India are going to participate in this tournament”.


The aim of the Road Safety World Series is to drive social change in the country and change people’s outlook towards road safety. As cricket is the most followed sport in the country and cricketers are looked upon as idols by many, this League will work as an ideal platform to influence and change people’s mindset towards their behaviour on the roads.

Inculcating nationalistic values in youth should be the highest duty of every citizen- M Venkaiah Naidu

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 08:09 PM PDT

The Vice President, M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday called for inculcating nationalistic values in youth and asserted that protecting national interests should be the highest duty of every citizen, read a press release by Vice President’s Secretariat.

Advising youth to become change agents in society, he said protecting national interests includes preserving India’s rich heritage and cultural and linguistic diversity, the statement added. Observing that India always believed in the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, he underlined the importance of promoting the concept of universal brotherhood across the globe.

The Vice President was releasing a book – ‘Spoorthi Pradatha Sri Somayya’, the life story of late Shri Somepalli Somaiah, a noted social worker from Andhra Pradesh. Naidu mentioned that he considered Shri Somayya as one of his foremost ‘gurus’ and credited him for shaping his personality at a young age.

Naidu recalled Somayya’s contributions in relief and reconstruction activities for the cyclone victims in Andhra Pradesh and said that he ‘inspired many youth to devote their lives for the welfare of the people.’

Paying rich tributes to Somayya for his commitment to nationalistic values, the Vice President called upon the youth to read and take inspiration from life stories of such leaders and freedom fighters. ‘To practice and live by their principles and to become partners in our national progress is the greatest tribute we can pay to them, he said.

Referring to the challenges that are hindering the progress of the country like poverty, illiteracy, corruption and social discrimination, Naidu called for concerted efforts to eradicate them and other social evils in society.

Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth crashes out of Swiss Open

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 08:04 PM PDT

Basel [Switzerland]: Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth on Saturday bowed out of the ongoing Swiss Open 2022, after losing in the semi-finals of the men’s singles clash, here at St. Jakobshalle.


Playing at court 1, Srikanth got defeated by Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie 21-18, 7-21, 13-21, in the semi-final clash that lasted for 55 minutes. Despite losing in the first game, the Indonesian shuttler showed a massive comeback and thrashed Srikanth in the next two games.


Christie will now be facing India’s Prannnoy HS, who had defeated Anthony Sinisuka Ginting 21-19, 19-21, 21-18 in the semi-final match.


Apart from Prannoy, India’s ace shuttler PV Sindhu also made her place in the finals after winning against Thailand’s Supanida Katethong 21-18, 15-21, 21-19.


Sindhu will now be facing Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan in her women’s singles final on Sunday.

12 feet long python rescued in Vadodara

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 07:58 PM PDT

Vadodara (Gujarat): The wildlife rescue team in Vadodara rescued a 12 feet long python on Saturday.


“We got a call that a snake was sighted at a plot where construction work was underway. We rescued the snake and handed it over to the forest department” said Raj Bhavsar, Gujarat Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.


Earlier in the Nashik area of Maharashtra, volunteers of a non-government wildlife research organisation rescued a highly venomous snake. The snake was later found to be an Indian spectacled cobra (Naag) from an abandoned well. 

Rape allegations against my son baseless: Rajasthan Congress MLA Meena

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 07:54 PM PDT

Congress MLA Johari Lal Meena, whose son has been booked along with two others in a gang-rape case in the Alwar district, said the case was “fake and baseless” and “a political conspiracy” to defame him” as assembly polls will be held in the state in 2023.

“The case against my son is absolutely fake, baseless. It is a political conspiracy after seeing my popularity. This is a new conspiracy to defame my image. Such complaints are coming to the fore because of the forthcoming elections,” said Meena, who is MLA from Rajgarh-Laxmangarh constituency. Recalling a case registered against him in the past, the MLA said that it turned out to be fake after investigation and so will the case against his son.

“Some people have done it to harass me. Such things should not be done. They had registered an FIR against me as well earlier. However, it turned out to be baseless and fake after the investigation,” Meena said.

Earlier today, a police official in Dausa told the media that the accused sexually assaulted the victim, who hails from the district, after giving an intoxicating substance.

He said they clicked obscene photos of the victim to blackmail her and extort money.

“Case has been filed against three people including the son of MLA Johari Lal Meena. They are accused of gang rape after giving intoxicating substance and clicking obscene photos of the victim for blackmailing to extort Rs 15.40 lakh and jewellery. The probe is underway,” the official said.

The case has been registered on the complaint of the girl’s family in Dausa. 

Buffalo dies of dog bite, locals rush to get anti-rabies jabs

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 07:53 PM PDT

Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh): In a strange case, a huge number of locals rushed for anti-rabies jabs in Gwalior after they consumed food made from the milk of a buffalo that died allegedly of a dog bite, on Saturday.


According to the reports, a buffalo died three days after the bite of a rabid dog in Chandpur village of Dabra district. The people who consumed food made from buffalo milk reached the hospital to get an injection of anti-rabies.

“There was panic and a huge crowd gathered outside hospitals; around 40 took the anti-rabies vaccine. We educated them that the virus isn’t transferred through buffalo milk,” said Dr Manish Sharma, Gwalior Chief Medical Officer.

Army investiture ceremony held in Jaipur

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 07:48 PM PDT

Jaipur (Rajasthan): Army’s South Western Command conducted an investiture ceremony at Jaipur Military Station on Saturday.


Fourteen Sena Medals(Gallantry), one Yudh Seva Medal and four Sena Medals (Distinguished) were presented by Lt Gen AS Bhinder, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of SWC, said Lt Col Amitabh Sharma, Defence, Rajasthan Public Relations Officer.


Lieutenant General A S Bhinder, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Command also conferred citations to 15 units of the South Western Command for their exemplary performances, added the Defence Rajasthan PRO. 

No shortage of coal in India, Pralhad Joshi

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 07:44 PM PDT

Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi on Saturday emphasised that there is no shortage of coal in the country.

“There is no coal shortage in the country. Electricity production has not decreased anywhere due to the coal shortage. International coal prices have gone up substantially, but production is taking place in huge quantities. The average stock of coal is 11-12 days,” Joshi told reporters here. India’s imports of non-cooking coal fell to 125.61 million tons during the April-January period of the current financial year, which is 23.33 per cent lower when compared with the 163.85 million tons recorded in the corresponding period of last fiscal, the government data showed on Saturday.
“With the considerable increase in domestic coal production, India has achieved a significant reduction in import of coal despite a surge in power demand,” the Ministry of Coal said in a statement.

The domestic coal-based power generation upto January 2022 is 815.72 Billion Units (BU) with an increase of 12.55 per cent over 724.746 BU during the corresponding period of FY20. Imported coal based power generation which was 78.07 BU from April to January 2020 has reduced by 55 per cent to 35.13 BU during the corresponding months of the current FY22.

The import of Non-Coking coal primarily used in power sector has decreased by 60.87 per cent from 58.09 MT to 22.73 MT upto January 2022 in comparison to the same period of FY 20. The overall import of coal has also reduced to 173.20 MT in the period from April to January 2022 as compared to 207.235 MT during the corresponding period of FY 20, a decrease of about 16.42 per cent which has resulted in significant savings of forex reserves this year especially when the coal prices are at a high level in the international market.
“All efforts are on to further enhance domestic coal production as availability of additional coal will aid in import-substitution,” the ministry said.
India is the world’s third-largest energy-consuming country and electricity demand grows by 4.7 per cent each year.

Roopa Ganguly slams TMC’s Dola Sen on her ‘creating drama’ comments

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 07:43 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Roopa Ganguly on Saturday slammed the Trinamool Congress MP Dola Sen for accusing her of creating ‘drama’ in the House over Birbhum violence and said that she does not have enough to comment on the matter.


Ganguly’s comment came as a reaction after Sen on Friday accused her of creating ‘drama’ in the House and called her a seasoned actress. Sen’s remarks came after Roopa Ganguly broke down in Rajya Sabha causing adjournment of the House for 10 minutes till 12.10 pm following ruckus over Birbhum’s violence.


“She (TMC MP Dola Sen) might like my acting more than speaking in Parliament. If she thinks that I am creating drama on such a ghastly incident then what can I say about that,” Ganguly said.


While commenting on Calcutta High Court ordering a CBI probe into the Birbhum’s violence, she said, “It is a big relief”.


A total of eight people were burnt to death in the Rampurhat area of West Bengal’s Birbhum on Tuesday after a mob allegedly set houses on fire following the killing of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Bhadu Sheikh.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the probe of the Birbhum violence case following the Calcutta High Court order. 

Need to have more women in Parliament-CEC Sushil Chandra

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 07:36 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Highlighting the under-representation of women in Parliament, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sushil Chandra on Saturday said the first Lok Sabha had 15 women MPs and the 17th Lok Sabha has 78, but progress is still slow.


While addressing the event ‘Sansad Ratna awards’ in Delhi, he added that there is a need to have a very inclusive Parliament. “First Lok Sabha had 15 women MPs & 17th Lok Sabha has 78 but progress is still slow. We’ll have to have a very inclusive Parliament,” he said during his address.


Stressing upon the functions of a good legislature, he said that a good legislature is truly and meaningfully representative. It must include diverse voices, especially of those who were marginalised earlier. This implies greater presence and participation of women in Parliament.


“The classical function of a good legislature is an inclusive legislature. This is the most important thing,” he stated.


Expressing concern over the time lost due to disruptions in Parliament, he said that this does not augur well for democracy.


“While heated arguments, debates and speeches are a barometer of a robust Parliament, frequent disruptions, walkouts and hunger strikes are not,” Sushil Chandra added while emphasising the disruptions in Parliamentary proceedings.


The time lost due to disruptions has seen a dramatic increase over the years, with some sessions witnessing a complete “wash out”. “This does not augur well for a robust parliamentary democracy,” he said.


“Participation in Parliament, raising matters of critical importance by virtue of the Question Hour and the Zero Hour are established parliamentary practices…. This precious opportunity should not be wasted by theatrics or slogan-shouting or rushing to the well of the House,” Chandra said.


While talking about the participation of women in elections, he shared the data of the recently-held Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab and Manipur.


The women voter turnout exceeded the male voter turnout in In four of the five states- Goa, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Uttar Pradesh, while it was nearly equal in Punjab, he pointed out.

Digvijaya Singh convicted in 2011 assault case, released on bail

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 07:35 PM PDT

A sessions court in Indore sentenced Congress leader Digvijaya Singh and five others to one year jail term each in connection with a 2011 case pertaining to an assault on a Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha worker.

Singh, former MP Premchand Guddu and four others, however, were granted bail by the Indore District and Sessions Court. The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Singh termed the case fake and politically motivated and said he will appeal in the High Court.

The case dates back to July 2011 when the BJYM workers had stopped Singh’s convoy in Ujjain and demonstrated with black flags. It was alleged that nine people including Digvijaya Singh had beaten up the workers with sticks. Following the incident, a case was registered against the nine accused including Digvijaya Singh and former Ujjain MP Premchand Guddu. Section 307 (attempt to murder) was imposed for the assault.

Speaking to reporters here, Singh said, “It is a nearly 10-year-old case and a fake case. Our name was not there in the FIR but was added due to political pressure. We will appeal in the High Court.”

Rahul Sharma, Singh’s lawyer told ANI that the initial charge sheet did not have his name which was added later on.

“In this case, a charge sheet was initially presented against four people in which Digvijaya Singh and Premchand Guddu were not there. Later, the complainant made them accused by applying for Section 319. We had put a revision in the High Court. Section 307 was removed and section 326 was imposed, the trial of which went on in Ujjain and Bhopal and today the decision has been announced in Indore,” he said.
Asked about the verdict, the lawyer informed that the BJYM worker’s hand was fractured by four people.

“The verdict said that the injured BJYM worker Ritesh Khavia was assaulted by four people and sustained a fracture in his hand. Punishment of one year imprisonment each and fine of Rs 5,000 was announced under Section 109,” the advocate said.

“Besides Digvijaya Singh and Premchand Guddu, Jay Singh Darbar, Anant Meena, Dilip Choudhary and Aslam Lala were sentenced. Mahesh Parmar, Mukesh Bhati and Hemant Singh Chauhan were acquitted. All the six accused including Digvijaya Singh were released by the court on a surety of Rs 25,000 and bail of Rs 25,000 each,” the lawyer added.

The Congress leader also reacted to the verdict of the court on Twitter and said that his name which was absent in the FIR initially was later added under political pressure and he “has never been afraid of BJP and will never be afraid of them”.

“In an 11-year-old case in which my name was not even in the FIR, it was added later under political pressure, I was punished. I am a non-violent person and have always been opposed to violent activities. The order is of the ADJ Court, we will appeal in the High Court. I have neither been afraid of BJP and Sangh, nor will I ever be afraid, no matter how many false cases are created and how much punishment is given,” Digvijaya Singh tweeted in Hindi. 

US clarifies Biden’s ‘Putin cannot remain in power’ remark

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 07:30 PM PDT

Washington [US]: After US President Joe Biden, while speaking at the Royal Castle in Warsaw, Poland, declared that Russian President Vladimir Putin “cannot remain in power”, the White House clarifies that ‘it was not a call for regime change.’


Notably, Biden towards the conclusion of his speech said, “For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power.” A White House official while clarifying the remarks made by Biden said, “The President’s point was that Putin cannot be allowed to exercise power over his neighbours or the region. He was not discussing Putin’s power in Russia, or regime change,”


Biden’s line that Putin “cannot remain in power” was not in his prepared remarks, the official said.


Moreover, as Russia tries to gain a stronghold in Ukraine, Biden in his address, said Russia has “strangled democracy” adding that its President Vladimir Putin is lying in a bid to justify the war. Biden slammed Putin for condemning the NATO alliance.


He chided Russia’s actions saying, “It’s nothing less than a direct challenge to the rules-based international order established since the end of World War II, and it threatens to return to decades of war that ravaged Europe before the international rule-based order was put in place. We cannot go back to that. We cannot.”


Furthermore, Biden talked of the sanctions and other economic steps that are taken in order to pressurise Russia and target the Russian economy.


Russia launched its invasion last month after recognising the Ukrainian breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as “independent republics.” Russia has since continued to maintain that the aim of its operations has been to “demilitarise” and “de-nazify” the country.

Congress accuses government of ‘profiteering’ from rise in prices of petrol, diesel

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 07:27 PM PDT

Accusing the BJP-led government of “profiteering” through a repeated increase in prices of petrol and diesel, the Congress on Saturday announced a three-phased ‘Mehngai Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ which will culminate on April 7 with protests and march in state capitals.

Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said at a press conference that the Modi Government “has earned Rs 26 lakh crore in eight years” by increasing excise duty on petrol and diesel. Referring to the hike in the price of petrol and diesel by 80 paise per litre on Saturday, he said this is the fifth hike in the last five days and the prices have been raised by Rs 3.20 per litre.

He accused the government of “deception” and “loot of people”.

Surjewala said Congressmen and people will on March 31 protest outside their homes and public places with “garlanded gas cylinders and beat of drums-bells-other instruments to draw the attention of the deaf BJP Government against the insurmountable increase in prices of gas, petrol, diesel”.

He said there will be district-level protests and marches from April 2 to 4.
“People of India have been betrayed, duped and deceived by government,” he alleged.

The Congress leader said that prices of petrol, diesel, gas cylinder, piped Natural Gas (PNG) and CNG remained unchanged for 137 days “to secure the votes of people” in the assembly polls in five states.

He said last one week has been a nightmare for budget of every household and accused the government of “fleece people to fill its coffers”.

Surjewala said that in May, 2014 when BJP assumed power at the Centre, excise duty on petrol was Rs 9.20 per litre and on diesel, it was Rs. 3.46 per litre.

“In the last eight years, the BJP government has increased the excise duty on petrol by an additional 18.70 per litre and on diesel by an additional Rs.18.34 per litre. This is a shocking 531 per cent hike in excise duty on Diesel and 203 per cent on petrol,” he said.

Surjewala said when the Congress-UPA government was in power, the price of crude oil was USD 108 per barrel but petrol and diesel were at Rs 71.41 and Rs 55.49 per litre respectively, which have now been increased to Rs 98.61 and Rs 89.87 in Delhi.

He said on March 22, 2020, petrol and diesel rates were Rs 69.59 and Rs 62.29 respectively, which have been raised to Rs 98.61 and Rs 89.87 per litre respectively, “an increase of Rs 29.02 for petrol and Rs 27.58 for diesel in last two years”.

The Congress leader said that the average price of crude oil in last three years of Modi Government, as available on the official website, is 60.6 USD per barrel, which in comparison was 108.46 USD in the last three years of the UPA government from 2011 to 2014.

Surjewala said the subsidies have come down drastically and the price of the domestic gas cylinder has gone up from Rs 410 in the Congress-UPA government in 2014 to Rs. 949.50 in Delhi and over Rs. 1,000 in most cities.”

“In eight years, Modi govt has increased the price of the domestic gas cylinder by Rs 539.50,” he said.

Surjewala said the BJP-led government has increased PNG by 43.6 per cent and CNG prices have increased by 88 per cent.

“In last eight years of BJP-led government, the auto-taxi-bus-car users have been fleeced off Rs 64,207 crore extra,” he alleged. 

PM Modi to address Nation in ‘Mann Ki Baat’ at 11 am today

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 07:19 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday at 11 am.


Earlier on Friday, PM Modi on his official Twitter Handle shared a concise booklet that showcased the interesting aspects of last month’s Mann Ki Baat episode including interviews with some of those who were featured.

“Here is a concise booklet that showcases the interesting aspects of last month’s Mann Ki Baat episode including interviews with some of those who were featured. Looking forward to your joining this month’s programme at 11 AM on the 27th,” PM Modi tweeted on Friday.


Bharatiya Janata Party national president JP Nadda who contributed to the party’s victory in recently concluded assembly elections in four states will listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio programme “Mann Ki Baat” on Sunday.


Along with Nadda, other BJP workers will also listen to the Mann Ki Baat programme today morning. They will listen to the show at booth number 59, Yamuna Vihar Mandal, North-East District.


Notably, PM Modi will address this radio programme for the first time after winning assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa.


“Mann ki Baat” is the Prime Minister’s monthly radio address, which is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month at 11 am.


The first episode of Mann Ki Baat was broadcast on October 3, 2014.

Lack of representation of women in Parliament a big concern, CEC Sushil Chandra

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 07:18 PM PDT

Highlighting the under-representation of women in Parliament, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sushil Chandra on Saturday said the first Lok Sabha had 15 women MPs and the 17th Lok Sabha has 78, but progress is still slow.

While addressing the event ‘Sansad Ratna awards’ in Delhi, he added that there is a need to have a very inclusive Parliament. “First Lok Sabha had 15 women MPs & 17th Lok Sabha has 78 but progress is still slow. We’ll have to have a very inclusive Parliament,” he said during his address.

Stressing upon the functions of a good legislature, he said that a good legislature is truly and meaningfully representative. It must include diverse voices, especially of those who were marginalised earlier. This implies greater presence and participation of women in Parliament.

“The classical function of a good legislature is an inclusive legislature. This is the most important thing,” he stated.

Expressing concern over the time lost due to disruptions in Parliament, he said that this does not augur well for democracy.

“While heated arguments, debates and speeches are a barometer of a robust Parliament, frequent disruptions, walkouts and hunger strikes are not,” he added while emphasizing the disruptions in Parliamentary proceedings.

The time lost due to disruptions has seen a dramatic increase over the years, with some sessions witnessing a complete “wash out”. “This does not augur well for a robust parliamentary democracy,” he said.

“Participation in Parliament, raising matters of critical importance by virtue of the Question Hour and the Zero Hour are established parliamentary practices…. This precious opportunity should not be wasted by theatrics or slogan-shouting or rushing to the well of the House,” Chandra said.

While talking about the participation of women in elections, he shared the data of the recently-held Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab and Manipur.
The women voter turnout exceeded the male voter turnout in In four of the five states- Goa, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Uttar Pradesh, while it was nearly equal in Punjab, he pointed out. 

Antilia bomb scare: Ex-cop Vinayak Shinde was part of conspiracy, misused parole, says court

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 07:05 PM PDT

A special National Investigating Agency (NIA) court on Saturday held that former policeman Vinayak Shinde participated in the conspiracy to plant explosives near industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s south Mumbai residence in Antilia bomb scare case.

The court added that the policeman knowingly misused parole granted to him in a fake encounter case. Special Judge A T Wankhede made this observation while denying bail to Shinde on Tuesday, the detailed order of which was made available today.

Shinde was serving life imprisonment in the fake encounter case of Ramnarayan Gupta alias Lakhan Bhaiya and was out on parole when the Antilia bomb scare incident took place in February last year.

A car carrying unassembled explosive materials was found abandoned at Carmichael Road in South Mumbai on February 25 2021, near the house of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. The owner of the vehicle was found dead in a creek in the Thane district on Friday. Now, ATS Maharashtra is investigating the case. 

Russia’s invasion: 5,200 Ukrainians evacuated through humanitarian corridors

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 06:44 PM PDT

A total of 5,200 people have been evacuated from Ukraine through humanitarian corridors on Saturday (local time).

According to Ukraine Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk, 10 humanitarian corridors were successful. She added that 4,000 people were able to leave Mariupol, reported Ukraine’s media outlet The Kyiv Independent. Moreover, Russia attacked an oil depot in Rivne Oblast in Ukraine. According to Rivne Oblast Governor Vitaliy Koval, Russian forces have shelled an oil depot in Dubno, Rivne Oblast. The authorities are still addressing the damage from the attack.

In another recent development, Slavutych, a city in northern Ukraine built for evacuees from Chernobyl has been seized by Russian forces after three days of heavy fighting.

Furthermore, missile strikes on Lviv targeted the oil depot. Lviv Oblast Governor Maksym Kozytskyi said that Russian forces attacked fuel infrastructure in Lviv.
“In total, four strikes hit the city, five people are injured. Firefighters are trying to extinguish the fires,” reported the local media outlet.

On the other hand Trostyanets, a city in Sumy Oblast in Ukraine was liberated. “The city, located in the northern Sumy Oblast, was captured by Russian forces on March 1. Trostyanets returned under the Ukrainian flag on March 26,” said the news outlet. 

US to provide 100 million dollars in civilian security aid to Ukraine

Posted: 26 Mar 2022 06:38 PM PDT

As the Russia-Ukraine war continues to intensify, the US announced that it will provide 100 million dollars in civilian security assistance to Ukraine in order to enable the country’s border security, sustain civil law enforcement functions, and safeguard critical governmental infrastructure, said the US State Department in its press release.

Calling Putin’s war on Ukraine premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified, the statement read, “US intends to provide an additional USD 100 million in civilian security assistance to enhance the capacity of the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs to provide essential border security, sustain civil law enforcement functions, and safeguard critical governmental infrastructure.”

The US said that the increased funding will continue a steady flow of personal protection equipment, field gear, tactical equipment, medical supplies, armoured vehicles, and communication equipment for the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service and the National Police of Ukraine.

With the US government’s vital assistance, Ukrainian law enforcement officers are playing a key role in rescuing victims of the Russian government’s brutal assault, leading and protecting convoys of those displaced by attacks, and providing security to civilian areas torn apart by ruthless and devastating bombing, as per the statement.

The United States reiterated its continued solidarity with the community of nations backing the people and government of Ukraine. Moreover, the US urged Putin to “end the violence, rein in his forces, including those who have committed war crimes, and choose the path of peace and diplomacy”.

The US reaffirmed its commitment to pursue accountability for “war crimes and other atrocities using every tool available, including criminal prosecutions”.

Notably, Russia launched its invasion last month after recognising the Ukrainian breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as “independent republics.” Russia has since continued to maintain that the aim of its operations has been to “demilitarize” and “de-nazify” the country.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many Western nations and European countries have imposed tough sanctions on Russia targeting its economy and financial system.

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