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8pm NEWSFEED

13, ఏప్రిల్ 2022, బుధవారం

8pm NEWSFEED

Shooting At New York Subway Station

Posted: 12 Apr 2022 08:23 AM PDT

New York [US]: Multiple people were shot at a subway station in New York’s Brooklyn on Tuesday (local time), the city fire department said.


Preliminary reports indicated that during the shooting at New York subway station, five people were shot, a law enforcement official said. The police were seeking a man with a gas mask and an orange construction vest, the official said, reported The New York Times. The violent episode heightened simmering fears about public safety that have hindered New York City’s push to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.


The attack took place during the Tuesday morning rush at the 36th Street stop in Sunset Park.


Police officers were called to the 36th Street subway station, where the D, N and R lines pass through the Sunset Park neighbourhood, at around 8:30 a.m., a Police Department spokeswoman said. They had also received reports of smoke inside the station, reported The New York Times.


Transit officials said that trains on the D, N and R lines would be delayed because of an unspecified investigation.


The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates the city’s subway, said no additional details were immediately available.


A spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams declined to comment as reports were still preliminary. 

Pakistan Hopes For Peaceful Ties With India: Shehbaz Sharif

Posted: 12 Apr 2022 08:22 AM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]: Newly-elected Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday thanked PM Narendra Modi for congratulating him and said that his country desires peaceful and cooperative ties with India.


PM Modi had after Sharif was sworn in greeted the Pakistani premier and said in a tweet, “India desires peace and stability in a region free of terror so that we can focus on our development challenges and ensure the well-being and prosperity of our people.” In his response, Sharif tweeted: “Thank you Premier Narendra Modi for felicitations. Pakistan desires peaceful & cooperative ties with India. Peaceful settlement of outstanding disputes including Jammu & Kashmir is indispensable. Pakistan’s sacrifices in fighting terrorism are well-known. Let’s secure peace and focus on socio-economic development of our people.”


In his first address to the National Assembly after being sworn in, Sharif had said, “We want good ties with India but durable peace is not possible until the Kashmir dispute is resolved.”


Sharif the leader of the joint opposition took oath as the 23rd Prime Minister of Pakistan on Monday evening hours after being elected by the National Assembly of the country.


This brought to an end the political uncertainty that had gripped Pakistan since a no-confidence motion was on March 8 introduced against Sharif’s predecessor Imran Khan.

Industrial Output Growth Rises To 1.7% In February

Posted: 12 Apr 2022 07:16 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: India’s industrial output growth rose marginally to 1.7 per cent in February 2022 from 1.5 per cent in the previous month, the government data showed on Tuesday.


The cumulative industrial output growth rose, as measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), to stand at 12.5 per cent for the April-February period of the financial year 2021-22 as against an 11.1 per cent contraction recorded in the corresponding period of the previous year. In February 2021, the industrial output had witnessed a contraction of 3.2 per cent.


Manufacturing, which has 77.63 per cent weight in the IIP, registered a paltry 0.8 per cent growth in February. Cumulative growth of manufacturing for April-February 2021-22 period stood at 12.9 per cent against 12.5 per cent contraction recorded in the corresponding period of the previous year.


Electricity output grew by 4.5 per cent in February 2022 as compared with 0.1 per cent growth recorded in the same month the previous year.


Mining output increased by 4.5 per cent in February 2022 as against 4.4 per cent contraction recorded in the same month of 2021.


For the month of February 2022, the Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) with base 2011-12 stands at 132.1.


The Indices of Industrial Production for the Mining, Manufacturing and Electricity sectors for the month of February 2022 stand at 123.2, 130.8 and 160.8 respectively, the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation said in a statement.


The Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) are released on the 12th of every month (or the previous working day if the 12th is a holiday) with a six weeks lag and compiled with data received from source agencies, which in turn receive the data from the producing factories/ establishments. 

Opposition Slams Kejriwal For Holding Meeting With Punjab Officials

Posted: 12 Apr 2022 07:02 AM PDT

Chandigarh (Punjab): Opposition parties on Tuesday slammed Arvind Kejriwal for meeting with Punjab government officials allegedly in the absence of Punjab chief minister Bhagwat Mann and alleged that the Delhi CM was ruling Punjab through “remote control.”


They also termed Bhagwant Mann as a “rubber stamp” chief minister. “This (Punjab) government is running from Delhi and not from Chandigarh. Two days ago Arvind Kejriwal called Punjab’s Chief Secretary, Power Secretary (to Delhi). He held a meeting in the absence of the Punjab CM. This is unconstitutional and is indirect control on Punjab,” Punjab Congress Legislative Party leader Pratap Singh Bajwa said,

Infact the entire opposition in Punjab slammed Kejriwal.


Former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu termed the meeting a clear breach of federalism and insult to Punjabi pride.


Taking to Twitter to slam AAP leaders, Sidhu posted “Chalane do aandhiyaan hakeekat kee, na jaane kaun se jhonke se baharoopiyon ke mukhaute ud jaen” (The winds of reality will blow away the masks of deceivers)


“Punjab IAS officers summoned by Arvind Kejriwal in CM Bhagwant Mann’s absence. This exposes the Defacto CM and Delhi remote control. A clear breach of federalism, an insult to Punjabi pride. Both must clarify,” Sidhu wrote.


Former CM of Punjab and Punjab Lok Congress chief Amarinder Singh alleged that the worst fear has come true and Arvind Kejriwal has taken over Punjab long before expected.


“Worst was feared, worst happened. Arvind Kejriwal has taken over Punjab much before it was expected to happen. That Bhagwant Mann is a rubber stamp was a foregone conclusion already, now Kejriwal has proved it right by chairing Punjab officers’ meeting in Delhi,” said Singh.


Meanwhile, Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday called on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.
He is expected to hold discussions over the implementation of 300 units of free electricity in Punjab. 

Pakistan Launches Disinformation Campaign To Disturb Harmony In India

Posted: 12 Apr 2022 06:52 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: The Pakistani disinformation campaign machinery has gone into overdrive with thousands of provocative tweets under various hashtags. The tweets, mostly from Pakistan and Afghanistan, aim at disturbing the peace and tranquillity of India.


Under the disinformation campaign, fake information is being posted on Twitter handles like @Babar_7860; @FMQureshipk; @ihtk1; @raufburrio; @ideowarrior; @zahrakhanpak911; @Abebeellan; @akhirhashmi159 and @rakibpatrkar to sow the seeds of hatred.


One such Twitter handle is that of Babar Malik (@Babar_7860) a Pakistani, who claims to be a journalist.


There is another Pakistani Twitter handle @fmqureshipk which has also been spewing venom against India.

Another account spreading similar lies is @ihtjk1.


All these posts are focused on provoking, disturbing the harmony of India.

Pakistan whose own house is on fire is leading the vicious campaign against India to deflect any questioning of mis-governance by its citizens.


Moreover, Pakistan, which has never shied away from denouncing other nations for atrocities against Muslims, has conveniently ignored the issue of violation of Uyghur human rights in Xinjiang.


It champions the cause of Muslims in India but has a dismal record of its own minorities in the country.

In Pakistan, minorities like Hindus, Christians, Ahmaddiyas, and Shias are frequently harassed and persecuted. The country has witnessed an unprecedented rise in attacks and arrests against the Shia minority, who make up between 15 per cent and 20 per cent of the Sunni-majority nation.


The United Kingdom’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Pakistani minorities has severely criticised the role of Islamabad in a steadily deteriorating human rights situation of minorities in the country.


A 67-page report, which called the human rights situation in Pakistan a national and international tragedy, highlighted all forms of atrocities that the minorities of Pakistan were being subjected to on an everyday basis.


It said that even after over seventy years of independence, abductions of minority girls, their forced conversions and subsequent marriages were a widespread phenomenon in Pakistan.


Also, there are numerous cases of the state brazenly defending those who have been involved in heinous crimes against minorities and going after the victims. And it is because of such a state of affairs in Pakistan that a number of experts around the world have said that Pakistan is the most unsafe country for women as well as minorities under the sun.


According to Human Rights Watch, “Minorities continue to face violence, discrimination, and persecution, with authorities often failing to provide adequate protection or hold perpetrators to account”. The authorities routinely use draconian counterterrorism and sedition laws to intimidate peaceful critics, reported Daily Times.

Ranbir Kapoor And Alia Bhatt’s Wedding Postponed?

Posted: 12 Apr 2022 06:30 AM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Several reports about Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s wedding have claimed that the big day will be on April 14 or 15. However, new reports claim that the wedding may have been postponed.


With the heightened buzz around the wedding, the couple may have opted to postpone the wedding due to security reasons, as per rumours.

Previously, sources suggested that the highly-anticipated wedding will be a 4-day-long affair at the RK house.

The functions were expected to start from April 13 onwards with the Mehendi ceremony, followed by a Sangeet ceremony on the next day and finally the wedding on April 15.


No new wedding date has been confirmed yet, though the wedding is still speculated to happen in April.


While the couple has remained tight-lipped about their wedding details, Ranbir’s Krishna Raj bungalow and the Kapoor family’s RK Studio have already been decorated with bright lights.


Earlier, on Monday, a car was spotted at Ranbir’s house and it was loaded with Sabyasachi outfits apparently for the bride and groom.


Ranbir and Alia had fallen in love with each other on the sets of their upcoming film ‘Brahmastra’. 

Retail Inflation Rises To 6.95% In March, Highest In 17 Months

Posted: 12 Apr 2022 06:24 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: India’s retail inflation surged to a 17-month high of 6.95% in March from 6.07 per cent in the previous month due to a sharp increase in food prices, the National Statistical Office (NSO) data showed on Tuesday.


Retail inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has remained above the upper limit of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) tolerance band for the third consecutive month.

The retail inflation stood at 6.01 per cent in January 2022. The inflation is sharply higher when compared with the previous year. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation stood at 5.52 per cent in March 2021.


The price rise was sharper in rural India than in urban. CPI for rural India surged to 7.66 per cent in March from 6.38 per cent in the previous month.


CPI-based inflation for urban India rose to 6.12 per cent in March 2022 from 5.75 per cent in the previous month.


The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation data is released monthly by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.


The Price data are collected from selected 1,114 urban markets and 1,181 villages covering all states/UTs through personal visits by field staff of the Field Operations Division of NSO, MoSPI on a weekly roster.


During the month of March 2022, NSO collected prices from 99.9 per cent of villages and 98.3 per cent urban markets while the market-wise prices reported therein were 90.2 per cent for rural and 93.2 per cent for urban, according to an official statement released by the National Statistical Office (NSO)

Meeting On New COVID-19 ‘ XE Variant ‘ Held- To Be Monitored Closely

Posted: 12 Apr 2022 03:19 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, on Tuesday, chaired a review meeting regarding the new Coronavirus strain- ‘ XE variant ‘ and directed the officials to boost the ongoing monitoring and surveillance in the country.


The Minister, in one of his recent tweets, informed that he had a meeting with the country’s top experts regarding the new ‘XE Variant’ of Covid-19, where he reviewed the Covid cases and gave necessary instructions for strengthening the ongoing monitoring and surveillance system to study the new variants and related cases.

According to a statement by the Ministry, Mandaviya has instructed officials on the medical infrastructure and resources front to constantly review the availability of essential drugs and medicines required for Covid treatment.


“He further emphasised that the ongoing vaccination drive must be carried out at full pace and all eligible should be vaccinated,” it read.


“While reviewing the cases of COVID-19 in the country, he (Mandaviya) directed the officials to boost the ongoing monitoring and surveillance of new variants and cases,” read an official statement by the ministry.


The review meeting was attended by key experts and officials of the country, including, Dr V.K. Paul, member, Health, NITI Aayog; Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary; Dr Randeep Guleria, Director at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS); Dr Balram Bhargava, Director General (DG) of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); Dr NK Arora, Chairman of COVID-19 Working Group of National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI), and other senior officials of the Health Ministry. 

Sri Lanka Suspends Servicing $51 Billion Debt Payments

Posted: 12 Apr 2022 03:09 AM PDT

Colombo [Sri Lanka]: Amid the economic crisis in the country, the Sri Lanka government has temporarily suspended $51 Billion Debt Payments.


According to an interim policy released by the Finance Ministry regarding the servicing of the country’s external public debt, the government has announced that it would default on its $51 billion debt pending a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The ministry has announced that the creditors, including foreign governments that had given loans to the island nation, were free to capitalise any interest payments due to them from Tuesday afternoon or opt for payback in Sri Lankan rupees.


Sri Lanka is battling a severe economic crisis with food and fuel scarcity affecting a large number of the people in the island nation resulting in massive protests over the government’s handling of the situation.


The economy has been in a free-fall since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic following the crash of the tourism sector.


Sri Lanka is also facing a foreign exchange shortage, which has affected its capacity to import food and fuel. The shortage of essential goods forced Sri Lanka to seek assistance from friendly countries.


Meanwhile, amid massive protests Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday requested people to remain patient in order to enable the government to resolve the situation.

Alia Blushes As Fans Congratulate Alia On Wedding

Posted: 12 Apr 2022 02:18 AM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): While Alia Bhatt is busy shooting amid rumours of her wedding with boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor, fans are congratulating her on her rumoured wedding.


While in Boston, filmmaker Farah Khan, who was surrounded by fans, FaceTimed Karan Johar and they ended up having a quick chat with Alia and Ranveer Singh, who were shooting for their film ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’. Fans got excited and congratulated Alia for her rumoured wedding. The actor blushed and smiled and replied, “for what?”


“Alia was in shock with all of our excitement too,” wrote a fan who shared the clip of the moment on social media.

Sources suggest that Ranbir and Alia’s wedding will be a 4-day-long affair at the RK house. The functions will start from April 13 onwards with the Mehendi ceremony followed by a Sangeet ceremony on the next day and finally the wedding on April 15.


Earlier, on Monday, a car was spotted at Ranbir’s house and it was loaded with Sabyasachi outfits apparently for the bride and groom.


Ranbir’s Krishna Raj bungalow and the Kapoor family’s RK Studio have also been decorated with bright lights ahead of the couple’s speculated wedding.


Ranbir and Alia, fondly called by fans as RanAlia, had fallen in love with each other on the sets of their upcoming film ‘Brahmastra’. The two made their first appearance as a couple at Sonam Kapoor’s wedding reception in 2018.

Sri Lanka Urges Islamabad To Release Financial Assistance Offered

Posted: 12 Apr 2022 02:10 AM PDT

Colombo [Sri Lanka]: Amid the growing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Colombo has requested Islamabad to expedite the pending financial assistance offered by the country, according to a media report.


The proposed financial facilities include grant assistance of Pakistan Rupees 5.2 crores for sports, a credit line of USD 10 million for procurement of defence equipment, a new defence credit facility worth USD 50 million and a credit line of USD 200 million for procurement of mutually agreed items.

Notably, the proposal was made by Pakistan in February 2021 during the two-day official visit of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and former Foreign Minister Shal Mahmood Qureshi to Colombo.


Sri Lanka is battling a severe economic crisis with food and fuel scarcity affecting a large number of the people in the island nation resulting in massive protests over the government’s handling of the situation.


The economy has been in a free-fall since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting tourism.


Sri Lanka is also facing a foreign exchange shortage, which has affected its capacity to import food and fuel. The shortage of essential goods forced Sri Lanka to seek assistance from friendly countries.


The economic situation has led to huge protests with demands for the resignation of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. 

Deoghar Cable-Car Mishap: 10 Rescued-Watch

Posted: 12 Apr 2022 02:04 AM PDT

Deoghar (Jharkhand): As many as 10 people have been rescued on Tuesday morning after an accident at the Trikut Ropeway service in Jharkhand’s Deoghar on Monday.

The rescue operations are being undertaken jointly by the Indian Air Force (IAF), Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the district personnel. An ITBP official said, “3 to 5 persons are still believed to be in the cable cars and efforts to rescue them are on. We have rescued 10 people since today morning including five men, three women and two children.”


Ashwini Nayyar, the rescue team incharge said, “The rescue operation is on and we will soon rescue all the people stranded in the ropeway.”


Dr S Bharati of ITBP said, “The rescue team has been working for the last 48 hours and our aim is to rescue each and everyone safely.”


Notably, some cable cars collided on a ropeway at Trikut hills close to Baba Baidyanath Temple on Sunday. The IAF received the request for the rescue of approximately 40 tourists stuck in the Ropeway Service. Acting on the request, the IAF deployed one Mi-17 and one Mi-17 V5 helicopter early in the morning on Monday for the rescue.


While one woman succumbed to her injuries in hospital early on Sunday morning, the death toll in the ropeway mishap at the tourist spot atop Trikoot hills rose to two as another man died on Sunday evening while being airlifted.

In the meanwhile, Jharkhand High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of Deoghar ropeway incident and ordered an inquiry in the matter.

The court will hear the matter on April 26. Before that, the state has to file a detailed inquiry report through an affidavit.

India Ready To Supply Food Stock To World If WTO Agrees

Posted: 12 Apr 2022 01:52 AM PDT

Gandhinagar (Gujarat): Stating that he has discussed the issue of the global food shortage with US President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that India is ready to supply food stock to the world.


PM Modi said that India can supply food stock if the World Trade Organisation (WTO) comes on board. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the hostel and education complex at “Shree Annapurna Dham” via video conferencing.


“Food stock in different parts of the world is dwindling due to the war (in Ukraine). The world is facing a new problem now, with the food stock of the world getting empty. I was talking to the US President, and he also raised this issue. I suggested that if WTO gives permission, India is ready to supply food stock to the world from tomorrow,” PM Narendra Modi said.


He said that India already has enough food stock for the people in the country but “our farmers seem to have made arrangements to feed the world”. However, we have to work according to the laws of the world, so I don’t know when WTO will give permission and we can supply food to the world, PM Modi added.


“The development of Gujarat is necessary for the development of India,” said PM Narendra Modi after inaugurating the hostel and education complex of “Shri Annapurnadham Trust” at Adalaj.


Further speaking on the Annapurnadham Trust, Narendra Modi said, “In the field of education, nutrition and health, Gujarat has always contributed to society. The Patidar community has also been part of it.”


“Bhumipujan (ground-breaking ceremony)” of the “Hiramani Arogya Dham” will also take place. While speaking about the Arogya Dham, the PM said, “The Central Government’s free dialysis facility in government hospitals will boost the purpose of Arogya Dham. A large number of people will be able to get dialysis treatment at the same time in the Arogya Dham. There will be 24 hours blood supply. This Arogya Dham will serve mankind.”


PM Narendra Modi added, “Idol of Mother Annapurna Mata was stolen from Kashi decades ago and transported abroad. We brought back the idol of Mother Annapurna from Canada to Kashi a few months back. Dozens of such cultural symbols have been brought back from abroad in the last seven-eight years.”

SC Stays Conviction Of Hardik Patel In Rioting And Arson Case

Posted: 12 Apr 2022 12:45 AM PDT

The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the conviction of Hardik Patel until the appeals are decided, in a rioting and arson case during the Patidar quota stir.

A bench of Justices S Abdul Nazeer and Vikram Nath also remarked that High Court should have stayed the conviction and said, “the conviction is, hereby, stayed until the appeals are decided accordingly.” Supreme Court was hearing Hardik Patel’s appeal seeking suspension of his conviction in the case in which he was found guilty of rioting and arson during the Patidar quota stir in 2015.

Patel had moved the apex court challenging the order of the Gujarat High Court which had suspended his jail sentence but not the conviction.

Hardik Patel has challenged the judgment of the Gujarat High Court seeking suspension of the conviction so that he could contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Earlier, SC said no to an urgent hearing on conviction in a rioting case.

Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for Hardik Patel said that he had earlier lost one chance to contest the election in 2019.

Patel, in his petition, had stated that the apex court should urgently hear his petition because the last date and filing of the nomination papers for Lok Sabha elections 2019, was April 04. However, the apex court had earlier declined to give him an urgent hearing at that time.

As per rules and the Representation of the People (RP) Act, a political candidate, who was convicted and facing a prison term of two years or more cannot contest the elections, unless the same is stayed by a court.

The 26-year-old, in his petition, claimed that he is a leader of the Patidar Andolan and started his agitation in 2015, and due to this, the ruling party of the state of Gujarat registered an FIR against him.

“This registration of FIR and the action of the state government were mala fide and were with a view to suppressing the voice of the masses,” Patel claimed in his petition.

He had further stated in his petition that in the present case, it was argued at length before the Gujarat High Court that there is no legal evidence against conviction and the same is based on hearsay evidence.

A lower Court at Mehsana in Gujarat had sentenced the Patidar leader to two years’ imprisonment in 2018 July, for his involvement in rioting and arson in 2015, when during the Patidar quota protests.

Tibetans Forced To Self-Immolations Due to Human Right Issues

Posted: 12 Apr 2022 12:37 AM PDT

Lhasa [Tibet]: As Tibetans continue to face the human rights violations under Chinese President Xi Jinping’s policies, they feel that there is no other option left to deal with the situation but resort to self-immolation, according to a report.


The year 2022 has been rocked by three reported incidents of self-immolations by Tibetans inside Chinese occupied Tibet, signalling a return to the self-immolations as a tool of protest, Tibet Rights Collective said in its report. According to the report, over the years, especially under Xi Jinping, China has undertaken brutal tactics that are aimed at the “Sinicization (mainstreaming to Chinese culture)” of Tibetan Buddhists and building what Beijing claims to be a “modern, socialist and culturally advanced Tibet”.


The end result of such tactics has been that Tibetans have been at the receiving end of “gross human rights violations that are taking Tibetans’ culture, language, identity, traditions and religion”.


As these gross human rights violations continue and in fact, keep rising with every day passing, it would not be an understatement to say that Tibetans are hurting, the report said.


The report said that any sort of “free speech or expression is prohibited in Occupied Tibet, Tibetans cannot hold a peaceful protest, you will land in jail for hanging a picture of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, you will ‘vanish’ if you share any incriminating post against China or its actions in Tibet and your children will be sent to special Chinese Boarding Schools that will make sure that they learn the Chinese language, sing Chinese nationalistic songs and take part in brutal military drills under the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at a tender age of 6.”


“And not to forget, Tibetan nomads are being displaced for illegal mining purposes and the Tibetan Plateau’s precious water tower is being overtaken by Beijing in a hegemonic manner. And lastly, Xi securitising Tibet by deploying heavy military and bringing into effect new Border Laws, is putting the final nail in the coffin for Tibetans,” the report added.


As the angst grows at such haranguing, Tibetans are “yet again turning to self-immolations as a tool of protest”.


According to the Tibet Rights Collective’s report, “every human has a breaking point. For Tibetans, it is self-immolation. Xi’s policies have pushed certain Tibetans to such a point that they feel that there is no other option left but self-immolation. Horrifying as it is to imagine, it would certainly be a crime if we blame Tibetans for taking it up. The only blame that should lie is on China and Xi Jinping.”


Chinese troops occupied Tibet in 1950 and later annexed it. The 1959 Tibetan uprising saw violent clashes between Tibetan residents and Chinese forces. 

Bhagwant Mann To Discuss Free Electricity In Punjab With Kejriwal

Posted: 12 Apr 2022 12:18 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann who is in the national capital will meet Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday to discuss the scheme of providing free electricity in Punjab for up to 300 units, informed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) sources.


Sources also said that the Punjab Chief Minister is also scheduled to meet President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi today.

“AAP leader and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to meet President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu today, followed by Aam Admi Party chief and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, in Delhi.

He will hold a discussion over the free electricity scheme with Delhi CM, today,” sources said.


It further said, “Bhagwant Mann will hold discussions with party chief Arvind Kejriwal over the implementation of 300 units of free electricity in Punjab as he comes to Delhi.”


Providing free electricity to every household for up to 300 units, reducing youth unemployment and financial assistance of Rs 1,000 for every woman are some of the major promises made by AAP in Punjab in the Assembly elections concluded last month.


Meanwhile, the Punjab CM also assured all stakeholders, including farmers, of smooth, prompt and hassle-free wheat procurement in the state.


He also listed the facilities in the mandis for farmers including arrangements of potable drinking water, lights, sitting arrangements and toilets etc.

PML(N) Rules Out Immediate Return Of Nawaz Sharif

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 11:50 PM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]: Even after Shehbaz Sharif took oath as 23rd Prime Minister of Pakistan, PML-N has ruled out the possibility of the immediate return of Nawaz Sharif to Islamabad from London.


The PML-N leaders are excited after the junior Sharif became the country’s PM, hoping that the party’s supreme leader will soon be among them.

However, there are a number of factors that may not allow former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to take a flight back to Pakistan, reported Dawn.

Talking to Dawn, a couple of senior PML-N leaders said the party functionaries and workers were very happy to see Sharif junior as the Pakistan PM while looking forward to seeing Nawaz Sharif among them in the coming days.


“Nawaz Sharif has no immediate plans to return. The Sharif family thinks that his early return will establish the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) propaganda that he does not have serious health issues,” a senior PML-N leader from Punjab said.

He further added, “The other factor Nawaz will weigh before deciding to return is how the 11-party coalition government functions in the coming months in the face of the growing PTI pressure for early elections.”


However, in reply to a question about the tentative date for Nawaz’s return, another leader close to the former premier, said: “Either just before the next polls or right after… If Nawaz gets some relief in the corruption cases ahead of the next elections, the party will press him to return to spearhead the PML-N’s election campaign. To match Imran Khan’s canvassing, the PML-N needs Nawaz around.”


Meanwhile, PML-N Punjab spokesperson Azma Bokhari told Dawn, “Mian Sahib (Nawaz Sharif) will return to Pakistan once his consultants allow him to travel.”


She also stated that after Shehbaz Sharif’s election as the PM, the party workers have become emotional and they want Nawaz Sharif to return soon, but the decision has to be taken on the advice of his doctors. “He will be here at an appropriate time,” she added.


An “ailing” Nawaz Sharif has been living in London since November 2019 for medical treatment after the High Court allowed him a four-week reprieve.

He was serving seven-year imprisonment in the Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore in the Al-Azizia corruption case before his departure.

In August last year, Nawaz Sharif filed an appeal with the British Immigration Tribunal after the Home Department refused to extend his stay in the country any further, citing his medical conditions.

Prior to his exit, Shehbaz Sharif had submitted an undertaking to the Lahore High Court that his elder brother would return “within four weeks or on certification by doctors that he has regained his health and is fit to return back to Pakistan”, reported Dawn.


In a survey conducted earlier by The News International, Pak’s former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s popularity has always been on the rise across the country’s many provinces as compared to Imran Khan. 

Forest Fires Rage In Dhauladhar Mountains Near Dharamshala

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 11:43 PM PDT

Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh): Forest fires are raging in the Dhauladhar mountain range of Himachal Pradesh’s Dharamshala for the past three-four days, but fire fighters are finding it difficult to reach the sites at high altitudes.


Speaking on the matter, Dr Sanjeev Sharma, Divisional Forest Officer, Dharamshala said a few fire incidents have been reported in Dharamshala in the past 3 to 4 days.

The firefighters are finding it difficult to reach these mountain areas as they are on a higher scale. “The major challenge that we are facing is to reach out to the fire spot which is inaccessible. It is very difficult for our staff to reach those areas with heavy fire equipment but we are trying our level best,” Sharma said.


Speaking further he said, “There is no natural cause for such fire incidents in these areas. All are man-made reasons whether it is negligent acts or deliberate ones. Human is involved in it.”


Tenzin Dorjee, a local Tibetan said, “There are fire incidents taking place in higher reaches for the last few days and it is difficult for firefighters to reach these areas. It is causing pollution and people are facing breathing problems.”


The temperature is also increasing here due to the fire incidents, Dorjee explained.


Jeevan Kumar, a local youth said, “We are witnessing a fire incident in the mountains due to which temperature is increasing day by day. There is a smoky atmosphere as the Dhauladhar mountains are not clearly visible.”


“We understand that these are inaccessible areas and firefighters or locals can’t go there to rescue the forest and it is becoming problematic,” he added. 

Gujarat: Surat Restaurant Serves Food On Toy Trains

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 11:30 PM PDT

Surat (Gujarat): In a unique initiative, toy trains in a Surat restaurant can be seen passing through the dining tables serving food to the diners.


In the train-themed restaurant “Trainian Express”, which has attracted a lot of people in the city, the train makes its way straight to the diners from the kitchen without the need for any human intervention. The various compartments of the train are loaded with bread, rice, curries, papad and they serve food on the toy trains itself.

The dining tables in the eatery are also named after different stations of Surat city, giving the guests a full railway station vibe.

“We have been to many restaurants. Food out there is served by the waiters. Here food is served by trains. We have enjoyed the new initiative. Children, specially are liking it a lot. This restaurant has revived our train memories”, said Devyani Patel, a customer.

Speaking on the matter, owner Mukesh Choudhary said, “The trains run on electricity. As soon as the food is prepared, it is put on the train and sent to the particular table that has names on stations like Ring Road, Althan, Varacha, etc. This train concept in the restaurant is being liked by all.”

Dimple Rajpurohit, another guest said, “We are reliving our childhood train moments here. This has given us a chance to tell our children about the long train journeys that we took as a child. We have loved the concept.” 

W.Bengal: NCB Kolkata Seizes 207Kg Ganja- Accused Arrested

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 11:20 PM PDT

Cooch Behar (West Bengal): The Narcotics Control Bureau of Kolkata arrested a 32 year old male, on Monday, for allegedly storing a huge amount, 207Kg, Ganja at his residence in Cooch Behar.


According to local police, the accused, identified as Acahinta Parmanik (32) of Village Patchhara, had sourced it (Ganja) from Cooch Behar and kept it for selling in the local area and in other parts of Kolkata.


“During the probe, the NCB Kolkata recovered and seized 207 kilograms Ganja, Rs 1,08,000 (cash), and one medium-sized weighing machine,” said local Police.
Further investigation into the matter is underway.

Delhi: Congress To Vacate 26- Akbar Road Office After Notice

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 11:14 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: The Congress, after receiving orders from the Directorate of Estates, will vacate its Sevadal office at 26 Akbar Road in New Delhi soon, according to sources.


Alternate land has already been allotted to the Party at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg in Delhi where the new building is under construction.

Despite the time frame for vacating the office being extended several times as construction was stopped due to the COVID pandemic, the construction work at the new office is still incomplete.

Till then, the Sevadal Office will be shifted to 5, Raisina Marg where Indian Youth Congress and NSUI office is situated.


Meanwhile, temporary cabins will be added at AICC HQs for the AICC Secretaries whose offices were allotted at 26, Akbar Road, a Senior Leader said.

Right Now Congress Party has three Bungalows at the Lutyens’ Delhi, 24 Akbar Road which is AICC Headquarter, 26 Akbar Road for Sevadal, and 5 Raisina Road for NSUI and IYC office.


According to sources, the construction of the new Congress office at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg is in the final phase and all the offices of Congress will be shifted there by the end of this year. 

Registration For Amarnath Yatra 2022 Begins For Devotees

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 10:51 PM PDT

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): After a gap of two-year following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Amarnath Yatra 2022 is all set to resume this year, for which the registration began on Monday.


Amarnath Yatra will commence on June 30 and conclude on August 11.


“The process of ‘Yatri’ registration for Amarnath Yatra began at the 316 branches of Punjab National Bank on April 11 and will continue till June 30. Yatris who had registered last year have to give Rs 20 extra for the fee, which was Rs 100 last, while it’s Rs 120 now,” said Yatender Kumar, Deputy General Manager of Punjab National Bank, Jammu.


Persons below 13 years or above 75 years of age cannot take part in the Amarnath Yatra.


“Devotees between the age of 13-75 years can come for the registration. They’ll have to get a health certificate from designated hospitals that are near the Amarnath Shrine board,” said Yatender Kumar.


The pilgrims can also register for Amarnath yatra online through the website and mobile app of the Shrine Board, Nitishwar Kumar, CEO, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, had said earlier.


He added that a Yatri Niwas has been made in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir which can accommodate 3000 pilgrims. The board is expecting an average footfall of more than three lakh pilgrims in the shrine this year. The insurance cover for pilgrims increased from Rs 3 lakh to 5 lakh this year.


“Registration for Amarnath Yatra will start on April 11 in 446 Branches of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, PNB Bank, Yes Bank and 100 branches of SBI Bank across the country. We’re expecting more than three lakh pilgrims,” he stated.


People from across the world take part in the Amarnath Yatra and they trek through the daunting mountains to Shri Amarnathji Shrine in South Kashmir every year in the summer months.


The Amarnath Yatra could not be held in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even in 2019, the yatra was suspended a few days before August 5, when the Centre abrogated Article 370 and revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, carving out the Union Territory of Ladakh.

India Reports 796 New COVID-19 Cases

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 10:45 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: India reported 796 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, according to the Union health ministry data. With this, the active caseload has gone up to 11,889.


In India, a total of 19 persons have succumbed to the coronavirus infection in the past 24 hours. In the last 24 hours, 946 people recovered from the infection, taking the total recoveries in the country to 4,25,04,329.


According to the health ministry, the active cases comprise 0.03 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate remained at 98.76 per cent.


The daily positivity rate was recorded as 0.20 per cent and the weekly positivity rate as 0.24 per cent, according to the ministry.


The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive have exceeded 185.90 crores so far.

Deogarh Ropeway Accident- Rescue Operations Resume

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 10:40 PM PDT

Ranchi (Jharkhand): Ropeway accident in Deoghar, rescue operation resume as 7 more people were rescued today as per DC of Deoghar.


Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday ordered a high-level investigation into the ropeway accident near Trikut in Deoghar, where at least two people were killed and several others injured after cable cars in a ropeway collided with each other at Trikut hills.

“I express my deepest condolences on the incident on Trikut mountain and the deaths in it. There will be a high-level inquiry into the matter,” Soren said in a tweet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is constantly monitoring the situation in Jharkhand’s Deoghar, government sources said on Monday.


The Prime Minister also discussed the rescue operations with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, they said.


BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said that for the first time, the Indian Army, Air Force, National Disaster Response Force, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have together constituted joint coordination with district admin for this rescue operation.

“Local people were saying that if provided facilities, they could have emptied four cabins themselves. But the government was not listening to me and today, local people emptied two cabins after the support of forces. So the government had to take the support of locals for rescue,” he added.


Two people died after some cable cars collided on a ropeway at Trikut hills close to Baba Baidyanath Temple on Sunday. The Indian Air force (IAF) has been pressed into action for rescue operations.


Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri said that 32 people have been rescued while 15 people are still trapped mid-air in three cable cars. “Rescue operations will resume early morning tomorrow,” he added.


National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Air Force and Indian Army carried out the rescue operations today. The IAF deployed one Mi-17 and one Mi-17 V5 helicopter for carrying out the rescue operations.

Modi-Biden Meet: China And Russia Tight Links A Worry For India

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 10:04 PM PDT

Washington (US): An hour long meeting between PM Modi and US President Joe Biden saw a warm and candid exchange of views on a number of issues including had Russia’s war in Ukraine during the virtual summit on Monday. Post meeting, the stated “India will make its own judgements” on the crisis but added that if New Delhi saw the “tight links between China and Russia”, it will “obviously impact their thinking”.

PM Modi, in the meeting emphasised on direct talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to iron out all issues and said emphatically that he found the situation in Ukraine “very worrying”.

PM on his own accord brought out the Bucha killings and said that India vehemently opposed the Russian aggression against civilians in Ukraine’s Bucha.

PM Modi also spoke of the humanitarian health in terms of food, medicine and other logistics that were provided by India to the war ravaged country.

PM Modi expressed hope that the “ongoing talks between Russia and Ukraine will pave the way for peace”.

“Recently, the news of killings of innocent civilians in Bucha city was very worrying. We immediately condemned it and demanded a fair investigation… We have placed importance on the safety of the civilian population in Ukraine and the uninterrupted supply of humanitarian aid to them,” said the Prime Minister.

“When I came to Washington in September last year, you said that India-US partnership can contribute to the solution of many global problems. I completely agree with you. As the world’s two largest and oldest democracies, we are natural partners,” PM Modi added.

At a press briefing, White House, asked whether President Biden “pushed for India to take a side”, said India would make its own decisions, but the discussions would continue.

The White House also noted India’s “pretty strong statements” condemning the killing of civilians and supporting calls for an independent investigation.

“So, India is going to make its own judgments.  You will have seen in recent days that India made some pretty strong statements in New York condemning the killings of civilians, supporting calls for an independent investigation. India is also providing humanitarian relief material to Ukraine, including medicine and other supplies. There were close consultations in early days about the Indian students that were – needed to be evacuated from Ukraine. So we’re going to continue these discussions with India. I think India will make its own decisions, but we’re going to continue the discussions,” said the US.

PM Modi took the opportunity to share his views in a candid way about what’s going on, the official said.

“We know that Russia has concerns – we know that India has concerns about the links between Russia and China. India, of course, is facing a very tense situation along the Line of Actual Control. And when India sees the tight links between China and Russia, that’s obviously going to impact their thinking,” the White House official told the media.

President Biden began the meeting with PM Modi by saluting the “deep connection” between the two countries and said he wanted to continue their “close consultation” over the war.

After the virtual summit, which was followed by an in-person meeting of ministers, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters that it was important that “all countries, especially those with leverage, press Putin to end the war”.

“And it’s also important that democracies stand together and speak with one voice to defend the values that we share,” Mr Blinken said after the talks, described by one US official as “warm and productive.”  

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, asked about Biden’s push for India to cut energy imports from Russia, said “probably our total purchases for the month would be less than what Europe does in an afternoon.”  

India At UNSC- Concerned On Low COVID-19 Vaccination In Countries Facing Strife

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 10:01 PM PDT

New York [US]: Highlighting the need to address the issues of access and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines across the world, India on Monday (local time) expressed concern regarding the low vaccination levels of the population in countries facing conflict situations.


Speaking at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing on ‘delivery of COVID vaccines in areas of armed conflict – Implementation of UNSC Resolutions 2532 and 2565’, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, R Ravindra said, “Much of the developing world is yet to be vaccinated. The vaccination levels of the population in countries facing conflict situations are even lower.”

“While we have made significant progress in developing newer vaccines against COVID-19 as well as in their production, the issues of vaccine equity, access, distribution, and administration remain to be addressed,” he added.


Ravindra stressed the need to find ways to ensure last-mile vaccine delivery in areas affected by conflict and post-conflict situations that will improve low COVID-19 vaccination levels in such countries.

He also highlighted the need to ensure that any slackening of other vaccinations is reversed to ensure a sustainable health recovery from the pandemic.


Highlighting India’s role in facilitating access to vaccines, he said, “In line with our vision of ‘One Earth, One Health’, India has been instrumental in saving innumerable lives by providing timely and necessary medicines and vaccines to many countries.”


“In order to convert “vaccines into vaccination”, countries need robust capabilities in critical sectors including Information Technology tools; cold chain expansion; and training and capacity building of healthcare workers for vaccine administration. India would be happy to partner with other countries to assist in these important areas,” he added.


Ravindra also condemned the terrorists taking advantage of the pandemic saying, “While the Security Council has called for “COVID” pause in hostilities, terrorists and other non-state actors have only taken advantage of the pandemic by increasing their nefarious activities.”


“For continued supplies of vaccines, we need to ramp up our manufacturing capacities, both qualitatively and quantitatively, and keep the global supply chain for raw materials open and uninterrupted,” he added.


He further informed the Security Council that India has been strongly advocating for the principle of equity in the World Health Organisation and has also proposed, along with South Africa, a Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for COVID vaccines, diagnostics, and medicines.


“India stands ready to work with the global community to build adequately funded robust health systems, strengthen preparedness, and ensure equitable access to vaccines,” he stated. 

India, US Reaffirm Commitment To Free, Open Indo-Pacific

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 09:50 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: India and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific following the fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held in Washington.


India and the US held the 2+2 ministerial meeting in Washington with the Indian side led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the American side led by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday.

In a joint statement on the fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, the ministers recalled the inaugural virtual Quad Leaders’ Summit in March 2021, the in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit in September 2021 in Washington, and the February 2022 Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Melbourne.


Both sides stated that they are “looking forward to the next Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo in 2022”.

“The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific in which the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states are respected, and countries are free from military, economic, and political coercion,” underlined the joint statement.


They further reaffirmed their dedication to promoting regional stability and prosperity, with an inclusive regional architecture, abiding by the rule of law, the freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful resolution of disputes, and ASEAN centrality.


The ministers also reiterated the importance of adherence to international law to meet challenges to the rules-based order, including in the South China Sea, the statement said.


The Ministers welcomed the progress made in the last year on developing a “positive and constructive agenda” for the Quad to deliver peace and prosperity to the region in pursuance of their shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.


“The Ministers reiterated their commitment to take forward the initiatives announced by the Leaders, to empower the Quad as a force for global good for the Indo-Pacific region and welcomed ongoing discussions in the Quad Working Groups on vaccines, climate change, infrastructure, space, cyber security, and critical and emerging technologies for delivering practical and tangible benefits to the region,” the statement said.


Welcoming the remarkable progress made under the Quad Vaccine Partnership to augment the manufacturing capacity of the Biological E facility in India, supported by the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the Ministers committed to expedite the delivery of the first batch of vaccines to countries of the Indo-Pacific and beyond and to diversify the basket of vaccines in the context of changes in the global demand and supply landscape, the statement added. 

Nirav Modi’s Close Aide Subhash Shankar Brought Back By CBI

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 09:44 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: In a major development in the Nirav Modi scam case, his close aide Parab Subhash Shankar was brought back to Mumbai from Cairo city of Egypt by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team on Tuesday morning.


A CBI official confirmed that Subhash Shankar was in Cairo and after legal formalities he has been brought to India.

A CBI team went to bring him back and the team reached Mumbai with Shankar on Tuesday morning.

“He is a close aide of absconding diamantaire Nirav Modi. He used to work as Deputy General Manager in one of the companies of Nirav Modi. We will get more information into the case during his questioning,” he said.


In 2018, Interpol issued a red corner notice against Nirav, his brother Nishal Modi and his employee Subhash Shankar at the request of the CBI in connection with the multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam.


In December 2021, Parliament was informed that 33 accused in bank fraud cases registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) fled the country in the last five years.

India, US Ask Pakistan To Ensure Its Territory Is Not Used For Terrorism

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 09:38 PM PDT

Washington [US]: India and the US have called on Pakistan to take immediate, sustained, and irreversible actions to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorism.


In a joint statement issued on the fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin III welcomed the convening of the 18th Meeting of the India-US Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and the 4th Session of the India-US Designations Dialogue in October 2021.

Expressing strong condemnation against the use of terrorist proxies and cross-border terrorism in all its forms, the ministers called for the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attack, and Pathankot attack, to be brought to justice.


They called for concerted action against all terrorist groups, including groups proscribed by the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee, such as al-Qa’ida, Islamic State (Deash), Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Hizb ul Mujahideen.


The two sides committed to the continued exchange of information about sanctions and designations against terror groups and individuals, countering violent radicalism, use of the Internet for terrorist purposes, and cross-border movement of terrorists.


They also emphasised the importance of upholding international standards on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism by all countries, consistent with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations.


The ministers also reaffirmed their support for the early adoption of a UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) that advances and strengthens the framework for global cooperation and reinforces that no cause or grievance justifies terrorism.


Both sides also looked forward to the next India-US Counter Narcotics Working Group meeting in 2022 and enhancing cooperation through a bilateral Counter-Narcotics Framework to combat drug trafficking, illicit narcotics production, and precursor chemical supply chains.


Building upon the recent Senior Officials Meeting between the US Department of Homeland Security and India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, both sides looked forward to reconvening a Ministerial meeting of the India-US Homeland Security Dialogue in 2022.


The US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was held on Monday in Washington.


In a statement, the Pentagon said defence and foreign ministers of the two countries forged new and deeper cooperation across the breadth of the US-India partnership, including defence, science and technology, trade, climate, public health, and people-to-people ties.

Equity Indices Open In Red, Sensex Down By 294 Points

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 09:28 PM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Equity benchmark indices opened in red on Tuesday with Sensex down by 294.10 points and Nifty by 100.80 points.


At 9:27 am, the BSE Sensex was down by 294.10 points or 0.50 per cent at 58,670.47. BSE Limited, also known as the Bombay Stock Exchange, is the oldest stock exchange in Asia, and also the tenth oldest in the world.


The 50-scrip NSE Nifty was trading at 17,574.20, at 9:27 am, down by 100.80 points or 0.57 per cent.


NIFTY 50 is a benchmark Indian stock market index, representing the weighted average of 50 of the largest Indian companies listed on the National Stock Exchange. It is one of the two main stock indices used in India

J-K: Police Recovers Arms, Ammunition From A Vehicle Near Mehmoodabad Bridge

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 09:05 PM PDT

Anantnag Police have recovered a number of arms and ammunition from a vehicle near Mehmoodabad bridge Dooru, during its night domination on Monday.

“The police team fired some rounds in the air however driver of the vehicle fled away from the spot taking advantage of the darkness,” said the police in its official statement. “Upon checking, the police found a red-coloured bag and seized one short barrel AK-56, two AK mag, two pistols, three pistol mag, six hand grenades, 44rds of AK-47 ammo, 58 rds of 9mm ammo, and one sling, from its possession,” it said.

According to the police, when the team was on night domination, at around 10:45 PM, a vehicle coming from the opposite direction stopped on seeing them, which eventually raised suspicion.

Local police further informed that to look out for the person who absconded, various Nakas and alerts have been raised, along with a First Information Report (FIR), under the relevant sections of the law, being registered with Dooru Police station.
Further details into the matter are underway.

India’s Total Purchases Of Russian Oil For Month Less Than What Europe Does In Afternoon: Jaishankar

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 08:57 PM PDT

In a strong response to criticism of India’s purchase of Russian oil, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said India’s total purchases of Russian oil for one month were less than what Europe does in one afternoon.

Answering a question about India’s import of Russian oil, Jaishankar said, “If you’re looking at (India’s)energy purchases from Russia, I’d suggest your attention should be on Europe. We buy some energy necessary for our energy security. But I suspect, looking at figures, our purchases for the month would be less than what Europe does in an afternoon.” Over the ongoing war in Ukraine, the minister said that India has made a number of statements that articulate its position on the conflict. “Briefly what that position state is that we are against the conflict, we are for dialogue and diplomacy, we are for urgent cessation of violence and we are prepared to contribute to these objectives in whatever ways.”

Meanwhile, the United States on Monday said that energy imports are not banned from Russia and New Delhi is not violating US sanctions.
This came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden wherein both the leaders exchanged views on several regional and global issues.

During Monday’s press conference, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the call between the two leaders was “constructive and direct”.

“This was a constructive call, it was a productive call. It’s a relationship that is vitally important to the United States and to the president. I would not see it as an adversarial call,” The White House spokesperson added.

Answering a question on whether Biden pushed India to limit Russian energy, Psaki said, “Energy imports are not banned and they don’t violate our sanctions. We certainly recognise that every country is going to take a step in their interest.”
However, Psaki during a press briefing, said Biden told PM Modi that it’s not in India’s interest to increase every import from Russia.

Following Western sanctions on Russian entities in the wake of the Ukraine war, India purchased at least 13 million barrels of Russian crude oil at a discounted rate. This marked a sharp uptick from last year when India imported around 16 million barrels in 2021.

India, the world’s third-largest oil consumer and importer, imports 80 per cent of its oil, but only about 2 per cent to 3 per cent of those purchases come from Russia.

Chennai-Based IT Firm Gifts Cars To Its 100 Employees

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 08:54 PM PDT

A Chennai-based IT firm on Monday gifted as many as 100 cars to its employees for their constant support and unparalleled contributions to the company’s success and growth.

“We are gifting 100 cars to 100 of our employees who have been a part of us for more than 10 years. We have a strength of 500 employees. Our concept is to return the wealth we have received, to the employees,” said Hari Subramanian, Marketing Head, Ideas2IT.

Murali Vivekanandan, Founder and Chairman, Ideas2IT said that the employees have made a lot of efforts for improving the company and the company is not giving cars to them, they have earned it with their hard work.

“Seven-eight years ago we promised that when we get lefty goals we will share our wealth. Awarding these cars is just the first step. We plan to roll out more such initiatives in the near future,” added Vivekanandan.

“It is always great to receive gifts from the organization; on every occasion, the company shares its happiness with gifts like gold coins, iPhones. Car is a very big thing for us,” said Prasath, an employee, who received the gift from the company.

This comes days after another Chennai-based software-as-a-service company (SaaS) Kissflow gifted luxury BMW cars to its five senior executives, each worth about Rs 1 crore, as a gift.

Jharkhand CM Orders High-Level Investigation In Cable-Car Mishap In Deoghar

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 08:50 PM PDT

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday ordered a high-level investigation into the ropeway accident near Trikut in Deoghar, where at least two people were killed and several others injured after cable cars in a ropeway collided with each other at Trikut hills.

“I express my deepest condolences on the incident on Trikut mountain and the deaths in it. There will be a high-level inquiry into the matter,” Soren said in a tweet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is constantly monitoring the situation in Jharkhand’s Deoghar, government sources said on Monday.

The Prime Minister also discussed the rescue operations with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, they said.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said that for the first time, the Indian Army, Air Force, National Disaster Response Force, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have together constituted joint coordination with district admin for this rescue operation.

“Local people were saying that if provided facilities, they could have emptied four cabins themselves. But the government was not listening to me and today, local people emptied two cabins after the support of forces. So the government had to take the support of locals for rescue,” he added.

Two people died after some cable cars collided on a ropeway at Trikut hills close to Baba Baidyanath Temple on Sunday. The Indian Air force (IAF) has been pressed into action for rescue operations.

Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri said that 32 people have been rescued while 15 people are still trapped mid-air in three cable cars. “Rescue operations will resume early morning tomorrow,” he added.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Air Force and Indian Army carried out the rescue operations today. The IAF deployed one Mi-17 and one Mi-17 V5 helicopter for carrying out the rescue operations. 

Over 70 At Elite Washington Dinner Contract COVID

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 08:34 PM PDT

As many as 72 White House officials, National Security advisers, cabinet members, lawmakers, journalists, and other government officials have tested positive for COVID-19 who attended the annual white-tie Gridiron Dinner, several outlets reported.

This was the first time since 2019 that organizers held the annual shindig which had 630 invitees at what some in the media have dubbed a “super-spreader.” Guests were required to be vaccinated, but did not have time to receive a negative test to attend the event. No one who announced they tested positive have described severe symptoms, media reported. Most have complained of mild symptoms, others are said to be symptomless.

There is growing concern that President Joe Biden could be infected but there are no reports of his getting infected thus far, and with his aides trying to allay fears by pointing out that he has been vaccinated and boosted.

Among those who have tested positive are Attorney General Merrick Garland; New York City Mayor Eric Adams; Maine Senator Susan Collins; and California Rep. Adam Schiff; Florida’s Debbie Wasserman Schultz; Texas’ Joaquin Castro, Rep. Gina Raimondo and others, including White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, Jamal Simmons, Vice President Kamala Harris’ communications director; and an untold numbers of journalists who attended the dinner.

Last week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi – who was not at the Gridiron Dinner -announced that she also had COVID-19.

Canada Imposes New Sanctions On Russian Defence Sector

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 08:23 PM PDT

Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly announced Monday that Canada is imposing new sanctions on Russian defence sector.

According to a news release issued by Foreign Affairs Ministry, these new measures will impose restrictions on 33 entities in the Russian defence sector. These entities have provided indirect or direct support to the Russian military, the news release said.

Since Febraury 24 when the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 700 individuals and entities from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Canada’s latest sanctions will impose asset freezes and prohibitions on listed entities, the release said. 

Shanghai’s Stringent COVID Lockdown Puts Megacity Out Of Food

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 08:18 PM PDT

As Shanghai’s COVID-19 lockdown leaves residents struggling to access essentials, residents of the mega Chinese city are almost out of food and they are reeling under an acute food crisis.

They say that they “only eat one meal a day” and “don’t know how to live until May”, The HK Post reported. According to the report, the epidemic situation in Shanghai is still deteriorating, and the number of infected people is still high under the “zero lockdown” policy.

On April 3, the Chinese government announced the deployment of thousands of military personnel to Shanghai to assist in the mandatory testing of all 25 million residents for the virus that causes COVID-19. Later, Shanghai authorities said the city would indefinitely remain under lockdown – meaning that residents are not allowed to leave their homes – as it reviews results of the mass Covid testing.

Analysts have said China would not risk relaxing its zero-Covid stance before then, over fears of a destabilizing outbreak. Meanwhile, health experts have warned the virus could overwhelm health care systems, and put the elderly, who lag in vaccinations, at risk, CNN reported.

But even as Beijing sticks to its zero-tolerance approach, it is facing the possibility of multiple major outbreaks as Omicron spreads, the report added.

According to the authorities, Shanghai has had more than 130,000 COVID cases since 1 March, yet nobody has died and there is only one seriously ill person. Such statistics fly in the face of the rest of the world’s experience with COVID.

Wu Zunyou of China’s Center for Disease Control said death rates were minimal because of efforts to curb outbreaks early and China’s high vaccination rate. “Compared with overseas, our country’s COVID-19 death rate is low because of the various measures to prevent or reduce deaths.”

When reporting deaths, there are strong incentives in China not to attribute them directly to COVID if alternative underlying conditions are available. Because of official obfuscation, it is simply impossible to know how many have died from COVID there. China also spends lots of time blaming imported frozen food and mail for spreading COVID.

Beijing claims a Zero-COVID policy must be followed because “Omicron can generate a higher mortality rate than Delta during the epidemic”. This assertion is verifiably false. Perhaps other reasons are more pertinent to the CCP’s choice of a Zero-COVID policy.

China Reports 1,251 New Local Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 08:11 PM PDT

China on Monday reported fresh1,251 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, the National Health Commission said on Tuesday.

Of the new local confirmed cases, 994 were reported in Shanghai, while 171 were reported in Jilin. Also, Hainan reported 21 cases, Guangdong reported 16, Jiangsu reported 14 and Zhejiang reported 11, Xinhua reported citing the commission’s report. A total of 21 imported COVID-19 cases were reported Monday, said the commission, adding that no new suspected cases or deaths were reported on Monday.

According to the commission, Monday also saw 23,387 new asymptomatic carriers on the Chinese mainland, including 23,295 local ones and 92 imported ones.

Among the local asymptomatic carriers, 22,348 were reported in Shanghai and 598 in Jilin, Xinhua reported.

India, US Finalize Signing Of New Space Situational Awareness Arrangement

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 07:45 PM PDT

India and the US on Monday finalized signing of a new Space Situational Awareness arrangement forging the way to more advanced cooperation at 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.

“Productive U.S. – India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue today where we finalized major defence initiatives including the signing of a new Space Situational Awareness arrangement forging the way to more advanced cooperation,” Ely Ratner, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs tweeted. Pentagon said in a statement said defence and foreign ministers of the two countries forged new and deeper cooperation across the breadth of the U.S.-India partnership, including defence, science and technology, trade, climate, public health, and people-to-people ties.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin co-chaired the fourth US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue alongside Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh, and Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, on April 11 in Washington, D.C.
The US Department of Defence said Secretary Austin and his counterparts exchanged views on a range of regional security priorities–spanning the Indian Ocean region to East and Southeast Asia to Europe.

They agreed to maintain close consultations on the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, including on humanitarian assistance efforts, and echoed support for an independent investigation into the brutal violence deployed against civilians in Bucha. In support of India’s leading role as a net security provider, the leaders discussed new opportunities to coordinate more closely together to ensure that the United States and India’s shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region continues to thrive.
As the Indian military emerges as a more jointly integrated force, the 2+2 Ministerial advanced initiatives that will allow the U.S. and Indian militaries to work more seamlessly together across all domains of potential conflict–from the seas to cyberspace.

The release said the United States and India finalized major bilateral initiatives on information-sharing, liaison exchanges, and joint service engagements to support high-end, combined operations.

“The four leaders committed to deepening cooperation in new defense domains, such as space and cyberspace, as the U.S. and Indian militaries jointly meet the challenges of this century. The United States and India signed a Space Situational Awareness arrangement, which lays the groundwork for more advanced cooperation in space. They also agreed to launch an inaugural Defense Artificial Intelligence Dialogue, while expanding joint cyber training and exercises,” Pentagon said.

The leaders discussed ways to coordinate more closely with like-minded nations–including Australia, Japan, and European partners–to ensure that our shared principles of the rule of law, freedom of the seas, and respect for the territorial integrity of sovereign states prevail today and far into the future.

“Today’s 2+2 Ministerial reaffirmed that the United States and India will continue stand shoulder-to-shoulder, rooted in common democratic values, as two pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the statement added.

At 2+2 India-US Meet, Blinken Urges Countries To Refrain From Major Weapons Deals With Russia

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 07:38 PM PDT

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the United States is calling on all nations not to have major weapons transactions with Russia.

He made these marks after the conclusion of the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between the defence and foreign ministers of India and the United States. “We continue to urge all countries to avoid major new transactions for Russian weapons systems, particularly in light of what Russia is doing to Ukraine,” Blinken said when asked whether Washington is considering imposing sanctions on India over procuring S-400 air defence systems.

“We have not yet made a determination regarding potential sanctions or potential waivers under the CAATSA law.”

He recognised that there is a long history and long relationship between India and Russia in the trade of military equipment. “That relationship took hold at a time when we were not able and willing to be a partner to India. Now we are both able and willing to be such a partner — to be the security partner of choice for India.”

Addressing a joint press conference, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the United States is actively discussing military modernization with India and is prepared to make weapons systems more affordable to Delhi, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said during a press conference following meetings with top Indian officials.

“On the issue of future systems, we are engaged in active discussions with India on how to best support their modernization needs. As we look at the future, we want to make sure that we maintain the ability to operate together, and so we look forward to those continued discussions, and it also includes a range of options that would make our systems more affordable,” Austin said on Monday.

India uses several Russian-made weapons, including tanks and missile systems, and has signed deals, including the purchase of Russia’s S-400 air defence system.
Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, India has refused to sign join the Western sanctions against Russia despite the looming threat of Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

US Defense Secy, Rajnath Singh Discuss China, Russia At Pentagon

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 07:30 PM PDT

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Monday hosted Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh at the Pentagon for talks on the developing defense partnership between the two nations.

Pentagon in a release said the topics of discussion will include the problems posed by China and Russia in the region and around the world. Later, they will move on to the State Department to join Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar for the so-called “two-plus-two” talks. “This meeting and upcoming two-plus-two dialogue are indeed important landmarks in our bilateral relationship,” Singh said. “I am positive that our visit here shall take India- U.S. comprehensive strategic partnership to the next level.”

“We’re meeting at a critical moment in the US-India defense partnership,” Austin told Singh at the beginning of their meeting. “And thanks to decades of hard work, we have built the foundation of one of the most important partnerships of this century.”

According to the US Defence Department, India and the United States share the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. This international, rules-based structure has served the region and globe well since its adoption at the end of World War II. At its heart, this system is based on the rule of law and national sovereignty.

“We’re facing urgent and mounting challenges to this shared vision,” Austin said. “Across the region, the People’s Republic of China is attempting to challenge and undermine the sovereignty of its neighbors.”

The Chinese are constructing dual-use infrastructure along its border with India, and Chinese leaders continue to make unlawful claims in the South China Sea. The United States stands with India in defending their sovereign interests,” Austin said.

“Beijing is not alone in its efforts to undermine the security of its neighbours and to change the status quo by force,” he said. “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the humanitarian devastation that it has created are blatant attempts to undermine the international order that is grounded in the rules and the principles that we share.”

India is the world’s largest democracy, and India’s leadership is central to this rules-based order, Austin said. “So too, is a US-India defense partnership and our collaboration with like-minded partners,” he said. “We now coordinate alongside each other across the Indo-Pacific region and across domains, which is truly extraordinary. And we are committed to working seamlessly with you across new and emerging domains, including space and cyberspace.”

Biden Values Strong Partnership With India, Says Austin

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 07:23 PM PDT

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday said that President Joe Biden values strong alliances and partnerships with India, adding that the 2+2 ministerial dialogue held earlier in the day, was about taking US-India ties and making it even stronger.

“Biden truly values strong alliances and partnerships like the one that we have with India. That’s what today is all about. It’s about taking our own relationship and making it even stronger,” he said while addressing a press conference after India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. “We are working closely with India on a range of priorities to support India’s security and its role is a net security provider in areas like information sharing, deeper cooperation in space and cyberspace,” the Defence Secretary said further.

US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was held today in Washington.
Speaking further in the press conference, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that both Delhi and Washington share a strategic relationship and invited the foreign investors to invest in India to boost the Make in India initiative by the Indian Government.

“There is a strategic relationship between the two countries and you have inspired that India would focus on core development on production and all the investors should come to India. They are welcome because they can develop the Make in India because we want to make everything in India,” Singh said.

Rajnath Singh said that increasing cooperation between India and the US will be important to accessing global economies and maintaining peace and security.
“Today’s defence bilateral and 2+2 meeting between India and the US is very important to strengthen the strategic defence engagement. This meeting will make us more capable to work in areas of mutual interest. Our increasing cooperation will be important to accessing global economies and maintaining peace and security,” the Defence Minister said.

He underlined that the world’s two biggest democracies–India and the US– share the same views on almost all global issues including terrorism and maritime security.
“Both our nations are common and complementary; we have shared goals to achieve. It’s great that the world’s two biggest democracies share the same views on almost all world issues… During the meeting, we discussed our assessments of the Indian Ocean region and its neighbours.”

The Defence Minister thanked the Secretaries and delegation for great interaction and appreciated their commitment to the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today held a virtual meeting with United States President Joe Biden wherein both the leaders had an extensive exchange of views on several regional and global issues, such as the Ukraine situation, the Indo-Pacific region.

India, US Discuss Ukraine War, Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific Challenges At 2+2 Dialogue

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 07:09 PM PDT

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that he held a discussion with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on several issues including the ongoing war in Ukraine, the situation in Afghanistan, challenges pertaining to the Indo-Pacific region and a range of key bilateral issues.

Delivering his statement after the conclusion of the fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, he said, “A good part of my meeting with Secretary Blinken in the morning went to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine that has many ramifications. Even countries far away are worried about food security, energy security and commodities prices and logistics disruption.” “This comes on top of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic with which the world has been struggling in the last two years. Quite apart from public health concerns and its economic impact, this has raised concerns about the need for resilient and reliable supply chains,” he added.

Jaishankar informed India-US also discussed ways to ensure a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. “How to ensure a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific was also on our agenda today. We spoke of developments in and around Afghanistan that have made their ripple felt beyond. Our conversations also covered the recent happenings in the Indian subcontinent,” he said.

A strategic partnership like those between India-US, Jaishankar said is built through shared interest, common values and constant nurturing. “It is natural that each of us will bring to the relationship our particular perspectives, experiences and priorities.”
“But when there is a mutual appreciation of ties, there is also a desire to better understand each other’s thinking. Our dialogue today has helped in that regard,” he added.

Terming the “report card” of the India-US bilateral ties impressive, the minister noted the great strides made in the defence ties between the two countries and also appreciated ties in the field of counterterrorism and maritime security.
On the issue of economic ties, Jaishankar said both trade and investment are steadily growing.

“The economic side of the story is particularly significant. Both trade and investment are steadily growing. We have had discussions on both of them as also on connectively, infrastructure, digital issues, climate action and energy. Our shared activities in space, science and technology, and health are also noteworthy. We see our cooperation as having a larger relevance for the Indo-Pacific.”

In a changing world, Jaishankar said the India-US ties have not only kept pace but emerged as major contributors to major peace, stability and prosperity.
“The bedrock of our relationship is its human element. It could be the students who come to universities. The flow of talent that defines our knowledge partnership or indeed the technology and business relationships which promote innovation,” he added.

The minister also informed that challenges in the Indo-Pacific have been of particular focus in the discussions. “We appreciate the attention and energy devoted by the US to the Quad. Its elevation and intensification benefit the entire Indo-Pacific.”
US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held today at Washington.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today held a virtual meeting with United States President Joe Biden wherein both the leaders had an extensive exchange of views on several regional and global issues, such as the Ukraine situation, the Indo-Pacific region.

Increasing Cooperation Between India and US Important to Maintain Peace and Security: Rajnath Singh

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 06:56 PM PDT

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that increasing cooperation between India and the US will be important to accessing global economies and maintaining peace and security.

Addressing a press conference after India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, he said that India and the US discussed their assessments of the Indian Ocean region. “Today’s defence bilateral and 2+2 meeting between India and the US is very important to strengthen the strategic defence engagement. This meeting will make us more capable to work in areas of mutual interest. Our increasing cooperation will be important to accessing global economies and maintaining peace and security,” the Defence Minister said.

He underlined that the world’s two biggest democracies–India and the US– share the same views on almost all global issues including terrorism and maritime security.

“Both our nations are common and complementary; we have shared goals to achieve. It’s great that the world’s two biggest democracies share the same views on almost all world issues… During the meeting, we discussed our assessments of the Indian Ocean region and its neighbours.”

The Defence Minister thanked the Secretaries and delegation for great interaction and appreciated their commitment to the bilateral relations between the two countries.


“I’d like to thank Secretaries and delegation for a great interaction and appreciate their commitment to our bilateral relations. We had a meaningful talk today; it’ll help in maintaining and expanding India-US momentum,” Singh said after India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.

The Defence Minister said that India’s Department of Space and the US’ Department of Defence have finished a “Space Situational Awareness” agreement (SSA).

“We also talked about terrorism being used as an instrument of statecraft against India. India’s Department of Space and the US’s Department of Defence have finished “Space Situational Awareness” agreement (SSA),” he said, adding that despite the pandemic, our military exercises have increased.

“We are glad that India has joined the Bahrain-situated Multilateral Combined Maritime Force as an associate partner; this will strengthen the Regional Security Cooperation in the western Indian Ocean,” Rajnath said further.

He also informed that India also progressed in the implementation of COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) and effective operationalization of BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement).

The Defence Minister added that an agreement on Defence Space and Defence Artificial Intelligence dialogues has been reached.

“Many other initiatives and agreements which are in the discussion phase have been agreed to be expanded for progress in the scope and depth of our military engagements,” he said.

He informed that India and the US also discussed further cooperation in the defence cyber and special forces field; including LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement). “Both the parties are confident in moving forward toward the close agreement on special op forces.”

US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held today at Washington.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today held a virtual meeting with United States President Joe Biden wherein both the leaders had an extensive exchange of views on several regional and global issues, such as the Ukraine situation, the Indo-Pacific region.

At 2+2 Dialogue, India-US Reaffirm Commitment To Promote Regional Stability, Rule Of Law

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 06:48 PM PDT

India and US, during the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, reaffirmed their commitment to promote regional stability, rule of law and peaceful resolution of disputes, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday.

Addressing a press conference after India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, he said, “We are standing together for our shared commitment to upholding a free and rules-based international order that safeguards sovereignty and territorial integrity and independence.” Blinken informed that India and US are working closely to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. “Scientists and institutions across our countries are developing and producing safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines together.

“We are working through our Quad vaccine partnership with our colleagues in Australia and Japan to make our vaccines available in Indo Pacific. As of today, Quad partners have collectively provided more than 500 million vaccines doses. We are rapidly increasing production to make more at the biological facilities in India,” he added.

“We also discussed our goals of driving the inclusive economic growth of our country and across the region. India and the US already trade to the tune of USD 150 billion each year but we are deepening that relationship by re-restarting the India-US commercial dialogue and India-US CEO forum later this year, where we private sector partners can offer recommendations to strengthen even our more trade and investment relationship,” he said.

The Secretary of State said that Russia’s war against Ukraine is an “attack on Ukraine’s people, attack on rules-based order we both adhere to and defend”.

“The US will continue to increase support to government and people of Ukraine and call on other nations to do the same, just as we call on to condemn Moscow’s brutal actions,” he said.

In his earlier remarks, Blinken had called the fourth India-US 2+2 dialogue a “momentous moment” in global affairs.
He said that these meetings played a key role in strengthening bilateral ties and today’s discussions will build upon previous productive meetings that both countries have had.

Delivering his opening remarks at the fourth India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue, he said, “We will discuss pressing issues, shared global challenges – including Russia’s war against Ukraine, ending the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crisis, upholding a free, open democratic, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region.”

Blinken said these 2+2 meetings have already played a key role in strengthening the bilateral relationship. “Today’s discussions will build upon previous productive meetings that we’ve had. It’s a momentous moment in global affairs,” he said.
He said US-India will also talk about improving our counter-terrorism cooperation and strengthening the bonds in our higher education institutions.

PM Modi-Biden Call Builds On Talks Happened At Lower Level: US

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 06:39 PM PDT

Reiterating the importance of US-India ties, the White House on Monday said the video call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden was an opportunity to discuss the Russian aggression in Ukraine and it builds on discussions happened at the lower level.

PM Narendra Modi on Monday held a virtual meeting with US President Biden wherein both the leaders exchanged views on several regional and global issues. Answering a question on why the call between PM Modi-Biden was organised, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, India’s an incredibly important partner and the US consult very closely with it on a range of issues.

“And this (video call between Modi and Biden) was an opportunity to discuss work very closely discuss the consequences of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine,” she said.

Psaki said PM Modi-Biden’s call builds on discussions that have happened at a lower level. “…But certainly is a reflection of the value the President sees in leader to leader diplomacy and having conversations that are candid, that is direct, but also provide hopefully a pathway to continuing to build on the steps we’ve seen India take in recent weeks.”

During Monday’s press conference, the White House Press Secretary said that energy imports are not banned from Russia and that New Delhi is not violating US sanctions.
Psaki said the call between the two leaders was “constructive and direct”.

“This was a constructive call, it was a productive call. It’s a relationship that is vitally important to the United States and to the president. I would not see it as an adversarial call,” the White House spokesperson added.

Answering a question on whether Biden pushed India to limit Russian energy, Psaki said, “Energy imports are not banned and they don’t violate our sanctions. We certainly recognise that every country is going to take a step in their interest.”

However, Psaki during a press briefing, said Biden told PM Modi that it’s not in India’s interest to increase every import from Russia. “Beyond that, I’d let Indian leaders speak for themselves,” said the White House Press Secretary on if US President was seeking a promise from PM Modi that he wouldn’t look to increase oil purchases from Russia.

On the question, if Biden was seeking a promise from PM Modi that he wouldn’t look to increase oil purchases from Russia, Psaki reiterated, “I will let Prime Minister Modi and Indians speak on that. It’s only 1-2 per cent at this point in time, they export 10 per cent from the United States. It is no violation of any sanctions or anything along those lines.”

IPL 2022: I Think SRH Bowled Well In Last 5 Overs, Says Hardik Pandya

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 06:30 PM PDT

Despite facing defeat by SunRisers Hyderabad in IPL 2022 on Monday, Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya praised SRH bowlers for performing well in the last five overs.

Also Read: Kane Williamson, Abhishek Sharma Star As SRH Snap Unbeaten Streak Of Gujarat Titans

Top knocks by Kane Williamson and Abhishek Sharma helped SunRisers Hyderabad in defeating Gujarat Titans by 8 wickets in their IPL 2022 match here at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Monday. “Batting wise I think we were 7-10 runs short and would’ve made a difference in the end. Bowling wise, we had a good start but had two bad overs. I think they bowled well [in the last 5 overs]. The bounce was varying about and their bowlers with different heights,” said Hardik Pandya in a post-match presentation.

“Credit to them with the way they bowled. Our motto has been the same which is to learn from the mistakes we make no matter the result. In a couple of days we have our next game. Relax and enjoy the game,” he added.

Skipper Williamson smashed 57 while other SRH opener Abhishek Sharma played a quick knock of 42 to chase the target of 163 with five balls left in the match.
After winning their first three matches of the Indian Premier League, this is Gujarat’s first loss in the tournament. 

IPL 2022: Kane Williamson, Abhishek Sharma Star As SRH Snap Unbeaten Streak Of Gujarat Titans

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 06:21 PM PDT

Top knocks by Kane Williamson and Abhishek Sharma helped SunRisers Hyderabad in defeating Gujarat Titans by 8 wickets in their IPL 2022 match here at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Monday.

Skipper Williamson smashed 57 while other SRH opener Abhishek Sharma played a quick knock of 42 to chase the target of 163 with five balls left in the match. After winning their first three matches of the Indian Premier League, this is Gujarat’s first loss in the tournament.

Chasing 163, Sunrisers enjoyed a steady start as their openers Abhishek Sharma and Kane Williamson gathered 42 runs without loss of any wickets inside the first six overs. The final over of the powerplay yielded great dividends for the men in orange as Abhishek smashed 17 runs off Lockie Ferguson who was playing his 100th T20 match.

With runs coming at a stable pace, former SRH bowler Rashid Khan gave Gujarat their first breakthrough as he removed dangerous-looking opener, Abhishek Sharma, for 42. Rashid Khan bowled a good length ball on which Abhishek played the mistimed pull as Sai Sudharsan caught him at deep mid-wicket.

With run-rate piling, Kane Williamson took matters into his own hands as he smashed back-to-back sixes off Hardik Pandya in the 13th over. In the next over, Rahul Tripathi got retired hurt after he smashed Rahul Tewatia off a six on the very first ball.

Nicholas Pooran then joined his skipper on the crease and the duo started to clock runs on board. In the 16th over, Williamson brought up his composed fifty before getting out on the first delivery of the next over. At the time of Williamson’s departure, SRH needed 34 runs off 24 balls.

Aiden Markram and Pooran then made sure that SRH face no further hiccups in their march as they chased the target comfortably.

Earlier put into bat first, top knocks by Hardik Pandya (50*) and Abhinav Manohar (35) helped Gujarat Titans to post 162/7 in 20 overs against SunRisers Hyderabad.

Brief scores: Gujarat Titans 162/7 (Hardik Pandya 50*, Abhinav Manohar 35; T Natarajan 2-32) vs SunRisers Hyderabad (Kane Williamson 57, Abhishek Sharma 42; Hardik Pandya 1-27).

‘Look Forward To Deepening Ties’- Biden On Talks With PM Modi

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 08:24 AM PDT

Washington [US]: Ahead of a virtual meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, United States President Joe Biden on Monday said that he is looking forward to further deepening ties between governments and people of the two countries.


“This morning, I’m meeting virtually with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. I look forward to further deepening ties between our governments, economies, and people,” Biden said in a tweet.

PM Modi and Biden would discuss a range of issues including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crisis, global economy and Indo-Pacific.


“President Biden and Prime Minister Modi will discuss cooperation on a range of issues including ending the COVID-19 pandemic, countering the climate crisis, strengthening the global economy, and upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki had said on Sunday.


Both the leaders will also advance ongoing conversations about the development of an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and delivering high-quality infrastructure.


The White House statement said that President Biden will continue close consultations on the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine and mitigating its destabilising impact on global food supply and commodity markets.


The meeting will precede the US-India 2+2 Ministerial between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. 

Yogi Adityanath Meets President Kovind, PM Modi In New Delhi

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 08:17 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accompanied by his deputies Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak paid a courtesy visit to President Ram Nath Kovind in New Delhi on Monday.


“Made a courtesy visit to President Ram Nath Kovind in New Delhi today. Your thoughts always inspire us. Thank you very much for giving your valuable time!” tweeted Yogi Adityanath.

The UP Chief Minister also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.


This is the first visit of Adityanath to the national capital after he was sworn in as the Chief Minister for the second consecutive term.


In the recently held Assembly polls, the results for which were announced on March 10, the Bharatiya Janata Pary got an absolute majority in the 403-member Assembly by winning 255 seats with its allies Apna Dal (Sonelal) and the Nirbal Indian Shoshit Hamara Aam Dal (Nishad) bagging 12 and six seats respectively.

Rajnath Singh Holds Talks With US Counterpart

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 08:07 AM PDT

Washington [US]: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J Austin III held delegation-level talks at the Pentagon ahead of India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue.


Rajnath Singh, who is on a five-day US visit, arrived at the Pentagon for a bilateral meeting with Austin. Austin welcomed Rajnath Singh in an enhanced honour cordon ceremony at the Pentagon.


The Defence Minister and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Washington on Sunday for the fourth 2+2 dialogue with their US counterparts.


The 2+2 dialogue comes amidst the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold a meeting on Ukraine today.


US State Department Blinken will also hold a meeting with Jaishankar before the 2+2 dialogue. The last 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between the two countries was held in October 2020 in New Delhi.


India and the United States held a bilateral 2+2 inter-sessional meeting in September last year in Washington and exchanged assessments on developments in South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region and the Western Indian Ocean. 

At 2+2 Dialogue India, US To Sign SSA MoU

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 07:57 AM PDT

Washington [US]: After five years of efforts, India and the US will finally sign the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will help in the exchange of data on the threat posed to the satellites and other assets of the two countries.


The MoU will be signed between the diplomatic and defence leadership of India and the US during the 2+2 Ministerial dialogue on Monday between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the Indian side, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin representing the US.

Through the SSA agreement, India will receive data from the US about space debris and other objects in space and the potential threat they may pose to the safety and security of the new launches as well as the existing satellites and other space assets.


In addition, the SSA framework will ensure the sharing of data and services to make certain, the long-term sustainability of outer space activities of the two countries, which will protect the two countries’ satellites from man-made or natural threats.


Space cooperation has repeatedly been reflected during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meetings with the American leadership. During PM’s visit to Washington in September last year, the Indian leader had discussed India-US bilateral cooperation in the space sector with US Vice President Kamala Harris, who heads the National Space Council of America.


Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been working on the orbital debris tracking capability by deploying new radars and optical telescopes under the Network for Space Objects Tracking and Analysis (NETRA) project, a dedicated control centre for SSA activities set up in Bengaluru.


NETRA is expected to become involved in various international collaborations on SSA.
According to the schedule released by the US State Department Secretary of State, Blinken will meet EAM Jaishankar at the Department of State at 9:00 a.m (local time) today, post which Blinken, Secretary of Defence Austin, EAM Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will participate in the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue at the Department of State.

Scindia To Launch Maiden Dibrugarh-Pasighat Flight Tomorrow

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 07:48 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: In a bid to boost air connectivity of the North Eastern Region with the rest of the country, Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, will inaugurate the Dibrugarh-Pasighat flight on Tuesday under the scheme “Providing air connectivity and aviation infrastructure in North Eastern Region (NER)”, as per a press release by Ministry of Civil Aviation.


He will also inaugurate the First Flying Training Organisation for North Eastern Region at Lilabari.

“As a part of this scheme, two important developments will take place on 12th April 2022 -First flight of Made in India HAL Dornier Do-228 from Dibrugarh in Assam to Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh. Alliance Air will be India’s first commercial airline to fly Indian made aircraft for civil operations. There will also be the inauguration of First FTO (Flying Training Organisation) for North Eastern Region at Lilabari, Assam,” read the release.


The Ministry said that to enhance the connectivity, new airports are getting developed and old airports are getting upgraded. Considering the hilly terrain, helicopter operations under the UDAN scheme have been given the focus on connectivity.


“The development of the North Eastern Region (NER) is not only of strategic importance but is also part of India’s growth story. Connectivity in NER is very essential and Under “Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN)”, the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has identified NER as a priority area.

This has helped in enhancing inter and intra connectivity for the NER,” it said.


The 17-seater non-pressurised Dornier 228 with an AC cabin capable of day and night operations will facilitate regional connectivity in northeastern states. On April 7, these two light transport aircraft were handed over to Alliance Air.


Besides the Civil Aviation Minister, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, will be present at launch of the maiden Dibrugarh-Pasighat Flight.

Apart from them, the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Rajiv Bansal, Usha Padhee and Amber Dubey, Joint Secretaries from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and other dignities from the State Governments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, Alliance Air will also be present.

JNU Scuffle: AISA Protestors Detained On Way To Police HQ

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 07:39 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: About 20 to 30 protestors from All India Students Association (AISA) were detained by Delhi Police in the Ashoka Road area on Monday. They had come to protest in front of the Delhi Police headquarters (PHQ) against the (Jawaharlal Nehru University) JNU scuffle on Sunday.


Protestors were detained near Sardar Patel Bhawan when they were heading toward Police Headquarters.

They were taken in two buses to different police stations in New Delhi. According to protesters, ABVP members who were involved in the attack should be behind bars.

“We are here to save secularism. In JNU, students have the right to religious freedom but yesterday’s incident shocked us all. All ABVP members should be arrested, ” protestors claimed.

The police said they have not given any permission to protest and since the morning, they had deployed forces including Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), CRPF in front of PHQ to ensure no untoward incident takes place.


On Sunday night, in JNU, a scuffle between two student groups was reported allegedly over serving of non-veg food during Ram Navami.

The police on Monday registered a case under sections 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint),509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of IPC.

Rahul Gandhi A Chunavi Hindu: BJP’s Sambit Patra

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 07:29 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Sambit Patra on Monday attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by calling him a “chunavi Hindu” (Hindu for electoral purposes) who questions the existence of Lord Ram.


“The recent comments of Rahul Gandhi show the real character of Congress. They had earlier submitted an affidavit in Supreme Court questioning the existence of Lord Ram… I want to ask Rahul Gandhi whether he believes in Lord Ram. He claims to be a Hindu. The question is whether he is actually a Hindu or just a chunavi Hindu?” said Patra.

Taking pot-shots at the Congress leader over his recent comments where he said that if a certain BJP leader does not believe in reincarnation, then how can he believe in Ram, Patra said comments like these prove that Rahul’s claim that he is a Hindu is a hoax.


Statements like these incite communal violence, alleged Patra.


“Despite being a member of Parliament how can you make such statements. He (Rahul Gandhi) says he was born in the midst of power, despite then he is instigating the people of the country… He should never advocate for taking law into one’s own hands,” he said.


Patra further claimed that Congress leader doesn’t have faith in the Constitution and Judiciary.


“The law and order situation deteriorates after inciting comments from Opposition party leaders,” he added.


BJP leader also slammed Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray over his recent statement on Lord Ram and BJP. “The BJP doesn’t have the patent for Hindutva. I wonder that if Lord Ram had not been born, what issue the BJP would have raised in politics,” said Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray.


Attacking Thackeray over the statement, Patra said “Using the name of Lord Ram for attacking BJP is petty politics. Raising questions over the existence of Lord Ram is not right.”


“Processions on Ram Navmi are being attacked across the country, especially in Rajasthan’s Karauli, as a result of statements like these,” Patra said.


Violence broke out in Karauli district of Rajasthan on April 2 after a stone-pelting incident at a religious procession. Several vehicles and shops were set afire in the communal clash following which curfew was clamped till April 10 with some relaxation in later days. 

J-K: Encounter Breaks Out Between Security Forces & Terrorists

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 07:22 AM PDT

Kulgam (Jammu and Kashmir): An encounter broke out between security forces and unidentified terrorists on Monday evening at the Khurbatpora area of Kulgam.


“#Encounter has started at #Khurbatpora area of #Kulgam. Police and Army on job. Further details shall follow,” tweeted Kashmir Zone Police. More details are awaited.

ED Questions Mallikarjun Kharge In National Herald Case

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 07:14 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha and senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday in connection with the National Herald corruption case, said sources.


ED summoned Mallikarjun with regard to the probe in the money laundering case. The National Herald corruption case is linked to the Congress.


The National Herald case was filed by BJP MP Subramanian Swamy.


Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Subramanian Swamy had filed the case in 2012 accusing Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi, party leader Rahul Gandhi and others of conspiring to cheat and misappropriate funds.


He had stated that the Congress party granted an interest-free loan of Rs 90.25 crores to Associated Journals Limited (AJL), owner of the National Herald newspaper. It is alleged that the loan was not repaid. 

Bengaluru Gears Up for Khelo India University Games

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 07:02 AM PDT

Bengaluru (Karnataka): With just two weeks left for the most-awaited Khelo India University Games, the Government of Karnataka, along with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Government of India, is all geared up to host the biggest national sporting extravaganza post-pandemic, with Jain University as the host University for the Games.


The coveted event, which aims to create a platform for youth to showcase their sporting excellence and provides universities from across India a chance to showcase their supremacy outside the education curriculum, is slated to begin on April 24 and conclude on May 3.

Over 4,500 participants representing around 190 universities will vie for top honours in 20 different sports including indigenous sports like Mallakhamba and yogasana being introduced for the first time in Khelo India University Games.


Karnataka Government has also taken up the initiative of making this a unique event by promoting environmental sustainability. Calling it the ‘Green Games,’ the organisers will ensure there won’t be the use of single-use plastic at the venues, the Games will serve food at all venues with reusable cutlery and make provision for segregated waste storage and management.



In the inaugural edition held in 2020, Punjab University won the overall championship title and Savitribai Phule Pune University won the runners-up title.


Mangalore University brought glory to the Karnataka State by finishing 5th in the overall medal tally with a total of 25 medals and this year’s hosts Jain Deemed-to-be University finished seventh overall with a total of 16 medals. 

Sabyasachi Outfits Arrive For Rumoured Ranbir-Alia Wedding

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 06:49 AM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): With only a few days left for Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s speculated marriage, preparations for the upcoming festivities seem to be in full swing as the groom’s wedding outfit arrived on Monday at his residence. A car was spotted today at Ranbir’s house in Mumbai and it was loaded with Sabyasachi outfits apparently for the bride and groom.


It had previously been reported that for her special day, Alia would be donning a Sabyasachi lehenga and this latest development seems to have only fuelled that speculation.


Sources suggest that Ranbir and Alia’s wedding will be a 4-day-long affair at the RK house. The functions will start from April 13 onwards with the Mehendi ceremony followed by a sangeet ceremony on the next day and finally the wedding on April 15.


They had fallen in love with each other on the sets of their upcoming film ‘Brahmastra’. The two made their first appearance as a couple at Sonam Kapoor’s wedding reception in 2018.


Apart from Alia, earlier, in December 2021, Bollywood star Katrina Kaif had chosen a red bridal Sabyasachi lehenga made of handwoven matka silk for her wedding to actor Vicky Kaushal.


Actor Patralekhaa, who tied the knot with ‘Badhaai Do’ star Rajkummar Rao in November 2021, had also dressed in a red lehenga from the ace designer. 

China’s Strict Zero-COVID Policy Causes Chaos

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 06:38 AM PDT

Shanghai (China): Even as China grapples with Covid, its strict zero-COVID policy causes chaos across various Chinese cities including Shanghai. In the past, Chinese netizens spent considerable energy mocking foreign countries as the pandemic swept unchecked, but now China’s government is struggling to contain its own outbreaks.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has found plentiful ammunition to highlight the benefits of its authoritarian style of governance in containing the outbreak, but simultaneously demonstrated minimal sensitivity to the plight of others.

As an example, one infamous Chinese social media post from last year showed two side-by-side photos: one of the mass cremations in India and the other of a Chinese rocket launch. The proud comment was, “Lighting a fire in China vs lighting a fire in India.”
However, China now has at least 23 cities on full or partial lockdown, encompassing more than 193 million people. Shanghai is one such location, and it is struggling to cope with a COVID outbreak.

Suddenly, the Chinese government finds it “unethical” that others should be drawing attention to this difficult situation.

Nonetheless, the veracity of information released by the government is questionable at best, deliberately false at worst. According to the authorities, Shanghai has had more than 130,000 COVID cases since 1 March, yet nobody has died and there is only one seriously ill person. Such statistics fly in the face of the rest of the world’s experience with COVID.

Wu Zunyou of China’s Center for Disease Control said death rates were minimal because of efforts to curb outbreaks early and China’s high vaccination rate. “Compared with overseas, our country’s COVID-19 death rate is low because of the various measures to prevent or reduce deaths.” This is exactly the same Wu who infamously said just over two years ago, “For now, it seems there is no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission. This shows that the threat level from this virus is limited.”

Beijing claims a Zero-COVID policy must be followed because “Omicron can generate a higher mortality rate than Delta during the epidemic”. This assertion is verifiably false.

Perhaps other reasons are more pertinent to the CCP’s choice of a Zero-COVID policy. For example, just 51% of those over 80 years older are vaccinated. There are questions about the efficacy of Chinese vaccines too.

Despite the chaos in Shanghai, and looming lockdowns in places like Guangzhou, the top headline in Chinese state media on the morning of 11 April was “Xi Jinping’s infinite love for the people” and “determination to benefit the people”.

Students, reportedly at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, hung banners and begged for freedom. “We want deliveries, we want to go off-campus, we want freedom!” Elsewhere, in Jilin, one WeChat message claimed a person ate their dog because of hunger.

Online in China, there is a mix of attitudes regarding the pros and cons of China’s Zero-COVID policy. One loyal citizen said, “Trust the dynamic Zero-COVID policy. It is the best option for Shanghai. Fight on!”

Another post, which attracted 174,000 likes, said: “Shanghai failed to control the outbreak. The government acted with hesitation, uncertainty and delays during the lockdown. Turns out Shanghai’s action to tackle COVID became a joke in China. From the outbreak in Hong Kong and Shanghai, we can now prove the ‘dynamic Zero-COVID”‘

As for those against the harsh policy, one complained: “Shanghai is being criticised for this outbreak. The majority of the population agrees with the Zero-COVID policy, but it doesn’t mean the policy itself is correct. Is the city able to handle the challenges and damage of a lockdown? If not, we need a self-review. Is it our fault or the rest of the world is wrong?”

The food situation is exacerbated by the fact that the Chinese prefer “fresh” rather than frozen food. This led to vast amounts of food being lost as it spoiled due to trucks being unable to deliver goods on time.

If COVID does escape localised lockdowns, the death toll could spike, warned  Naomi Wu, who describes herself as China’s #1 tech & DIY YouTuber. “So in the next few weeks, if there is no major progress, we are faced with the possibility of civil unrest caused by scarcity – either from lockdowns or by a shortage of workers able to deliver supplies due to illness.”

Assam NRC: SC Issues Notice On PIL Seeking Aadhaar Cards To Persons Included In NRC Final Supplementary List

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 05:56 AM PDT

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Central government, the Assam government and the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on a plea seeking directions to issue Aadhaar cards to nearly 27 lakh persons who were added in the supplementary list of Assam National Register of Citizens (NRC) published in August 2019.

A Bench of Justices UU Lalit, S Ravindra Bhat and PS Narasimha asked the Centre, Assam and UIDAI to file a response on the plea filed by All India Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament Sushmita Dev. The apex court agreed to issue notice and posted the matter in May.

The plea filed by Sushmita Dev stated that nearly 27 lakh people, whose names were admitted into the NRC by way of the final supplementary list dated August 31, 2019, are not being provided their Aadhaar numbers due to the fact that the NRC biometric data has been put on hold citing the statement of purpose/ modalities for disposal of claims and objections prepared by the Union of India.
It said, consequently, these people are not able to access benefits available via Aadhaar.

The plea submitted that once the person has been registered under the NRC, whether it be in the first draft List or the supplementary list, they will be entitled to the same benefits as that of a Citizen of India, and therefore, there exists no intelligible differentia between persons whose names appear in the NRC.

“The State government of Assam, and the Union of India are denying access to the biometrics of the individuals whose names have been incorporated in the supplementary list dated August 31, 2019 and are therefore not able to access the benefits as would they be entitled to by having an Aadhaar Number,” the plea said.
They would not be able to access the state-sanctioned schemes, subsidies and benefits as the same requires mandatory registration under the Aadhaar regime, plea added.

The plea further said, the non-availability of Aadhaar Number creates a major disadvantage in obtaining education access, application for jobs, application for PAN cards, ration card, opening of bank accounts etc. and therefore impinging the ability of such people to have a right to livelihood, right to food, liberty, whether it be economical or political, self-determination and autonomy.

Such an action of the State entities to deny Aadhaar to such person is in violation to the principles laid down under Article 14 of the Constitution, it added.

Shehbaz Sharif becomes 23rd Prime Minister of Pakistan

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 05:12 AM PDT

Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and former leader of Opposition, was elected the 23rd Prime Minister of Pakistan by the National Assembly of the country on Monday.

“Mian Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif has secured 174 votes,” announced PML-N leader Ayaz Sadiq, who was chairing the session after the resignation of Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri ahead of the vote. Ahead of the voting, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) legislators resigned en masse from the National Assembly and walked out of the National Assembly after a speech by former Foreign Minister and PTI candidate for prime ministerial post, Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Earlier, former Prime Minister Imran Khan had resigned from the membership of the House after holding a meeting with his parliamentary party delegation.
The younger brother of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was set to grab the top post after former Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government was ousted from power following the no-confidence motion against the regime.

The voting on the no-confidence motion had resulted in the Imran Khan-led government losing with 174 votes in favour of the no-confidence motion.
Sharif’s candidature as the Opposition’s choice for the Prime Ministership was revealed by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during a joint press conference of the opposition parties on March 30.

He was elected as the Prime Minister in the same National Assembly session which saw the ouster of Imran Khan, in accordance with the order of the Pakistan Supreme Court.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court in a historic judgement on Thursday had called for the convening of the session of the National Assembly “not later than 10:30 AM on Saturday” after setting aside the April 3 ruling of the Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri against the no-confidence motion on “Constitutional grounds”.

Declaring the ruling of the Deputy Speaker “to be contrary to the Constitution and the law and of no legal effect”, the Court set aside all the subsequent steps taken, including the dissolution of the National Assembly, while also restoring Prime Minister Imran Khan and all the Federal Ministers to their respective positions as of April 3.
The court also fixed the Saturday session with the conditions that the session cannot be prorogued unless the motion is voted upon, and in case Imran Khan loses the no-trust vote, the next PM had to be elected in the same session.

Shehbaz Sharif, born in an industrialist family in Lahore in 1950, is the younger brother of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who has served for three terms. Shehbaz Sharif has been the Chief Minister of the crucial Punjab province of Pakistan for three terms.

Having made a reputation as an administrator, Shehbaz Sharif had staked claims for the Prime Minister’s chair in August 2018. But the decision of the Bilawal Bhutto-led PPP to abstain from the PM vote in the last hour paved the way for the comfortable election of PTI’s Imran Khan as the Prime Minister. Shehbaz Sharif had then settled as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly.

A graduate of the Government College University, Lahore, Shehbaz Sharif initially joined his family’s steel business, while also becoming the president of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industries in 1985.

The political fortunes of the Sharif family rose considerably in the 1980s under the dictatorship of Zia-ul-Haq, with elder brother Nawaz Sharif inducted into the Punjab Provincial Cabinet as Finance Minister in 1983.

Shehbaz Sharif entered the Punjab Provincial Assembly in 1988 while he was elected to the National Assembly in 1990. In 1993, he again stood for a Provincial Assembly seat and became leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly.
He became the Chief Minister of Punjab for the first time after the 1997 elections. However, his term was cut short by Pervez Musharraf’s military coup of 1999 after which he became the CM of the Punjab province again in 2008, returning from almost a decade long political exile.

Shehbaz Sharif was elected unopposed as the President of PML-N in February 2018 following his elder brother, and then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification from holding key positions after being implicated in the ‘Panama Papers’.
Like his elder brother, Shehbaz Sharif also faces serious corruption charges. In December 2019, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) froze 23 properties belonging to Shehbaz Sharif and his son, Hamza, accusing them of money laundering.

He was arrested by the NAB in the same case in September 2020 and incarcerated pending trial. In April 2021, the Lahore High Court released him on bail in the money laundering case.

The factors favouring the younger Sharif, however, include the Opposition unity against Imran Khan’s ‘vindictive politics’ as well as the tactic support of the military establishment, which seems to be keen to unseat Imran Khan from power, especially after his recent vitriolic comments against the US, including raising the foreign conspiracy charge.

With the Sharif family back in power in Pakistan amid the fast-deteriorating economic situation and political instability, it is to be seen if Shehbaz Sharif infuses fresh energy into the system, or the much-tainted family continues to resort to its old ways. 

Congress Disciplinary Panel Sends Notice To Sunil Jakhar, KV Thomas

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 05:01 AM PDT

The Congress Disciplinary Committee on Monday has sent notices to former Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar and senior party leader from Kerala KV Thomas for their public conduct against the party lines in recent times.

Held at Congress War Room in Delhi, the meeting of the Committee was attended by senior party leaders Tariq Anwar, JP Aggarwal and Ambika Soni. Following the meeting Tariq Anwar said, “We are sending notice to both the leaders and asked them to reply on it within a week. Sunil Jakhar’s statements during the Punjab Assembly polls harmed the party.”

“KV Thomas has been given show cause notice for participating in Left’s program in Kerala. Prior to that KV Thomas had done a press confrence in Kerala and had said that he will attend the programme. While Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was also invited by the CPIM for the seminar but he refused to attend the event after state leadership objected,” Anwar said.

He further said the top leadership of Congress had intervened and Thomas was called by Sonia Gandhi for the same.

“But Thomas attended the seminar following which Kerala Congress Chief K Sudhakaran wrote a letter to Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and has urged her to take action against him,” added Anwar.

Sunil Jakhar reportedly passed “objectionable” remarks targeting former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi for being an SC leader.

Meanwhile, KV Thomas, defying the party’s decision, attended a seminar organised by the CPI-M in Kannur over which Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President K Sudhakaran wrote to Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi demanding “strict and befitting disciplinary action” against him.

Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, obeyed the order of the party leadership and declined the invitation to the seminar.

Senior party leader PJ Kurien had said that KV Thomas “disobeyed” the directives.
Congress reconstituted this committee in view of the cases of “indiscipline” coming to the fore in the party. The grand old party has appointed senior leader and former Defense Minister AK Antony as its president of the committee.

Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’ Successfully Flight-Tested

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 04:53 AM PDT

An Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’ was successfully launched from an indigenously-developed helicopter at high-altitude ranges on Monday, informed the officials.

The flight trials were conducted from an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and the missile was fired successfully engaging a simulated tank target. The missile is one of the most advanced Anti-Tank weapons in the world and was guided by an Infrared Imaging Seeker (IIR) operating in the Lock on Before Launch mode. The flight test was jointly conducted by the teams of scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Army and Indian Air Force, as part of the user validation trials.

In continuation to validation trials conducted at Pokhran, proof of efficacy at high altitudes paves the way for its integration on ALH. The trials were witnessed by senior Army commanders and senior scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO and the Indian Army for the maiden achievement through joint work.

Secretary of Department of Defence Research and Development (R&D) and Chairman, DRDO, G Satheesh Reddy, congratulated the teams for the commendable job performed in difficult conditions. 

HAL Signs Contract With Nigerian Army For Phase II Training On Chetak Helicopter

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 04:48 AM PDT

A phase-II flying training contract was signed between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Nigerian Army, informed the officials on Monday.

The agreement has been signed for imparting phase-II flying training on Chetak Helicopter for six officers of Nigerian Army Aviation and marks the continuation of the contract signed in April 2021 for imparting Phase-I flying training to six Nigerian Army aviation officers, which was successfully executed in December last year. The contract was signed by BK Tripathy, General Manager, Helicopter Division and Commodore Anthony Victor Kujoh, Defence Adviser, High Commission of Nigeria in India at a programme held at Helicopter Division recently.

General Manager-Helicopter Division, BK Tripathy, said the platforms such as Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), with a wide range of capabilities, can be of great strength for the Nigerian Army.

“Nigeria would not only like to further enhance the business relationship with HAL for training but also towards asset acquisition”, said Commodore Kujoh.

The Phase-II flying training on Chetak Helicopter is scheduled to commence today and is planned to be completed by December 2022. As part of the training, 70 hours of flying training would be imparted for each Nigerian Army Aviation Officer.

Pakistan: PTI Decides To Resign From National Assembly

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 03:40 AM PDT

Ahead of the election of a new Prime Minister in the National Assembly, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to resign from the assembly.

This development comes after Imran Khan said that he will not sit in the assemblies with ‘thieves’, reported ARY News. “The man who has 16 billion and 8 billion rupees of corruption cases, whoever selects and elects the Prime Minister can not be a big insult to the country. We are resigning from the National Assembly,” Imran Khan was quoted as saying by PTI’s official Twitter account.

Confirming the decision, Pakistan’s former Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed said that sitting in the assembly would strengthen the Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif and therefore it has been decided to submit their resignation from the National Assembly.

“Imran Khan supported my suggestion during the parliamentary party meeting,” he said and added that Khan would visit Peshawar on Wednesday.

“Imran Khan will give a call to people every Sunday to come out against the foreign conspiracy,” Rasheed said.

PTI Member of National Assembly (MNA) Murad Saeed was the first member of the party who submitted his resignation to the Speaker of the National Assembly, as per ARY News.

Earlier in the day, the PTI held the parliamentary party at the Parliament House in Islamabad, reported Radio Pakistan.

The meeting was chaired by former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani Parliament is also going to elect the country’s new Prime Minister today after Imran Khan was ousted from the PM post in a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly.

Moreover, nomination papers of Pakistan’s joint Opposition candidate Shehbaz Sharif and PTI’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi were approved for the Prime Minister’s election on Sunday.

Ahead of the crucial National Assembly session, PTI leader Asad Umar has instructed the party lawmakers to ensure their attendance in the Assembly to support Qureshi.

Notably, the voting on the no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government was held in the country’s National Assembly late on Saturday night, with 174 members recording their votes in favour of the motion that ousted the Imran Khan government. 

Lok Sabha Speaker Calls For Enactment Of Laws After Thorough Discussion

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 03:33 AM PDT

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday said that the primary responsibility of the legislature is to fulfil the aspirations of the people while laws should be enacted after thorough debate and discussion.

He was speaking at the inaugural session of the 8th CPA India region conference organised in Guwahati. “It is important that laws should be made after thorough debate and discussion incorporating the needs of the aspirational sections of the society. Democratic institutions from Panchayat to Parliament should follow this,” Birla said.

Calling for active participation of youth and women in democratic processes, the Lok Sabha Speaker said that it is needed to keep the youth and women at the centre of policymaking to ensure “greater accountability of the Executive”.

In this regard, Birla highlighted the need for organizing youth parliaments by democratic institutions at every level. Their energy, ability, confidence, technical knowledge and innovation skills will strengthen democracy.

Referring to Dr Bhimarao Ambedkar and Jyotirao Phule, he said that our policies and programmes should be in the direction of achieving the goals set by the founding fathers of the Constitution.

“The vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his comprehensive action on education, health, infrastructure and other areas are remarkable steps in this direction,” he said.

On this occasion, Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma said that democracy and democratic values are integral parts of the Indian way of life. Democratic institutions are flourishing in India since ancient times and our reformer exemplified the true democratic values and tradition which continue unabated in our society till today, he added.

He further said that during the last eight decades, Assam Legislative Assembly has witnessed many historic debates.

The Chief Minister also said that in modern democracies, people expect a lot from the elected representatives.

“People want us to be their voice and the guardian. This bestows responsibilities on the legislators to address the fundamental issues affecting people’s lives as well as fulfilling their dreams and aspirations,” Sarma said.

“Through active participation in the debates in the House, legislators not just can bring into focus different aspects of the bills under discussion but at the same time they can be the champion of upholding the democratic rights by giving unprecedented momentum to their welfare and development,” Sarma added.

Acting Chairperson of CPA, Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP, UK enumerated several path-breaking initiatives of CPA and hoped that the deliberations of the mid-year Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Executive Committee in Guwahati would go a long way in shaping strategies for global issues.

The theme of the conference is “Strengthening Legislative Oversight to help Optimise Development Outcome for the Aspirational Sections of Society”.

Sri Lanka Will Choose Constitutional Provision To Oust Government, Says Opposition Leader

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 02:56 AM PDT

Dismissing the possibility of a no-confidence motion like Pakistan to oust the present government in Sri Lanka, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa said that they will use their Constitutional provisions to change the government.

The Opposition leader said, “Pakistan has its own method of conducting democratic politics while we have our own Constitutional provisions and we will not be following anything else other than the Constitution of our country.”

Premadasa further said, “we have homegrown problems and we need a homegrown solution. We will represent hundreds of thousands of citizens and will have an organic uprising but will ensure that this will be a peaceful uprising. We’ll use all methods available through constitutional procedures to achieve the expectations of the people.”

Reacting to the former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s statement over the huge bilateral loans that Sri Lanka has to pay, Premadasa said that the country has not only taken bilateral loans but also taken multilateral loans from various international monetary markets and also have ISBN. He said, ” We need to pay the loan in the month of April. Our composition of tet is multifaceted. So we need to adopt certain procedures but first and foremost we need an orderly process.”

He said that their proposals for the inclusion of financial experts in the government were accepted within 24 hours. He further stated that if the government follows the roadmap and if the initiative was taken timely and the process will be fast track then Sri Lanka can survive as a country.

Premadasa urged the world to help Sri Lanka in such a situation. He said, ” As a responsible citizen, my appeal to all leaders, to everyone in the international community, financial institution and political organisation to help Sri Lanka to the maximum possible extent.”

Meanwhile, in Colombo, Sri Lankans continue to protest against the government as the country faces an economic crisis. “This protest will not end until this govt is brought down. We will stay here for months, years. It’s not about a single-family but the entire corrupt system,” says a protester

Earlier, on April 9, Sri Lanka’s main opposition party Samagi Jana Balwegya announced that it will move a no-confidence motion against President Gotabaya Rajapaksha if it fails to provide immediate relief to the people of the island nation adversely impacting the economic crisis.

Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa had earlier said that Sri Lanka must abolish the all-powerful Executive Presidency and strengthen Parliament without paving the way to a similarly dictatorial premiership while ensuring adequate checks and balances.

“For nearly 20 years every leader promised to abolish the Executive Presidency but only strengthened it,” Premadasa said in a strongly-worded speech in parliament on Tuesday reminding the Parliamentarians about the necessity to introduce a new electoral system.

It is pertinent to mention that since the introduction of the presidential system in 1978, every election which ensued was fought on the promise to abolish the presidency. However, once elected all presidents chose to ignore the election promise.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan citizens continue to protest against the current government across the country and have raised demands to sack the President and Prime Minister.
Sri Lanka is battling a severe economic crisis with food and fuel scarcity affecting a large number of the people in the island nation. The economy has been in a free-fall since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sri Lanka is also facing a foreign exchange shortage, which has, incidentally, affected its capacity to import food and fuel, leading to the power cuts in the country. The shortage of essential goods forced Sri Lanka to seek assistance from friendly countries.

Rakesh Tikait Calls For ‘Another Farmer Protest’

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 02:40 AM PDT

Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait on Monday joined the protest held by the Telangana leaders in New Delhi against the Centre’s paddy procurement policy and said that there is a need for another protest in the country.

Tikait also added that the farmer umbrella body Samyukt Kisan Morcha will back every Chief Minister who fights for the farmers’ issues. Addressing the event, the BKU leader said, “There is a need for another protest. This is not a political platform, Chief Minister KCR is a farmer and he is not asking for votes here. The Chief Minister who fights for farmers’ issues, Samyukt Kisan Morcha will be with them.”

“If farmers speak about the issues then ED is sent. Where to complain? But the farmer is not weak and will fight for the rights. We demanded the law on MSP guarantee but the Centre says it is a state matter,” Tikait added.

Tikait also expressed his gratitude to the Telangana government for extending support to the farmers’ protest on the Delhi borders.

“Big thanks to the Telangana government for supporting us in the battle which we fought for 13 months. Grateful that you have come to Delhi to protest for the farmers’ issues. The Central government in 13 months didn’t understand the farmer issue,” he said.

He further questioned the Centre on not providing free electricity to the farmers across the country.

“Telangana government gives free electricity to farmers in the state, then why this policy is not provided in the entire country?” Tikait said.

Earlier, Telangana Chief Minister KCR issued a warning to the Centre over its paddy procurement policy and said that they would “go after the government” if crops are not “procured uniformly” in the next 24 hours.

KCR Gives 24-Hour Deadline To Centre To Procure Paddy From Telangana

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 02:34 AM PDT

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Monday issued a warning to the Centre over its paddy procurement policy and said that they would “go after the government” if crops are not “procured uniformly” within the next 24 hours.

The TRS MPs, MLCs, MLAs and other elected representatives are taking part in the “dharna” while raising claims that the “Centre’s policy is discriminatory towards Telangana farmers”. Addressing the protest, Rao said, “I request Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Piyush Goyal to procure crops uniformly across the country including Telangana. Please buy our food grains. We will wait for the next 24 hours after that we will make a decision and will go after you.”

“I will come back and will discuss the presidential elections and other issues. We will make a decision in the next 2-3 days and then will decide,” he added.

The Chief Minister also warned the Prime Minister against “messing up with the farmers”.

“We have come 2,000 km away from Telangana amid this heat. I warn PM Modi that you can’t mess with farmers. Indian history is a testament that wherever farmers cried, the government loses power. Nobody is permanent…When in power, don’t treat farmers unfairly,” he said.

KCR also hit out at Piyush Goyal and claimed that the latter reacted “harshly” when the state Agriculture Minister had met the Union Minister.

“When our agriculture minister came to Delhi, Piyush Goyal reacted harshly. Goyal asked him to eat broken rice. Piyush Goyal is Piyush Golmaal, I don’t know what he understands,” he said.

Notably, KCR was joined by farmer leader Rakesh Tikait in the protest against the Centre. KCR welcomed his presence and assured him of his state’s support.
“Rajesh Tikait, I want to assure you that the whole of Telangana is with you.

Everyone saw the way you protested in Delhi. You also made the Prime Minister apologise,” he said.

Slamming the BJP for the procurement policy, the Chief Minister said that if the government does not frame a new agriculture policy, the public will remove the government.

“Telangana demands its right. I would urge PM to frame a new agriculture policy and we will contribute. If not then the public will remove you and frame a new agriculture policy,” he added.

Rakesh Tikait Joins TRS Protest At Telangana Bhavan On Paddy Procurement Issue

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 12:31 AM PDT

Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait on Monday joined the ongoing protest by the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) at the Telangana Bhavan against the alleged “discriminatory policy” of procurement of foodgrains.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao is leading the protest, and he’s joined by the TRS leaders. Speaking to the media, TRS MLC K Kavitha, daughter of the Telangana Chief Minister, urged the Centre to procure the crop and demanded a common procurement policy for the country.

“Our farmers are not getting the right price. We request the Central government to procure paddy from our state. We demand a common procurement policy. Rakesh Tikait has earlier also talked to CM K Chandrashekar Rao over agricultural issues and he has come here to support us,” Kavitha said.

The TRS MPs, MLCs, MLAs and other elected representatives are taking part in the “dharna” while raising claims that the “Centre’s policy is discriminatory towards Telangana farmers”.

Recently, the TRS workers had blocked four National Highways in Telangana to press their demand for a “uniform” procurement policy in the country. The party decided to protest in Delhi in their bid to raise the issue at the national level.

Earlier on Sunday, addressing the media, Kavitha said that the food security of the country will be endangered if there is no ‘uniform procurement’ policy by the Centre.

LSG Skipper KL Rahul Calls Stoinis Player With ‘Destructive Batting’

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 12:23 AM PDT

After facing a close defeat against Rajasthan Royals, Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul praised his fellow teammate and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and called him a player with ‘destructive batting’.

Shimron Hetmyer’s unbeaten 59 and a four-wicket haul from Yuzvendra Chahal helped Rajasthan Royals beat Lucknow Super Giants by three runs here at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. “Throughout the 20 overs, we kept believing that we could win this game. Like I earlier said that we have depth in our batting and today Stoinis batted at number 7. You know that you have someone over there, with so much power and destructive batting, and that’s the reason he is one of our retained players. He can win us games from any position but unfortunately, we couldn’t get that start and credits to Rajasthan as they kept the pressure on,” said KL Rahul in a post-match presentation.

The skipper further said the team accordingly choose between K Gowtham, Ravi Bishnoi, and Krunal Pandya, as per the requirement.

“Today there was some grip for the spinners and one of the reasons why we played K Gowtham in the last couple of games is because we have played against oppositions that have left-handers batting throughout till their top six and seven, so we went with him and he did well for us,” said the skipper.

“Whenever there is grip in the pitch then between Gowtham, Bishnoi, and Krunal, we have to choose according to our strategy, as and when required,” he added.

In the last over, Sanju Samson led Rajasthan needed to defend 15 runs and youngster Kuldeep Sen held his nerves against big-hitting Marcus Stoinis to take the team to the third win in four matches and go to the top of the points table.

Defending a 166-run target the inaugural champions needed some early wickets upfront and Trent Boult did exactly that by giving a double blow to Lucknow dismissing their skipper KL Rahul and Krishnappa Gowtham for golden ducks.

Rajasthan Royals were at one stage struggling at 67 for 4 but Shimron Hetmyer’s unbeaten 59 helped them register 165/6 in 20 overs. 

Sensex Dips 325 Points; IT, Energy Stocks slump

Posted: 11 Apr 2022 12:02 AM PDT

The Indian equities markets benchmark Sensex slumped 325 points on Monday dragged by heavy selling pressure in IT, FMCG and energy stocks.

The 30 stock S&P BSE Sensex was trading 325.17 points or 0.55 per cent down at 59,122.01 points at 11.55 am against its previous session’s close at 59,447.18 points. Earlier, the Sensex started the day in the red at 59,333.18 points and slumped to a low of 58,945.08 points in the morning trade.

The Sensex had gained 412.23 points or 0.70 per cent on Friday after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept key policy rates unchanged in its first monetary policy review of the current financial year.

The broader Nifty 50 of the National Stock Exchange was trading 75.50 points or 0.42 per cent down at 17,708.85 points against its previous session’s close at 17,784.35 points. The Nifty had gained 144.80 points or 0.82 per cent on Friday.

There was heavy selling pressure in IT stocks. HCL Technologies slumped 2.65 per cent to Rs 1134.75. Infosys slipped 2.37 per cent to Rs 1772. Wipro fell 2.27 per cent to Rs 570.55.

L&T 1.58 per cent down at Rs 1801.40; Power Grid Corporation 1.18 per cent down at Rs 229.85; Hindustan Unilever 1.05 per cent down at Rs 2159.90; Titan 0.95 per cent down at Rs 2490.50; Asian Paints 0.88 per cent down at Rs 3178.55 and HDFC Bank 0.73 per cent down at Rs 1504.75 were among the major Sensex losers.

Only 10 of the 30 scrips that are part of the Sensex were trading in the positive. ICICI Bank surged 1.21 per cent to Rs 763.45. ITC soared 1.29 per cent to Rs 271.25. Kotak Bank rose 0.89 per cent to Rs 1800.90. IndusInd Bank rose 0.59 per cent to Rs 991.70.

AgustaWestland Case: Court Summons Ex-Defence Secy, Four Ex-IAF Officials

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 11:56 PM PDT

A Special Court on Monday issued summons against former Defence Secretary and former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), Shashi Kant Sharma and Four India Airforce (IAF) retired officials in AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper alleged scam case.

Special Judge Arvind Kumar on Tuesday issued summons against all accused named in the supplementary charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The court took cognizance of the charge sheet and directed all the accused to appear before it on April 28, 2022. CBI’s Special Public Prosecutor Advocate DP Singh argued before the court on the point of cognizance.

The CBI has got a prosecution sanction against Shashi Kant Sharma. Earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation had sought sanction from the government to prosecute former defence secretary and Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Shashi Kant Sharma, in a case of alleged irregularities in the Rs 3,600-crore VVIP chopper deal.

The probe agency had also sought sanctions to prosecute former Air Vice Marshal and three other former Indian Air Force officials.

Earlier, the CBI had filed the charge sheet in September 2020 against 15 accused including persons, and private companies in a case related to the award of a contract to a UK-based company for the supply of 12 VVIP helicopters.

The Agusta Westland case is a corruption case that is being probed by CBI and ED. It has been alleged that bribes were paid during the UPA regime to “middlemen”, perhaps even politicians, when India agreed to buy 12 AgustaWestland helicopters built by Italian defence manufacturing Company Finmeccanica at an estimated cost of Rs 3,600 crore. Later in 2014, the said deal was scrapped by the NDA Government.

Ramzan 2022: Do’s and Don’ts to stay hydrated for long

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 11:47 PM PDT

The holy month of Ramzan is being celebrated with great spiritual fervour across the nation.

Ramzan started this year on the evening of April 2 with the first fast having been observed on April 3. While the pious month is all about the inner self, it also helps in body detoxification of those who observe fast for the entire month, which lasts for 29 or 30 days depending on the sightings of the moon.

Fasting during the month of Ramzan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month is spent by Muslims fasting during the daylight hours from dawn (known as Sehri) to sunset (known as Iftar).

Here are a few tips and tricks that can stay fit during Ramzan in the summers.

1. Drink sufficient amount of water

As mercury soars and states are gripped by a heatwave, staying hydrated while fasting becomes essential. Do drink at least two litres of water to remain hydrated for the day during the fast.
The tip is to eat Sehri at least half an hour before the time for Fajr so you have at least 30 minutes to just drink water. Sip gradually and not chug up all at once. Avoid tea and coffee as they can drain your balanced body temperature.


2. Include pre-meals

Pre-meals during Sehri include nuts and seeds that are rich in protein as well as fibre. These also keep you full for longer periods. After a break of 30 minutes, consume your main meal.


3. Keep a check on the Iftar meal

While feasting on your favourite delicacies is irresistible after observing the fast for the entire day, one should not forget to keep a check on iftar meal in order to start the next day of fasting with a light stomach.

4. Dates are must

Rich in Vitamin K, dates are helpful to make your body cells store fluids as they are a natural source of glucose. It is also a tradition to include them in the meals. Dates are also rich in copper, selenium and magnesium.


5. Don’t miss yoghurt

Apart from juicy fruits and vegetables, the best food to have for Sehri is yoghurt. Yoghurt soothes the stomach and helps prevent acidity, eventually protecting against dehydration.

Avoiding salty, spicy and high in sugar food is the common tip every person gets who is observing the fast during Ramzan.

By following these simple yet important tips, one can stay fit and protected from infections during Ramzan which is the commemoration of Prophet Muhammed’s first revelation.

India Reports 861 New COVID Cases, 6 Deaths In Last 24 Hours

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 10:54 PM PDT

India reported fresh 861 COVID cases in the last 24 hours with a daily case positivity rate of 0.32 per cent, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday.

The active cases in the country stand at 11,058 which accounts for 0.03 per cent of the total cases. According to the Ministry, 929 COVID patients recovered in the last 24 hours taking the total number of recoveries in the country since the onset of the pandemic to 4,25,03,383. The rate of recovery is 98.76 per cent.

Six patients succumbed to the virus during this period. With this, the death toll in the country rose to 5,21,691.

As many as 2,71,211 COVID samples were tested on Sunday. The country has tested 79.41 crore tests till date. The weekly positivity rate in India is 0.23 per cent.

As far as the COVID vaccination is concerned under the Nationwide Vaccination Drive, 2,44,870 doses of vaccine shots were administered during the said period. A total of 1,85,74,18,827 vaccine shots have been administered in the country so far.

Pakistan: PTI To Launch Countrywide Protests On Wednesday

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 10:06 PM PDT

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to launch a countrywide protest campaign on Wednesday (April 13) against the removal of its government and the formation of the new administration which is most likely to be headed by Pakistan Muslim League-N President Shehbaz Sharif.

“We are going to start a nationwide campaign from Wednesday from Peshawar,” PTI leader and Pakistan former Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry was quoted as saying by Dawn newspaper. Chaudhry informed that the ousted prime minister will address a public meeting in Peshawar on Wednesday, Dawn reported.

Yesterday, supporters of PTI staged a protest in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates against Imran Khan’s ouster as the Prime Minister through a no-confidence motion last night.

Taking to Twitter, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf said: “Dubai, UAE Call was for Pakistan but Pakistanis across the globe standing up for #ImranKhan.”
In Pakistan, PTI has taken out massive rallies in several cities including Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, and Lahore with demonstrators shouting slogans against the Opposition.

On Monday, Imran Khan expressed gratitude to the people of the country for supporting the protests against his ouster as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

“Thank you to all Pakistanis for their amazing outpouring of support and emotions to protest against US-backed regime change abetted by local Mir Jafar to bring into power a coterie of pliable crooks all out on bail. Shows Pakistanis at home & abroad have emphatically rejected this,” Imran Khan tweeted.

“Never have such crowds come out so spontaneously and in such numbers in our history, rejecting the imported govt led by crooks,” he said in another tweet.

The voting on the no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan-led PTI government in the country’s National Assembly was held late on Saturday night where 174 members recorded their votes in favour of the resolution that ousted Imran Khan.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s National Assembly will vote today at 2 pm to elect a new Prime Minister. 

Pakistan: PTI To Take Final Decision On Resignations Of Members From Assemblies Today

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 10:00 PM PDT

Former Pakistan Foreign Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that the party will take the final decision regarding the resignations of its members from the assemblies on Monday, reported local media.

“A parliamentary party session will be held on Monday in which PTI will take a final decision regarding the resignations. Everything will be done as per Imran Khan’s directives and his decisions will be accepted by all of us,” ARY News quoted Qureshi as saying during its news programme on Sunday. Refuting the media reports regarding the collection of PTI lawmakers’ resignations, Qureshi said that the majority of the PTI lawmakers have suggested staying in the assemblies and protests will be held against the new government in and outside the Parliament House.

Notably, this is in contradiction to PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry’s statement in which he said that his party members would resign from the National Assembly on Monday if the nomination of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shahbaz Sharif is accepted.

The former foreign minister also confirmed the presence of PTI chairman Imran Khan in the Parliament today, adding that he will also take part in the voting process for the election of the Prime Minister, reported ARY News.
Meanwhile, nomination papers of Pakistan joint opposition candidate Shehbaz Sharif and Qureshi have been approved for the Prime Minister’s election slated to take place today.

The National Assembly session to elect the new premier will now be held at 2.00 pm (local time) today, contrary to a previous schedule of 11.00 am.

Security measures ahead of the Prime Minister’s election have been put in place, with strict frisking of the people taking place around the D-chowk. Furthermore, roads leading to Parliament will be opened after the election of the new premier, as per the media reports.

The voting on the no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government was held in the country’s National Assembly late on Saturday night, with 174 members recording their votes in favour of the motion that ousted the Imran Khan government. 

Pakistan: Majority Of The Parliament From PTI Are Against Resigning From NA- PTI Leader

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 09:46 PM PDT

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Muhammad Khan on Sunday claimed that 95 per cent of the Parliament from PTI are against resigning from the assembly.

This statement comes just a few hours after former Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary’s press conference in Islamabad where he had said that his party members will resign from the National Assembly on Monday as the nomination of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shahbaz Sharif has been accepted by the National Assembly (NA) Secretariat, reported Geo TV. PTI leader Khan, who delivered the speech in the National Assembly after the success of the no-trust motion, maintained that the majority of PTI members are against dissociating themselves from the assembly.

“While a resignation could be a political tool for any politician but resigning from the assembly at this moment of time means giving a free hand to the Opposition,” he was quoted as saying by Geo TV.

As per the sources, the majority of PTI members were not in favour of resigning from the assembly but the Former Minister for Interior of Pakistan, Sheikh Rasheed and Fawad Chaudhry were trying to push the members out of the assembly, Geo TV reported.

Members were of the view that if this happens, then the PTI, as a political party, will “suffer irreparable damage,” the sources had added.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, The supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged a protest in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates against Imran Khan’s ouster as the Prime Minister through a no-confidence motion last night.

Taking to Twitter, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf said: “Dubai, UAE Call was for Pakistan but Pakistanis across the globe standing up for #ImranKhan.”

On other hand, in Pakistan, PTI has taken out massive rallies in several cities across the country. The cities include Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, and Lahore with demonstrators shouting slogans against the Opposition.

On Monday, PTI chairman Imran Khan expressed gratitude to the people of the country for supporting the protests against his ouster as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Even, PTI supporters agitated outside former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s residence in London after Imran Khan was voted out of power by opposition parties on Sunday.

The voting on the no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan-led PTI government began in the country’s National Assembly late on Saturday night where 174 members recorded their votes in favour of the resolution that ousted Imran Khan.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s National Assembly will vote on April 11 (Monday) at 2 pm to elect a new Prime Minister. 

What Issue BJP Would Have Raised In Lord Rama’s Absence – Uddhav Thackeray

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 08:56 PM PDT

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party saying that if Lord Rama would not have born what issue the BJP would have raised.

His remarks came while addressing a virtual campaign for Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) candidate Jayashree Jadhav for the April 12 by-poll from the Kolhapur North seat.

“Today is Ram Navami. I wonder if Lord Ram would not have been born then, what issue the BJP would have raised in politics as they have no issue left. So, they keep communal issues at the forefront in politics,” the chief minister said.
Thackeray said that BJP doesn’t hold the patent on Hindutva.

“BJP leaders say that Shiv Sena has left Hindutva. It’s not true, we have left BJP. BJP doesn’t hold the patent on Hindutva and only BJP doesn’t mean Hindutva either. BJP tried to create fake Hindu Hirdya Samrat but people have not supported them.”

Thackeray said that the late Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray is the only “Hindu Hridya Samrat”.

“Your (BJP) saffron is fake, the real saffron is of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” he added.

EAM Jaishankar To Meet US Trade Representative Katherine Tai On Tuesday

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 08:47 PM PDT

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will meet United States Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai on Tuesday.

“Ambassador Tai will meet with India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. This meeting is closed press,” US Trade Representative said in a statement on Sunday. As per the statement, Ambassador Tai will also meet with Germany’s State Secretary for International and EU Affairs and G7/G20 Sherpa Dr Jorg Kukies.

She later will meet with Austria’s Minister for Digital and Economic Affairs Margarete Schrambock and Minister for Labor Martin Kocher, as per the US Trade Representative.

India and the US are set to hold the 2+2 dialogue between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and their respective American counterparts on Sunday.

In November last year, USTR Katherine Tai paid his first visit to India for two days after she assumed office in March last year and hold discussions with officials on enhancing trade and economic ties between the two countries. She was accompanied by Deputy US Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi.

During the twelfth ministerial-level meeting of the India-United States Trade Policy Forum (TPF) in New Delhi, the US had marked its support to India’s ambitious goal of reaching 20 per cent ethanol blending country in the next five year and expressed an interest in supplying ethanol to India for fuel purposes.

“The United States noted its support for India’s ambitious goal of reaching 20 percent ethanol blending with petrol by 2025 and expressed an interest in supplying ethanol to India for fuel purposes,” a joint statement from the countries informed.
This had come as Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal and US Trade Representative had co-chaired the TPF meeting.

The Ministers had also agreed to explore ways for enhancing collaboration for the implementation of their respective ethanol blending programs.

In June 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the report of the expert committee on the roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India by 2025.

De Kock Could Have Changed The Game, Feels RR’s Chahal

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 08:11 PM PDT

After scalping four wickets against Lucknow Super Giants, Rajasthan Royals spinner Yuzvendra Chahal said that he really enjoyed Quinton de Kock’s dismissal as the wicketkeeper-batter could have easily changed the game.

Shimron Hetmyer’s unbeaten 59 and a four-wicket haul from Yuzvendra Chahal helped Rajasthan Royals beat Lucknow Super Giants by three runs here at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. “Backed myself. My main strength is my mind. Didn’t want to divert from what I usually do. I was always ready to bowl at anytime from overs 1-20. Enjoyed de Kock’s wicket the most. He could’ve changed the game.

Having seen him step out, had an intuition he’d come again (Badoni). Bowled it wider. Don’t think a lot about my bad games,” said Chahal in a post-match presentation.

In the last over, Sanju Samson led Rajasthan needed to defend 15 runs and youngster Kuldeep Sen held his nerves against big-hitting Marcus Stoinis to take the team to the third win in four matches and go to the top of the points table.

Defending a 166-run target the inaugural champions needed some early wickets upfront and Trent Boult did exactly that by giving a double blow to Lucknow dismissing their skipper KL Rahul and Krishnappa Gowtham for golden ducks.

Rajasthan Royals were at one stage struggling at 67 for 4 but Shimron Hetmyer’s unbeaten 59 helped them register 165/6 in 20 overs.

Yuzvendra Chahal Becomes Second-Fastest Bowler To Scalp 150 Wickets In IPL

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 08:04 PM PDT

Rajasthan Royals spinner Yuzvendra Chahal on Sunday completed his 150 wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Chahal achieved this milestone during the clash against Lucknow Super Giants, here at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, after he scalped four wickets. The spinner also became the second-fastest bowler after Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga to get this feat. He was earlier a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore and was associated with the franchise for 2014-2021, before getting released in 2022. So far, Chahal has scalped a total of 11 wickets in IPL 2022 and is the current Purple Cap holder.

Coming to the match, Chahal’s four-wicket haul helped Rajasthan Royals defend the 166-run target against Lucknow Super Giants to register a three-run win.
In the last over, Sanju Samson led Rajasthan needed to defend 15 runs and youngster Kuldeep Sen held his nerves against big-hitting Marcus Stoinis to take the team to the third win in four matches and go to the top of the points table.

Defending a 166-run target the inaugural champions needed some early wickets upfront and Trent Boult did exactly that by giving a double blow to Lucknow dismissing their skipper KL Rahul and Krishnappa Gowtham for golden ducks.

Rajasthan Royals were at one stage struggling at 67 for 4 but Shimron Hetmyer’s unbeaten 59 helped them register 165/6 in 20 overs.

Ravichandran Ashwin was involved in a 68-run partnership with Hetmyer but in the 19th over was retired out for 28.

Sanju Samson Calls Chahal ‘Greatest Legspinner’

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 07:59 PM PDT

Yuzvendra Chahal’s four-wicket haul helped Rajasthan Royals defend the 166-run target against Lucknow Super Giants to register a three-run win here at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson praised Chahal for his performance of 4/41.

“He is someone who can be given the ball from over 1 or over 20. He is the greatest legspinner India has ever seen at present. He is a great matchwinner, Ashwin’s four overs are also crucial so why not use him later in the innings,” said Samson in the post-match presentation ceremony. In the last over, Sanju Samson led Rajasthan needed to defend 15 runs and youngster Kuldeep Sen held his nerves against big-hitting Marcus Stoinis to take the team to the third win in four matches and go to the top of the points table.

“Didn’t know we are top of the table. (Kuldeep) Depends upon how he bowled his first three overs. I thought he had done really well and had the confidence to bowl those wide yorkers. Whatever I saw in Syed Mushtaq Ali after that Royals picked him up. He is a special talent, can be for India soon,” he said.

Defending a 166-run target the inaugural champions needed some early wickets upfront and Trent Boult did exactly that by giving a double blow to Lucknow dismissing their skipper KL Rahul and Krishnappa Gowtham for golden ducks.
Rajasthan Royals were at one stage struggling at 67 for 4 but Shimron Hetmyer’s unbeaten 59 helped them register 165/6 in 20 overs.

Ravichandran Ashwin was involved in a 68-run partnership with Hetmyer but in the 19th over was retired out for 28.

With this win, Rajasthan Royals have won three out of four matches and now they will take on Gujarat Titans on Thursday.

Amid Economic Crisis, Turkey-China Ties Become One-Way Street

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 07:53 PM PDT

The ties between Turkey and China have almost become a one-way street as the financial situation of Ankara and Beijing is weakening and both the countries are looking for business in the Central Asian market in order to achieve an economic turnaround.

As part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Turkey, China has completed a key suspension bridge that cut down travel time between Anatolia and the Gallipoli peninsula to just 6 minutes from, At present, the journey takes six hours which includes an hour-long ferry ride.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has inaugurated the 4,608-meter bridge built at Canakkale across Turkey’s Dardanelles Strait that connects the European and Asian shores of the key waterway.
He named the bridge after the 1915 Battle of Canakkale where the Ottoman Empire fought and successfully defeated British, French and Russian forces during World War-I, as per Policy Research Group.

In fact, the bridge itself is an off-shoot of the 1915 Canakkale Bridge project.
“The Project will integrate the seaports, railways and airways in the Marmara and Aegean regions with highway transportation systems and thus facilitate the economic development and balanced planning and structuring required by the industries in these regions,” CEO, Mustafa Tanriverdi said.

Turkish and South Korean contractors built the bridge to facilitate Erdogan’s very own Middle Corridor (MC) Plan, a Silk Road initiative, of linking China with Europe via railways. Turkey is also keen to extend railways originating from its region into Central Asia in order to expand its markets.

Turkey became an important part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) some seven years ago by signing a Memorandum to connect its Middle Corridor (MC) Plan with the BRI. Under the 2015 deal, China advanced loans for infrastructure ventures and stepped-up investments, particularly in the oil and mining sectors.

On the other hand, China has also constructed a record-breaking suspension bridge within its territory. The cable held Lvzhijiang Bridge connects Yuxi City and the autonomous region of Chuxiong Yi in Yunnan, Policy Research Group reported.
Yunnan is an import gateway in the BRI. President Xi Jinping has called for Yunnan to more actively participate in the BRI for which it needs to establish better economic connectivity.

Trade between Yunnan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries account for nearly 41 per cent of China’s foreign trade. Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam are the major trading partners.
In a mutual interest, Turkey and China are cooperating for reviving the Silk Road trade route.

Notably, Turkey has set its eyes on the Central Asian market in order to achieve an economic turnaround.

The country has been in the grip of an economic crisis since 2018. Banks and companies have been heavily borrowing from outside Turkey so much so that Turkey now has own of the largest current account debts with little to no savings.

While China’s economy has been badly shaken by the COVID-19 range from Taiwan and Hong Kong to the human rights of Uighur Muslims, are also biting.
The ban by the US and other Western countries on the Chinese companies and technologies over privacy issues led to Beijing’s financial situation worsening, Policy Research Group said.

Due to this crisis, the Erdogan government has been pressing China for more investments and financial assets. But China is looking for profitable business, but Turkey has none to offer.

But the Erdogan government did not rally in support of fellow Muslims oppressed in China. It studiously remained silent. This shows that Turkey-China ties have almost become a one-way street what with Yuan itself under stress. Even with the opening of the Canakkale Bridge as well.

Wheat Crop On 200 Acres Destroyed In Fire In Haryana’s Karnal

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 07:46 PM PDT

A fire broke out on the farms of Kachhwa village in Haryana’s Karnal district on Sunday destroying standing wheat crop spread over 200 acres.

The affected farmers informed that the fire took place due to a short circuit in the reaper that was working in a field to make stubble after harvesting crops. “The fire started from a reaper in Firozpur village which destroyed an area up to five kilometres. It was difficult to control the fire without a fire brigade. About 200 acres of wheat crop destroyed,” Raman Kumar, an affected farmer said.

Another farmer said, “I had six acres of land which has been destroyed now. There is no food to eat and no fodder for animals.”

The farmers also said that the fire brigade reached an hour late. However, the fire officials douse the fire in an hour.

Massive Protests In Pakistan Against Imran Khan’s Ouster

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 07:26 PM PDT

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has taken out massive rallies in several cities across the country to protest against Imran Khan’s ouster as the Prime Minister through a no-confidence motion last night.

Protest rallies were held in various cities including Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, and Lahore with demonstrators shouting slogans against the Opposition. Earlier, Khan said that today marked the beginning of a “freedom struggle” against what he called a “foreign conspiracy of regime change”. In an attempt to galvanise his supporters, he said “it is always the people who protected their own sovereignty and democracy”.

“Pakistan became an independent state in 1947; but the freedom struggle begins again today against a foreign conspiracy of regime change. It is always the people of the country who defend their sovereignty & democracy,” he said in another Tweet.
In Karachi, the city was lighted up for Imran Khan following his ouster.

In Islamabad, the protest started from Zero Point, with PTI supporters gathering and waving flags while chanting slogans in the former Prime Minister’s favour.
Flow of traffic at Srinagar Highway was affected due to the rally with long traffic lines forming, according to Dawn newspaper.

PTI spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry had also called on the people to stage protests after Isha prayers while speaking to the media in Islamabad earlier in the day. He said that Khan not leading a massive movement would amount to a “betrayal with the country’s politics and Constitution”.

The party later issued a schedule of the various protests that were planned for cities all over the country starting 9:30 pm, according to Dawn newspaper.
Meanwhile, Imran Khan said that never have such crowds come out so spontaneously and in such numbers in our history, rejecting the “imported government-led by crooks.”

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan also expressed gratitude to the people of the country for supporting the protests against his ouster as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

“Thank you to all Pakistanis for their amazing outpouring of support and emotions to protest against US-backed regime change abetted by local Mir Jafars to bring into power a coterie of pliable crooks all out on bail. Shows Pakistanis at home & abroad have emphatically rejected this,” Imran Khan tweeted.

The voting on the no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan-led PTI government began in the country’s National Assembly late on Saturday night where 174 members recorded their votes in favour of the resolution that ousted Imran Khan.

Bihar Govt Official Among 8 Held For stealing 60-Feet Long Iron Bridge In Rohtas

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 07:24 PM PDT

Bihar Police on Sunday arrested eight persons including a Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) of the water resources department in connection with the theft of the 60-foot abandoned bridge in the Rohtas district, an official said.

Police have recovered one JCB, stolen iron channels weighing about 247 kilograms and other material from the possession of the accused. “We have arrested eight persons including an SDO officer of the water resources department in connection with the theft of the bridge. The thieves stole the bridge in connivance with the SDO.

We have recovered one JCB, stolen iron channels weighing about 247 kgs and other material,” Ashish Bharti, Rohtas SP said.

A gang of thieves who posed as state irrigation department officials had pulled off an extraordinary heist by stealing a 60-foot abandoned bridge in Bihar’s Rohtas district in broad daylight.

According to the police, the thieves arrived with JCBs, pickup vans, gas cutters, and vehicles, and in 3 days cut off the entire bridge and disappeared. 

‘Chowkidar Chor Hai’ Slogan Raised In Pakistan Against Army Following Imran Khan’s Ouster

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 07:07 PM PDT

“Chowkidar chor hai”, a slogan first raised in India by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was heard at a rally addressed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sheikh Rashid Ahmed in Punjab province against Imran Khan’s ouster as the Prime Minister.

Thousands of people gathered at Lal Haveli in Pakistan’s Punjab province against Imran Khan’s ouster. During the protest, the crowds referred to the Army as “Chowkidar” and called them “thieves” which was “stealing” Imran Khan’s mandate. However, in a viral video, Sheikh Rashid, the former Interior Minister was seen trying to stop the protestors from raising the slogan against the country’s Army. “Don’t raise slogans… we will fight with peace,” he said.

In India, ‘chowkidar chor hai’ slogan was used extensively by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to target PM Modi during the poll campaigning for the 2019 general elections.
Highlighting the National Assembly’s mid-night decision, Sheikh Rashid said: “If you want to save your country then don’t take a decision in the dark of night but in daylight.”

“On 29/4 there will be Eid. Be ready we will take the jail bharo movement from Lal Haveli daily. I myself will take it from Karachi,” he said, adding that he “will tell all the Sindhis that they (then opposition) are thieves, docents and robbers.”

The voting on the no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan-led PTI government began in the country’s National Assembly late on Saturday night where 174 members recorded their votes in favour of the resolution that ousted the Imran Khan.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday took out rallies in several cities of the country to protest against party chairman Imran Khan’s ouster as the prime minister through a vote of no-confidence.

The National Assembly session to elect the new premier will now be held at 2.00 pm on Monday, contrary to a previous schedule of 11.00 am.

Nomination papers of Pakistan joint opposition candidate Shehbaz Sharif and PTI’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been approved for the Prime Minister’s election.
Shehbaz Sharif is most likely to become the next Prime Minister of the country. 

IPL 2022: Hetmyer’s Half-Century, Chahal’s Four Wicket Haul Guide RR To Narrow Win Against LSG

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 07:01 PM PDT

Shimron Hetmyer’s unbeaten 59 and a four-wicket haul from Yuzvendra Chahal helped Rajasthan Royals beat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by three runs here at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing a competitive 166-run target Lucknow Super Giants got off to a worst possible start as Rajasthan’s left-arm pacer Trent Boult came up with a strategy to come around the wicket to LSG skipper KL Rahul and rattled his stumps in the very first ball. In the next ball after bowling a wide the Kiwi pacer dismissed Krishnappa Gowtham leg before wicket to leave Lucknow tottering at 1 for 2. Prasidh Krishna too joined his opening bowling partner dismissing Jason Holder for 8 to put Lucknow in further trouble at 14 for 3. Wicket-keeper batter Quinton de Kock and Deepak Hooda then struck a partnership to take their team’s total beyond the 50-run mark.

Pacer Kuldeep Sen broke the 38-run partnership cleaning up Hooda and making him his first IPL victim. Yuzvendra Chahal came into the attack and he got the important wicket of young Ayush Badoni for 5 as Lucknow lost half of their side for 74.

Krunal Pandya joined de Kock and the duo took LSG beyond the triple-figure mark. But then in the 16th over Chahal struck a double blow dismissing de Kock and Pandya for 39 and 22 respectively to leave Lucknow Super Giants tottering at 102/7.

Chahal got his fourth scalp in the form of Dushmantha Chameera as Lucknow lost their eighth wicket for 126. Just when it seemed curtains for Lucknow’s all-rounder Marcus Stoinis started hitting boundaries and sixes to take his team’s total beyond the 150-run mark and keep them in hunt for chasing the target.

With 15 runs to win in the last over, Kuldeep Sen bowled three dot balls to Stoinis as Lucknow fell short by three runs and Rajasthan registered their third win in four matches to reach the top of points table.

Earlier in the day after being put into bat Rajasthan Royals got off to a positive start with openers Jos Buttler and Devdutt Padikkal scoring runs at a brisk pace.

Avesh Khan was introduced into the attack and he cleaned up Buttler for 13 as Rajasthan Royals lost their first wicket for 42 in 5.1 overs. Captain Sanju Samson walked in to bat with Padikkal to take his team’s total beyond the 50-run mark.
Jason Holder dismissed Rajasthan skipper Samson leg before wicket for 13 to leave his team at 60/2. In the next over Krishnappa Gowtham struck a double blow to Rajasthan Royals dismissing Padikkal for 29 and then Rassie Van der Dussen for 4 to leave Rajasthan Royals tottering at 67/4.

Shimron Hetmyer and Ravichandran Ashwin then struck a much-needed partnership for Rajasthan Royals and took team’s total beyond 100-run mark in 16th over. The duo also went on to score 50-run partnership for fifth wicket.

In the 18th over Ashwin was retired out for 28. Hetmyer also notched up his half-century in just 33 balls and also took team’s total beyond 150-run mark.
Riyan Parag was dismissed in the last over for 8 by Holder as Rajasthan Royals scored 16 runs in the last over to post 165/6 in 20 overs.

Brief Scores: Rajasthan Royals 165/6 in 20 overs (Shimron Hetmyer 59*; Krishnappa Gowtham 2/30, Jason Holder 2/50) vs Lucknow Super Giants 162/8 in 20 overs (Quinton de Kock 39, Marcus Stoinis 38*;Yuzvendra Chahal 4/41, Trent Boult 2/30). 

Fan Arrested For Breaching Security To Meet Kohli, Rohit During IPL Match

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 09:26 AM PDT

A 26-year-old cricket fan was arrested by Pimpri-Chinchwad Police on Sunday for entering the field of MCA Stadium during the IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The fan was initially arrested by the cops on charges of trespassing and creating a disturbance as he breached the security to interact with RCB’s Virat Kohli and MI captain Rohit Sharma before being escorted out. The man was later identified as Dashrath Jadhav (26), a resident of the Satara district. The incident had taken place between 10.30 pm and 10.45 pm while the match was on.

The 26-year-old jumped the railing at the MCA Stadium and ran onto the field before he was chased away by security. He was detained by police on the ground before he could reach Rohit Sharma.

A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against the man under Sections 447 and 353 of the Indian Penal Code. He was booked at Talegaon Dabhade Police station.

The match was interrupted for a few minutes as the security officials chased away the fan before it restarted. RCB hammered MI by 7 wickets to make sure the 5-time champions remained winless after 4 matches in IPL 2022.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah Appointed To ICC Cricket Committee

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 09:23 AM PDT

Dubai [UAE]: BCCI secretary Jay Shah has been appointed to the ICC Cricket Committee as the Member Board Representative while Mahela Jayawardene was reappointed as Past Player representative on Sunday.


The key decisions were taken at the ICC Board Meeting held in Dubai. In line with a previous recommendation from the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, the CEC agreed that more neutral match officials should be utilised as travel restrictions are lifted while building on the success of the use of home umpires.


From the 2022-23 season, one neutral and one home umpire in Tests will be allowed, while home umpires are permitted for ODIs and T20s.


Following the recent decision to expand the ICC Women’s Championship to ten teams, the ICC Board approved a recommendation that ODI status be extended to a number of Associate Member women’s teams to enable them to progress to global qualifying events based on ODI rankings.


Among other decisions, the ICC Board confirmed that South Africa will host the inaugural ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in January next year. The tournament will be a 16-team, 41-match event.


The qualification pathway for the eight-team ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup was also confirmed. The yet to be determined host of the event will automatically qualify along with the next five highest-placed teams at the end of the 22-25 ICC Women’s Championship (IWC).

The remaining two teams will be identified through a global qualifying event between the four bottom-placed teams in the IWC plus an additional two teams from the ODI rankings.


The qualification pathway for the ICC men’s T20 World Cup 2024 was also confirmed with 12 teams qualifying automatically for the event. The top eight teams from the 2022 event will be joined by the two host members, West Indies and the USA plus the next highest-ranked teams on the MRF ICC Men’s T20 rankings table as of November 14, 2022. 

Biden, Modi To Discuss Ukraine, Indo-Pacific Security On Monday

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 09:15 AM PDT

Washington [US]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden on Monday to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the security situation in the Indo-Pacific region.


“President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will meet virtually with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India on Monday, April 11 to further deepen ties between our governments, economies, and our people,” the White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement.

The leaders will discuss ending the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening the global economy and bolstering “security, democracy and prosperity” in the Indo-Pacific.


“President Biden and Prime Minister Modi will discuss cooperation on a range of issues including ending the COVID-19 pandemic, countering the climate crisis, strengthening the global economy, and upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” Psaki added.


According to the White House, Biden will continue close consultations on the consequences of “Russia’s war against Ukraine” and mitigate its impact on global food supply and commodity markets.


PM Modi and Biden last spoke during the Quad Leaders meet in March.


The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a separate statement, informed that the two leaders will review ongoing bilateral cooperation and exchange views on recent developments in South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region and global issues of mutual interest.


“The virtual meeting will enable both sides to continue their regular and high-level engagement aimed at further strengthening the bilateral Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership,” the MEA said.


The virtual meeting is scheduled to precede the fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. 

No PM In Pakistan’s 75-Year History Lasted A Full 5-Years

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 09:09 AM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]: From first Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan to the recently ousted Imran Khan, none of the nineteen Prime Ministers in Pakistan’s 75-year history, had the fate to complete their full five-year term in office.


Imran Khan, however, has become the first Prime Minister of Pakistan to lose a no-trust vote in the National Assembly and be ousted from his seat. Pakistan’s first prime minister Liaquat Ali Khan was elected on August 15, 1947. Barely four years in office before he was assassinated on October 16, 1951, in Rawalpindi, reported Geo News.


After him, seven prime ministers resigned, five of the PMs faced dismissals, while the governments of four prime ministers were ousted through military coups.


Nawaz Sharif and Yousuf Raza Gilani were the two who were disqualified due to their convictions by the Supreme Court, reported Dawn.


Shaukat Aziz, Raja Pervez Ashraf and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi assumed the charge only to complete the remaining term after the disqualification and resignation of their predecessors.


Moreover, Benazir Bhutto was elected as the first female prime minister of Pakistan in 1988 and after years of military rule in Pakistan by General Zia-ul-Haq. Her party survived impeachment in 1989.


However, her government could not retain power and was sent packing by President Ghulam Ishaq Khan on August 6, 1990. Prime Minister Imran Khan was elected on August 18, 2018, and his term ended on April 10, 2022, after he became the first premier to be voted out from power. 

Himachal: CM Thakur Will Lead BJP In Polls- Nadda

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 08:57 AM PDT

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh): Backing Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, Bharatiya Janata Party chief JP Nadda said on Sunday that Thakur will lead the party in the upcoming assembly polls in the state.


“Jai Ram Thakur is doing work and he will continue with it in future. He will not be replaced and the BJP will contest the Assembly elections under his leadership,” said Nadda in a reply to Aam Aadmi Party’s leader Manish Sisodia’s claim that Union minister Anurag Thakur will replace Jai Ram Thakur.

Nadda also rubbished the rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle ahead of polls. However, he added that 10 to 15 per cent of sitting MLAs’ tickets will be cut in the polls.


“10 to 15 per cent of sitting BJP MLAs might not get tickets in the elections. 10 to 15 per cent of BJP MLAs did not get access in the UP Assembly elections, and it is likely to happen here, too,” he said.


Exuding confidence over BJP’s win, Nadda said, “we will form the government in the state once again.”


“Himachal was always neglected during the time of Congress while BJP is giving benefits of schemes to Himachal in the ratio of 90:10. The party has gained the faith of people on the basis of the development and work for the poor sections of the party under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he added.


On being asked why the party’s proposed CM face in the 2017 assembly polls Prem Kumar Dhumal was not made the CM after he lost the poll from his own constituency whereas in Uttar Pradesh Keshav Prasad Maurya was made the Deputy CM after he lost the election from his own constituency, BJP chief said that the party takes the decision on the basis of merit.


Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections are slated to be held this year. In the 2017 Assembly Election result, BJP won 44 seats–well past the halfway mark of 35-while the incumbent Congress got 21 and others got three seats of a total of 68 Assembly seats.

Karnataka: State BJP Leaders To Tour In 3 Teams- Bommai

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 08:49 AM PDT

Bengaluru (Karnataka): Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday said that the state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders will tour the state in three teams and hold conventions of district-level, booth-level party workers.


BJP National General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Arun Singh, state BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel and former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa will lead the teams.

“State BJP leaders will tour the state in three teams. They will hold conventions of district-level and booth-level party workers.

They will hold party conventions at nine places. BJP National General Secretary in charge of party affairs in Karnataka Arun Singh, State President Nalin Kumar Kateel and senior leader BS Yediyurappa will lead the teams,” Bommai said in a press conference.


This comes ahead of legislative assembly polls in Karnataka, which are scheduled to take place next year.


Bommai said that the state government has decided to hand over the investigation into the JJ Nagar Chandru murder case to the Crime Investigation Department (CID).


“Truth should come out. In this background, it has been decided to hand over the case to CID after conferring with State DGP and Bengaluru Commissioner of Police,” said the CM.


The JJ Nagar murder case revolves around the killing of 22-year Chandru on Tuesday (5 April 2022), who was stabbed by three people, following an argument.


According to the IPS Kamal Pant, while returning back from an eatery on Mysore Road, Chandru’s bike collided with another bike ridden by Shahid, which led to a quarrel between the two parties.


“During the fight, Shahid had stabbed the victim on his right thigh and the assailants fled from the spot,” Pant said.


Chandru was shifted to Victoria hospital, where he succumbed to injuries.
All the three accused were arrested. 

LSG’s Ayush Badoni Has All Qualities Of Future Star -Harbhajan Singh

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 08:45 AM PDT

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and former Indian pacer Dhawal Kulkarni have claimed that Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul calls young LSG batter Ayush Badoni ‘Baby AB’ for a reason.

In his short journey in IPL 2022, the 22-year-old cricketer has shown all the signs of a future star with his ability to play 360-degree shots even in crunch situations. While speaking on ‘Cricket Live’ on Star Sports, Harbhajan said: “Ayush Badoni is a very confident player and KL (Lokesh Rahul) was spot on with his observation when he said that he is very calm and composed. Watching him play you do not get the feeling that this is his debut IPL season. He has this quality to absorb pressure which is a sign of a big player and a future star.

“Generally, youngsters get bogged down when they see a big player in front of them. But Badoni was never intimidated by the reputation of the player he was facing and continued to play his shots. He has hit fours and sixes against every big player he’s faced. It shows how good his mindset is. This also shows that these young cricketers have come with a lot of preparation. Badoni has shown a lot of maturity for a youngster,” he added.

Former Indian pacer Dhawal Kulkarni – who has played for Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians in the IPL – claimed Badoni will emerge as a big player.

Kulkarni said: “Ayush has shown very good temperament in his first IPL. In his debut game when he came to bat, his team was under pressure and he slammed a fifty. In the second game, he helped his team chase down a big total under pressure. He has got all the qualities of becoming a big player one day.”

MNS Slams Maha Govt Over Hanuman Chalisa On Loudspeaker

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 08:42 AM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Sandeep Deshpande on Sunday slammed the Uddhav Thackrey-led state government in the state for detaining its leader for playing Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeaker in front of Shiv Sena Bhavan, questioning if the Bhavan is a mosque.


“Is Shiv Sena Bhawan a mosque where one gets detained for playing Hanuman Chalisa in front of it? Mumbai police should give an answer for this. Today it was Ram Navami and Hanuman Chalisa was being played. Is it the Thackrey government or Taliban government operating in the state?,” said Deshpande.

The leader further remarked that the Shiv Sena’s ‘Hindutva’ is over after this incident of detention.


Mumbai police on Sunday detained Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Yashwant Killedar and a taxi driver for putting a loudspeaker outside ‘Shiv Sena Bhawan’ in Mumbai and playing Hanuman Chalisa today on the occasion of Ram Navami.


The police questioned them in connection with the incident. However, no case has been registered so far.


Earlier today, the MNS leader played Hanuman Chalisa on a loudspeaker, following which the police stopped the leader. 

Militancy Is Declining, We’ll Ensure It Dwindles Further: IGP Kashmir

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 08:34 AM PDT

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): After two Pakistani terrorists of the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were killed in Srinagar in an encounter with the security forces, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar, on Sunday had a crystal take on the operation and the decline in militancy in the valley.


“Terrorists who carried out the attack on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel on April 4 belonged to Pakistan and were from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Both were gunned down. Our personnel become a soft target of militants. Militancy is declining and we’ll ensure it dwindles further,” said Kumar. As per police records, both the killed terrorists were ‘A’ categorised and linked with the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Killed terrorist Mohammad Bhai had been active since 2019 while Abu Arsalan had been active since 2021 in Central Kashmir.


Earlier, two CRPF jawans suffered injuries in the terrorist attack at Maisuma in Lal Chowk in Srinagar on April 4, where one jawan, who was injured in the attack in Srinagar, succumbed to his injuries.

Thane: Dead Body Of Youth Recovered From Parked Bus

Posted: 10 Apr 2022 08:24 AM PDT

Thane (Maharashtra): The dead body of a 30-year-old youth was recovered from a bus parked near a burial place in Mira Road, informed the police on Sunday.


The deceased was identified as Sachin Nanaware who did not return home after going out with his friends on Thursday night.

Later, the family members had registered a case at the nearest police station on Friday.

The police officials stated that Sachin was lynched to death with his face crushed by a stone.


Police registered a case of murder and investigations are underway. 

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