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8pm NEWSFEED

1, ఏప్రిల్ 2022, శుక్రవారం

8pm NEWSFEED

Jim Carrey Planning To Retire From Acting

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 09:33 AM PDT

A few days after Bruce Willis announced his retirement from acting, actor Jim Carrey has revealed that he is planning to quit the field.

In a conversation with Access Hollywood, Carrey said he is planning to retire from acting following his reprisal of the villainous Robotnik in the upcoming ‘Sonic’ sequel, Variety reported. “Well, I’m retiring. Yeah, probably. I’m being fairly serious. It depends. If the angels bring some sort of script that’s written in gold ink that says to me that it’s going to be really important for people to see, I might continue down the road, but I’m taking a break,” he said.

Carrey went on to stress how he has enjoyed life out of the spotlight, making art and spending time with his family.

“I really like my quiet life and I really like putting paint on canvas and I really love my spiritual life and I feel like — and this is something you might never hear another celebrity say as long as time exists — I have enough. I’ve done enough. I am enough,” he added.

Now it’s to see whether Carrey actually retires from acting or not.

CNG Price Go Up By 80P, PNG By Rs 5.85

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 09:26 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: The Cooking gas distribution company, Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) on Friday increased the CNG price by 80 paise per kg and PNG price by Rs 5.85 per cubic meter (16.5 per cent).


The company in its official statement claimed that this increment is done to cover the hike in input gas cost. Earlier, on March 24, the PNG price was increased by Rs 1/SCM.


This is the sixth increase in CNG prices in the last month. In all, rates have gone up by about Rs 4 per kg.


CNG price in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi has been increased to Rs 60.81 per kg from Rs 60.01. Whereas PNG will now be available at Rs.41.61/- per SCM in Delhi.
In Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad, CNG will cost Rs 63.38 per kg, while in Gurugram the price is Rs 69.17 per kg.


Meanwhile, PNG will be available at 64.18 per kg in Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad. 

Imran Khan Hints At Early Elections, says Oppn Part Of ‘International Conspiracy’

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 09:15 AM PDT

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said that it would be a nice idea to go into early elections after the vote on no-confidence motion and reiterated that the Opposition is part of an “international conspiracy” to remove his government.

“Our people who have run away (referring to the coalition allies of PTI)… It is obvious that we can’t run the government with them even if we get a majority… So it will be better for Pakistan to conduct an election so that everything is clear about who stands where,” Imran Khan said during an interview with ARY News. Imran Khan used the occasion to reiterate his claims of a foreign conspiracy, and lambasted the country’s Opposition, particularly, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif for being part of an international plot to remove the Pakistani government.

“The Opposition is part of an international conspiracy to remove the government… I invited Shehbaz Sharif to a meeting (of Parliament’s security council), but he did not come… because he is part of the conspiracy… the Opposition boycotted the meeting,” Khan said.

Signalling that he may lose the vote on no-confidence on Sunday, Khan raised questions about the Opposition running the government, saying that the Opposition leaders were only busy distributing portfolios among themselves.

Imran Khan also underscored that he won’t resign and that he will fight till the last ball is bowled and the match is lost.

In an address to the nation on Thursday, Pakistan’s embattled Prime Minister Imran Khan had raised a “foreign conspiracy” charge amid the opposition’s growing confidence about the no-trust motion against his government that is pending in the National Assembly.

“The United States”, Imran Khan said in a slip of the tongue and then stated that “a foreign country” had sent a “threatening memo” which was against the Pakistani nation.

“On March 8 or before that on March 7, the US sent us a…not the US but a foreign country sent us a message. The reason why I talking about this…for an independent country to receive such a message… this is against me and the country,” he said.
Later in the day, the United States rejected insinuations made by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding Washington’s role in the alleged “foreign conspiracy” to oust him from power.

“There is no truth to these allegations. We are closely following developments in Pakistan. We respect and support Pakistan’s constitutional process and the rule of law,” a US State Department spokesperson told ANI.

In Pakistan’s National Assembly, the no-trust vote against the Imran Khan government was deferred to April 3. The proceedings of the National Assembly were adjourned till April 3 soon after it met on Thursday to discuss the no-confidence motion.

Nepal PM Meets EAM Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Shringla

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 08:03 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla in Delhi on Friday.


The Nepalese PM arrived in India today for a three-day visit to the country, accompanied by senior officials and his spouse Dr Arzu Deuba.

Nepal’s Prime Minister is visiting India at the invitation of PM Modi.

Earlier today, the Nepal PM met Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) President JP Nadda at the party headquarters in a courtesy meeting.


“Had a courtesy meeting with Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba today. India and Nepal are not just neighbours but are very close to each other even from religious, cultural, linguistic and historic viewpoints,” Nadda said in a tweet.


PM Deuba is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow at Hyderabad House, besides other engagements.


Besides official engagements in New Delhi, Nepal PM will visit Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

In a press statement, the MEA said India and Nepal enjoy age-old special ties of friendship and cooperation.


The last Head of State/Head of Government-level visit from Nepal was in May 2019, when the then PM K P Oli visited India for the swearing-in ceremony of PM Narendra Modi and the Union Council of Ministers.

Before that PM Modi had visited Nepal in August 2018 for the 4th BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu, which was preceded by a State Visit to Nepal in May 2018.


PM Modi had extended a congratulatory message to Sher Bahadur Deuba soon after he won the Vote of Confidence in Nepal’s Parliament.

This was followed by a congratulatory telephonic conversation on 19 July 2021. The most recent meeting between PM Modi and Sher Bahadur Deuba took place on November 2, 2021, on the sidelines of COP 26 in Glasgow.


Sher Bahadur Deuba is a veteran politician of the Nepali Congress with a political career spanning over seven decades. This is Deuba’s fifth tenure as PM. His first term was from September 1995 to March 1997.


He has visited India several times, both when in and out of power. This will be his fifth visit to India as PM, with the last visit being in August 2018. The previous three visits took place in 2004, 2002 and 1996.

1.7L Gram Panchayats To Get Broadband Connectivity Under BharatNet

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 07:18 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: With an aim to provide high-speed internet and broadband in all Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages of the country, the government has envisaged the BharatNet project, said the Minister of State for Communications, Devusinh Chauhan, on Friday.


“A total of 1,72,361 Gram Panchayats have been made service-ready in the country with broadband infrastructure under BharatNet” informed Chauhan.

“As per data provided by Telecom Service Providers and field units of Department of Telecommunications, it is estimated that out of 5,97,618 inhabited villages (as per Census 2011) in the country, 5,58,537 villages have mobile wireless broadband coverage,” he said.


As per an official release, the monitoring of the availability of Internet facilities was being done on the basis of the number of subscribers.

The availability of Internet connectivity enabled the general public to access all kinds of online digital services including in the field of education and healthcare.


Last year, the Government of India approved the implementation of BharatNet through the PPP model in 16 States, including Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. 

Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli Reunite For ‘London Files’

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 07:04 AM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): After working together in the ‘Rock On’ franchise, actors Arjun Rampal and Purab Kohli are all set to come up with a thriller series titled ‘London Files’.


On Friday, Arjun took to Instagram and shared the series’ official teaser.

“Are you readyyyyyy….. Cause, This investigation is about to take a dark turn. Brace yourself as Detective Om Singh dives into a tunnel of secrets,” he captioned the clip.


Helmed by Sachin Pathak, ‘London Files’ is touted as an investigative thriller series that revolves around homicide detective Om Singh, played by Arjun Rampal, taking on a missing person’s case in London.


The series will be out on Voot Select soon.

Amid Mounting US Pressure, PM Modi Meets Russian FM Lavrov

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 06:58 AM PDT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov this evening, in a significant gesture amid international pressure on India to take a stand against Russia’s Ukraine invasion.

PM Modi and the Russian Foreign Minister met for 40 minutes.

The Prime Minister has not publicly met any other visiting Ministers in the past two weeks, including those from UK, China, Austria, Greece and Mexico.

Earlier today, Mr Lavrov had said he wished to convey a “message personally” from President Vladimir Putin to PM Modi.

Earlier in the day, Russian FM Lavrov had met with his Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar in Delhi.

Shehbaz Sharif Lambasts Imran For Endangering Pakistan’s Global Interest

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 06:48 AM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]: Shehbaz Sharif, who is likely to replace Prime Minister Imran Khan, on Friday, lambasted him for endangering the global interest of Pakistan.


Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif on Friday in a tweet said that he was “Shocked at the way Imran Khan has endangered the global interests of the country.” He also said that “Among other things, the damage done to our foreign policy is incalculable.”


In an address to the nation on Thursday, Imran Khan made allegations regarding Washington’s role in an alleged “foreign conspiracy” to oust him from power.


Khan had also bashed US for “not reciprocating” Pakistan’s contribution to “war against terror” in Afghanistan.


Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday said Imran Khan “has now lost majority” in the National Assembly and Leader of the Opposition Shahbaz Sharif will soon become the Prime Minister of the country.


The PPP chairman said Shehbaz Sharif has challenged the Pakistan Prime Minister to resign from office. “He (Imran Khan) has no option left. He can either resign or get dismissed via no-confidence,” Bilawal Bhutto.


Earlier on Tuesday, the ruling PTI got another shock as MQM-P, an ally of the government, decided to side with the opposition and support them in the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan.


The MQM-P has seven seats in the National Assembly and after its decision to part ways with the government, the opposition has support of 177 MNAs, five more than the 172 required to gain a majority.


The relationship between US and Pakistan has been on the edge since the US withdrew from Afghanistan last summer.


The increasing alignment between China and Pakistan also casts a shadow over US policy towards Pakistan.


Khan had also said that many Pakistanis lost their lives in the fight against terror, but the US never thanked them. “In fact, the US blamed them for its failure in Afghanistan,” Khan said.


Meanwhile, Murtaza Ali Shah, a reporter for GEO News and The News International mocked Imran Khan’s address to the nation.


He said that Khan’s address was about “I, Me, Myself”, adding that Khan mentioned himself 213 times during 45 minutes long speech.


“Imran Khan talked about ‘I, Me, Myself, Imran Khan’ 213 times during 45 minutes long speech: it’s all about me,” tweeted Shah.


Imran had talked about his entering into politics in the 1990s following a successful cricket career.


“I entered politics because I came to the conclusion that Pakistan can never be the country that Allama Iqbal dreamt of and Quaid-e-Azam struggled for even in poor health,” he said.

Russia-Ukraine Resume Talks Online After Istanbul Meeting

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 06:32 AM PDT

Kyiv [Ukraine]: As the war in Eastern Europe entered its sixth-week talks between Russia-Ukraine resumed online on Friday after meeting in Istanbul, Turkey.


The talks come in the aftermath of an attack on a fuel depot in Belgorod that the Russian side alleged was carried out by the Ukrainian forces.

According to the local officials, Russian forces are blocking the Ukrainian effort to deliver aid to the besieged, southeastern port city of Mariupol, reported Al Jazeera.

Moreover, the regional officials say that some of Moscow’s troops withdrawing from near Kyiv and Chernihiv.


After the delegation-level meeting between Russia-Ukraine in Istanbul, the Russian delegation announced steps for a “drastic reduction in military activity in the Kyiv and Chernihiv directions” and the possibility of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.


Russian forces on Thursday attacked a Ukrainian military base in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

According to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Valentyn Reznichenko, two people were killed and five injured as a result of the attack tweeted the Kyiv Independent.


The intense bombardment in the Kharkiv region has prevented the opening of evacuation corridors in the region, Oleh Synyehubov, the head of the Kharkiv region military administration, said in a statement.


Meanwhile, in heavy shelling, a school was damaged in the Ukrainian village in Kyiv Oblast. Artworks were scattered on the ground with glass shattered and debris lying on the ground.


At least 20 people were killed and 33 injured in a Russian strike on the office of the regional military governor of Ukraine’s south-western Mykolaiv region on Tuesday, Ukraine’s State Emergency Services said in updated figures released Thursday.


Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine on February 24 in response to calls from the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics for protection against intensifying attacks by Ukrainian troops.

The Russian Defence Ministry said the special operation, which targets Ukrainian military infrastructure, aims to “demilitarise and denazify” Ukraine. Moscow has said it has no plans to occupy Ukraine. Western nations have imposed numerous sanctions on Russia.

Delhi HC Allows Reopening Five Floors Of Mosque At Markaz Premises During Ramzan

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 06:17 AM PDT

The Delhi High Court on Friday allowed the reopening of five floors of Masjid Bangle Wali at Nizamuddin Markaz premises for offering namaz during Ramzan.

Justice Jasmeet Singh allowed the reopening of Masjid under the same condition as were laid down at the time of reopening for Shab-e-Barat for offering namaz by devotees. The High Court noted that if more area is permitted for prayer, it would be better in view of COVID protocol.

The bench also said that the arrangements will be only for the month of Ramzan and will end with the culmination of Eid.

The bench has also been directed to install CCTV at the entry, exit and stairs for the event. The bench directed that there will be prayers, and namaz only but no Tablighi activities and no lecture will be there.

This application was moved in the petition by the Delhi Waqf Board and management committee for the reopening of Masjid Bangle Wali for Shab-e-Barat and for the month of Ramzan.

The High court on Thursday was informed by the Delhi Police that it will allow the offering of namaz in Masjid Bangle Wali on the conditions laid down by the High Court while granting permission offering of prayer during Shab-e-Barat.

Earlier the High Court on March 22, allowed the reopening of the Masjid Bangle Wali for Shab-e-Barat after removing the condition of limiting the number of devotees proposed by the SHO Hazrat Nizamuddin Police station.

The bench allowed the reopening of the ground and four other floors of the mosque after hearing the contentions of the counsels of the applicants.

India Can Play Mediator’s Role Between Moscow and Kyiv: Russian FM Lavrov

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 06:08 AM PDT

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday said that India can mediate between Moscow and Kyiv as the peace talks between the two counties failed to come up with solutions yet to end the war.

Responding to an ANI question on the possibility of India becoming a mediator between Russia and Ukraine, he said, “India is an important country. If India sees to play that role which provides resolution of the problem…If India is with its position of a just and rational approach to international problems, it can support such process.”

Lavrov, who arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a two-day official visit, also lauded independent Indian foreign policy and discussed a myriad of issues including, US pressure on India, surging energy prices, and sanctions on Russia.

“I believe that Indian foreign policies are characterized by independence and the concentration on real national legitimate interests. The same policy is based in the Russian Federation and this makes us, as big countries, good friends and loyal partners,” he said.

When asked about US pressure on India will affect Indo-Russian ties, the Russian FM said, “Have no doubt pressure doesn’t affect partnership, I have no doubt no pressure will affect our partnership… They (US) are forcing others to follow their politics.”

He also slammed for calling the special operation in Ukraine a war when asked about the developments in Ukraine, Lavrov said, “You called it a war which is not true. It is a special operation, military infrastructure is being targeted. The aim is to deprive the Kyiv regime of building the capacity to present any threat to Russia.”

He also replied to ANI on how he sees India’s position in the ongoing war, offer of oil supply to India, and any confirmation on Rupee-Ruble payment and sanctions.
“If India wants to buy anything from us, ready to discuss and reach mutually acceptable cooperation,” he said, adding “We will be ready to supply to India any goods which it wants to buy from us. We are ready to discuss. Russia and India have very good relations.”

He further said that relations with India were developed over many decades while answering how they can support India in terms of security challenges
“Talks are characterized by relations which we developed with India for many decades. Relations are strategic partnerships…This was the basis on which we’ve been promoting our cooperation in all areas,” said Lavrov.

IPL 2022: BCCI Likely To Allow 50 pc Crowd In Stadiums From Next Week

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 06:01 AM PDT

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to allow 50 per cent crowd in the four stadiums across Maharashtra in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 from next week.

“BCCI is planning to allow 50 per cent capacity of audience in IPL from next week and has got clearance from all departments,” sources said. Currently, only 25 per cent of crowd capacity is being allowed inside the stadiums during the 1st week of the competition. Furthermore, since the COVID situation is not worse, many people will be able to enjoy the matches at the venues.

The IPL 2022 has returned back to India after the IPL 2020 edition was played in the UAE due to the COVID pandemic situation and the second half of the IPL 2021 was held there as well, as, after 25 matches in India, BCCI paused the 14th edition of IPL due to the second wave of COVID but later it was revived in UAE in October-November.

While the BCCI had declared that the IPL 2022 season will be held in India, which was great as two new teams Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans were added in the current season, increasing the total number of teams to 10.

Wankhede Stadium and DY Patil Stadium hosted 20 matches each, the Brabourne Stadium and MHCA stadium are set to host 15 matches each, and the venue for the playoffs will be decided later.

However, the first week of the Indian Premier League has been nothing short of thrilling, with some clashes already taking place on the 22-yard mark. The T20 fever is set to grow even more as the tournament progresses. 

Masks Slow COVID-19 Spread, Keep Them On: Expert

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 05:19 AM PDT

Pune (Maharashtra): With Maharashtra scrapping COVID-19 restrictions and easing the norm on compulsory wearing of masks in public places, a health expert has emphasised caution noting that masks play a significant role in curtailing transmission of the disease.


Dr Priya Abraham, Director, ICMR-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) said that masks should continue to be worn, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated places.

“I don’t think it is time to completely throw precautions away. I personally believe that in any crowded place where we are sitting fairly close to each other or in a poorly ventilated place, we must wear a mask. A mask definitely has a role in curtailing transmission,” she said.


She said there is also a need to take care that infection does not spread to vulnerable groups such as senior citizens.


“Most of the time when children pick up an infection, it is mild or asymptomatic. But when a child with infection comes home and if there is an unvaccinated or a sick, older person, they can transmit the infection,” Dr Abraham said.


The Maharashtra Government on Thursday announced that all COVID-19 related restrictions including the compulsory wearing of masks in public places will be withdrawn from April 2.

It has advised people to follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour but wearing masks will be optional.


Fines for not wearing masks in public are likely to be done away in Delhi also.


A meeting of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA was held on Thursday and a decision has been taken to do away with a fine for not wearing masks, sources said.


COVID-19 cases in India have declined sharply with 1,335 new cases recorded on Friday.


Maharashtra on Thursday reported 183 new COVID-19 cases, taking the number of active cases to 902. Delhi reported 113 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday.


China has seen a rise in COVID-19 cases and has put restrictions in its commercial hub of Shanghai to prevent the spread of the disease. 

Navjot Singh Sidhu Blames AAP For Poor Law And Order Situation In Punjab

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 04:28 AM PDT

Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday called out the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to take a look at a purported video where a Congress worker was allegedly brutally beaten in Patiala’s Sanaur in Punjab.

He alleged that the law and order in Punjab are at a “very low ebb”. In another tweet, taking a potshot at the AAP, he said that the recent actions by AAP workers did not indicate Bhagat Singh’s ideology.

“Kejriwal, your people are going to court in Delhi that your life is in danger, should you worry about the lives of Punjabis too? If it happens in Delhi you call it Vandalism. Look what is happening in Punjab… Another Congress worker was brutally beaten in Sanaur. Law & order at a very low ebb !!” tweeted Sidhu.

“Change is not necessarily progressed. This is not ‘badlaav’ that Punjab signed up for. Murders, Car thefts at Gunpoint, Snatching, Hooliganism & Kabza’s… Uncontrolled AAP workers fulfilling selfish motives… Poles apart from S. Bhagat Singh’s ideology of selflessness and sacrifice,” he added.

Earlier on Thursday, Sidhu said alleged that a Congress worker named Iqbal Singh was killed by the AAP workers in village Kasowana, Zira.

“Still awaiting action against the AAP workers who brutally killed Congress worker Iqbal in village Kasowana, Zira. Will be attending his ‘Antim Ardaas’ on Wednesday. We will fiercely rally behind every congress worker, who is our backbone,” he added.

‘Powerful’ country angry because of Russia visit: PM Imran Khan

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 03:44 AM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]: Referring to the United Kingdom, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said that a “powerful country” is angry with Islamabad because of his recent visit to Russia.


Addressing the Islamabad Security Dialogue on Friday, the premier said that the “powerful country” is supporting its ally (India). “Today, I read the statement of the British Foreign Secretary that mentioned that they cannot say anything to India as it is an independent state — I don’t blame them for this support, this is our mistake,” he said, according to Geo tv.


Addressing the ongoing controversy regarding the “threat letter”, apparently sent by the US, the premier said that an honourable person is always respected, questioning if a country can threaten another country.”


On Thursday, talking about the “threatening memo” that the PM claimed to have received against his government from a foreign country, he named the United States to be behind the conspiracy, Geo tv reporter.


Earlier, in his remarks, National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf said our national security policy focuses on peace, cooperation and economy. He reiterated that we want cooperation with all the countries.


The national security adviser said that the best experts from around the world as well as intellectuals and cabinet members are attending the security dialogue.


The two-day dialogue will bring together Pakistani and international policy experts to discuss emerging challenges in international security under the theme “Comprehensive Security: Reimagining International Cooperation”.


The Islamabad Security Dialogue is hosting 17 international speakers from the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Russia, European Union, Japan, the Philippines and others.

‘Ready to supply any goods that India Wants To Buy’: Russian FM Lavrov

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 03:36 AM PDT

On a two day visit to India, Russian FM Sergei Lavrov, in a press conference today stressed on India, Russia ties and offered an interrupted supply chain of all or any goods that India may want to buy.

Russia is also offering India steep discounts on the direct sale of oil as mounting international pressure lowers the appetite for its barrels elsewhere following the invasion of Ukraine, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Russian Foreign Minister on his visit to India further said in a press conference, “We will be ready to supply to India any goods which it wants to buy from us. We are ready to discuss. Russia and India have very good relations.”

Stressing on India-Russia ties, the Russian FM said, “I have no doubt no pressure will affect our partnership… They (US) are forcing others to follow their politics”

Lavrov clarifying Russian position on the Ukraine war, while taking a potshot at Western powers said, “You called it a war which is not true. It is a special operation in which military infrastructure is being targeted. The aim is to deprive the Kyiv regime from building the capacity to present any threat to Russia.”

Talking about the growing clout of India is the world and answering a question on the possibility of India becoming a mediator between Moscow and Kyiv, Russian FM Lavrov said, “India is important country. If India sees to play that role which provides resolution of problem…If India is with its position of just & rational approach to international problems. it can support such process.”

Russian FM Lavrov is expected to meet PM Modi later today.

Maruti Suzuki Posts Highest Ever Exports Of 2.38 Lakh Units In FY22

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 02:44 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: India’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki said on Friday its exports surged to 238,376 units in 2021-22, the highest in any financial year.


The company exported 26,496 units during March 2022, clocking its highest ever monthly exports.

Hisashi Takeuchi, who assumed office as Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited on Friday, said, “Today is an auspicious day for me as I take up the responsibility of MD & CEO, that coincides with the achievement of this historic highest ever exports.


“This export milestone demonstrates the dedication and hard work of team led by Kenichi Ayukawa, from whom I have taken up this role. These export numbers are a reflection of India’s manufacturing potential and the acceptance of India-manufactured vehicles, all over the world,” Takeuchi said in a statement.


Maruti Suzuki has been exporting vehicles since 1986 and has achieved a cumulative export of over 22.5 lakh vehicles.


India manufactured Maruti Suzuki vehicles are exported to over 100 countries. The top five export models in FY 2021-22 were Baleno, Dzire, Swift, S-Presso and Brezza.

Top export markets included Latin America, ASEAN, Africa, and the Middle East. 

Navjot Singh Sidhu Blames AAP For Poor Law And Order In Punjab

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 02:09 AM PDT

Chandigarh (Punjab): Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday called out the Aam Admi Party (AAP) to take a look at a purported video where a Congress worker was allegedly brutally beaten in Patiala’s Sanaur in Punjab. He alleged that the law and order in Punjab are at a “very low ebb”.

In another tweet, taking a potshot at the AAP, he said that the recent actions by AAP workers did not indicate Bhagat Singh’s ideology.


“Kejriwal, your people are going to court in Delhi that your life is in danger, should you worry about the lives of Punjabis too? If it happens in Delhi you call it Vandalism.

Look what is happening in Punjab… Another Congress worker was brutally beaten in Sanaur. Law & order at a very low ebb !!” tweeted Sidhu.


“Change is not necessarily progressed. This is not ‘badlaav’ that Punjab signed up for. Murders, Car thefts at Gunpoint, Snatching, Hooliganism & Kabza’s… Uncontrolled AAP workers fulfilling selfish motives… Poles apart from S. Bhagat Singh’s ideology of selflessness and sacrifice,” he added.


Earlier on Thursday, Sidhu said alleged that a Congress worker named Iqbal Singh was killed by the AAP workers in village Kasowana, Zira.


“Still awaiting action against the AAP workers who brutally killed Congress worker Iqbal in village Kasowana, Zira. Will be attending his ‘Antim Ardaas’ on Wednesday. We will fiercely rally behind every congress worker, who is our backbone,” he added. 

Shirtless Vicky Kaushal Sets Internet On Fire

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 01:58 AM PDT

Actor Vicky Kaushal’s latest Instagram picture is proof of the fact that why his name is synonymous with hotness.

On Friday, the ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ star took to the photo-sharing application and shared a few pictures from his vacation with his wife Katrina Kaif at an undisclosed location. One of the images features him posing shirtless, with azure blue waters and greenery in the background.

“No wifi still finding better connection,” he captioned the post.
His solo picture has left his fans in awe of his hot physique.

“Who’s the hottest man in the world? It’s Vicky Kaushal,” a fan commented.
“Vicky, you are so so so hot,” another one wrote.

Vicky also shared a new picture with Katrina. In the particular image, the love birds can be seen soaking up the sun on a boat.

For the unversed, Vicky and Katrina tied the knot at Six Senses Fort Barwara in Rajasthan on December 9 last year. 

Shanghai Begins 2nd Phase Of Largest Lockdown In 2 Years

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 01:30 AM PDT

Shanghai [China]: Amid the largest lockdown in two years, the Chinese city of Shanghai on Friday launched the second phase of a massive COVID-19 PCR screening, local media reported citing local authorities.

The first lockdown phase lasted from 5 am (local time) March 28 until 5 am April 1 in the areas located east and south of the Huangpu River, including Pudong, Fengxian, Jinshan and Chongming districts, and several areas of Minhang and Songjiang.


The second phase came into effect at 3 am (local time) today and will last until 3 am (local time) on April 5 in areas west of the Huangpu River, including Xuhui, Huangpu, and Jiading districts.


The operation of public and private traffic is shut down, and the bridges over the river are also closed for the lockdown period.


On Tuesday, the city’s authorities said that more than 8.26 million residents were screened.


Chinese mainland reported 1,787 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, the National Health Commission said on Friday.


Previously, Shanghai had managed its smaller previous outbreaks with limited lockdowns of housing compounds and workplaces where the virus was reported to be spreading.


Last month, China has faced its worst outbreak since the coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan. From March 1 to 24, the country had reported 56,000 infections — more than the total cases in Wuhan two years ago.


The number of coronavirus cases and deaths reported by the Chinese authorities since the beginning of the pandemic in late 2019 is considered a tiny fraction of the real figures, with Beijing admitting to just over 1,00,000 total cases prior to the current surge. 

Russian FM Lavrov, Jaishankar Meet, Hold Bilateral talks

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 01:20 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Friday.


Both the leaders held bilateral talks, tweeted the Russian Foreign Ministry. Lavrov, who is on a two-day official visit to India arrived here on Thursday. This is the first trip of Lavrov to India since Moscow launched a “special military operation” in Ukraine on February 24.


Lavrov’s visit comes soon after China’s foreign minister Wang Yi visit to India last week and ahead of the 2+2 dialogue set to be held between India and the US on April 11.


The Russian Foreign Minister reached New Delhi after his two-day visit to China.


On Wednesday, in China, Lavrov held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and both sides pledged to strengthen bilateral ties.

Lavrov informed the Chinese side of the Russia-Ukraine talks, saying Russia is committed to easing the tensions, continuing peace talks with Ukraine, and maintaining communication with the international community.


Russian Foreign Minister participated in two multinational meetings on Afghanistan along with representatives from Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.


Lavrov also held meetings with representatives from China and Pakistan and attended a separate meeting of the “Extended Troika” with special Afghan envoys from China and the US.


Russian leaders and elites are facing Western sanctions, including an asset freeze and travel ban, over the country’s invasion of Ukraine last month.


The US in coordination with the EU and the G7 has imposed sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, key members of his government and members of his inner circle and over 400 Russian elites considered close to Kremlin.


Over 325 members of the Duma have also been targeted with sanctions. 

‘Imran Is History’ People should Focus On Cleaning Mess He Created: Ex-wife of Pak PM

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 01:19 AM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]: Reham Khan, ex-wife of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday criticised the former cricketer and said that the people of the country should focus on standing together for cleaning the mess that Imran Khan has created.


Khan came to power in 2018 with promises to create a “Naya Pakistan” but miserably failed to address the basic problem of keeping the prices of commodities in control, allowing the Opposition to target his government as “inefficient”.

The ex-wife of the cricketer-turned-politician tweeted: “Imran is history!! I think we should focus on standing together for cleaning the mess Naya Pakistan has left.”

She said that what Imran Khan does not have is “intelligence and capability” as the Pakistan Prime Minister in his address to the nation said by God’s grace he does not need anything as he has attained everything in life — fame, wealth.


Reham Khan, however, agreed with Imran Khan’s point as he said he saw Pakistan rising to the top when he was a child.


“Yes, Pakistan was great when you were not the PM,” Reham Khan tweeted sharply criticising the speech.

Pakistan Prime Minister on Thursday refused to resign saying that he will play till the last ball.


In his address to the nation on Thursday, Imran Khan said that he won’t resign while saying that the rebelling legislators from his party have sold their conscience.


“Somebody asked me to resign. I will resign? I have played cricket for 20 years, and I play till the last ball. I have never given up in my life,” Imran Khan said, adding, “You will see that I will emerge stronger after the vote (on no-confidence), no matter what the result of the vote is.”


In his speech yesterday, talking about Pakistan’s lost glory, Imran Khan said he saw a different Pakistan growing up. Malaysian princes used to study with him in school.

“South Korea had come to Pakistan to learn how we progressed. Middle East countries used to come to our universities. I have seen all this sinking, seen my country getting insulted,” he said.


The ex-wife of the Pakistan Prime Minister is often seen criticising him and frequently slamming him for his style of governance. 

Preserve CCTV Footage- High Court To Police In CM Residence Vandalism Case

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 01:00 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: The Delhi High Court on Friday sought a status report from Delhi Police over the violent protest and vandalism outside the residence of the Delhi Chief Minister and also directed that the CCTV footage of the incident should be preserved.


The bench of Acting Chief Justice Delhi Vipin Sanghi and Justice Navin Chawla on Friday sought a status report to be filed in two weeks in sealed — and also a recorded statement of Delhi Police that all the evidence relating to the case including CCTV footage shall be preserved.

The court slated the matter for April 25, 2022 for a detailed hearing.

Appearing for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain opposed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bhardwaj’s plea claiming the alleged attack was carried out with Delhi Police’s tacit complicity.

The ASG submitted that the petition is misconceived and it will be opposed on legal grounds. He also submitted that a meeting has been held between Home Ministry and Delhi Police in this regard.


On that Bench said, “Any citizen and political or not could have filed this. This is a constitutional functionary we are talking about. This is the matter related to a Chief Minister.”


Appearing for AAP, leader/petitioner senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi submitted that “kindly reverse the scene for any other politician irrespective of the political line. Heavens would have fallen then. And my friend is opposing even the notice. What I am currently seeking is the preservation of the CCTV footage.” Singhvi also cited the order of the Supreme Court in the Prime Minister’s Security Breach matter.


Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra, who appeared for the AAP leader, also raised questions over the Delhi Police investigation so far.

He submitted that the eight persons arrested so far are just a scapegoat. A sitting parliamentarian and other known leaders of the BJP party were there at the site.

These pictures and videos are already in the media and public domain but still, no action has been taken on them.


AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj on Thursday moved the Delhi High Court against the alleged attack and vandalisation at the official residence of the Delhi Chief Minister on March 30.


The plea sought direction for the constitution of a Special Investigation Team to undertake an independent, fair and time-bound criminal investigation with respect to the attack and its perpetrators.


The petitioner also alleged that the attack was done by Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) workers and appears to have been carried out with Delhi Police’s tacit complicity.


Visuals from outside Kejriwal’s residence on Wednesday showed protestors casually walking through the police security cordon, kicking and breaking boom barriers, breaking CCTV cameras with lathis, throwing paint at the gate and attempting to climb over the entrance gate, while Delhi Police personnel simply looked on, doing little to stop the protestors, stated the plea.


Saurabh Bhardwaj, sitting MLA from AAP stated that the party strongly supports the right to protest peacefully, even if such protest is against the Delhi Government, it is submitted that in the name of protest, violence cannot and ought not to be permitted and condoned, the plea stated.


It further stated that, in this case, the violence was especially egregious as it was directed toward the Delhi CM and his family. It was meant to subdue, by the use of force, the highest elected official in NCT of Delhi and therefore the elected Government of Delhi. This was a direct attack on democracy.


The plea further submitted that those who were charged with the protection of the Delhi CM, that is, Delhi Police, completely abdicated their duty, without any regard for the fact that they were protecting an elected constitutional functionary and the fact that he was given Z plus security by Delhi Police itself.


Moreover, the Delhi Police’s inaction was in blatant violation of this Court’s order dated August 22, 2017, wherein the Delhi Police was directed to ensure that no unnecessary protest takes place on the road in front of the Delhi CM’s house, as it is a residential area.


It thus appears that Delhi Police was hand in glove with the goons as the goons are members of the ruling party in the Central Government, which has absolute control over the Delhi Police through the Ministry of Home Affairs.


It is pertinent to note, that in the past as well, on December 10, 2020, there was an attack on the residence of the Deputy Chief Minister by BJP goons, where also, the Delhi Police did not take any steps to stop the attackers and thereafter failed to take any concrete criminal action against the attackers, stated the plea. 

Pariksha Pe Charcha: ‘Stay Away From Panic’, PM Modi To Students

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 12:43 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Interacting with board exam students at the fifth edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday advised them to stay away from panic and appear for their tests in a festive mood.


“You are not giving exams for the first time. In a way, you are exam-proof. Thus, do not be stressed. Remember, you have overcome such exams before,” said PM Modi at the event held at the Talkatora Stadium here today.

He further said, “There is no one sitting here who is appearing for exams for the first time. We have become exam proof by repeatedly sitting for exams after equal intervals of time. Exams are a stepping stone in our life.”


Urging students to stay away from an environment of panic, the Prime Minister advised students to appear for examinations with full self-confidence.


“I want students to stay away from a panic environment during exams. No need to copy friends, just keep doing whatever you do with full confidence and I believe all of you will be able to give your exam in a festive mood, without any stress,” said PM Modi.


Referring to the widespread usage of online mode of education since the onset of the COVID pandemic, the Prime Minister said, “Students should introspect themselves while studying online, whether they actually study or spend time watching reels on social media.”


“Whatever happens offline, same takes place online. This means the medium is not the problem. Irrespective of the medium, if our mind is delved into the subject, then it won’t make a difference is grasping things,” he added.


The Prime Minister also assured the students that the queries of students that will remain unanswered during the programme due to time crunch will be answered by him on the Namo App.


“All the queries of the students that might not be discussed here due to time crunch will be answered by me in the Namo App via videos, audio messages and written texts,” said PM Modi.


“Today’s program is particularly special to me as I meet you all after a long gap,” added PM Modi.


Meanwhile, students who arrived at the Talkatora stadium to participate in the interaction with the Prime Minister in Pariksha Pe Charcha, shared their experiences before the commencement of the programme.


A class 12 student of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kapurthala, Chhavni said, “I am very excited to interact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and feel very fortunate on getting this opportunity. It is very common for students to experience stress before appearing for examinations. But when the Prime Minister himself interacts with students face-to-face, it acts as a motivating force and it feels really nice to listen to him, it takes away a lot of stress of the students and helps a lot in managing that anxiety.”


Another student from JNV, Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh said, “I am excited and nervous at the same time. I feel extremely fortunate to get a golden chance to interact with the Prime Minister.”


“I have never met the Prime Minister in person, never had an opportunity to interact with him in person, so I am really excited to participate in this interaction,” said another student of class 10 from Jawahar Navodya Vidyalaya, Faridabad.


Pariksha Pe Charcha is an annual event in which the Prime Minister responds to questions related to examination stress and related areas posed by students in his uniquely engaging style in a live programme. 

US Encourages India To Participate In Country’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve

Posted: 01 Apr 2022 12:34 AM PDT

Washington [US]: The United States has been in touch with several countries including India on the release of strategic reserves as President Joe Biden announced to release 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve for the next six months as part his efforts to keep the oil prices under control which have been spiralling in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.


“Our conversations with all countries that have reserves are similar in encouraging them to participate and to contribute, consistent with their available stocks and their circumstances,” said Brian Deese, White House Director of the NEC (National Economic Council) said on US Conversations with India on Russian oil.

“We have seen to date a quite extraordinary willingness to participate — including IEA and non-IEA members — to participate in those coordinated releases, including the Indian government to date. So, the work of diplomacy and engagement with our allies and partners is aimed to make sure that that continues,” he said.

While responding to the question regarding the role of India, China and the US as the top three consumers of oil, in oil reserves, Deese answered that these countries are not the largest consumers but the largest reserves.


“So, in terms — what — when we’re talking about collective releases, the issue is actually where are the countries- — who are the countries that actually have the largest reserves — not the largest consumers, but the largest reserves. So those are the IEA,” he added.


The US, EU and other nations barred imports of Russian oil and gas over the country’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.


“Today, I’m authorising the release of 1 million barrels per day for the next six months -over 180 million barrels -for the Strategic -from the -from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve,” Biden announced.

“This is a wartime bridge to increase oil supply until production ramps up later this year. And it is by far the largest release from our national reserve in our history,” he added.

Punjab CM Moves Resolution To Transfer Chandigarh To Punjab

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 11:56 PM PDT

Chandigarh (Punjab): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday moved a resolution in the assembly seeking the transfer of Chandigarh to the state.


The resolution has been moved against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s decision to put Chandigarh under central service rule. Bhagwant Mann while reading the resolution said that this decision is a direct attack on the right of Punjab on Chandigarh.


Mann read the resolution at a one-day special assembly session in Chandigarh in Punjab.


Earlier on Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced that the service conditions of the employees of the Chandigarh administration will now be matched to that of the Central Civil Services.


This decision by the Home Minister is expected to bring big gains to the employees.
Earlier on Wednesday, after a gap of 11 years, the Chandigarh administration hiked the water tariff in the range of Rs 3 per kilo litre to Rs 20 across various slabs, which will come in force from Friday.


According to the new tariff rates, on a slab of 0-15 Kilo litres (KL) of water, there will be an increase of Rs 3 per KL, whereas in the category of 16 to 30 KL water there will be a spike of Rs 6 per KL.


The new tariff rates show a hike of Rs 10 per KL for 31 to 60 KL water and an increase of Rs 20 per KL for water consumption above 60 KL.


The tariff rates in the Union Territory (UT) were last revised on 24 May 2011, and since then the cost of water supply and additional infrastructure have increased manifolds, leading to continuous losses to the civic body, said the administration in an official statement.


The revised rates will come into effect from April 1.

Uttarakhand: Electricity Tariffs Increase by 2.68%

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 11:48 PM PDT

Dehradun (Uttarakhand): The Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission on Thursday announced the new electricity rates with an increase of 2.68 percent in the state.


“There is an increase of 2.68 percent in electricity rates in Uttarakhand. The electricity rate has been hiked by 4 paise per unit for four lakh BPL and snowbound consumers in the state.

There has been an increase of 10 to 30 paise in the domestic category,” Electricity Regulatory Commission Chairman DP Gairola said.

The Commission has not increased fixed charges for domestic category consumers consuming up to 100 units per month, however, the tariff has been increased by 10 paise per unit.


DP Gairola also informed that the Commission has increased the voltage rebate from 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent for consumers availing of supply at 33 kV voltage level.


According to new revisions, the commission has also kept the tariff for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Tariff unchanged at Rs 5.50/kWh.


The Electricity Commission said that online payments via NEFT/RTGS/IMPS shall now be allowed on a rebate of 1.25 percent from the earlier 0.75 percent.


The revised domestic electricity rates are Rs 2.90, Rs 4.20, Rs 5.80, Rs 6.55 under the categories of 0-100 units, 101-200 units, 201-400 units, above 400 units respectively.


Earlier, the domestic electricity rates were Rs 2.80, Rs 4.00, Rs 5.50, and Rs 6.25 for these respective categories.

Gurudwara Shri Hemkunt Sahib Opens To Public From May 22

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 11:40 PM PDT

Dehradun (Uttarakhand): The doors of the Gurudwara Shri Hemkunt Sahib in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand will open for its devotees on 22 May 2022, announced the Gurudwara management.


“The doors of Gurudwara Shri Hemkunt Sahib will open for devotees on 22nd May at 10.30 AM, and for that, all the maintenance works are being done by the trust,” said Narinderjit Singh Bindra, vice-chairman, Gurudwara Shri Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust.


“The Indian Army will begin removing snow from in and around the Gurudwara from the second week of April,” he added.


According to the Trust’s management, earlier in 2021, the yatra began on 18 September with the consideration of coronavirus pandemic guidelines which stated that only 1,000 doubly vaccinated devotees, with a negative RT-PCR report not older than 72 hours, were allowed to visit the gurudwara in a day.


This Gurudwara is one of the most revered Sikh pilgrimage sites.


Hemkunt Sahib (also known as Hemkund Sahib) is visited by thousands of devotees from all over the globe every summer. The Gurudwara is situated beside a lake and it is believed that the 10th Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh had meditated at the site. 

Lankan President Blames Unidentified ‘Extremist’ Group For Colombo Protests

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 11:32 PM PDT

Colombo [Sri Lanka]: Sri Lankan President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s office blamed an unidentified ‘extremist’ group for creating the violent situation during the protest near the Jubilee Post in Nugegoda, Colombo, the Colombo Page reported citing President’s media division’s press release.


The mob armed with iron clubs, sickles and clubs marched towards the Sri Lankan President’s residence at Mirihana Pangiriwatta, to provoke the protesters and create a riot-like situation in the city, according to the statement.

The statement further revealed that the police has arrested several people who were involved in the protest and many of them were identified as organised extremists. It further added that they have spearheaded the protest calling for an Arab Spring in Sri Lanka.


The detainees revealed that the riots were carried out using social media to provoke the people and destabilise the country, the statement added.


The protest was staged on Thursday over the government’s failure to address the existing issues in the island nation.


The protesters clashed with the police outside the residence of President Rajapaksa in Mirihana.


A bus attached to the Sri Lanka Army and a jeep were set on fire by protesters.

Moreover, police have imposed a curfew in several areas in Colombo.


“Police curfew imposed until further notice with immediate effect within Colombo North, Colombo South, Colombo Central and Nugegoda Police Division,” said Inspector General of Police, reported Daily Mirror.


After the protest, at least ten people were injured including journalists.


Six people were admitted to the Colombo National Hospital after sustaining injuries following clashes between protestors and police in Mirihana. Another four patients were admitted to the Colombo South Teaching Hospital in Kalubowila, Daily Mirror reported.


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


Sri Lanka is presently facing a foreign exchange shortage which has led to a food, fuel, power and gas shortage and has sought the assistance of friendly countries for economic assistance.


Sri Lanka is witnessing at least 10-hour daily power cuts. Sri Lanka’s currency has been also devalued by almost SLR 90 against the US dollar since March 8. 

Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans To Headline Jason Bateman’s ‘Project Artemis’

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 11:10 PM PDT

‘Avengers’ stars Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans are teaming up to headline Jason Bateman’s upcoming Apple drama ‘Project Artemis’.

After bagging the major awards at the 2022 Oscars ceremony, Apple has landed another major project titled ‘Project Artemis’ which is said to revolve around the space race, according to Deadline. The plot details are being kept under wraps.

Rose Gilroy who is the daughter of writer-director Dan Gilroy and actor Rene Russo, has penned the script for this project.

Two-time Oscar nominee Johansson will produce the film alongside Jonathan Lia and Keenan Flynn under the These Pictures banner. Bateman will also produce the project through Aggregate Films. 

Academy Leaders Meet Will Smith Before Emergency Board Meeting

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 10:56 PM PDT

The leaders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences met with actor Will Smith to discuss the ongoing slap incident, before the emergency board meeting.

Sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Variety, that the leaders met with Smith on Tuesday to discuss his attack on Chris Rock during the live telecast of the 2022 Oscars ceremony, on Sunday.

The outlet was informed that Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson had a conversation with the 53-year-old actor on Zoom about the fallout from the assault during Sunday’s Oscars telecast.

“The talk lasted for roughly 30 minutes,” according to what the source told Variety.
Smith apologised again to Rubin and Hudson for his action during their “brief” conversation and also expressed his awareness that there would be consequences and tried to explain why he snapped when Rock made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair, who has alopecia.

Following that meeting, the Academy announced that Smith had violated the group’s code of conduct and faced “suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions.”

The Academy also revealed that Smith was asked to leave the ceremony following the incident, but he refused.

For a recap, while presenting the best documentary feature at the Oscars, comedian Chris Rock made a joke about Will Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head.
Rock said he couldn’t wait to see Pinkett Smith, who has alopecia, star in ‘G.I. Jane 2’ which led Smith to go up on stage and slap Rock. Smith returned to his seat and shouted, “Keep my wife’s name out of your fu**ing mouth!”

A few minutes after the incident, Smith was announced Best Actor at the 94th Academy Awards. While accepting his first-ever Oscar for best actor (leading role) in ‘King Richard’, Smith apologised to the Academy and fellow nominees but did not mention Rock.

Following a rage of backlash over social media, including from the Academy, Smith took to Instagram on Monday to apologise to Rock.

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Rock declined to press charges against what happened at the Oscars 2022 ceremony.

J-K: Tourism Department Organises Food Festival At Tulip Garden In Srinagar

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 10:34 PM PDT

The Department of Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir is holding a 7-day traditional and cultural food festival in Srinagar at the Tulip Garden to attract tourists.

This festival has been attracting a large number of local and foreign visitors, who are enjoying the taste and flavour of Kashmir. Javaid Ahmad, who has a food stall at the festival, thanked the organisers as he believes the festival will help create employment opportunities.

“We are providing our tourists with the flavour of Kashmir and different food items that people often love to have,” Javaid Ahmad added.

The food festival has a number of stalls that provide traditional cuisine known as Wazwan, traditional bread counters along with famous sweet hot drinks like saffron kehwa.

“I firmly believe that the culture, heritage, art and crafts, and the valley’s horticulture collectively make Jammu and Kashmir the best place for tourism,” said Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir.

The tourism department has organised the seven-day food festival during the ongoing tulip show, which started on 23 March 2022, and will conclude in the ending week of April.

Presently, thousands of visitors are thronging the tulip garden every day.
A local visitor said, “The sight of Dal lake, various Mughal gardens, and Tulips, and the food festival is worthy of appreciation.”

Situated on the foothills of Zabarwan Range with an overview of Dal Lake, the Tulip garden is a picture of scenic beauty with a variety of flowers apart from tulips including hyacinths, daffodils and ranunculus.

Centre Reduces AFSPA From Nagaland, Assam, Manipur

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 10:18 PM PDT

In a major step taken after decades, the Centre on Friday reduced disturbed areas under Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the states of Nagaland, Assam and Manipur; and kept it effective in a few districts and areas falling within the jurisdiction of some police stations in these states for next six months.

In a gazette notification, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the AFSPA will be effective in nine districts of Nagaland including Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, Peren and Zunheboto; and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of 15 police stations comprising Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in Kohima District; Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki ‘C’ police stations in Mokokchung District; Yanglok police station in Longleng District; and Bhandari, Champang, Ralan and Sungro police stations in Wokha District. As per the notifications, these nine districts in Nagaland and areas falling within the jurisdiction of 15 police stations in the state’s different districts are “declared as ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for a period of six months with effect from April 1, 2022, unless withdrawn earlier”.

By this step, the AFSPA has been removed from 15 police stations in seven districts in Nagaland with effect from Friday (April 1).

The disturbed area notification is in force in the whole of Nagaland since 1995. The Central government took the step after it accepted the recommendation of the committee constituted in this regard to remove AFSPA in a phased manner.

Similarly, the government of Assam in the exercise of powers conferred under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (Act 28 of 1958) withdrew the declaration of “Disturbed Area” with effect from Friday (April 1) from 23 districts and one sub-division of the state that include Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Majuli, Biswanath, Sonitpur, Nagaon, Hoyai, Morigaon, Kamrup Metro, Darrang, Kamrup, Nalbari, Barpeta, Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Dhubri, South Salmara Mancachar, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Udaiguri, Karimganj, Hailakandi and Cachar district except for Lakhipur Sub-division.

Also, the government declared the areas covering nine districts and one sub-division comprising Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao and Lakhipur Sub Division of Cachar district of the state of Assam as “Disturbed Area” for a further period of six months with effect from Friday (April 1), unless withdrawn earlier.

The government said that the move was taken after a review of the law and order and security scenario in Assam in the recent past which indicates that the situation has considerably improved in many districts of the state and the presence of extremist elements are confined to only in certain parts of the State.

Disturbed area notification is in force in the whole of Assam since 1990.

The governor of Manipur has also accorded approval to declare the entire state of Manipur excluding the areas falling under the jurisdiction of 15 Police Stations as “Disturbed Area” for a period of six months with effect from April 1, 2022 (Friday) in the exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (Act No.28 of 1958).

As per the order, AFSPA has been withdrawn from Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irilbun, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakchin and Jiribam police stations in Manipur.

The Disturbed Area Declaration in the entire Manipur (except the Imphal Municipality area) is in operation since 2004.

Besides, the disturbed area notification under AFSPA has been completely removed by the Modi government from Tripura in 2015 and Meghalaya in 2018 due to improvements in the security situation.

The AFSPA empowers security forces to conduct operations anywhere and arrest anyone without any prior warrant. In 2005, the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee had recommended the repeal of AFSPA and suggested an amendment to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 by inserting a new Chapter with respect to the North-Eastern states.

Commercial LPG Price Increases By Rs 250; Will Cost Rs 2,253 From Today

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 10:02 PM PDT

The prices of 19 kg commercial LPG have been increased by Rs 250 per cylinder effective from Friday.

This is the second hike in a month. With this, the 19 kg commercial cooking gas will now cost Rs 2,253. The commercial LPG was increased by Rs 105 on March 1. However, there has been no increase in the prices of domestic gas cylinders today.

Last week, the price of domestic cooking gas (LPG) was hiked by Rs 50 per cylinder. A 14.2-kg LPG cylinder is costing Rs 949.50 in Delhi from March 22 onwards.

Notably, fuel prices continue to rise with petrol and diesel rates rising by another 80 paise per litre each on Thursday, netting an increase of about Rs 6.40 a litre in nine revisions in 10 days so far.

Yesterday, staging a protest against the fuel price hike, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi demanded the BJP-led Centre to bring the rising fuel prices under control.

Congress MPs led by Rahul Gandhi on Thursday staged a protest at Vijay Chowk on Thursday against the fuel price hike. Senior party leaders Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Mallikarjun Kharge, Abhishek Singhvi, KC Venugopal, Shakti Sinh Gohil and others were present at the protest.

The Congress leaders protested with cutouts of LPG cylinders and placards having the slogans ‘Rollback fuel price hike’.

To take on the BJP-led central government on the issues of inflation and fuel price hike, Congress has decided to launch a nationwide programme ‘Mehngai Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ against price rises under which it will organise rallies and marches across the country from March 31 to April 7.

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 rises under which it will organise rallies and marches across the country from March 31 to April 7.

Notably, 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. 

Centre Extends AFSPA In 3 Districts Of Arunachal Pradesh For 6 Months

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 09:21 PM PDT

The Centre on Friday extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in three districts of Arunachal Pradesh including Tirap, Changlang, and Longding from April 1 to September 30 this year, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

In addition, the Government of India has also extended AFSPA in the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai and Mahadevpur police stations in Arunachal Pradesh. “The Central Government in the exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 had declared the Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai and Mahadevpur police stations in Namsai district, bordering the State of Assam as ‘disturbed’ areas,” the notification read.

The review of the law and order situation in these areas of Arunachal Pradesh has been undertaken by the AFSPA as per the Centre’s notification.

“A further review of law and order situation in Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts in the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai and Mahadevpur police stations of Arunachal Pradesh has been undertaken,” it said.

The Centre has declared these areas as “disturbed” areas under section 3 of ASFPA, 1958 from April 1 to September 30, 2022, unless withdrawn earlier.

The AFSPA empowers security forces to arrest a person without a warrant, enter or search premises without a warrant along with some other actions.

This development comes after the Centre on Thursday decided to reduce the disturbed areas under Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Nagaland, Assam and Manipur after decades.

Hyderabad Metro Rail Offers Unlimited Travel From Ugadi Festival

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 07:14 PM PDT

Starting this Ugadi, L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited (L&TMRHL) is set to spread holiday cheer among the people of Hyderabad with the first of its kind Super Saver Metro Holiday Card.

The card offers to provide unlimited metro travel across 57 metros stations and three corridors on 100 applicable holidays during the year. The Super Saver Metro Holiday Card was unveiled on Thursday by KVB Reddy, MD and CEO, L&TMRHL during an event at Ameerpet Metro Station amidst the presence of passengers and metro officials. The Super Saver Metro Holiday Cards would be available for sale from Ugadi (April 2) onwards.

Any passenger can buy Super Saver Metro Holiday Card from April 2 onwards from any of the metro rail ticket counters by paying a one-time non-refundable cost of Rs. 50/- and a top-up value of Rs. 59/- only.

The top-up value will be valid only on the date of recharge of any applicable holiday and can be used throughout the day for unlimited travel across the metro network during the operational hour.

Addressing the event, KVB Reddy, MD and CEO, L&TMRHL, said, “We are happy to launch this pocket-friendly Super Saver Metro Holiday Card commencing from the auspicious day of Ugadi. Now with a nominal recharge of Rs. 59/-, passengers can avail of unlimited metro travel on any listed holidays. This special offer reinforces our commitment to providing the best in class travel options for passengers.”

UP Govt To Provide Jobs To Over 10,000 Youths In Next 100 Days – CM Yogi

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 06:59 PM PDT

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday, highlighting his commitment to providing employment to youth, said that the government has directed all the service selection boards to provide government jobs to more than 10,000 youths of the state in the next 100 days.

“The state government is committed to connecting the youth with government jobs and providing them employment. In this sequence, the government has given instructions to all the service selection boards to provide government jobs to more than 10,000 youths of the state in the next 100 days,” Yogi Adityanath tweeted in Hindi.

Soon after assuming the office for the second consecutive term as the Chief Minister of the state, Yogi said last week that the Uttar Pradesh government will provide employment opportunities to youth in the public sector.

The decision to provide government jobs in the state was taken during the first cabinet meeting held earlier. The Chief Minister chaired the first cabinet meeting on Saturday in Lok Bhawan, Lucknow.

Meanwhile, the newly sworn-in Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh is likely to present its first Budget of over Rs 6.5 lakh crore focusing on fulfilling the BJP’s poll promises “for the empowerment of the poor, farmers, youth and women”, according to the Chief Minister’s Office.

Biden Authorises Release Of 1 mn Barrels Of Oil Per Day from US Strategic Reserve For Six Months

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 06:48 PM PDT

In order to keep oil prices under control, US President Joe Biden on Thursday (local time) announced to release of one million barrels of oil per day from the country’s strategic petroleum reserve for the next six months.

The US, EU and other nations barred imports of Russian oil and gas over the country’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. “Today, I’m authorising the release of 1 million barrels per day for the next six months -over 180 million barrels -for the Strategic -from the -from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve,” Biden announced.

“This is a wartime bridge to increase oil supply until production ramps up later this year. And it is by far the largest release from our national reserve in our history,” he added.

He continued saying, “we’ll use the revenue from selling the oil now to restock the Strategic Petroleum Reserve when prices are lower so we’ll be ready — we’ll be ready for future emergencies.”

Biden said he has been coordinating with its allies and partners around the world.
“Already, I have – we have commitments from other countries to release tens of millions of additional barrels into the market. Together, our combined efforts will supply well over a million barrels a day — nations coming together to deny Putin the ability to weaponise his energy resources against American families, and families and democracies around the world,” he said.

Biden said that his plan is about “declaring real American energy independence in the long term so that we never have to deal with this problem again.”

“Ultimately, we and the whole world need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels altogether. We need to choose long-term security over energy and climate vulnerability. We need to double down on our commitment to clean energy and tackling the climate crisis with our partners and allies around the world,” he said.

US President stated that he is issuing a directive to strengthen clean energy economy. ” I’m going to use the Defense Production Act to secure American supply chains for the critical materials that go into batteries for electric vehicles and the storage of renewable energy: lithium, graphite, nickel, and so much more,” he said.

Biden further said, “We need to end our long-term reliance on China and other countries for inputs that will power the future. And I’ll use every tool I have to make that happen.”

Russian FM Sergey Lavrov To Meet EAM Jaishankar Today

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 06:39 PM PDT

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is on a two-day official visit to India, is expected to meet and hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday.

Lavrov arrived in India on Thursday. This is the first trip of Lavrov to India since Moscow launched a “special military operation” in Ukraine on February 24. Lavrov’s visit comes soon after China’s foreign minister Wang Yi visit to India last week and ahead of the 2+2 dialogues set to be held between India and the US on April 11.

The Russian Foreign Minister reached New Delhi after his two-day visit to China.
On Wednesday, in China, Lavrov held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and both sides pledged to strengthen bilateral ties. Lavrov informed the Chinese side of the Russia-Ukraine talks, saying Russia is committed to easing the tensions, continuing peace talks with Ukraine, and maintaining communication with the international community.

Russian Foreign Minister participated in two multinational meetings on Afghanistan along with representatives from Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Lavrov also held meetings with representatives from China and Pakistan and attended a separate meeting of the “Extended Troika” with special Afghan envoys from China and the US.

Protest Outside Sri Lankan President’s Residence Turns Violent, Ten Injured

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 06:33 PM PDT

At least ten people were injured including journalists after protests held outside the residence of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa turned violent on Thursday.

Six people were admitted to the Colombo National Hospital after sustaining injuries following clashes between protestors and police in Mirihana. Another four patients were admitted to the Colombo South Teaching Hospital in Kalubowila, Daily Mirror reported. All the injured people were male persons and several of them were journalists, Daily Mirror reported citing hospital sources.

The protest was staged over the government’s failure to address the existing issues in the island nation.

The protesters clashed with the police outside the residence of President Rajapaksa in Mirihana.

A bus attached to the Sri Lanka Army and a jeep were set on fire by protesters. Moreover, police have imposed a curfew in several areas in Colombo.

“Police curfew imposed until further notice with immediate effect within Colombo North, Colombo South, Colombo Central and Nugegoda Police Division,” said Inspector General of Police, reported Daily Mirror.

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

Sri Lanka is presently facing a foreign exchange shortage which has led to a fuel, power and gas shortage and has sought the assistance of friendly countries for economic assistance.

Sri Lanka is witnessing atleast 10-hour daily power cuts. Sri Lanka’s currency has been also devalued by almost SLR 90 against the US dollar since March 8. 

Kerala Excise Department Seizes 8500 Litres Of Spirit, Three Arrested

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 05:56 PM PDT

Kerala Excise department seized 8,500 litres of spirit from Kalamassery and Edayar areas in the Ernakulam district and arrested three people.

According to the police, 243 cans were seized from two different places out of which 40 cans were seized from a small truck. Two people were arrested on the spot on Wednesday night who were identified as Baiju and Sam Kumar. Upon interrogation, the police raided the underground cabin of a paint manufacturing company in Edayar and seized 203 cans of spirit.

The main accused who was absconding and identified as NV Kurian, was arrested on Thursday evening, said the police.

“At around 10 last night, Commissioner Squad and officers from the Angamaly Narcotics Enforcement Squad received a tip-off that spirit was being transported in a vehicle. A subsequent search turned up catching 40 cans of spirit. Two accused were also arrested.

Based on the information received from them, 203 cans of spirit were also found. A total of 243 cans of spirit were seized. He traded spirit under the guise of the paint industry and the biodiesel industry. The source of the spirit is being investigated. A total of 8,500 litres of spirit was seized,” said TV Eliyas, Deputy Excise Commissioner, Ernakulam.

US rubbishes Imran Khan’s claims of ‘foreign conspiracy’ to oust him from power

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 05:43 PM PDT

White House Director of Communications Kate Bedingfield on Thursday (local time) rubbished the allegations of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding Washington’s role in an alleged “foreign conspiracy” to oust him from power.

“There is absolutely no truth to that allegation,” Bedingfield told reporters.

Bedingfield’s assessment is in line with the Department of State. Earlier, a US State Department spokesperson said that “there is no truth to these allegations. We are closely following developments in Pakistan. We respect and support Pakistan’s constitutional process and the rule of law.” Later, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price reiterated the same in his press briefing.

Also Read: Imran Khan reveals name of 'foreign power', mentions US then corrects himself

The Pakistan Prime Minister on Thursday reiterated his claims of “foreign conspiracy” in the country, saying that a foreign nation is trying to oust him over the “independent” foreign policy choices made by him.

Addressing the people of Pakistan, ahead of the no-confidence motion, Imran claimed a foreign nation sent a message that Imran Khan needs to be removed else the country will suffer consequences.”

“The United States”, Imran Khan said in a slip of the tongue and then stated that “a foreign country” had sent a “threatening memo” which was against the Pakistani nation.

IPL 2022: Quinton de Kock and Lewis help LSG chase down 211-run target against CSK

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 05:16 PM PDT

A 61-run knock from wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock and an unbeaten 55 from Evin Lewis helped Lucknow Super Giants chase down a huge target of 211 to register a six-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings here at the Brabourne Stadium on Thursday.

Chasing a huge target of 211, Lucknow Super Giants needed a flying start and their openers did exactly that as captain KL Rahul and wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock hit Mukesh Choudhary and Tushar Deshpande for boundaries to notch up a 50-run partnership for the opening wicket in the fifth over. Captain Ravindra Jadeja and off-spinner Moeen Ali also couldn’t dislodge both the openers and Quinton de Kock went on to score his half-century.

Dwaine Pretorius dismissed KL Rahul for 40 off 26 balls as Lucknow lost their first wicket on 99.

In the next over, CSK got another breakthrough as Tushar Deshpande got the wicket of Manish Pandey for 5 to leave LSG at 106/2.

Wicket-keeper batter de Kock was joined by Evin Lewis and the duo kept the scoreboard moving. But Pretorius got his second wicket dismissing de Kock for 61 from 45 balls as Lucknow lost their third wicket for 139.

Deepak Hooda joined Lewis in the middle and the duo took LSG’s total beyond the 150-run mark in the 16th over. Just when the partnership started to look threatening experienced Dwayne Bravo removed Hooda caught by Jadeja as LSG lost their fourth wicket for 171.

With 34 runs needed off the last two overs, Ayush Badoni started off with a six of the first ball and Lewis notched up his half-century off 23 balls. LSG scored 25 runs in the 19th over bowled by Shivam Dube.

With only 9 runs needed off the last over Ayush Badoni wrapped up the match in style as Lucknow chased down the target in 19.3 overs to register their first win in IPL.
Earlier in the day, KL Rahul won the toss and put Chennai Super Kings to bat. Robin Uthappa started off brilliantly hitting consecutive boundaries to Avesh Khan in the very first two balls of the match. The defending champions scored 14 runs in the first over of the match.

Uthappa gave a similar treatment to Dushmanta Chameera hitting him six and a four in the second over of the match as CSK put on 26 runs for the first two overs.
Lucknow needed a wicket and Ravi Bishnoi’s direct hit helped his side get the first breakthrough as he ran out Ruturaj Gaikwad for 1. CSK lost their first wicket for 28.
Moeen Ali walked in to bat and batted in a similar aggressive way as Uthappa to take CSK’s total beyond the 50-run mark in the fifth over. The Karnataka lad hammered Andrew Tye for 18 runs in the over.

In the last over of the powerplay, Moeen Ali smashed Krunal Pandya to 16 runs. CSK scored 73 runs for the loss of one wicket in six overs. Uthappa went on to notch up his half-century in just 25 balls.

Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi once again was the catalyst in getting Lucknow Super Giants the breakthrough as he got the crucial wicket of dangerous Uthappa for 50 off 27 balls hitting eight boundaries and one six.

Shivam Dube walked into bat with Moeen Ali and the duo took the team’s total beyond the triple-figure mark in the tenth over.

Avesh Khan broke the partnership to give Lucknow much needed breakthrough as the pacer dismissed Moeen Ali for 35 off 22 balls.

Ambati Rayudu walked in to bat and ensured that the run-rate never went down. Rayudu and Dube helped CSK cross the 150-run mark in just 15.2 overs. The 60-run partnership was broken by Bishnoi as he cleaned up Rayudu for 27 from 20 balls.

Ravindra Jadeja joined Dube in the middle and the duo marched on. Shivam Dube was dismissed just one run short of his fifty as Avesh dismissed him for 49 off 30 balls caught by Evin Lewis with Chennai losing its fifth wicket for 189.

Dube’s dismissal brought Mahendra Singh Dhoni to the crease and the talisman started off hitting by hitting a six and a four of the first two balls to take CSK’s total to 199/5 in 19 overs.

CSK crossed the 200-run mark in the 20th over but Andrew Tye dismissed Jadeja for 17 and in the next ball dismissed Dwaine Pretorius for a golden duck and a boundary of the last ball by Dhoni helped Chennai put on 210/7 in 20 overs. Dhoni remained unbeaten on 16 from six balls.

Brief Scores: Chennai Super Kings: 210/7 in 20 overs (Robin Uthappa 50, Shivam Dube 49; Ravi Bishnoi 2/24, Avesh Khan 2/38) vs Lucknow Super Giants 211/4 in 19.3 overs(Quinton de Kock 61, Evin Lewis 55*; Dwaine Pretorius 2/31).

‘The Sopranos’ Actor Paul Herman Passes Away

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 10:00 AM PDT

Actor Paul Herman, best known for his roles in ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘Goodfellas’, has died.

As per People magazine, Herman died on his 76th birthday on Tuesday. Michael Imperioli, a former ‘Sopranos’ cast member, confirmed the news of Herman’s death in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

Along with a picture of the late star, Imperioli wrote, “Our friend and colleague PAUL HERMAN has passed away. Paulie was just a great dude. A first class storyteller and raconteur and one hell of an actor. Goodfellas, Once Upon a Time in America , The Irishman and of course The Sopranos are some highlights. Paulie lived around the corner from me the last few years and i am glad we got to spend some time together before he left us. I’ll miss him. Lots of love to his family, friends and our community of actors and filmmakers. #thesopranos #goodfellas #paulherman.”

The cause of Herman’s death has not been released yet.

In a statement to Variety, Herman’s ‘Goodfellas’ co-star Robert De Niro said, “I am very sad about the passing of Paul Herman. He was a wonderful actor as well as a dear friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, and by the profession he so proudly served through the quality of his work.”

Herman, who was born in Brooklyn in 1946, began his acting career in 1982 with ‘Dear Mr. Wonderful’, co-starring Joe Pesci and Karen Ludwig. Throughout the 1980s, he then appeared in films such as ‘Easy Money’, ‘The Cotton Club’, ‘The Purple Rose of Cairo’ and ‘Radio Days’.

On the television side, the actor had roles in ‘Spencer: For Hire’, ‘Miami Vice’ and ‘The Equalizer’, before taking on the role of club owner Peter “Beansie” Gaeta in ‘The Sopranos’.

Herman went on to play Marvin — the exceptionally tolerant accountant to megastar Vince Chase (Adrian Grenier) — in HBO’s ‘Entourage’ from 2004 to 2010.
Herman’s additional film credits include ‘Heat’, ‘Crazy Heart’, ‘Little Fockers’, ‘We Own the Night’, ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ and ‘American Hustle’. 

Rupali Ganguly excited about ‘Anupamaa’ prequel

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 09:51 AM PDT

Rupali Ganguly’s ongoing popular serial ‘Anupamaa’ is all set to get its prequel titled ‘Anupama – Namaste America’.

The prequel will invite viewers to watch Anupamaa’s (Rupali) life unfold in the early years of her marriage.

Reprising the role of Anupamaa in the prequel, Rupali said, “Anupamaa is a character that has seen me grow as an actor and a woman. It brings me immense joy to see Hotstar Specials presents Anupama – Namaste America, become the first show to run parallelly alongside a running television show.

The prequel will showcase a side that’s never been seen before. As the popular show already has a successful following, I am confident the prequel will let the audience develop a deeper connection to the character.”

The prequel, with 11 episodes, will be streamed on Disney+ Hotstar from April 25.

Rajasthan BJP leader arrested for organising protest against woman doctor who committed suicide

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 09:44 AM PDT

Rajasthan Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jitender Gothwal, who organised a protest against deceased doctor Archana Sharma, has been arrested on Thursday.

The BJP leader said, “Police has fabricated the case against me at the behest of Ashok Gehlot government just because I sent a rail ticket to Priyanka Gandhi, to visit the state to see the crime situation.” He added, “Case was already filed under murder charges against the doctor and the police do not have any video evidence against me.”

Lal Chandra Kayal, Additional Superintendent of Police said, “Police has identified two people from the protest video including Jitendra Gothwal. So far a total of 32 people have been detained.”

A pregnant woman died at a private hospital due to a postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) during childbirth. After that relatives of the deceased woman filed an FIR under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code at the Lalsot Police station against Dr Archana Sharma.

Following this Dr Sharma was found hanging on March 29 in a hospital room. Police found a suicide note next to her.

Imran Khan reveals name of ‘foreign power’, mentions US then corrects himself

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 09:37 AM PDT

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday reiterated his claims of “foreign conspiracy” and said that a foreign nation is trying to oust him over the “independent” foreign policy choices made by him.

Addressing the people of Pakistan, ahead of the no-confidence motion, Imran claimed a foreign nation sent a message that Imran Khan needs to be removed else as the country will suffer consequences. “The United States”, Imran Khan said in a slip of the tongue and then stated that “a foreign country” had sent a “threatening memo” which was against the Pakistani nation.

“On March 8 or before that on March 7, the US sent us a…not the US but a foreign country sent us a message. The reason why I talking about this…for an independent country to receive such a message… this is against me and the country,” he said.

Imran Khan said the memo was against him, not against the government. “…it stated that if the no-confidence motion passes, Pakistan will be forgiven, if not, there will be consequences.”

Pakistan PM earlier shared the contents of a secret letter that was in news last week when he informed a public meeting that his government had received threats from abroad.

Imran Khan had claimed that the threatening letter had been sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Pakistan media reports said that letter is the word-for-word transcript of a conversation between the diplomats of Pakistan and another country sent to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari today said that Imran Khan has “nowhere to run” less than an hour after proceedings of the National Assembly of Pakistan was adjourned.

Russian Foreign Minister arrives in India amid Ukraine crisis

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 09:28 AM PDT

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in New Delhi on the first high-level visit by a Russian leader to India since Moscow’s war against Ukraine which began last month.

“Welcoming the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov as he arrives in New Delhi for an official visit,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in a tweet. Lavrov, who arrived on Thursday on a two-day official visit, is expected to meet and hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday.

The Russian Foreign Minister reached New Delhi after his two-day visit to China.
New Delhi has seen a flurry of visits by foreign leaders over the past fortnight. China’s foreign minister Wang Yi had visited India last week.

Russian Foreign Minister this week participated in two multinational meetings on Afghanistan along with representatives from Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Lavrov also held meetings with representatives from China and Pakistan and attended a separate meeting of the “Extended Troika” with special Afghan envoys from China and the US.

SC Directs Sharad Yadav To Vacate His Bungalow By May 31

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 08:13 AM PDT

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the former union minister Sharad Yadav to vacate the official bungalow allotted to him as a Member of Parliament in Lutyens Delhi till May 31, 2022.

A bench of Justices DY Chandrachud, Sanjiv Khanna and Surya Kant granted time till May 31 to Yadav to vacate his bungalow, on humanitarian grounds. It has asked Yadav to furnish an undertaking within a week to the effect that he will vacate the bungalow by then. The bench said that in the event of failure to submit the undertaking within a week, Yadav will have to vacate the premises immediately in compliance with an order of the Delhi High Court.

“Having heard the counsel, we are of the view that the end of justice would be met purely on humanitarian grounds, if the time to vacate the premises is granted to the petitioner under May 31, 2022 subject to his filing an undertaking that he shall vacate on or before the said date. The undertaking shall be filed within a period of one week from today failing which the petitioner shall lose the benefit of this order and would be liable to vacate immediately as per the order of the High Court,” the order of the apex court stated.

Yadav, disqualified from Rajya Sabha membership in December 2017, had approached the apex court seeking to retain his bungalow and challenged the Delhi High Court’s March 15 order by which it asked him to vacate the government bungalow in 15 days.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Yadav, argued that it may be possible to resolve the matter at this stage if reasonable time is granted to the petitioner to vacate the premises.

He added that having due regard to the fact that Yadav is in serious medical condition at present, he seeks to vacate the premises by May 31, 2022, and would file an undertaking to this effect.

Pak Opposition Cries Foul After No-Trust Vote Deferred

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 08:03 AM PDT

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday lambasted National Assembly Deputy Speaker Sadiq Sanjrani for deferring no-confidence motion against Imran Khan and adjourning the assembly till April 3.

Speaking with the media outside the National Assembly with Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Sharif said, “Speeches were meant to happen in the National Assembly, and it was under Speaker to decide on no-confidence motion within 4-days.

However, the Deputy Speaker of National Assembly, Sadiq Sanjrani when he saw that none of the MNAs were ready to question and were ready for the no-trust vote, Sanjarani stood up and ran inside.

Everyone saw that, Bilawal and I saw it.” The no-trust vote against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was deferred to April 3 on Sunday and the proceedings of the National Assembly of Pakistan were adjourned till April 3 soon after it was convened to discuss the no-confidence motion against Khan.

“I asked the secretary what have you done, he said that the speech was going to happen, had already told the Speaker, whatever Sanjrani did was his will, we already had briefed him. They are not at fault. The Deputy Speaker did not follow the law and procedures,” said Shehbaz.

Expressing his frustration over the delay in the no-trust vote, he said, “On March 8 we tabled the motion and today it is March 31, everyone can see how law and democratic values have been demolished. The mandate of 22 crore population has been played in the Assembly. Even the judiciary is watching it, the country is surprised, asking what is happening?”

Shehbaz, while hitting out at Imran Khan’s tactics to delay the motion, said, “Now, do the selected PM Imran Khan have any political, lawful way is left? If, he still uses conspiracies theory to drag this motion, then it is against the constitution, even Speaker also. He has blotted his name in the history of Pakistan. We had decided that we will not use unparliamentary methods and all the 172 members were present in the Assembly for the no-confidence motion under a united Opposition against Imran Khan — PPP, PML-N, PML-Q, MQM-P, BAP, ANP.”

Earlier, on Monday, Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) President Shahbaz Sharif tabled the no-confidence motion. With this move, Imran Khan became the third Pakistani PM to face the no-confidence motion.

COVID-19: Maharashtra Lifts All Restrictions From April 2, Mask Not Mandatory

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 07:38 AM PDT

The Maharashtra Government on Thursday announced that all COVID-19 related restrictions including the wearing of masks in public places will be withdrawn from Saturday.

“We will withdraw all the COVID-19 related restrictions from the state from Gudi Padwa. The decision has been taken today in the cabinet meeting. An order will be issued for the same. We will withdraw the order which made it mandatory to wear a mask,” said Health Minister Rajesh Tope after the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Chief Minister Thackeray said that the Gudi Padwa festival marks the new year.

“All COVID restrictions in Maharashtra will be lifted, as we bring in the new year this Gudi Padwa!” tweeted the Chief Minister.

The Disaster Management Act as well as the Infectious Diseases Prevention Act which were invoked with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic will be withdrawn.
“Restrictions like 50 per cent capacity in buses, restaurants and cinema theatres, double vaccination compulsion in travel and buses will be withdrawn,” said Tope.

However, the Health Minister advised the citizens to adhere to COVID appropriate behaviour.

The Health Minister cited the decline in daily COVID-19 cases and positivity rate as the reason behind withdrawing the restrictions.

Maharashtra on Thursday reported 183 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the number of active cases to 902.

One fatality was reported in the last 24 hours, as per the bulletin released on Thursday.

Meanwhile, India logged 1,233 new COVID cases in the last 24 hours, Union Health Ministry informed on Wednesday.

In the last 24 hours, as per the Ministry, 1,876 recoveries were also reported. With total recoveries since the beginning of the COVID pandemic at 4,24,87,410, the recovery rate of India presently stands at 98.75 per cent.

Fine On Not Wearing Masks Likely To Be Scrapped In Delhi

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 06:54 AM PDT

In a meeting of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), a consensus was made to scrap the imposing of fines for not wearing masks and the penalisation is likely to be done away with, said sources.

In the last DDMA meeting, the fine for not wearing masks was reduced to Rs 500 from Rs 2,000. The Delhi government in its earlier order issued in February withdrew the compulsion of wearing a mask in a private car. In early February, the COVID-19 restriction was relaxed when solo drivers were given exemption from wearing the mask inside the car.

Notably, the daily COVID-19 infection in Delhi has witnessed a declining trend. Delhi on Wednesday reported 123 new COVID-19 cases and one death with a daily positivity rate of 0.5 per cent.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra has exempted people from wearing masks in all public places.

Maharashtra Minister Jitendra Awhad on Thursday tweeted that the state cabinet decides to lift all the existing COVID-19 restrictions in the state. Now all festivals can be celebrated enthusiastically, wearing masks will be compulsory, he said.

Three-headed idol of Lord Vishnu recovered in J-K

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 06:41 AM PDT

An old three-headed idol of Lord Vishnu recovered from the river Jhelum on Wednesday has been handed over to the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Pulwama police in a statement said, “We received information from the residents of Lelhar village of Kakapora that some labourers have found an idol during extraction of sand from river Jhelum.

A team from Kakapora Police Station headed by the Station house officer (SHO) rushed at the spot and took possession of the old three-headed Lord Vishnu idol.”

Police informed the archaeological team about the same and after completing all legal formalities, the idol was handed over to the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums of Jammu and Kashmir.

HC Issues Notice To CBI On Bail Plea Of Kuldeep Sengar

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 06:29 AM PDT

The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and others on the bail plea of former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. He was convicted and awarded a life sentence for raping a minor in Unnao in 2017.

The bench comprising of Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar issued notice to CBI and the victim in the case. The petition has been listed for further hearing on May 25, 2022. Sengar had moved High Court against the conviction in the rape case. He was expelled from BJP and was disqualified after the conviction in the rape case.

Earlier the court had fixed a date for a hearing in July.

Advocate N Hariharan submitted before the bench that the petitioner has been long incarcerated in this case and that he has been in jail for the last four years.

The bench asked about the sentence in this case. To which Hariharan submitted that the petitioner is awarded a life sentence. He argued that the gravity of this case was enhanced the moment POCSO was invoked. Though the reality is that the victim was not a minor on the day of the incident.

Hariharan further submitted that the victim and her mother have filed affidavits stating that the victim was not a minor on the day of the incident.

Sengar was also convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in the case of custodial death of the father of the victim of the rape case.

No-trust vote against Imran Khan deferred to April 3

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 06:19 AM PDT

The no-trust vote against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was deferred to April 3 on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the proceedings of the National Assembly of Pakistan were adjourned till April 3 soon after it was convened to discuss the no-confidence motion against Khan. As per the Deputy Speaker, Sadiq Sanjrani, “The members were not answering the questions and the situation was also not right”.

The National Assembly secretariat issued the order on Wednesday night for the discussion on the no-trust motion for today’s (Thursday) agenda, Geo TV reported.
Earlier, on Monday, Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) President Shahbaz Sharif tabled the no-confidence motion. With this move, Imran Khan became the third Pakistani PM to face the no-confidence motion.

After the no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan government was tabled in the National Assembly with a total of 161 votes in favour, the proceedings were adjourned till March 31.

The no-confidence motion was submitted by the opposition parties on March 8. The Opposition is confident that its motion would be carried as some allies of PTI have come out in the open against Imran Khan.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan (MQM-P) joined hands with the opposition to support them in the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan, the Pakistani government lost its majority in the lower house of the Pakistan parliament, Geo TV reported.

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, but now, after MQM-P left the party, PTI is standing with 164 members in support and the Opposition has now 177 members of supporters in the national assembly and they don’t need the support of disgruntled PTI MNAs.

AFSPA will be completely withdrawn in Assam by midnight today, except 9 districts

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 06:10 AM PDT

Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will be completely withdrawn from complete lower, central and north Assam by midnight today except in nine districts and one subdivision.

The Chief Minister said that AFSPA will be withdrawn from 60 per cent of our territory. AFSPA is being removed with effect from April 1 completely from 23 districts and partially from one district of Assam.

“Assam will withdraw AFSPA completely from midnight today, except in nine districts and one subdivision. It will be withdrawn from 60 per cent of our territory. AFSPA will be withdrawn from complete lower, central and north Assam from midnight today,” said Sarma in a press conference in Guwahati.

He said that Assam was declared a disturbed area on the intervening night of November 27 and 28 in 1990.

“Since then AFSPA was in force continuously. AFSPA used to be extended every six months. So far 62 times the government of Assam has extended AFSPA since 1990. Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a bold decision to withdraw AFSPA from the area wherever it is not required,” the Chief Minister said.

He further said that after 2014, AFSPA was first withdrawn from Mizoram and Meghalaya.

“Last year it was withdrawn from Arunachal Pradesh except for two polling stations. After these series of decisions, today, the time has come for Assam, Nagaland and Manipur to withdraw AFSPA,” he added.

The Chief Ministers said that the AFSPA will be present in the hilly regions of Assam where the situation is yet to be improved.

“Assam has a total of 78,438 square km of geographical area, all this area was under disturbed area and now this area has been confined to 31,724.94 square km only,” said Sarma.

AFSPA will be withdrawn from Assam from tonight except for Tinsukia, Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat districts and Lakhipur Subdivision of Cachar district.

Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Central government has decided to reduce disturbed areas under the AFSPA in the states of Nagaland, Assam and Manipur after decades.

Meanwhile, officials in the Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that the Centre’s decision will considerably reduce areas under AFSPA with effect from April 1. However, the officials also made it clear that AFSPA has not been completely removed.

Disturbed area notification is in force in the whole of Assam since 1990. With the step, the officials said, 23 districts of Assam are now being removed completely and one district partially from the effect of AFSPA with effect from April 1.

The AFSPA empowers security forces to conduct operations anywhere and arrest anyone without any prior warrant. In 2005, the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee had recommended the repeal of AFSPA and suggested an amendment to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 by inserting a new Chapter with respect to the North-Eastern states.

TRS MPs protest in Parliament demanding “categorisation of scheduled castes”

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 05:59 AM PDT

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Members of Parliament (MP), on Thursday, protested inside Parliament for “categorisation of scheduled castes” (SC) after giving notice for adjournment in the Lok Sabha earlier during the day.

An official statement of TRS stated that Madigan and Mala are two dominant SC communities in Telangana but Madiga’s are deprived of the social benefits accruing out of reservations, while the Mala community is socially and educationally advanced.

The statement further added, “The plight of the Madiga community is recognised by two commissions – Justice P Ramchandra Raju Commission and Justice Usha Mehra Commission and both have acknowledged the extreme backwardness of the Madiga’s and have recommended the sub-categorisation of SC to ensure equal benefits to all the communities.”

The statement also added that the Telangana Legislative Assembly had passed a unanimous resolution in November 2013 to categorise SC in Telangana into A B C D subgroups depending on their population and sent it to the Government of India for necessary action.

Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao, in the recent past, has also requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi for expediting action in introducing a bill in the Parliament by incorporating the recommendation of Justice Usha Mehra Commission, added the statement.

Earlier, TRS MP Nama Nageswara Rao on Thursday gave a notice for adjournment in Lok Sabha to discuss the “categorisation of scheduled castes”, stating that the issue is hanging fire for the last many years.

The Parliament had previously passed a bill for the categorisation of scheduled castes in Tamil Nadu.

Neeraj Pandey’s film ‘Operation Romeo’ to release on April 22

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 05:37 AM PDT

Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey is all set to come up with a new film titled ‘Operation Romeo’.

As per a statement, ‘Operation Romeo’ highlights the issue of people bullying young couples. It stars Sidhant Gupta, Vedika Pinto, Sharad Kelkar, Bhumika Chawla, and Kishor Kadam.

The upcoming project will be out on April 22 under Neeraj Pandey and Shital Bhatia’s Friday Filmworks and Reliance Entertainment.

Shashant Shah has helmed ‘Operation Romeo’.

Blast on railway track in Pakistan’s Sindh, trains suspended

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 04:54 AM PDT

Pakistan’s railway authorities have suspended train operations in several areas of Sindh province after a blast on the railway track, media reports said.

Unknown miscreants blew up the railway track near the Kotri area of the province on Thursday, damaging a portion of the track, Xinhua News Agency reported. Police officials in the area said a search operation has begun to catch the culprits.

They said that repair work on the track has started and the rail service will be resumed as soon as possible. Paramilitary troops, police and other law enforcement agencies arrived at the site and cordoned off the affected area.

Police officials said the bomb disposal squad was also called after the blast to determine the exact nature of the blast.

So far, no group or individual has claimed responsibility for the blast.

Fearing ouster, Imran Khan offers to dissolve assembly

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 04:48 AM PDT

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has reportedly offered to dissolve the assembly on the condition to withdraw the no-confidence motion against him, a local media report said on Friday.

Imran Khan has said that if the Opposition doesn’t agree to his suggestion, he is ready to face any situation, Geo News reported Thursday, citing sources. An “important personality” has given a message of Imran Khan to the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif, the report added.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan will address the nation later tonight ahead of the no-confidence motion against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government.

Taking to Twitter, Federal minister Fawad Chaudhry on Thursday said: “Prime Minister Imran Khan will address the nation tonight”. The development comes at a time when Pakistan National Assembly is all set to take up discussion on the no-confidence motion against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government in the Lower House session which is scheduled at 4 pm today.

The Pakistan National Assembly is discussing the no-confidence motion against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in the Lower House Session.

Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) President Shahbaz Sharif on Monday tabled the no-confidence motion. With this move, Imran Khan became the third Pakistani PM to face the no-confidence motion.

Imran Khan in two back-to-back decisions has summoned a National Security Committee (NSC) meeting in the afternoon at his residence.

On Thursday, Imran Khan deferred his address to the nation hours after an announcement was made that he will take people into confidence about a “foreign-funded conspiracy letter” to show “evidence” of attempts to topple his government.
PTI senator Faisal Javed Khan gave the information about the address having been postponed, reported Geo News. The Imran Khan government is facing the heat over the no-confidence motion brought by the Opposition.

“PM Imran Khan’s address to the nation for today has been postponed,” Javed Khan said in a tweet.

After the no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan government was tabled in the National Assembly with a total of 161 votes in favour, the proceedings were adjourned till March 31.

The no-confidence motion was submitted by the opposition parties on March 8. The Opposition is confident that its motion would be carried as some allies of PTI have come out in the open against Imran Khan.

Afghanistan: 22 Cases Of Violence Against Journalists Recorded In Past Month

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 04:08 AM PDT

In the past one month, at least 22 cases of violence against journalists were recorded under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

The information on mistreatment of media was shared by the Afghanistan Federation of Journalists and Media (AFJM) on Wednesday, reported Tolo News.

Speaking at a press conference in Kabul, AFJM member Ali Azghar Akbarzada expressed concern over the status of the media in Afghanistan and said that within the same period eight media organizations have halted operations due to economic challenges.

“There have been 22 cases of violence against journalists in March. One case is the insulting of journalists. The rest of the cases include short term detentions,” he said.
However, the Taliban, said the recent detention of some Afghan journalists was due to misunderstandings, reported Tolo News.

“If some conduct included physical or verbal disputes, it has several sides. Or it could be due to a misunderstanding,” said Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate.

Meanwhile, the Free Speech Hub, a media watchdog, in a statement also voiced concerns over the recent detention of journalists as well as the imposition of restrictions on the freedom of expression.

Taliban have intensified attacks on media as the journalist in the country said that it’s hard to report from Afghanistan anymore, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Wednesday.

“It’s so hard to report from Afghanistan anymore,” a journalist in the eastern province of Nangarhar said. “Anything can happen, you could be arrested, beaten, tortured or even killed, just for a report or a program,” said Fereshta Abbasi, Afghanistan researcher at Human Rights Watch.

NEET-PG 2021-22: SC Cancels All India Quota Mop-Up Round Counselling Over Anomalies In 146 Fresh Seats

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 02:55 AM PDT

The Supreme Court on Thursday cancelled the All India Quota Mop-Up round counselling for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG 2021-22 admissions in order to resolve the anomalies over 146 seats.

A bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud directed to conduct a special round of counselling for 146 fresh seats and allowed the students, who have joined the All India Quota (AIQ) or the State Quota in Round 2 to participate in this round.

The top court also directed the Director-General of Health Services (DGHS) to invite options from students within 24 hours of issuing the fresh notification and complete the process within 72 hours after the cut off time for the options.

The Court was hearing various petitions filed by doctors seeking to participate in the mop-up round of NEET-PG 2021-22 counselling.

One of the petitions has challenged Medical Counselling Committee’s March 16 advisory which bars participation in the mop-up round counselling for NEET PG Admissions if the candidate has already picked up seats in the State quota. 

Sonia Gandhi Urges Centre To Ensure Proper MGNREGA Budget Allocation

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 01:50 AM PDT

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday urged the Central government to ensure proper budget allocation for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) while also making payment of wages to labourers within 15 days of work.

Sonia Gandhi raised the issue in Lok Sabha, claiming that the MGNREGS budget for the current year is 35 per cent less than that of 2020 even when unemployment is continuously rising in the country.

“The MGNREGA, which was mocked by several people a few years ago, provided timely help to crores of affected poor families during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown and played a positive role in saving the government. Still, constant cuts are being made in the budgetary allocation for the MGNREGS,” the Congress interim president stated.

Lashing out at the Centre, Sonia Gandhi said the workers’ payments get delayed due to less allocation of budget for MGNREGS, adding that the Supreme Court has called this “forced labour”.

She charged that the lesser allocation to the flagship scheme amounted to the weakening of the legal guarantee of timely payment and jobs.

Further, Sonia Gandhi asserted that timely payments to labourers should be ensured legally and an annual action plan of states be determined without any delay.

“I urge Centre that proper allocation of budget be done for MGNREGA, payment of wages be ensured for labourers within 15 days of work, and in case of delay in payment compensation should be ensured legally and an annual action plan of states be determined without any delay,” the Congress interim president said.

She also said that the labourers cannot be punished by delaying their payments due to the delayed social audit and appointment of Lokpal.

“States were told that their yearly labour budget won’t be approved unless they meet conditions related to social audit and appointment of Lokpal. A social audit should be made effective but labourers can’t be punished by stopping the money for this, based on shortcomings,” Sonia Gandhi added. 

Delhi Govt Launches Field Task Force For Rehabilitation Of Homeless Children

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 01:43 AM PDT

The Kejriwal government has set up a field task force for the rehabilitation of homeless children in the national capital, the Delhi government said on Thursday.

The task force will focus on identifying and providing educational, financial and guardianship support to homeless children. With a comprehensive plan for bringing dignity into the lives of these kids, the government had set aside a budget of Rs 10 crores to develop a residential school for such children. With the strategic support of the Dialogue and Development Commission of Delhi (DDCD), the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) launched a project in collaboration with Salaam Baalak Trust and Youth Reach to deploy a dedicated field task force for rehabilitation and reintegration of children in street situations.

DDC Delhi Vice-Chairperson, Jasmine Shah said, ”By launching this taskforce, we will be able to deploy focused efforts to start providing these children with the basic amenities they deserve including education, financial support and guardianship. The task force will be rolled out in a phased manner, starting with South and South-East districts.”

Youth Reach, the funding and strategy partner of the project highlighted that “We are privileged to be a part of this project with the DCPCR to provide relief to street children and help them exercise their right to education, health and safety.”

This team will consist of caseworkers and counsellors who will be deployed district-wise and will work in close collaboration with the Child Welfare Committees (CWCs). The task force will focus on a five-pillar model of rehabilitation including (1) Education and vocational training; (2) Counselling and medical support; (3) Sponsorship; (4) Guardianship; (5) Shelter and Home for the child.

Chairperson of Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Anurag Kundu, stated, ”Streets pose a serious threat of exploitation for children who beg, sell goods and spend their days on the red light junctions and in busy markets. Children deserve to be in school and have a safe place to sleep. With the launch of this project, the Early Warning System and DCPCR’s 24×7 emergency helpline, the Commission is launching a comprehensive mechanism for identification, prevention and relief for children at the risk of street situations.”

“We humbly request all the citizens of Delhi to join hands with us to secure the future of street children by informing the sighting of these children on our Helpline number +919311551393,” he further said.

Thousands of children live on the streets of Delhi engaging in non-formal work and begging as a means of survival. These children survive precariously in the unsafe environment of city streets and deprive of adequate and appropriate adult protection, education and health care.

To combat this and help vulnerable children develop into responsible citizens, the project aims to elevate the lives of street children. The task force will focus on identifying and providing educational, financial and guardianship support to street children. Setting up of residential schools by Delhi Government will further strengthen this project’s effort to provide street children with a safe environment immersed in learning and socio-psychological support.

Academy Begins Disciplinary Proceedings Against Will Smith

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 12:16 AM PDT

Appears like the Oscars 2022 slap controversy is not over yet. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Wednesday began disciplinary proceedings against actor Will Smith for misbehaving at the 94th Academy Awards held on Sunday.

For a recap, while presenting the best documentary feature at the Oscars, comedian Chris Rock made a joke about Will Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head.

Rock said he couldn’t wait to see Pinkett Smith, who has alopecia, star in ‘G.I. Jane 2’ which led Smith to go up on stage and slap Rock. Smith returned to his seat and shouted, “Keep my wife’s name out of your fu**ing mouth!”

After the incident, Smith who was announced Best Actor at the Oscars, was asked to leave the show but refused to do so; The Hollywood Reporter reported.

The actor’s actions were in violation of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, “including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy,” The Hollywood Reporter quoted the statement released after a Board of Governors meeting.

The statement revealed that Smith could face suspension, expulsion or other sanctions if the board chooses to take action at the next scheduled meeting on April 18.

Additionally, Smith will receive 15 days’ notice of a vote as well as an opportunity to be heard by written response beforehand.

“Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated. While we would like to clarify that Mr Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognize we could have handled the situation differently,” The Hollywood Reporter quoted Academy.

The Academy also apologized directly to Rock in the statement, as well as nominees, guests and viewers.

For the unversed, while accepting his first-ever Oscar for best actor (leading role) in ‘King Richard’, Smith apologized to the Academy and fellow nominees, but did not mention Rock.

The Hollywood Reporter reported that the officers of the organization’s Board of Governors had an emergency meeting a day later, and the full board met on Wednesday to discuss the incident.

One board of governor said there was broad support for Smith to be suspended or expelled from the Academy. “I think everyone unanimously feels what he did was out of control,” the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“People want real consequence. Every member of every branch is reaching out to all their governors. It was an assault — and not only a physical assault, but an assault on the community,” told the source to The Hollywood Reporter.

The source added that “images of Smith and his family celebrating and dancing at the post-Oscar Vanity Fair party as if nothing had happened was an additional insult.”
Following a rage of backlash over social media, including from the Academy, Smith took to Instagram on Monday to apologize to Rock.

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Rock declined to press charges against what happened at the Oscars 2022 ceremony.

IPL 2022: DK’s experience helped, he is as cool as Dhoni, says RCB captain Faf

Posted: 31 Mar 2022 12:05 AM PDT

Royal Challengers Bangalore needed 7 runs to win off the last six balls with only three wickets in hand but the experienced Dinesh Karthik held his nerves to hit a six and a four to guide RCB to a three-wicket win against Kolkata Knight Riders here at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday.

“DK’s experience helped in the end, cool-calm, runs weren’t never really too far away. He’s probably as cool as MS Dhoni can get in the last five overs,” said RCB captain Faf du Plessis in a post-match presentation. Bangalore team’s seamers Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj were picked up three wickets in the powerplays to give their team a terrific start after du Plessis decided to bowl first.

“Very happy. Good win, obviously chasing small scores, you want to be positive and not leave it late, but it was good bowling from their seamers. Tonight there was seam and bounce, the first night it swung a bit more,” explained Faf du Plessis.

Despite the win, the RCB skipper believes that his team should have finished the match better as their bowlers bowled out Kolkata Knight Riders for 128 in 18.5 overs.

“Two-three days ago, it was 200 v 200. Tonight it was 120 v 120, pretty good. In an ideal world, we would’ve liked to have won more convincingly but a win is a win,” told Faf du Plessis.

The Faf du Plessis led side has registered their first win of the season and now they will take on Rajasthan Royals in their next match on April 5.

US, Mexico qualify for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Posted: 30 Mar 2022 11:55 PM PDT

The US men’s national team and Mexico have qualified for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on Wednesday.

USMNT qualified for World Cup following a 2-0 loss to Costa Rica in the final match of CONCACAF qualifying Wednesday evening at Estadio Nacional in San Jose, Costa Rica. The U.S. return to the tournament for the first time since Brazil 2014 by virtue of their third-place finish in the standings, while Fourth-Place Costa Rica advance to the Intercontinental Play-Off versus New Zealand in June in Doha, Qatar.

The first goal belonged to Costa Rica, as Juan Pablo Vargas thumped in a header off a corner kick in the 51′ to give the Ticos a 1-0 lead. The pace of the match was in Costa Rica’s favor and the Ticos took advantage of confusion in the U.S. defense, with Anthony Contreras turning in a cross to make it a 2-0 affair in the 60′.

Meanwhile, Mexico will play in their eighth consecutive FIFA World Cup after downing El Salvador 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on the 14th and final matchday of the third round of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying for Qatar 2022.

Thanks to first-half goals from Uriel Antuna and Raul Jimenez, El Tricolor finished in Second Place in the eight-team table.

Sri Lankan Navy Arrests 3 Indian Fishermen For Alleged Poaching

Posted: 30 Mar 2022 11:07 PM PDT

Three Tamil Nadu fishermen were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly poaching in the island’s territorial waters, an official said here on Thursday.

The three fishermen aged 30, 35 and 57 respectively from Puddokotai district of Tamil Nadu were fishing in Karainagar waters when they were arrested late on Wednesday night.

The boat which the fishermen were using was also seized by the Sri Lankan Navy. The captured fishermen were then taken to the Mylatty harbour in Sri Lanka for further investigation, according to Q Branch Police, one of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) wings of Tamil Nadu Police.

As per the Q Branch Police, on Tuesday, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended four Rameswaram-based fishermen in the Ramanathapuram district of the state and impounded their boat.

Previously, on March 24 Sri Lankan Navy had apprehended 16 fishermen and impounded their two boats from Rameswaram and Mandapam in Tamil Nadu.

On February 12 as well, the Sri Lankan Navy had apprehended 12 Rameswaram-based fishermen and impounded their two fishing boats after they had gone fishing across the border in Palk Bay.

Earlier Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs V Muraleedharan, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on February 4 this year said Indian fishermen are arrested from time to time by the Sri Lankan authorities for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan waters.

“As per the available information, 74 and 159 Indian fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy in 2020 and 2021 respectively,” he stated.

India Reports 1,225 New COVID Cases In Last 24 Hours, Active Caseload At 14,307

Posted: 30 Mar 2022 10:53 PM PDT

India reported 1,225 new COVID cases in the last 24 hours, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Thursday.

With the new cases, the active caseload stands at 14,307 which accounts for 0.03 per cent of the country’s total positive cases. Meanwhile, 1,594 patients recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours taking the total recoveries to 4,24,89,004. The current recovery rate is at 98.76 per cent.

With 6,07,987 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, the positivity rate is at 0.20 per cent. As many as 78.91 crore COVID tests have been conducted in the country so far.

India’s COVID vaccination coverage has exceeded 184.06 crore as per provisional reports till 7 am today.

The COVID vaccination for the age group 12-14 years was started on March 16, 2022. So far, more than 1.60 crore adolescents have been administered the first dose of COVID vaccine.

Massive Fire Breaks Out In Factory In Badalpur Area Of Greater Noida

Posted: 30 Mar 2022 10:11 PM PDT

A massive fire broke out in a factory in the Badalpur area of Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddha Nagar district late on Wednesday night.

The factory makes cooler pads and there were at least two dozen people inside its premises at the time of the incident.

The Chief Fire Officer of Uttar Pradesh Police Arun Kumar Singh informed ANI that the people had escaped from the factory before the fire service team reached the spot.
“Factory of cooler pads caught fire. People escaped the blazing factory before the fire service team reached there. Two dozen people were working in the factory while some were living in rooms behind,” Singh said.

As many as four tenders were rushed to the spot to bring the fire under control.
“Four fire tenders were sent to the spot. Fire is in control as of now,” Singh further informed.

So far, no loss of life or serious injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Further details into the matter are awaited. 

Chandigarh Administration Hikes Water Tariff After 11 Years

Posted: 30 Mar 2022 09:43 PM PDT

After a gap of 11 years, the Chandigarh administration on Wednesday hiked the water tariff in the range of Rs 3 per kilo litre to Rs 20 across various slabs, which will come in force from Friday.

According to the new tariff rates, on a slab of 0-15 Kilo litres (KL) of water, there will be an increase of Rs 3 per KL, whereas in the category of 16 to 30 KL water there will be a spike of Rs 6 per KL. The new tariff rates show a hike of Rs 10 per KL for 31 to 60 KL water and an increase of Rs 20 per KL for water consumption above 60 KL.

The Chandigarh administration stated that the rate hikes were done after a detailed discussion with all stakeholders and keeping in view the financial interest of the Municipal corporation of the Union Territory (UT).

The tariff rates in the Union Territory (UT) were last revised on 24 May 2011, and since then the cost of water supply and additional infrastructure have increased manifolds, leading to continuous losses to the civic body, added the administration in an official statement.

It further informed that despite the hikes in the water tariff rates, water supply and sewerage sectors will still face losses of more than Rs 80 crore annually.

It further emphasized that the tariff rates in the category of 0-15KL and 16-30KL are even lower, as compared to Punjab and Haryana.

“The water tariff rates in the higher category in Chandigarh are much lower than Delhi i.e. Rs. 10 KL, Rs. 20 KL vis-a-vis Rs. 43.93 KL. The sewerage cess in Chandigarh is 30 per cent of water volumetric charges is also much lower than Delhi, which is at 60 per cent,” said the UT administration.

“The rates in higher slabs have been fixed to prevent misuse of potable water. A compliance mechanism with coercive measures will also be adopted for any violations of the norms,” it added.

The statement also said, ” With many improvements that we are undertaking, our supply duration is now over 10 hours per day and we are striving to provide a 24 hours water service to our city residents in the near future.” 

Congress MPs led by Rahul Gandhi stage protest at Vijay Chowk against fuel price hike

Posted: 30 Mar 2022 09:34 PM PDT

Congress MPs led by Rahul Gandhi on Thursday staged a protest at Vijay Chowk on Thursday against the fuel price hike.

Senior leaders Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Mallikarjun Kharge, Abhishek Singhvi held protest with placards having slogans ‘Rollback fuel price hike’. “Today, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, we are holding nationwide protests against fuel & LPG price hike,” said Congress leader and Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge.

To take on the BJP-led central government on the issues of inflation and fuel price hike, Congress has decided to launch a nationwide programme ‘Mehngai Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ against price rises under which it will organise rallies and marches across the country from March 31 to April 7.

Fuel prices continue to rise with petrol and diesel rates rising by another 80 paise per litre each on Thursday, netting an increase of about Rs 6.40 a litre in nine revisions in 10 days so far.

In the national capital, petrol now costs Rs 101.81 per litre, while diesel is selling at Rs 93.07 per litre. In Mumbai, the petrol and diesel prices have gone up by 84 paise, thus costing Rs 116.72 and Rs 100.94 per litre.

In Chennai, the price of petrol is Rs 107.45 (increased by 76 paise) a litre and diesel is Rs 97.52 (increased by 76 paise) per litre. In Kolkata, the price of petrol is Rs 111.35 a litre (increased by 83 paise) and diesel is Rs 96.22 per litre (increased by 80 paise).

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.

Notably, 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.

Blinken, Jaishankar review ‘shared efforts’ in Indo-Pacific

Posted: 30 Mar 2022 09:23 PM PDT

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday (local time) spoke to Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and reviewed their shared efforts to promote a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

“Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar today to review regional priorities, including the worsening humanitarian situation in Ukraine and our shared efforts to promote a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, in which the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states is respected,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement. India and the United States are scheduled to hold a 2+2 dialogue in Washington on April 11.

The EAM Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will meet their counterparts Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin respectively. Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh will also have other meetings on the sidelines.

The last 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between the two countries was held in October 2020 in New Delhi.

Moreover, as Russia’s war on Ukraine is set to enter the sixth week, the number of refugees fleeing Ukraine has now crossed the four million mark, the chief of the UN refugee agency, Filippo Grandi said on Wednesday.

Notably, Russia launched its invasion last month after recognizing 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.

Jaishankar discusses Indo-Pacific, Ukraine situation with Blinken

Posted: 30 Mar 2022 09:16 PM PDT

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday spoke with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed developments pertaining to the Indo-Pacific, Ukraine and the global economy.

“Just completed a useful conversation with @SecBlinken. Reviewed the progress on our bilateral cooperation. Discussed developments pertaining to the Indo-Pacific, Ukraine and the global economy,” Jaishankar tweeted. India and the United States are scheduled to hold a 2+2 dialogue in Washington on April 11.

EAM Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will meet their counterparts Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh will also have other meetings scheduled on the sidelines.
The last 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between the two countries was held in October 2020 in New Delhi.

Moreover, as Russia’s war on Ukraine is set to enter its sixth week, the number of refugees fleeing Ukraine has now crossed the 4 million mark, the chief of the UN refugee agency, Filippo Grandi said on Wednesday.

Notably, Russia launched its invasion last month after recognizing 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.

US astronaut returns to Earth with two Russian Cosmonauts in Russian space capsule

Posted: 30 Mar 2022 09:10 PM PDT

In a rare sign of cooperation between the U.S. and Russia, astronauts from both countries parachute-landed in Kazakhstan on Wednesday after a trip back to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS).

The capsule carrying NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei and Russian cosmonauts, Anton Shkaplerov and Pyotr Dubrov, completed a parachute-assisted landing several hours after undocking from the ISS. This homeward journey for the trio comes after the US & Russia have clashed recently over Russia’s ongoing military invasion of Ukraine.

For U.S. astronaut Vande Hei, it ended a U.S. record-breaking stay in space. He was in space for 355 days, breaking the previous record of 340 days set by Scott Kelly in 2016. “Mark’s mission is not only record-breaking, but also paving the way for future human explorers on the Moon, Mars, and beyond,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement. “NASA and the nation are proud to welcome Mark home and grateful for his incredible contributions throughout his year-long stay on the International Space Station,” Nelson added.

Despite escalating tensions between the U.S. and Russia over Vladimir Putin’s war with Ukraine, Vande Hei’s return followed customary procedures. A small NASA team of doctors and other staff was on hand for the touchdown and planned to return immediately to Houston with the 55-year-old astronaut.

NASA says the two countries are continuing to cooperate on the ISS, although Dmitry Rogozin, the head of Russia’s space agency Roscosmos, posted a series of angry tweets shortly after the invasion of Ukraine, suggesting Russia could abandon the ISS and let it plummet back to Earth. He had also shared a video showing Russian cosmonauts abandoning Vande Hei on the ISS.

Also in a handover ceremony Tuesday before departing the orbital outpost, Russian cosmonaut Shkaplerov, who commanded the ISS crew, embraced his fellow astronauts as “my space brothers and space sister” and said “People have problems on Earth. On orbit we are one crew.”

9th Fuel Price Spike In 10 Days, Petrol, Diesel Dearer By Rs 6.40 A Litre

Posted: 30 Mar 2022 07:45 PM PDT

Fuel prices continue to rise with petrol and diesel rates rising by another 80 paise per litre each on Thursday, netting an increase of about Rs 6.40 a litre in nine revisions in 10 days so far.

In the national capital, petrol now costs Rs 101.81 per litre, while diesel is selling at Rs 93.07 per litre. In Mumbai, the petrol and diesel prices have gone up by 84 paise, thus costing Rs 116.72 and Rs 100.94 per litre. In Chennai, the price of petrol is Rs 107.45 (increased by 76 paise) a litre and diesel is Rs 97.52 (increased by 76 paise) per litre. In Kolkata, the price of petrol is Rs 111.35 a litre (increased by 83 paise) and diesel is Rs 96.22 per litre (increased by 80 paise).

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 rises under which it will organise rallies and marches across the country from March 31 to April 7.

Notably, 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.

‘Die Hard’ Bruce Willis To Give Up Acting After Aphasia Diagnosis

Posted: 30 Mar 2022 07:40 PM PDT

‘Die Hard’ star Bruce Willis is retiring from his acting career after being diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder that leads to the loss of ability to understand or express speech.

Willis’ family members posted a joint statement to social media on Wednesday, announcing the actor’s retirement. “To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities,” read the statement. “As a result of this and with much consideration, Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.”

The 67-year-old film star is best known for playing John McClane in the iconic ‘Die Hard’ franchise.

As per The Hollywood Reporter, the original 1988 film made Willis a film and action star after he was mainly known as a comedic TV actor, specifically in the series ‘Moonlighting’ (1985-89).

“This is a really challenging time for our family, and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support. We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him. As Bruce always says, ‘Live it up’ and together we plan to do just that. Love, Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, & Evelyn,” the statement concluded.

Willis has also starred in blockbusters like ‘The Fifth Element’ (1997), ‘Armageddon’ (1998), and ‘The Sixth Sense’ (1999). Willis’ other classics include ‘The Last Boy Scout’ (1991), ‘Death Becomes Her’ (1992), ‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994) and ’12 Monkeys’ (1995).

The news has left fans in disbelief and sadness over the development.

IPL 2022: RCB Beat KKR By Three Wickets

Posted: 30 Mar 2022 07:30 PM PDT

Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Kolkata Knight Riders by three wickets to register their first win of the season here at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday.

Defending a modest 129-run target Kolkata Knight Riders needed some early wickets and Umesh Yadav did exactly that dismissing RCB Opener Anuj Rawat for a duck caught behind to wicket-keeper Sheldon Jackson in the very first over. Virat Kohli walked into bat and struck Umesh Yadav for two consecutive boundaries. In the next over Tim Southee got the wicket of RCB captain Faf du Plessis caught by Ajinkya Rahane for 4. Umesh who was hit for two boundaries on the trot by Kohli in the previous over made a brilliant come back dismissing the former RCB captain caught behind by keeper Jackson for 12 to leave Bangalore tottering at 17 for 3.

RCB desperately needed a partnership and David Willey and Sherfane Rutherford did exactly that to take the team’s total beyond the 50-run mark in the eighth over.
Mystery spinner Sunil Narine broke the 45-run partnership dismissing Willey for 18 caught by Nitish Rana as RCB lost their fourth wicket at 62.

Shahbaz Ahmed joined Rutherford and the duo batted sensibly to take the team’s total beyond the triple-figure mark in the 16th over. The moment it seemed that Rutherford- Ahmed duo will take the RCB team to victory Varun Chakravarthy struck as keeper Jackson stumped Shahbaz Ahmed for 27 from 20 balls as Bangalore lost their fifth wicket for 101.

Southee was brought back into the attack and the Kiwi pacer gave a double blow to RCB dismissing well set Rutherford for 28 and Wanindu Hasaranga for 4 as Bangalore lost seven wickets for 111 needing 18 more runs to win.

At a stage when the match could have gone either way Harshal Patel walked into bat and hit two boundaries in the 19th over as RCB needed 7 runs to win off the last over.
Experienced wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik hit a six and a boundary to wrap up the match in RCB’s favour as they beat KKR by three wickets.

Earlier in the day Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and put Kolkata Knight Riders to bat. The two-time champions Kolkata started off consciously with openers Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer scoring 14 runs in the first three overs.

RCB captain du Plessis made a bowling change in the fourth over as Akash Deep replaced Mohammed Siraj and the medium-pacer struck in his very first ball for 10 caught and bowled as KKR lost their first wicket for 14.

Siraj was brought from the other end in the fifth over and the pacer got the wicket of Rahane caught by Shahbaz Ahmed for 9 to leave Kolkata in a spot of bother at 32 for 2.

Akash Deep struck once again and this time he got the wicket of dangerous Nitish Rana as David Willey took a brilliant diving catch to dismiss him for 10 to leave KKR tottering at 44/3 at the end Powerplay.

After the Powerplay, the RCB captain introduced spin by bringing Wanindu Hasaranga into the attack and the Sri Lankan struck getting the prized scalp of KKR captain Shreyas Iyer for 13 to leave his side in further trouble at 46 for 4.

Sunil Narine’s few blows helped Kolkata cross the 50-run mark but any hopes of a revival were dealt a severe blow as Hasaranga got two more wickets off consecutive balls to replace Sunil Narine and Sheldon Jackson to leave Kolkata in deep trouble at 67/6.

Harshal Patel too joined the bandwagon dismissing Sam Billings for 14 caught by Virat Kohli as KKR lost their seventh wicket for 83.

Andre Russell kept the scoreboard moving with some lusty blows hitting three sixes and one boundary. The moment the West Indian looked dangerous Harshal Patel got his wicket for 25 caught behind by wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik as Kolkata lost their eighth wicket for 99.

The Shreyas Iyer led side scratched their way to the triple-figure mark. Hasaranga looked unstoppable getting his fourth wicket of the match dismissing Tim Southee for 1 caught by Faf du Plessis as Kolkata lost their ninth wicket for 101.

Just when it seemed as RCB will clean up the tail the KKR tail-enders showed Umesh Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy some appetite for a fight hitting a few boundaries to strike a 27-run partnership for the 10th wicket as Akash Deep rattled the stumps of Umesh Yadav who scored 18 off 12 balls hitting two fours and one six. KKR were bowled out for 125 in 18.5 overs.

Brief Scores: KKR 125/10 in 18.5 overs (Andre Russell 25, Umesh Yadav 18; Wanindu Hasaranga 4/20, Akash Deep 3/45) vs RCB 132/7 in 19.2 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 28, Shahbaz Ahmed 27; Tim Southee 3/20, Umesh Yadav 2/16). 

Imran Khan’s Life Is In Danger: PTI’s Faisal Vawda

Posted: 30 Mar 2022 10:40 AM PDT

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) senior leader Faisal Vawda has claimed that Prime Minister Imran Khan's life is in danger, as a plot has been hatched to assassinate him, according to Pakistan’s ARY News.

The political scenario in Pakistan is heating-up with constant allegations and counter allegations between the Imran government and the opposition, since the tabling of the no-confidence motion against the government.

Imran had earlier alleged the hand of foreign agencies in attempts of his removal as the PM.

He had claimed that he would share the 'foreign-funded conspiracy' letter with senior journalists and ally party members. "The letter will reveal the elements who are conspiring against the country from abroad," he further added, "suspicions were cast that the government is doing all this to save itself."

The opposition parties on the other hand are presenting a united front and claim the support of majority.

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