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8pm NEWSFEED

23, ఏప్రిల్ 2022, శనివారం

8pm NEWSFEED

Shoes Of BJP MLA Stolen In UP’s Agra

Posted: 23 Apr 2022 03:59 AM PDT

Agra (Uttar Pradesh): Shoes of Fatehabad BJP MLA Chotelal Verma were allegedly stolen after he went to inaugurate a fair in Agra on Friday evening.


Verma had arrived to inaugurate the two-day fair being held at the Mata Sati temple at the village in Tippuri on Shamsabad road, where from the BJP MLA’s shoes were stolen.

After the shoes were stolen, the MLA had to return home barefoot. Speaking to reporters after the incident, Verma said, “Some poor man might have worn my shoes. I wish Mata Sati to do good to that poor man and keep him happy.”


“The workers and organisers looked for the shoes here and there for a long time but the shoes were not found. Then, I decided to return back home barefoot,” he added. 

EU President To Arrive In New Delhi Today For Bilateral Talks

Posted: 23 Apr 2022 03:53 AM PDT

Brussels [Belgium]: President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will arrive in New Delhi on Saturday to celebrate 60 years of relationship between India and the European Union and to hold bilateral talks.


Taking to Twitter, Ursula von der Leyen said that she is looking forward to the discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I’m off to New Delhi as we celebrate 60 years of relations. 60 years during which we built a solid friendship. And a cooperation that we now both want to take to the next level. Looking forward to my discussions with @narendramodi,” the EU president said in a Tweet.


The forthcoming visit of the President of the European Commission will be an opportunity to review progress and further intensify the multifaceted partnership with the EU.


Meanwhile, Bjoern Seibert, Cabinet Head of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is in New Delhi today and held bilateral talks on the India-EU partnership and the current world order with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.


“Glad to meet Bjoern Newseibert, Head of Cabinet of the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. A useful discussion on India-EU partnership and the global strategic scenario,” Jaishankar tweeted.


The MEA said in a statement that this will be Ursula von der Leyen’s first visit to India as the President of the European Commission.

She will also meet President Ram Nath Kovind and other dignitaries. The President of the European Commission has been invited as the Chief Guest for this year’s edition of Raisina Dialogue and will address the inaugural session on April 25.


“India and the European Union share a vibrant Strategic Partnership which has been witnessing strong growth with wider and deeper cooperation in Political and Strategic, Trade and Commerce, Climate and Sustainability, Digital and Technology aspects as well as people-to-people ties,” the MEA statement read.


The India-EU Leaders’ Meeting in May 2021 set new milestones with the decision to resume trade talks and the launch of the India-EU Connectivity Partnership. 

Women In Pakistan Suffer Unabated Killings For ‘Family Honour’

Posted: 23 Apr 2022 03:43 AM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]: In the name of honour killing, murder committed on the pretext of family honour, women in Pakistan continue to suffer in the hands of perpetrators legitimising their actions through a misplaced sense of justice, reported local media.


In most cases, the idea behind the murders is that of a woman having transgressed the perceived notions of morality or sometimes sexual morality.

Notably, it is always the perpetrator who determines when sensibilities have been overstepped or traditions breached and the right or wrong is decided according to their perception.

It is pertinent to note that these perpetrators are not strangers but the men killing at the behest of the family. While the perpetrators are fathers, brothers, and husbands, these crimes often involve a degree of collusion and agreement from family or even the community.


Thus, it is not surprising that there are no clear statistics regarding the specific number of honour killings committed annually in Pakistan as the authorities are misled by the family members who describe such deaths as suicide or natural causes, reported The Friday Times.


It is horrifying how in some cases, the most innocuous of behaviours, such as clapping at a family wedding or wanting to leave an abusive marriage, is interpreted as ‘inappropriate’, ‘unacceptable’ or ‘dishonourable’, leading to killing for “honour”.


Though there are laws in place to address these issues, the legislation leaves things open to the court for interpretation as to whether a crime was honour-based or not, in the event that it could lead to a reduced sentence. Thus, this leaves room for bias, according to the media outlet.


According to a Supreme Court judgment in 2020, Pakistan has one of the highest per capita honour killings in the world. However, by using words like ‘honour’, the Pakistan society not only downplays the atrocity of the crime but legitimises it with a belief that ‘bad character’, particularly pertaining to a woman, needs to be punished or it will tarnish the community at large. 

Gujarat Polls-BJP Asks Workers To Work For 6 Months, Non-stop

Posted: 23 Apr 2022 03:32 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while gearing up for Gujarat Assembly polls has asked party workers to continuously work for the next six months after May 4 without a break, said state party chief CR Patil on Saturday.

After poll victory in four out of five states in the recently concluded Assembly polls, the BJP workers have been asked to gear up for next the big polls in Gujarat.


“We want our party cadre to be energised and that is one of the reasons we have decided that May 1 being a public holiday we have decided not to hold any programs from May 1 to 4. This will be the only break that the party workers will get ahead of the poll battle for Gujarat,” Patil said.


“Be geared up to work non-stop for the next six months because we need to give our best, and that’s the message conveyed to the party workers,” Patil added.


The state has already gotten into an election mode with Prime Minister Narendra Modi already having blown the poll bugle in the state, making two visits in the last two months and many more to follow in the forthcoming months.


Gujarat has had a slew of visitors not only politicians from within the state and Centre but also from foreign countries, including Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom and Mauritius Boris Johnson and Pravind Kumar Jugnauth respectively.


Apart from the visits by PM Modi, there have been visits to the state by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is also an elected member of Parliament from Gandhinagar.


In the next fortnight or so, the BJP national president JP Nadda is also likely to tour the state and to gear up the party workers for the upcoming Gujarat elections.


Gujarat has been a BJP bastion with the party now seeking its sixth term.


PM Narendra Modi has been the longest-serving chief minister of Gujarat for a total of 21 years. In September last year, the BJP adopted a complete makeover strategy and Bhupendra Patel replaced Vijay Rupani as the Chief Minister along with a complete makeover of the state Cabinet. 

Suspect For Latest Shooting In Washington DC Found Dead

Posted: 23 Apr 2022 03:22 AM PDT

Washington [US]: A person believed to be the suspect of a shooting that wounded four people in northwest Washington, D.C. on Friday afternoon has been found dead, local police said.


Robert Contee, chief of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, told reporters that they “believe the suspect took his own life” as officers were entering or breaching the apartment where he was located, reported Xinhua.

The police department tweeted in the evening that Raymond Spencer, 23, of Fairfax, Virginia, was identified as a person of interest.

Officers recovered six firearms, including long guns, and multiple rounds of ammunition “inside the fifth-floor apartment where the suspect was found deceased.”

“This was very much a sniper-type set up with a tripod, and this person, obviously, his intent was to kill and hurt members of our community,” Contee stressed, as per the news agency.

“It just appears that this person was just shooting at anyone who was out there randomly,” he said, adding that the shooter was firing from north to south “definitely in excess of 20 rounds.”

The shooting that took place at about 3:20 p.m. (1920 GMT) prompted a massive police response and school lockdowns.

“MPD is responding to the 4100 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW for the report of at least 2 shooting victims. There is a large police presence in the area. Updates will follow,” DC Police Department tweeted.

Officers in tactical gear could be seen running in the area, while others had their guns drawn as they evacuated residents of an apartment building on Van Ness Street NW.

Delhi Govt Revokes Closure Notices To 400 Hotels in Paharganj, Karol Bagh

Posted: 23 Apr 2022 03:14 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Arvind Kejriwal led-Delhi government on Saturday granted relief to 400 hotel owners of the Paharganj and Karol Bagh area by revoking ‘closure notices’ issued to them by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).


On Friday, a delegation of the 400 affected hotel owners from Paharganj and Karol Bagh met Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai to press for relief. The AAP MLA Vishesh Ravi has also written to Rai requesting relief to the hotel owners.


”I have to intervene in the matter immediately because these hotels are already struggling to make ends meet and more importantly, they employ residents from the area who would be distraught and left unemployed if this order came into effect,” reads the MLA Vishesh Ravi letter.


However, 10 hotels had already been sealed by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Karol Bagh. After the revocation of the said order, these will be opened once again. 

IPL 2022: Accept Umpire’s Decision Whether Right Or Not, Says Shane Watson

Posted: 23 Apr 2022 03:11 AM PDT

After the last over controversy in the match against Rajasthan Royals which Delhi Capitals lost, Assistant Coach Shane Watson said that the team has to accept the decision of the umpire, whether it is right or not.

Jos Buttler’s 116-run knock and Prasidh Krishna’s three-wicket haul helped Rajasthan Royals beat Delhi Capitals by 15 runs in a high-scoring match at the Wankhede Stadium here on Friday. “It is very disappointing what happened in that last over. Unfortunately, we were in that position in the game because we were not able to put things together for long enough throughout that game up until that point,” said Shane Watson in a press conference.

“In the end, the one thing at the Delhi Capitals you don’t stand for is what happened. The umpires’ decision, whether it’s right wrong, we have to accept it. Someone running on to the field certainly we can’t accept. It’s not good enough,” Watson added.

With 36 runs needed in the last six balls for Delhi Capitals, Rovman Powell hit six of the first two balls of the over of left-arm pacer Obed McCoy. On the third ball, he again hit a full toss ball for a maximum and that full toss according to Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant and team management was a no-ball.

But the on-field umpire did not give a no-ball and even refused to consult the third umpire. Pant threatened to forfeit the match and asked both Powell and Kuldeep Yadav to come out of the field.

Assistant coach Praveen Amre entered the field to request umpires to go to the third umpire but the on-field umpires Nitin Menon and Nikhil Patwardhan did not budge.
“There is no question when there is a big stoppage in play like that, it can change the momentum. It gave McCoy a little bit of time to regroup as well. That stoppage did play into Rajasthan Royals’ hands. It was an unfortunate stoppage. In the end, the thing is you got to accept the umpires’ decision no matter what it is – whether it is a good one or not so good one. You have just got to get on with the game,” he said.
“We are always taught as youngsters all the way through that we have got to accept the umpires’ decision. That’s what we should have done.”

This was Delhi Capitals’ fourth defeat in seven matches and they are now in sixth place on the IPL points table. Rajasthan Royals won their fifth match out of seven and are now at the top of the table.

India Logs 2,527 New COVID-19 Cases, 33 Deaths In 24 Hours

Posted: 23 Apr 2022 03:05 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: India reported 2,527 new COVID-19 cases and 33 fatalities in the last 24 hours informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday.


India on Friday had reported 2,451 fresh COVID-19 cases and 54 fatalities. With this, the active caseload in the country stands at 15,079 which is 0.04 per cent of the total cases.


A total of 1,656 COVID patients recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours taking the total number of recoveries since the beginning of the pandemic to 4,25,17,724. The recovery rate is 98.75 per cent.


According to the Ministry, 33 patients succumbed to the virus. The death toll in the country is now at 5,22,149.


The daily positivity rate is at 0.56 per cent. The weekly positivity rate stands at 0.50 per cent.


As many as 4,55,179 COVID samples were tested in the last 24 hours. A total of 83.42 crore tests have been conducted in the country so far.


As far as vaccination is concerned, 19,13,296 doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered during this period. With this, the total number of vaccine jabs administered under the nationwide vaccination drive so far went up to 1,87,46,72,536. 

IPL 2022: Rishabh Pant, Shardul Thakur, Pravin Amre Fined For Code Of Conduct Breach

Posted: 23 Apr 2022 02:59 AM PDT

Delhi Capitals captain, Rishabh Pant has been fined 100 per cent of his match fee for breaching the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Code of Conduct during his team’s match against Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Friday.


Also Read: It Was A No-Ball, Third Umpire Should Have Intervened- Rishabh Pant

According to an official statement from IPL, Pant admitted to the Level 2 offence under Article 2.7 of the IPL Code of Conduct and accepted the sanction. Apart from him, Shardul Thakur from Delhi Capitals has been fined 50 per cent of his match fee for breaching the Code of Conduct during his team’s match against RR.

Thakur admitted to the Level 2 offence under Article 2.8 of the IPL Code of Conduct and accepted the sanction.

Also Read: It Was Full Toss And Umpire Sticked To His Decision: Sanju Samson On No-Ball Controversy

Delhi Capitals’ assistant coach Pravin Amre has been fined 100 per cent of his match fee for breaching the code of Conduct during his team’s match against Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. He will also face a one-match ban for the offence.

Amre also admitted to the Level 2 offence under Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct and accepted the sanction.

In the match played at the Wankhede Stadium, Jos Buttler’s 116-run knock and Prasidh Krishna’s three-wicket haul helped Rajasthan Royals beat Delhi Capitals by 15 runs.

Delhi will be going up against Kolkata Knight Riders for their next IPL 2022 clash on Thursday at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. 

Punjab Government Withdraws Security Cover Of 184 VIPs

Posted: 23 Apr 2022 02:59 AM PDT

Chandigarh (Punjab): The Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Bhagwant Mann led Punjab government has withdrawn the security cover provided to 184 former ministers, MLAs and private protectees in Punjab.


In a letter, dated April 20, the Additional Director General of Police Security said, “Consequent to a security review based on current threat assessment, the competent authority has approved the withdrawal of security from… Former Ministers, Former MLAs and private protectees.” Among the 184 VIPs to lose their security are the Families of– former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, Gurdarshan Brar, IPS Gurdarshan Singh, and Udaybir Singh (son of former cabinet minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa).


Alongside, the security of former Cabinet Ministers– Surjit Singh Rakhra and Bibi Jagir Kaur, Tota Singh (Shiromani Akali Dal Moga), Former Congress MP– Varinder Singh Bajwa, Santosh Chaudhary, and Ex- Congress MLA Deep Malhotra has also been withdrawn.


Rajesh Bagga (State Vice President from Bharatiya Janata Party), Mahi Gill (BJP star campaigner), and Harinder Singh Kohli (District president BJP) have also lost the deployed security personnel.


According to the order personnel deployed on specific orders of the Supreme Court or High Court will not be withdrawn.


Earlier on March 12, the security cover of 122 Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) was stripped. 

China Logs 2,971 New Local COVID-19 Cases In Past 24 Hours

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 11:24 PM PDT

The Chinese mainland reported 2,971 new locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, of which 2,736 were reported in Shanghai, said the National Health Commission on Saturday.

Besides Shanghai, the rest of the local cases were reported in 16 other provincial-level regions including 136 in the northeastern province of Jilin, and six in Beijing, reported Xinhua citing the commission. China also reported 21,355 locally transmitted asymptomatic infections of the novel coronavirus on Friday, of which, 20,634 were reported in Shanghai.

Of 30,662 confirmed COVID-19 cases undergoing treatment in hospitals across the country, as many as 3,127 recoveries were reported on Friday.

However, as many as 12 people, all in Shanghai, succumbed to the infection on Friday, bringing the mainland’s total COVID-19 deaths to 4,686, Xinhua reported.

Saudi Arabia Blocks Theatrical Release Of ‘Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness’

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 10:54 PM PDT

Seems like Marvel’s upcoming film ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ will not be getting a theatrical release in Saudi Arabia.

According to Deadline, the movie has technically not been banned; it simply didn’t receive a distribution certificate. If that changes, then it might be released. This follows in the wake of Marvel’s ‘The Eternals’ not playing in Saudi Arabia, that movie was forbidden there over its same-gender couple romance and the MCU’s first gay superhero.

Quite often movies with LGBTQ content don’t make it past censors in the Gulf, and ‘Doctor Strange 2’ features America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) who is gay in the Marvel comics.

Doctor Strange 2 was scheduled to be released across the Gulf as part of the day-and-date theatrical debut on May 5. The sequel is expected to be released in the United Arab Emirates though, Kuwait and Qatar’s release for ‘Doctor Strange 2’ remain up in the air, as per Deadline.

Security Tightened Ahead Of PM Modi’s Visit To J-K Tomorrow

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 09:46 PM PDT

Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir): Security arrangements have been strengthened ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to J-K’s Palli on Sunday.


The Prime Minister is scheduled to address panchayats across the country on ‘Panchayati Raj Diwas’ tomorrow. Every year, April 24 is celebrated as the National Panchayati Raj Day.


The Prime minister will address a gathering including more than 30,000 Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members of Jammu and Kashmir while PRIs from across the country will be connected virtually for the Prime Minister’s address.


PM Modi will visit J-K’s Palli panchayat in the Samba district tomorrow.

The date – April 24, 1993 – marks a defining moment in the history of decentralisation of power to the grassroots, with the institutionalisation of Panchayati Raj, through the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 which came into force with effect from that day.


Panchayat Palli in Jammu has been selected for the Panchayati Raj Diwas function this year and an exhibition showcasing the latest innovations will be put up enabling farmers, sarpanchs and village heads to improve their income and their produce.


Amongst important innovations that are planned to be showcased, are geospatial technology for rural development and farmers, apps usable by farmers for weather forecast for five days, lavender cultivation famously known as purple revolution, biotechnology innovation to increase the production of apple on the same land to increase farmers’ income, drone application for pesticide spray and waste treatment, the shelf life of fruits to be increased through atomic radiation, etc.

Shiv Sena:BJP Glorifies Godse But Takes Dignitaries Sabarmati Ashram

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 09:34 PM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): The Shiv Sena in its mouthpiece Saamana took potshot at the Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming that while “the party glorifies Nathuram Godse, but the foreign dignitaries on India tour are taken to Sabarmati Ashram” while also asserting that Mahatma Gandhi remains the identity of India on the global stage.


In its editorial, Saamana argued: “It’s a wonder that they (BJP) support the ideology of Nathuram Godse but when foreign guests arrive, they take them to Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram to weave the yarn.”

The editorial also hit out at the BJP-led government at the Centre, claiming that even though the Statue of Unity is there in Gujarat, foreign dignitaries are still taken to the Sabarmati Ashram.


“Even while a grand statue of Iron Man Sardar Patel has been constructed in Gujarat, the UK PM Boris Johnson and other (foreign) guests are not taken there because Gandhi remains the identity of India on the global stage,” added the Saamana editorial.


Shiv Sena mouthpiece further slammed the BJP over the issue of communal violence witnessed in some parts of the country in recent times.


“During Johnson’s stay in India, there was an atmosphere of communal tension throughout the country, including in the national capital Delhi. During the country’s independence, there was an atmosphere of religious hatred and violence.

Even after so many years, the Prime Minister of UK is witnessing the same atmosphere in India.

Johnson saw India in the same condition in which the British had left the country,” the editorial stated.


United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on a two-day visit to India on April 21-22. He visited Sabarmati Ashram and Akshardham Temple in Gujarat.

He also met businessman Gautam Adani. Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi his “khaas dost (special friend)”, Johnson said that they have asked negotiators to reach an agreement on a Free Trade Agreement by Diwali this year. 

Asian Wrestling Championships: Anshu Malik, Radhika Settle For Silver; Manisha Claims Bronze

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 09:29 PM PDT

Indian wrestlers Anshu Malik and Radhika settled for the silver medal in their respective 57kg and 65kg category games while Manisha claimed bronze in 62kg here at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2022 on Friday.

Indian wrestler Anshu Malik settled for the silver medal at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2022 as she lost to Japan’s Tsugumi Sakurai 0-4 in the 57kg category final in Ulaanbaatar. Malik won gold in the 2021 edition of the Asian Championships 57kg wrestling event and was out to defend her title on Friday. In the clash, Defending champion lost the bout before she could make a mover as Sakurai took a 4-0 lead by pinning and rolling her Indian opponent out of the ring.

Meanwhile, Radhika won three of her four bouts in the 65kg category to ensure a silver medal in the tournament. The only match that she lost was against Japan’s Miya Morikawa. Manisha bagged the bronze medal in the 62kg category by defeating South Korea’s Hanbit Lee 4-2.

Earlier, Sarita Mor and Sushma Shokeen won bronze medals for India in their respective women’s freestyle weight categories at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2022.

On Saturday, Indian men’s freestyle wrestlers, including Tokyo Olympic medalists Ravi Kumar Dahiya and Bajrang Punia, will compete.

Maharastra: Mohit Kamboj Alleges Ruling Party Tried To Kill Him

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 09:24 PM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): BJP leader Mohit Kamboj on Friday alleged that his car was attacked by a mob at Kalanagar Junction in Mumbai, and called it an attempt to kill him by the Shiv Sena and the Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.


Kamboj had once alleged that Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ministers have links with ‘drugs mafias’.


Speaking on the matter, the BJP leader said that the governance in Maharashtra is worse than that in West Bengal.

“My car was attacked at Kalanagar Junction by a mob. We managed to flee. Governance in Maharashtra proving to be worse than that in Bengal. Opposition leaders who expose corrupt ministers like Nawab Malik are being attacked by the state government…I condemn it,” Kamboj said.

He further claimed that the attack was the ruling party’s attempt to kill him.
“This was an attempt to kill me by Shiv Sena and Maharashtra CM, so as to suppress my voice. Will see what action will be taken by Mumbai Police. Everything has been recorded on the CCTV,” he said.


A case was registered against Kamboj in February this year at the Santacruz Police station on charges of violating the Arms Act, including violating the COVID-19 rules.


Mumbai Police filed an FIR against Kamboj for celebrating with a sword in public after the arrest of the NCP leader Nawab Malik.


Enforcement Directorate had arrested Minorities Development Minister Malik on February 23 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) over a property deal allegedly linked to the aides of gangster Dawood Ibrahim. Soon after his arrest, the minister had filed a habeas corpus plea in the High Court, challenging his arrest and the remand orders.


The agency on Thursday submitted an around 5,000-page chargesheet against Malik in the case.

Wasim Khan Appointed As ICC General Manager Of Cricket

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 09:23 PM PDT

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday confirmed Wasim Khan has been appointed as ICC General Manager of Cricket and will take up his post next month.

Khan who was previously the Chief Executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Leicestershire County Cricket Club and Chance to Shine, will take over from Geoff Allardice who spent eight years in the role before being appointed as the ICC CEO.

Allardice said: “I am delighted to welcome Wasim to the ICC. He brings an in-depth knowledge of our sport and its stakeholders and his firsthand experience of the international cricket landscape will be of enormous benefit as we implement the ICC global growth strategy and move forward into a new events cycle.”

Khan added: “I am honoured to be joining the ICC, I can’t wait to get started and work in partnership with our Members to strengthen and grow our sport. I’m particularly excited by the ICC’s commitment to the growth of the women’s game, and I look forward to playing my part in really accelerating that growth over the next decade.”

IPL 2022: It Was Full Toss And Umpire Sticked To His Decision: Sanju Samson On No-Ball Controversy

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 09:16 PM PDT

RR Skipper Sanju Samson has opined that the umpire’s refusal to check a no-ball in the final over of the thriller match between Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals was very clear and he had stuck to it.

Jos Buttler’s 116-run knock and Prasidh Krishna’s three-wicket haul helped Rajasthan Royals beat Delhi Capitals by 15 runs in a high-scoring match at the Wankhede Stadium. With 36 runs needed in the last six balls for Delhi Capitals, Rovman Powell hit six of the first two balls of the over to left-arm pacer Obed McCoy. In the third ball, he again hit a full toss ball for a maximum and that full toss according to Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant and team management was a no-ball.

But the on-field umpire did not give a no-ball and even refused to consult the third umpire hence Pant threatened to forfeit the match and asked both Powell and Kuldeep Yadav to come out of the field.

“It went for a six, it was a full toss and the umpire gave it a normal ball. But the batsman wanted it as a no-ball. I think the umpire made his decision very clear and sticked to it, We wanted to be around him (McCoy) and wanted to put a smile on his face. Not easy for a bowler after conceding three sixes. We wanted to change the plan so we took our time, to give the bowler a breather,” said Sanju Samson in a post-match presentation.

With this win, the inaugural champions go to the top of the points table with five wins in seven matches. In a match chasing a mammoth target of 223 runs, Delhi were restricted to 207/8 and lost the match by 15 runs.

“The last game was a tough one, and this game too, with Powell hitting those sixes. It’s important to stay calm and trust your teammates. You need to back yourself. Can’t say anything about the toss. Losing toss is working, so we’ll like to stick to that. Don’t think there was much dew, but the bowlers are experienced enough to bowl in these conditions,” he added.
Captain Sanju Samson played his 100th match for Rajasthan Royals – and he also went on to notch up over 5000 runs in T20s. Samson helped his team notch up 222/2 in 20 overs. Samson scored an unbeaten 46 off 19 balls hitting five fours and three sixes.
“Ashwin and Chahal have been bowling well, touch wood we continue to do it. It is normal to drop catches, even I dropped one in the last match. I told the players how to recover from that in the team meeting. He (Buttler) has been playing well, and that’s a crucial part in this format. DDP is a smart cricketer and there’s a lot more to come from him,” said Samson. 

Himachal Too Will Get ‘Honest Government’: Arvind Kejriwal

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 09:15 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: AAP convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday stated that the Delhi model means an honest government and Himachal Pradesh too will get an ‘honest government’.


He was replying to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur’s “Delhi’s model is not acceptable in Himachal” comment. “Delhi model means honest government.

Jairam ji says that there cannot be an honest government in Himachal Pradesh because the social and political conditions of Himachal are different? The question is not of circumstances, but of intention, Jairam ji. The intention of “you” is clear. Like Punjab and Delhi, now “AAP” will give honest government in Himachal Pradesh too.”

Earlier, CM Thakur said, “He (Arvind Kejriwal) is trying to put efforts for his party. These visits will continue till the polls, but comparing Himachal Pradesh with Delhi’s model is not acceptable; societal and political circumstances are different here.”


Arvind Kejriwal will address a rally in poll-bound Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district on Saturday. On Friday, BJP national president JP Nadda held a roadshow in Kangra.

Thakur further added, “Himachal public has not given a place or respect to a third party ever. So BJP will definitely come to power in Himachal Pradesh.”

Imran Khan Destroyed Pakistan’s Economy: Nawaz Sharif

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 09:06 PM PDT

London [UK]: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday attacked the country’s ex-prime minister Imran Khan for “destroying Pakistan’s economy”.


Addressing a press conference alongside Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in London, he once again rejected “foreign conspiracy” charge made by Imran Khan. “Were you involved in holding an atomic blast? Why will there be a foreign conspiracy against you?” Nawaz was quoted as saying by The News International newspaper.


Nawaz Sharif, who is also the PMLN supremo, said that the biggest conspiracy against the country was the imposition of Imran Khan on Pakistan.


The former Pak PM said the economy of Pakistan as well as the civility of Pakistan was ruined completely. “But now we will have to repair the damage done to the economy,” Nawaz said.


After the fall of the Imran Khan government, Nawaz Sharif said there was an enormous challenge facing the new Shehbaz Sharif government.


“We need to work together as Pakistan saw the worst of times during the four years that Imran Khan was in power […] he took U-turns on everything and always did the opposite of what he vowed,” Nawaz said.


This scathing rebuke comes as Pakistan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs on Thursday released the foreign debt bulletin for July-March period of the current fiscal year.


According to the report, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) took USD 15 billion gross foreign loans during its last nine months in power, bringing the total gross foreign borrowings to over USD 57.


The ministry report showed that the PTI government crossed almost 89pc of the target for foreign assistance set for the whole fiscal year.


In another report by The News, it was reported that the PTI government gave out discretionary funds to the tune of PKR 142 billion through the ruling party’s parliamentarians for the execution of small development schemes. 

RBI Launches Quarterly Industrial Outlook Survey

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 09:00 PM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday said it has launched the 98th round of the quarterly industrial outlook survey of the country’s manufacturing sector for the reference period April-June 2022.


The survey assesses business sentiment for the first quarter of 2022-23 and expectations for the ensuing quarter July-September 2022-23 period, based on qualitative responses on a set of indicators pertaining to demand conditions, financial conditions, employment conditions and the price situation.

The quarterly industrial outlook survey provides useful insight into the performance of the manufacturing sector.


Owing to continued uncertainty because of the COVID-19 pandemic, an additional block has been included in this survey round for assessing the outlook on key parameters for the two subsequent quarters (Q3:2022-23 and Q4:2022-23), the RBI said in a statement.


Genesis Management & Market Research Pvt Ltd has been authorised to conduct the quarterly industrial outlook survey for April-June 2022 on behalf of the Reserve Bank of India.


While the agency will approach selected companies, other manufacturing companies are also encouraged to participate in the survey by downloading the survey questionnaire from the Bank’s website, the RBI said. 

Inflation Worries Dominated RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee Meeting

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 08:53 PM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Challenges posed due to persistently high inflation dominated the Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting held during April 6-8, as per the minutes of the meeting released by the RBI on Friday.


The Monetary Policy Committee chaired by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das reviewed the surveys conducted by the Reserve Bank to gauge consumer confidence, households’ inflation expectations, corporate sector performance, credit conditions, the outlook for the industrial, services and infrastructure sectors, and the projections of professional forecasters, the minutes of the meeting showed.

The MPC also reviewed in detail staff’s macroeconomic projections, and alternative scenarios around various risks to the outlook, it said.


On the basis of an assessment of the current and evolving macroeconomic situation, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) at its meeting held on April 8, 2022, decided to keep the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) unchanged at 4.0 per cent.


The marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate were also kept unchanged at 4.25 per cent.


The MPC also decided to remain accommodative while focusing on withdrawal of accommodation to ensure that inflation remains within the target going forward, while supporting growth.


The committee noted the recent spike in inflation. The headline CPI inflation edged up to 6.0 per cent in January 2022 and 6.1 per cent in February, breaching the upper tolerance threshold.


Pick-up in food inflation contributed the most to headline inflation, with inflation of cereals, vegetables, spices and protein-based food items like eggs, meat and fish being the key drivers.


Fuel inflation moderated on continuing deflation in electricity and steady LPG prices. Core inflation, i.e., CPI inflation excluding food and fuel remained elevated, though there was some moderation from 6.0 per cent in January to 5.8 per cent in February primarily due to the easing of inflation in transport and communication; pan, tobacco and intoxicants; recreation and amusement; and health, the committee noted.

Wall Street Down For 3rd Week On Interest Rate Hike Fears

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 08:44 PM PDT

New York [US]: Wall Street fell for a third straight week as fears of aggressive interest rate hikes by a Federal Reserve eager to break the back of the worst US inflation in 40 years led to an investor exodus from stocks and even safe-havens such as gold.


The three major US stock indexes – the S&P 500, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq Composite – closed Friday’s trade down by an average of 2.7%. For the week, their average decline was 2.8%, adding to the average net loss of 2.6% over two previous weeks.

Stocks have been in a downtrend most of April, with the Fed planning some of its most aggressive monetary tightening ever to put the brakes on price pressures running riot since the breakout of the Russia-Ukraine conflict that has squeezed global supplies of oil, grains and specialty metals.


The rout on Wall Street deepened this week after an array of Federal Reserve officials – including James Bullard and Mary Daly, who head the central bank’s St. Louis and San Francisco divisions, respectively – suggested that a 50-basis point, or half percentage point, hike be imposed at the upcoming policy meeting set for May 4-5.

The Federal Reserve approved a mere 25-basis point, or quarter point, increase at its previous interest rate hike in March.


Bullard had even suggested a 75-basis point, or three-quarter percentage point, hike, saying the Federal Reserve was way behind the curve in fighting inflation growing at its fastest pace since 1981.


Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell weighed in on the debate on Thursday, saying it would be “appropriate” for the central bank to move faster and heavier on rates.

That accelerated the selloff in stocks over the past two days, and even pulled down gold, seen as a hedge against economic and political troubles.


“The [US] economy is very strong, as is the labor market, but both can only sustain so much tightening in a short period and we may soon see whether the Fed has left itself too much to do,” Craig Erlam, analyst at online trading platform OANDA, said.

“Central banks may be targeting a soft landing while belatedly combating very high inflation but that is very hard to achieve and there are plenty of reasons to believe they’ll fail to do so again.”


In Friday’s stock market action on the Wall Street, the S&P 500 – which groups the top 500 US stocks – finished down 119 points, or 2.7%, at 4,274. For the week, it fell 2.8%.


The Nasdaq Composite – which houses the biggest technology names of the world, including Amazon, Apple, Netflix and Google – closed down 335 points, or 2.6%, at 12,839. It tumbled 3.8% on the week for its worst weekly decline since mid-January.


The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which lists travel, aviation and cross-industry value stocks, settled down 981 points, or 2.8%, at 33,811. For the week, it fell 1.9%.

Bank Of Baroda Lowers Home Loan Rate By 0.25%

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 08:34 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Public sector lender Bank of Baroda on Friday said it has lowered the interest rate on home loans by 0.25 per cent or 25 basis points to 6.50 per cent for a limited period till June 30.


The new interest rate is available for customers applying for fresh home loans as well as for balance transfers.

“We have seen a significant pick-up in home sales over the last many months and we are delighted to extend the good times for home buyers with the introduction of a special, limited period interest rate offer of 6.50 per cent along with nil processing charges,” Bank of Baroda said in a statement.


“We expect the momentum to continue, as customers seek to make the most of this very attractive offer to buy their dream home,” H T Solanki, Bank of Baroda’s General Manager for mortgages and other retail assets, said in the statement

RBI Imposes Monetary Penalty On Central Bank Of India

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 08:29 PM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday said it has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 36 lakh on the Central Bank of India for non-compliance with certain regulatory directions.


Central Bank of India has been penalised for non-compliance with certain directions issued by the RBI on ‘Customer Protection-Limiting Liability of Customers in Unauthorised Electronic Banking Transactions’.

The RBI issued the penalty order on 18th April 2022. “This action is based on the deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers,” the RBI said in a statement.


The statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2020 and the examination of the Risk Assessment Report, Inspection Report and all related correspondences pertaining to the same, revealed, inter alia, non-compliance with the aforesaid directions to the extent the bank failed to credit (shadow reversal) the amount involved in the unauthorised electronic transaction to the customer’s account within 10 working days from the date of notification by the customer, the RBI said.


In furtherance to the same, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why a penalty should not be imposed on it for failure to comply with the said directions, as stated therein.


After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, oral submissions made in the personal hearing and examination of additional submissions made by it, RBI came to the conclusion that the aforesaid charge of non-compliance with the aforesaid RBI directions were substantiated and warranted imposition of monetary penalty, to the extent of non-compliance with such directions, the RBI added. 

Nykaa Acquires 18.51% Stake In Beauty Brand Earth Rhythm

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 08:24 PM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Falguni Nayar-led Nykaa on Friday said it has entered into an agreement to acquire 18.51 per cent stake in science-focused beauty brand Earth Rhythm for Rs 41.65 crore.


With an active focus on research-based and results-oriented products, Earth Rhythm has earned its credentials as a sustainable and inclusive brand amongst Indian beauty consumers.

Nykaa’s investment in Earth Rhythm reinforces the potential of the brand and addresses a growing market for products that are committed to efficacy as well as the planet, Nykaa said in a statement.

Earth Rhythm, formerly known as Soapworks India, was launched in 2015, in a humble home-based set-up by Harini Sivakumar.

An erstwhile banker, Harini turned to entrepreneurship in her quest to find the safest skincare products for her son.

In the initial months of founding her own skincare line, she focused solely on studying skin formulations along with her father, who shares her passion and keen attention to clean skin and hair care.


Over the years, Harini has enriched Earth Rhythm with her expertise as a Cosmetic Scientist and has continued strengthening the brand’s promise of clinically effective and high-quality beauty products.

It is this commitment that is compelling to Nykaa and brings the two brands together in their effort to make a discernible difference in the market and for consumers, the statement said.


“Harini’s tenacious story of why she founded Earth Rhythm reflects her focus on creating a wide range of beauty products that the discerning Indian consumer is looking for.

We are proud to partner with a promising early-stage start-up and help them to achieve their potential by leveraging Nykaa’s expertise and ecosystem,” said Anchit Nayar, CEO, e-Commerce Beauty, Nykaa. 

Niti Aayog’s Vice Chairman Steps Down, Suman K Bery Appointed

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 08:17 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: After serving as Niti Aayog’s vice chairman for nearly five years, Rajiv Kumar has stepped down from the post, and will be replaced by economist Suman K Bery on May 1.


As per a notification of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Suman K Bery has been initially appointed “with immediate effect” as a full-time member of the Niti Aayog, “up to April 30”, on the same terms and conditions as are applicable to full-time members of Niti Aayog.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, in the notification, also approved Kumar’s resignation and has said to relieve him from the post on April 30.


Notifying Bery’s appointment, the notification read: “Appointment of Dr Suman K Bery as Vice-Chairperson, NITI Aayog … with effect from May 1, 2022 until further orders, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the previous Vice-Chairperson, NITI Aayog.”


Notably, Kumar had taken over as vice chairman of the government’s think tank in August 2017, taking over from Arvind Panagariya who decided to return to his teaching assignment at Columbia University.


Meanwhile, Bery, a well-known economist, has previously served as the Director-General of the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER).


He was also a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, the Statistical Commission and the technical committee of the Reserve Bank of India. Berry has also worked for the World Bank during India’s economic reforms.

Oil Prices Down 5% Over The Week, Trading At $106.65 On Friday

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 08:04 PM PDT

New York [US]: Oil prices settled down on Friday, falling 5% over the week, as potentially lower Chinese energy consumption from the lockdown of its Shanghai financial hub overshadowed supply tightness from Russian sanctions that kept the market up for weeks.


London-traded global crude benchmark Brent settled Friday’s trade down $1.68, or 1.6%, at $106.65 per barrel.

For the week, Brent showed a 4.5% loss that came after a near 9% gain last week and the 13% drop in two prior weeks.

If the declines keep up, April will be this year’s first month in the negative for Brent. New York-traded US crude benchmark West Texas Intermediate, or WTI, settled Friday’s trade down $1.72, or 1.7%, at $102.07 a barrel.

Like Brent, WTI showed a drop of 4.5% for the week, and similar volatility to the global benchmark in three previous weeks.


Crude prices fell as concerns about the multi-week lockdown of Shanghai over a new COVID-19 cases and deaths weighed on the sentiment in oil, even as the Europe-Russia face-off over Ukraine suggested that the market had no little option but to go higher.


“The risks are certainly more tilted to the upside, given the war in Ukraine and a potential embargo on Russian exports, but lockdowns in China and the risk of a Fed-driven economic slowdown are also significant,” Craig Erlam, head of research for Europe at online trading platform OANDA, said.


China’s demand for gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel in April is expected to slide 20% from a year earlier, media reports said.


That would be equivalent to an estimated drop of 1.2 million barrels a day in crude oil consumption and would be the largest hit to demand since the lockdown more than two years ago in Wuhan, the central Chinese city where the novel coronavirus was first identified.


Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell also un-rattled markets this week with hawkish talk at the IMF-World Bank Spring meetings. Powell said it would be “appropriate” for the central bank to move faster and heavier on interest rates – a sign that the Fed’s rate decision committee would approve a half point rise at its upcoming May 4-5 meeting after a previous hike of just a quarter point in March.


“Some fear that a 50 basis point rate increase will be the first of many and could slow down the economy and the demand for oil,” Phil Flynn, energy analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago, wrote in a commentary.


“It is not just a tightening cycle upsetting traders overnight but also the pricing in of a 50-basis point interest rate increase by September by the European Central Bank.

The Bank of Japan on the other hand wants to remain dovish but worries that the course of the US and Europe could force them to change course,” he said.


Germany – Europe’s the largest economy – is expected to cut its growth forecast for 2022 to 2.2% from 3.6%, according to media reports. 

US Warns Solomon Islands PM Over Security Pact With China

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 07:52 PM PDT

Washington [US]: The United States on Friday raised “significant concerns” about the security pact signed between Solomon Islands and China and warned that should Beijing maintain any military presence there, the US would “respond accordingly”.


China and Solomon Islands have signed a framework agreement on security cooperation that neighbours of the South Pacific archipelago fear could open the door to a Chinese naval base in the country.

On April 22, a high-level US delegation visited Honiara, Solomon Islands and met for 90 minutes with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, along with two dozen members of his cabinet and senior staff.

This visit to the Islands was the final leg of the delegation’s trip across the Pacific.


In the meeting with its Prime Minister Sogavare, the US delegation reiterated the key priorities animating the trip and also outlined steps Washington would take to advance the welfare of the people of Solomon Islands.


“The United States respects the right of nations to make sovereign decisions in the best interests of their people. The two sides engaged in substantial discussion around the recently signed security agreement between Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Solomon Islands representatives indicated that the agreement had solely domestic applications, but the U.S. delegation noted there are potential regional security implications of the accord, including for the United States and its allies and partners,” the White House statement read.


Outlining areas of concern with respect to the purpose, scope, and transparency of the agreement, the US delegation said, “If steps are taken to establish a de facto permanent military presence, power-projection capabilities, or a military installation, the delegation noted that the US would then have significant concerns and respond accordingly.”


Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin had said the security deal would involve cooperating with Honiara on maintaining social order, protecting people’s safety, aid, combating natural disasters and helping safeguard national security.


Speaking at a press briefing, Wenbin defended the signing of security cooperation with the Solomon Islands and said the agreement “does not target any third party.” 

At Least 3 Shot In ‘Active Threat’ Situation In Washington, DC

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 07:39 PM PDT

There is an active shooting underway near several foreign embassies in northwest Washington, DC, local media reported on Friday (local time).

“MPD is responding to the 4100 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW for the report of at least 2 shooting victims. There is a large police presence in the area. Updates will follow,” DC Police Department tweeted. Washington’s Metropolitan Police spokesperson said at least 3 people were shot.

“We’re responding to reports of shots fired… there have been three victims shot. We have two males and one female. I do not know their ages or conditions,” he told Sputnik.

The story is still developing and more information is awaited. 

Major Disaster Averted: Jammu ADGP Says Terrorists Killed In Sunjwan Encounter Planned To Inflict Heavy Damage

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 07:30 PM PDT

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jammu Zone Mukesh Singh on Friday said that the two Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists eliminated by the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sunjwan were planning to inflict heavy damage.

Singh also added that the “intervention of intelligence agencies and security forces” helped avert major damage. Speaking to ANI, the ADGP said, “With the kind of vest (IED vest) they were wearing it is clear that they had come here to inflict heavy damage and their designs were quite nefarious but with the timely intervention of intelligence agencies and the security forces, this major disaster has been averted.”
Briefing ANI about the incident, he said that an area in Sunjwan was cordoned based on inputs received by intelligence agencies in the wee hours of Friday.

“We maintained the cordon throughout the night. At around 4 am, terrorists tried to sneak out and attacked police personnel in which five personnel got injured,” Singh said.

Further, he added that the security forces had managed to keep the terrorists in the cordoned area, after which a search operation was launched and both the terrorists were killed.

“We have recovered a large quantity of arms and ammunition and an IED vest. We’ve now cleared the site and operation is now formally over,” ADGP said.

Two terrorists were neutralised by security forces during an encounter that took place in the wee hours on Friday in Jammu’s Sunjwan area.

Two AK-47 rifles, arms and ammunition, satellite phones and some documents were recovered from them.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Dilbag Singh on Friday said that the killed terrorists could be a part of a “big conspiracy” to sabotage Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the union territory.

According to the police, the terrorists killed were planning a suicide attack in any area with heavily deployed security.

PM Modi’s visit to Jammu’s Samba is scheduled on Sunday (April 24), on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Diwas, to address the panchayats of the country from Palli, Jammu and Kashmir.

He also stated, “The sudden launch of terrorists in the area and their immediate action for the task assigned makes it appear like a fresh infiltration, as no terrorism background was found.”

UNSC Condemns String Of Terrorist Attacks In Afghanistan

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 07:17 PM PDT

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the string of terrorist attacks in Afghanistan on April 21, including the attack against the Seh Dokan Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif and a separate attack in Kunduz, claimed by Islamic State.

In a statement issued on Friday, the attacks have resulted in dozens killed and many more injured, and follow other recent attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, including in religious minority communities across Afghanistan.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountble and bring them to justice.

They urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard.

“The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed,” the statement said.

They also reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law.

US Warns Solomon Islands PM Over Security Pact With China

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 07:10 PM PDT

The United States on Friday raised “significant concerns” about the security pact signed between Solomon Islands and China and warned that should Beijing maintain any military presence there, the US would “respond accordingly”.

China and Solomon Islands have signed a framework agreement on security cooperation that neighbours of the South Pacific archipelago fear could open the door to a Chinese naval base in the country. On April 22, a high-level US delegation visited Honiara, Solomon Islands and met for 90 minutes with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, along with two dozen members of his cabinet and senior staff. This visit to Solomon Islands was the final leg of the delegation’s trip across the Pacific.

In the meeting with Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister Sogavare, the US delegation reiterated the key priorities animating the trip and also outlined steps Washington would take to advance the welfare of the people of Solomon Islands.

“The United States respects the right of nations to make sovereign decisions in the best interests of their people. The two sides engaged in substantial discussion around the recently signed security agreement between Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Solomon Islands representatives indicated that the agreement had solely domestic applications, but the U.S. delegation noted there are potential regional security implications of the accord, including for the United States and its allies and partners,” the White House statement read.

Outlining areas of concern with respect to the purpose, scope, and transparency of the agreement, the US delegation said, “If steps are taken to establish a de facto permanent military presence, power-projection capabilities, or a military installation, the delegation noted that the US would then have significant concerns and respond accordingly.”

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin had said the security deal would involve cooperating with Honiara on maintaining social order, protecting people’s safety, aid, combating natural disasters and helping safeguard national security.

Speaking at a press briefing, Wenbin defended the signing of security cooperation with the Solomon Islands and said the agreement “does not target any third party.” 

Congress Panel Submits Prashant Kishor’s Presentation To Sonia Gandhi

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 07:01 PM PDT

The Congress panel set up by president Sonia Gandhi to work out a revival plan, as suggested by poll strategist Prashant Kishor, has submitted a report on its findings on Friday.

Two members of the panel, KC Venugopal and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met Sonia Gandhi at her residence to submit the report to her. As per a Congress leader part of the panel, the committee went through Kishor’s proposals in detail and submitted its report to Sonia Gandhi.

“Now, she will decide on Prashant Kishor’s role in the party,” the leader told ANI.
The group, comprising Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, KC Venugopal, Randeep Surjewala, P Chidambaram, Ambika Soni, Jairam Ramesh, and Mukul Wasnik, has submitted their opinion in a detailed report on Kishor’s suggestions.
According to sources, most of the suggestions have been found to be practical and useful. “As far as Prashant Kishor’s role is concerned, Gandhi will take the final call on it.”

Sources have also hinted that senior party leaders hold different views about Kishor and his role in the party.

“It looks like a strange equation. He is neither formally part of I-PAC nor does he hold any position in the organisation. Yet, they don’t function without him,” a senior Congress leader said.

Ashok Gehlot has openly praised Prashant Kishor saying that he is a “brand”. Veerapa Moily has said that those opposing Kishor’s entry to the party are “anti-reformers”.
Some leaders have also said that Kishor’s relations with a few regional parties could benefit Congress if he formally joins the party.

Getting Kishor to join the Congress is a big challenge that the party will be facing, especially the decision of the capacity he’d be holding. Kishor’s proactive role can leave many leaders uncomfortable.

UN Chief Antonio Guterres To Visit Ukraine On April 28

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 06:50 PM PDT

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will visit Ukraine on April 28 where he will meet Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

“The Secretary-General will visit Ukraine next week. He will have a working meeting with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and will be received by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 28 April. He will also meet with staff of UN agencies to discuss the scaling up of humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine,” the UN press service said in a statement. This was announced a few hours after it was announced that Guterres will visit Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Eri Kaneko announced the visit on Friday. The Kremlin also confirmed the visit, saying Putin and Lavrov will receive Guterres for talks.

“The Secretary-General will visit Moscow, Russian Federation, where, on Tuesday, April 26, he will have a working meeting and lunch with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and will be received by President Vladimir Putin,” she said.

Kaneko noted that Putin and Lavrov will meet with Guterres on the same day.
On Tuesday, Guterres called for a four-day humanitarian pause in Ukraine and appealed to all sides to the conflict to open a window for dialogue and peace.
The humanitarian pause suggested by Guterres entails launching humanitarian corridors for civilians to leave the embattled areas of Ukraine.

UN Chief To Visit Moscow To Meet Putin

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 06:40 PM PDT

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set to visit Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Eri Kaneko announced the visit on Friday. The Kremlin also confirmed the visit, saying Putin and Lavrov will receive Guterres for talks. “The Secretary-General will visit Moscow, Russian Federation, where, on Tuesday, April 26, he will have a working meeting and lunch with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and will be received by President Vladimir Putin,” she said.

Kaneko noted that Putin and Lavrov will meet with Guterres on the same day.
When asked about Guterres’ possible visit to Ukraine, Kaneko said the UN is “still working with Ukraine on the preparations” for such a visit.

On Tuesday, Guterres called for a four-day humanitarian pause in Ukraine beginning on Holy Thursday and running through Christian Orthodox Easter on Sunday, and appealed all sides to the conflict to open a window for dialogue and peace.

The humanitarian pause suggested by Guterres entails launching humanitarian corridors for civilians to leave the embattled areas of Ukraine. 

India Carving Out Opportunities From Challenges Amid Ukraine Crisis

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 06:34 PM PDT

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said that India is “carving out” opportunities from challenging situations as the world continues to face hikes in fuel prices and shortage of food grains amid the Russia-Ukraine war.

Addressing a press conference in Washington alongside Indian envoy to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Sitharaman said that India is trying to find a market for its exports and provide meaningful assistance to end hunger. The Finance Minister said she voiced her concern that countries like India which have potential for floating its agricultural produce, particularly cereals, have faced difficulties with the World Trade Organization (WTO).

“…I have voiced that countries like India which has potential for floating its agricultural produce, particularly cereals, have faced difficulties with the WTO. And because of that the entire plenary was recognizing that there is hunger and shortage of food grains all over the world — countries like India which can promptly supply are facing difficulties with WTO,” she said.

Answering a question on economic challenges posed by the Russia-Ukraine war, she said, “Yes, in some aspects, the war has brought challenges for us. The supply of sunflowers, which was largely from Ukraine, is not happening now. So, we are trying to search for alternative sources.”

On the impact of war on India’s energy needs, Sitharaman said the portion of crude coming from Russia is not more than 3-4 percent. “So in an energy basket which is largely from the Middle East and somewhat from the US, that portion which comes from the Russian federation is not so much that it is going to upset us.”
“Of course the war is causing metals to go up, agriculture products to go up and also disruption in supply chains, all that pain is equally borne by India also. The opportunities that we have identified and progressed in it are export of foodgrain including wheat,” she said.

Sitharaman also answered a question asked by ANI on possible India-US cooperation on energy front. “If there is any cooperation that they want to extend (on energy) then they are welcome. But I have not had any discussion per say in the bilaterals on energy related assistance,” said Sitharaman.

She made the remark in response to earlier remarks of US Deputy National Security Advisor Daleep Singh, who during his India visit, had proposed greater India-US cooperation on the energy front.

Further, Sitharaman said India’s achievement in terms of the digitisation that has taken place in the recent past is being recognised.

“Many of them are even coming forward to know more and share any such experience,” she added.

Sitharaman Discusses COVID-19, Russia-Ukraine Conflict With World Bank President

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 06:11 PM PDT

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with World Bank President David Malpass in Washington on Friday and discussed several key economic issues including India’s continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and impact of Russia-Ukraine conflict.

They also discussed India’s upcoming G20 Presidency and World Bank leadership in India. During the meeting, the Finance Minister stated that India’s pandemic response has focused on the twin goals of saving lives and livelihoods. India has been successfully running world’s 2nd largest vaccination programme, administering more than 1.85 billion doses of vaccines, she said.

“The two discussed India’s continued recovery from COVID19, impact of Russia-Ukraine conflict, Single Borrower Limit and exploring the possibility of Guarantees from other G-7 nations, India’s G20 Presidency and @WorldBank leadership in India,” the Finance Ministry tweeted.

The Finance Minister also suggested that multilateralism has become more critical as the world is undergoing a phase of exceptional uncertainty. “Finance Minister mentioned that India remains concerned about the risks to global recovery due to rising uncertainty amidst enhanced geopolitical tensions,” the finance ministry said.

She also highlighted India’s roadmap for infrastructure development.
“Finance Minister Smt.@nsitharaman highlighted India’s roadmap for infrastructure development and look forward to @WorldBank ‘s continued support for financing #investments for the National Infrastructure Pipeline NIP and PMGatiShakti programme,” the ministry said.

During the US visit, Sitharaman delivered remarks at the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) Development Committee Plenary.

She also held a series of bilateral meetings with her counterparts including ones from Indonesia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Singapore.

Sitharaman also met with senior officials of multilateral institutions including OECD, IMF, President CoP-26; and Vice Chair of Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero.
She attended a FATF Ministerial Meeting and meeting with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

The Finance Minister also engaged the strategic community at Atlantic Council on India’s economic recovery, reforms and initiatives. 

Ukraine Reveals How Many Russian Soldiers Killed In War. The Figure Is Shocking!

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 06:02 PM PDT

The ongoing war in Ukraine has led to a humanitarian disaster with over 5 million people fleeing the country apart from civilian deaths and military casualties for both Ukraine and Russia. Devastating pictures of destruction and death have come out of Ukraine due to the war.

Russia has claimed victory in the battle for the southern Ukrainian port of Mariupol but not much is known about Russian causalities in the war that began in the last week of February. There have been reports of Russia imposing an extra level of secrecy about its war losses. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine on Friday gave figures about the scale of losses suffered by Russia in the course of what Moscow calls “military action” in Ukraine.

According to MFA-Ukraine, the Russian military might have lost as many as 21,200 soldiers.

In terms of military equipment, the Russian losses seem heavy too. MFA-Ukraine said Russia has lost 2,162 armoured personnel vehicles, 176 aircraft, 153 helicopters, 838 tanks, and 1,523 other vehicles.

The Russian losses include UAVs, Short-Range Ballistic missiles (SRBM) systems, and several boats and the flagship of Russia’s Black Sea fleet, Moskva.

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Flags Coal Shortage Issue, Seeks PM Modi’s ‘Urgent Assistance’

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 05:55 PM PDT

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Modi seeking “urgent assistance” to direct the Ministry of Coal to ensure the supply of 72,000 MT coal per day as per the FSA (Fuel Supply Agreement) at Paradip and Vishakhapatnam ports to maintain uninterrupted power supply in Tamil Nadu.

Stalin in a letter to Modi said, “I request you to direct the Ministry of Coal to ensure the supply of 72,000 MT coal per day as per the FSA (Fuel Supply Agreement) at Paradip and Visakhapatnam ports. Only this step can enable us to maintain uninterrupted power supply in the state and hence I solicit your personal intervention in this regard.” “The provision of sufficient coal from Talcher mines in Odisha is vital for the units in our state. In this regard, the current daily receipt of coal for Tamil Nadu’s units is only 50000 MTs, against the coal requirement of 72000 MTs”, added Stalin.

He added that sufficient coal is not getting transported to ports due to short supply of rakes by Railways.

“This, in turn, has resulted in the coal stocks of our State’s generation plants reaching critical levels. In the case of TANGEDCO, 22 railway rakes per day are required for moving 72000 MTs of daily allotted coal to Paradip and Vishakhapatnam ports.

However, on average, only 14 rakes per day are currently being provided by Railways,” he added.

According to Stalin, due to the resultant shortage of domestic coal, TANGEDCO has to resort to importing coal at the current historically high prices, for maintaining an uninterrupted power supply.

“Further, the gap in power generation is also being filled by buying power at high rates in energy exchanges”, added the Tamil Nadu CM.

Maharashtra Govt To Import Coal To Deal With Load Shedding Crisis

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 05:39 PM PDT

Amidst load shedding issues in Maharashtra, state Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday said that the state government has decided to import coal from outside the country and also said that efforts are underway to get one coal mine in Chhattisgarh allocated to Maharashtra’s power department.

On the sideline of an award function of a co-operative Bank in Pune today while speaking to the media, Pawar said that the way coal should be supplied to the states is not happening in that proportion in various states including Maharashtra.

While talking to media persons, Pawar said, “The load shedding is going on in the state. A meeting was held with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and as instructed by the CM.”

He further stated that he will take the review of the power department every week on the issue of load shedding and the cabinet has given the approval to see if there is any availability of power in another part of the country, efforts are being done to do away with the load shedding and made the smooth supply of the power in the state.

“The coal supply to the various states is not enough as required, Maharashtra is also not getting enough supply and that is why we have taken a decision to import the coal from outside the country.

“Besides, there are efforts being made to get one coal mine allocated for the Maharashtra State Power department. Minister Nitin Raut is working on it, and Congress president Sonia Gandhi has also asked the Chhattisgarh government to allocate one coal mine to Maharashtra.”

On the question of whether vendetta politics is being played by not providing coal to Maharashtra, he said, “It’s not like that issue of shortage of coal supply is in the various states not only in Maharashtra, There are issues of railway wagons. Today railway wagons are needed to transport coal, sugar, wheat and other essential commodities which need to be taken to the ports.”

He further said that he does not want to do politics over it and admitted that there is a shortage of coal in the state.

IPL 2022: It Was A No-Ball, Third Umpire Should Have Intervened- Rishabh Pant

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 05:33 PM PDT

Delhi Capitals lost to Rajasthan Royals by 15 runs here at the Wankhede Stadium and skipper Rishabh Pant believes that his side was undone because of an on-field umpires’ error in judgement.

With 36 runs needed in the last six balls for Delhi Capitals, Rovman Powell hit six of the first two balls of the over to left-arm pacer Obed McCoy. In the third ball, he again hit a full toss ball for a maximum and that full toss according to Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant and team management was a no-ball. But the on-field umpire did not give a no-ball and even refused to consult the third umpire hence Pant threatened to forfeit the match and asked both Powell and Kuldeep Yadav to come out of the field.

“I thought the no-ball could have been precious for us. I thought we could have checked that no-ball, but it’s not in my control. Yes, disappointed, but can’t do much about it. Everyone was frustrated because it was not even close, so I thought it was only a no-ball. Everyone on the ground saw that. I think the third umpire should have intervened in between and said it was a no-ball, but I can’t change the rule myself I guess, ” said Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant in the post-match presentation ceremony.

Assistant coach Praveen Amre entered the field to request umpires to go to the third umpire but the on-field umpires Nitin Menon and Nikhil Patwardhan did not budge.
“Obviously it wasn’t right, but what happened with us was also not right. It was just the heat of the moment, can’t do much about it. I think it was the fault of both the sides, not even only for us because throughout the tournament we have seen some good umpiring. I thought we could have done pretty well from there I guess. It hurts more when you go so close, especially in a match when the other team has scored 220 runs, but I feel we could have bowled a little better. It’s part and parcel of the game. I can only tell them to have their chin up and prepare for the next one right now, ” said Rishabh Pant on Pravin Amre going onto the field.

This was Delhi Capitals’ fourth defeat in seven matches and they are now in sixth place in the IPL points table. Rajasthan Royals have won their fifth match out of seven and they have now gone to the top of the table.

IPL 2022: Samson Reaches 5000 T20 Runs Milestone In His 100th Match For RR

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 05:21 PM PDT

It was a day of milestones for Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson when he stepped out to play against Delhi Capitals here at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday.

The 27-year old stepped out to play his 100th match for the Royals and also went on to score 5000 T20 runs. When Sanju Samson walked into bat in his 100th match for Rajasthan Royals his team was 155/1 with the fall of Devdutt Padikkal’s wicket in 15.1 overs. In 100 IPL games across eight seasons, Sanju has scored over 2500 runs and has been one of the strongest pillars in the Royals setup.

Samson played a blistering knock of unbeaten 46 off 19 balls hitting five fours and three sixes and in the process, he went on to go past the milestone of 5000 T20 runs. 

IPL 2022: Buttler’s 116 Helps RR Beat DC By 15 Runs To Go On Top Of Points Table

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 05:11 PM PDT

Jos Buttler’s 116-run knock helped and Prasidh Krishna’s three-wicket haul helped Rajasthan Royals beat Delhi Capitals by 15 runs in a high-scoring match at the Wankhede Stadium here on Friday. With this win, the inaugural champions go to the top of the points table with five wins in seven matches.

Chasing a mammoth 223-run target David Warner and Prithvi Shaw gave Delhi capitals a flying start but the 43-run partnership was broken by pacer Prasidh Krishna who dismissed the dangerous Warner for 28 off 14 balls, caught behind by wicket-keeper Sanju Samson in the fifth over. In the next over, Ravichandran Ashwin was introduced into the attack and the experienced off-spinner dismissed Sarfaraz Khan in his very first ball to leave Delhi in a spot of bother at 48/2 in 5.1 overs.

Captain Rishabh Pant joined Shaw at the other end and the duo scored runs at a brisk pace. The 51-run partnership was broken by Ashwin who took his second wicket of the match dismissing Shaw who got out scoring 37 from 27 balls as Delhi lost their third wicket for 99.

Lalit Yadav then joined captain Pant and the duo tried to keep pace with the required net run rate. Prasidh Krishna struck for the second time dismissing dangerous Pant for 44 off 24 balls. In the next over Yuzvendra Chahal cleaned up Axar Patel for 1 as DC lost half of their side for 127 in 13 overs.

Lalit Yadav and Shardul Thakur then struck a partnership to take the team’s total beyond the 150-run mark but the 30-run partnership was broken as Thakur was run-out and Delhi lost its sixth wicket for 157.

Lalit Yadav and Rovman Powell kept Delhi in the game but Prasidh Krishna struck for the third time dismissing the dangerous-looking Yadav for 24-ball 37, caught behind by keeper Samson as Delhi lost its seventh wicket for 187.

With 36 runs needed in the last six balls for Delhi Capitals, Rovman Powell hit six of the first ball of the over to left-arm pacer Obed McCoy. In the second ball, Powell hit a six again. In the third ball, he again hit a full toss ball for a maximum and that full toss according to Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant and team management was a no-ball.

But the on-field umpire did not give a no-ball and even refused to consult the third umpire hence Pant threatened to forfeit the match and asked both Powell and Kuldeep Yadav to come out of the field. Assistant coach Praveen Amre entered the field to request umpires to go to the third umpire but the on-field umpires did not budge.

All this also broke Powell’s momentum as he failed to connect the next ball. McCoy dismissed Powell in the last ball of the match for 36 runs off 15 balls as the Royals won the match by 15 runs. With this win, Rajasthan jumped to the number one spot in the points table with five wins in seven matches.

Earlier in the day being put in to bat Rajasthan Royals team got off to a great start as openers Jos Buttler and Devdutt Padikkal played a bit cautiously and ensured that there was no damage done by Delhi Capital bowlers as the inaugural champions scored 44 runs in the first six overs of Powerplay.

In the seventh, over of the innings, the Buttler-Padikkal duo took the team’s total beyond the 50-run mark. After that Buttler pressed the accelerator and started hitting boundaries and sixes to notch up his half-century in just 36 balls.

In the 11th over, the Buttler-Padikkal duo struck a century partnership as Rajasthan Royals looked set for a massive total. Padikkal too went on to score his half-century scoring it in just 31-balls.

Rajasthan reached the 150-run mark in just 14.3 overs. The 155-run opening partnership was finally broken as left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed dismissed Padikkal leg-before for 54 off 35 balls.

Buttler went on to score his century in 57 balls, his third of the season, becoming only the second batter in the history of IPL to score three centuries in one season after Virat Kohli who scored four tons in the 2016 season.

Captain Sanju Samson walked in to bat – his 100th match for Rajasthan Royals – and he also went on to notch up over 5000 runs in T20s. Buttler-Samson took their team’s total beyond the 200-run mark in 18.4 overs. Mustafizur Rahman finally dismissed Buttler for 116 hitting nine fours and nine sixes as Rajasthan lost their second wicket of the match for 202.

Some lusty hitting by captain Sanju Samson helped his team notch up 222/2 in 20 overs. Samson scored an unbeaten 46 off 19 balls hitting five fours and three sixes.

Brief scores: Rajasthan Royals 222/2 in 20 overs (Jos Buttler 116, Devdutt Padikkal 54; Mustafizur Rahman 1/43, Khaleel Ahmed 1/47) vs Delhi Capitals 207/8 in 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 44, Lalit Yadav 37, Prithvi Shaw 37; Prasidh Krishna 3/22, Ravichandran Ashwin 2/32).

COVID-19: Delhi Reports 1,042 New Cases In Last 24 Hours, Active Cases Now Highest Since Feb 15

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 05:00 PM PDT

The national capital reported 1,042 new COVID cases in the last 24 hours (77 more than yesterday), the highest since February 15 this year, according to the health bulletin by the Delhi government on Friday.

The city had reported 1,104 cases on February 10. With this, the active cases in the national capital breached the 3,000 mark and currently stand at 3,253. This is the highest since February 15 when the active cases in the city stood at 3,397.
The daily case positivity rate of the city stands at 4.64 per cent.

As many as 757 COVID patients recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours taking the total number of recoveries since the beginning of the pandemic in the city to 18,43,282.

Two patients succumbed to the virus during this period. The death toll in the city climbs to 26,164.

As many as 22,442 COVID samples were tested in the last 24 hours.
Under the vaccination programme of the government, 47,064 beneficiaries were vaccinated during this period taking the cumulative vaccine doses jabbed to 3,30,59,731.

Meanwhile, India’s COVID-19 cases continue to rise as the country reported 2,451 fresh COVID-19 cases (71 cases higher than yesterday) with 54 fatalities on Friday.

Want Them To Be Taken Back To India: Boris Johnson On Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi Extradition

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 07:34 AM PDT

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday said that his government has ordered the extradition of economic fugitives wanted by India but there are legal technicalities that made the task “very difficult”.

Answering a query related to the extradition of Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya at a press conference here, Johnson said the UK government wants them to be taken back to India for trial and it does not welcome people who want to use the British legal system to evade the law here in India. “On the two individuals that you mentioned, the extradition case, there are legal technicalities that made it very difficult. But what I can tell you is that the UK government has ordered their extradition,” Boris Johnson said.

“We have said from our point of view we want them to be taken back to India for trial, perhaps I should just say, we welcome people, who have talent and brilliance coming from India coming to the UK, we don’t welcome people who want to use our legal system to evade the law here in India,” he added.

Earlier in the day, addressing a special press briefing on UK PM visit, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla said the issue of economic fugitives figured in talks with the British Prime Minister and the government conveyed that the extradition of these offenders is a high priority as they need to be back to face India’s justice system.

“Our objective is to bring those economic fugitives who are wanted in India to face justice in the country, and the matter did come up in today’s talks,” Shringla emphasized.

He also said Prime Minister Johnson took note of the point raised and indicated that he was very sensitive to Indian concerns in this regard and would see what he could do.

“Prime Minister Johnson said that it was important for him as well and he will surely review it. Prime Minister Johnson took note of the point raised by us and he indicated that he was very sensitive to Indian concerns in this regard and that he would see what he could do,” Shringla said.

Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, and Mehul Choksi defrauded public sector banks by siphoning off the funds through their companies which resulted in a total loss of Rs 22,585.83 crore to the public sector banks, as of March 15, 2022, the government had informed the parliament last month.

300-Year-Old Shiva Temple Razed In Rajasthan’s Alwar

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 06:02 AM PDT

A 300-year-old Shiva temple was demolished using bulldozers in Sarai Mohalla, Alwar district.

A complaint has been registered at Rajgarh Police Station in connection with the matter. I am sorry to say, it has become a fashion; issues are made in the name of temples now. We respect temples, we are more religious than people from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)… We don’t use religion for vote bank,” said Rajasthan Minister Mahesh Joshi.

“I have constituted a 5-member committee for the factual investigation of the Rajgarh (Alwar) temple case. This committee will go to the spot, prepare a factual report and submit the report to me,” said BJP Rajasthan president Dr Satish Poonia.

Sharing a video of the incident on Twitter, BJP leader Amit Malviya launched a blistering attack on Congress. He said, “Shedding tears on Karauli and Jahangirpuri and hurting the faith of Hindus — this is the secularism of Congress.”

In another tweet, Amit Malviya alleged, “On 18 April, without issuing any notice, the administration ran bulldozers over the pucca houses and shops of 85 Hindus in Rajgarh town of Rajasthan.

UK PM Lauds ‘Khaas Dost Modi’ For Amazing India Welcome, Says Felt Like Sachin Tendulkar, Amitabh Bachchan

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 04:01 AM PDT

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday thanked his “Khaas dost” Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an “amazing reception” that he received in India and said that he felt like cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

“My friend, Prime Minister Narendra, my “khaas dost” (special friend), we’ve had a fantastic few days here in India. And yesterday, I became the first Conservative Prime Minister to visit Gujarat, which is your birthplace. I had an amazing reception,” Johnson said at a joint address with PM Modi. “I felt like Sachin Tendulkar upon my arrival and also like Amitabh Bachchan. I was everywhere to be seen. It was fantastic,” the British PM said.

PM Modi and the British PM participated in delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House here and witnessed the exchange of agreements between India and the United Kingdom. The two leaders later held a joint press meeting after the discussions.

Earlier today, PM Modi received Johnson with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi. PM Modi had tweeted, “Wonderful to see you, my friend PM @BorisJohnson in India on a long-awaited visit. Look forward to our discussions today.”

The British PM earlier today laid a wreath at Raj Ghat and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Boris Johnson arrived in Delhi late on Thursday and earlier today paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his Samadhi at Raj Ghat.

Fodder Scam Case: Jharkhand HC Grants Bail To Lalu Prasad Yadav in Rs 139.35 Crore Doranda Treasury

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 01:28 AM PDT

Jharkhand High Court on Friday granted Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad bail in the Rs 139.35-crore illegal withdrawal from Doranda Treasury. The case is related to the fodder scam.

In February, a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Ranchi held RJD chief and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad guilty of fraudulent withdrawals from Doranda Treasury in connection with the fifth fodder scam. “He has been granted bail on the uniform yardstick of half custody and health issues, he will be released soon. He will have to deposit Rs 1 lakh surety amount and Rs 10 lakh as fine,” said his lawyer Debarsi Mondal.

The Rs 950-crore fodder scam involved fraudulent withdrawals of public funds from government treasuries in various districts of undivided Bihar.

Lalu Prasad, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison and slapped with a total penalty of Rs 60 lakh, had already secured bail in four cases related to Dumka, Deoghar, and Chaibasa treasuries.

Now he also got bail in the fifth and final case. He will soon be released after furnishing some legal documentation. According to his lawyer, it may take one more week. 

No Decision Yet On CAATSA: Blinken’s Top Aide Says US Focused On Future With India

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 01:19 AM PDT

The United States hasn’t made a final decision on sanctions on India for its acquisition of the S-400 missile system from Russia under the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), a top official from Biden’s administration said indicating that Washington is focused on the “future” with New Delhi.

Speaking to ANI, Derek Chollet, top advisor of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday said, “I share the view of my boss Secretary Blinken, that we have not made a decision on that (CAATSA), We are focused on the future with the Indians.”

On India’s determination to purchase the S-400 missile defence system from Russia, Blinken during 2+2 ministerial dialogue earlier this month said: “We have not made determination potential sanctions or waivers under CAATSA law.”

During the high level diplomatic and defence dialogue between India and the United States, Blinken reiterated that he had urged all nations not to undertake weapons delivery from Russia.

Acknowledging that India and Russia have a “long history and long relationship” in defence equipment trade, Chollet highlighted that over the last two decades and especially the last one year of the Biden administration has demonstrated the full potential of the US India relationship. The diplomat said that it’s important to note that the relationship between the two democracies is also the result of a bipartisan effort.

“Presidents of both parties (Democrats and Republicans) going back over two decades, now have built on the accomplishments of the other to make the US-India relationship what it is today the work we’re doing,” the Biden administration’s top official told ANI.

The US administration is required under its domestic law to impose sanctions on any country that has significant transactions with Iran, North Korea or Russia.

India had inked the USD 5.43 billion deal with Russia for five squadrons of S-400s in October 2018. The deliveries accelerated ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India and summit meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sources familiar with the matter appear reasonably confident of a waiver to India from the Biden administration because of the improved strategic relations between the two countries.

“Not just bilaterally but in the Quad is a showcase of strong India US ties and when the Quad leaders meet in the coming weeks for the second time in person, it will once again show the full potential of what the US India relationship can bring to both of our countries. We think it brings benefits to both countries. And I think ultimately the US India working together is going to make the world better,” Chollet said.

U.S. President Joe Biden during a virtual meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he is planning to visit Japan in late May for a “Quad” summit also involving the leaders of Australia and India, a meeting that is likely to showcase a deepening of ties between the four major Indo-Pacific democracies that are facing China’s growing assertiveness in the region.

When asked on the framework of the upcoming Quad summit and how the US plans to partner with India, Blinken’s top advisor said, “I think first it’s important to note how fast the Quad has grown into what it is today and it’s just a year ago.”

Quad leaders met virtually for the first time last year and Tokyo will be hosting a second in-person summit. “There’s a robust agenda for the upcoming summit as there has been for the previous ones. There’s no shortage of issues for the leaders to discuss as we expect that when the leaders have a chance to get together soon. It will be a successful summit,” Chollet told ANI.

Firing At Rohini Court In Delhi; Two Injured

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 12:56 AM PDT

Following a scuffle between two advocates and their one client, an incident of gun firing took place at the Rohini court on Friday.

According to the police, a constable of the Nagaland Armed Police (NAP) deployed at the court opened fire on the ground. “A quarrel between two advocates, namely Sanjeev Chaudhary and Rishi Chopra, and a public person named Rohit Beri took place at around 9.40 AM as they entered gate number eight (8),” said Delhi Police.
The lawyers told media persons that they demand a security review and a stricter probe into the matter.

“We are deeply anguished with whatever has happened in the court today. While a few lawyers were trying to calm the situation involving a client misbehaving with his advocate, this policeman came with his AK 47 and shot fire at the ground. The pieces of the fired bullet shell have injured one of the advocates near the stomach and a local man,” said Advocate Rajeev Tehlan, Ex-president, Rohini Court Bar Association.
However, the Delhi Police reported no casualties, but minor injuries to two people.
Further details into the matter are awaited.

SC Rejects Nawab Malik’s Bail Plea In Money Laundering Case

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 12:29 AM PDT

The Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain a plea filed by Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Nawab Malik against an order of the Bombay High Court which had rejected his interim application seeking immediate release in a case of money laundering being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

“You can apply for bail before the competent court. We will not interfere right now at this case. It’s too nascent for us to interfere at this stage,” said a bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud. The bench dismissed Malik’s plea seeking release from judicial custody in the money laundering case involving underworld don Dawood Ibrahim which is being investigated by the ED.

It said, “We will not entertain. Dismissed.”
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Malik, questioned how the Prevention of Money Laundering Act can apply since there is no predicate offence.

Malik has challenged the March 15 order of the Bombay High Court which had rejected his application saying just because the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court’s order remanding him in custody is not in his favour, it does not make that order illegal or wrong.

After the Enforcement Directorate had arrested Malik under the provisions of the PMLA, he had filed a habeas corpus plea in the High Court claiming that his arrest by the ED and the consequent remands were illegal.

The High Court had said that Malik was arrested by the ED in accordance with the law, and subsequently been remanded to the ED’s custody and then to judicial custody following due process.

ED had arrested Minorities Development Minister Malik on February 23 over a property deal allegedly linked to the aides of gangster Dawood Ibrahim.

ED had accused Malik of being part of an alleged criminal conspiracy to usurp a property in Mumbai’s Kurla area which currently has a market value of Rs 300 crore and belongs rightfully to one Munira Plumber.

However, Malik had submitted before the High Court that he had bought the property in a bonafide transaction three decades ago.

IPL 2022: CSK Skipper Ravindra Jadeja Lavishes Praise On MS Dhoni

Posted: 22 Apr 2022 12:19 AM PDT

Thursday’s match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians totally lived up to its’s billing as MS Dhoni offered his vintage finishing avatar, hitting a six down the ground, CSK skipper Ravindra Jadeja was all praise for Dhoni and pacer Mukesh Choudhary after the thrilling win.

MS Dhoni turned back the clock on Thursday scoring an unbeaten 28 from 13 balls to hand Chennai Super Kings their second win of IPL 2022 as they defeated Mumbai Indians by three wickets here at the Dr DY Patil Stadium. The batter scored 17 runs in the last over, which was being bowled by Jaydev Undakat. “I have seen many matches of Mahi bhai ( MS Dhoni) where he has won it for India as well as IPL. It feels very good that Dhoni is still hungry and the touch is still existing. On seeing that, there is a sense of calmness in the dressing room that when he stays in the middle till the last over, then he will definitely win the match for us,” said Chennai skipper Ravindra Jadeja in a post-match virtual press conference.

“We were under a lot of pressure, and the way the match was going fell that there was pressure on both sides of the dugout because the world’s best finisher was batting. We knew that somehow if he could stay until the last ball, then definitely he would win it for us, because we had the belief that he would not miss those last few balls and luckily it happened like that, we were tense but we had faith because he has won so many matches for India and in the IPL,” said Jadeja.

Apart from Dhoni, Chennai had another main player in left-arm pacer Mukesh Choudhary, who rocked Mumbai early on, dismissing Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan for two-ball and golden ducks respectively in the opening over before claiming Dewald Brevis in his second over to leave the five-time champions in trouble.

“Mukesh has been around since the last season as a net bowler, and we’ve been keeping an eye on him since then, he bowls well and with a swing too. So his ability to swing the new ball is very good, that’s why we’ve backed him. In the last 2 or 3 matches, his bowling has not been that good, but still, we back him because we knew that at some point he will take wickets for us and today he did that,” he added.

This was MI’s seventh consecutive defeat of IPL 2022 and have become the first team to lose their first seven matches in an Indian Premier League season.

Joining different parties Prashant Kishore’s ‘business’, says Dilip Ghosh

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 11:57 PM PDT

Amid speculations about Prashant Kishore joining the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) West Bengal MP Dilip Ghosh took a dig at the poll strategist for being part of different political parties in the course of his career.

“He (Prashant Kishor) had joined Trinamool Congress (TMC) too. He was in Nitish Kumar’s party (JDU) also. It’s his business (joining parties),” said Dilip Ghosh on Thursday. Referring to Kishore’s engagement as a poll strategist with different parties, the BJP leader said “Whichever party he works for, gets its membership…He’ll have a membership card of every party, will show the card saying I’m from your party, give me order.”

On being asked about the BJP’s current leadership in West Bengal, Ghosh termed his successor’s team as ‘new’ and ‘lacking organisational experience’ and suggested taking old-timers into confidence.

“The team that is working now (in West Bengal) is new and lacks organizational experience. The state chief (Sukanta Majumdar) is also new. It’s natural that it will take some time to learn politics…It’s taking time, which is why people are disappointed,” said Ghosh on being asked about his earlier comment that termed Majumdar ‘inexperienced’.

“A decision should be taken soon… workers who have worked for the party for a long time should also be (allowed to) contribute. I believe then only everyone will be able to work together,” he added.

Earlier Ghosh had said “Sukanta Majumdar has recently been given the responsibility. He is less experienced. The party has been fighting for a long and there are experienced veterans who were part of that. They need to be used to put up a fight in the state.”

The voices among BJP questioning the state party leadership increased after the party’s electoral debacle in the Ballygunge Assembly and Asansol Lok Sabha by-polls.
Meanwhile, according to sources, Prashant Kishore will meet Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on Friday.

“Poll strategist Prashant Kishor will hold talks with Congress on April 22 in regard to his joining. A presentation of 600 slides is prepared by Kishor. No one has seen the complete presentation,” Sources close to Kishor told ANI.

‘Being Mortal’ Production Halted After Complaints Against Bill Murray

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 11:39 PM PDT

After complaints against actor Bill Murray over inappropriate behaviour on sets, Searchlight Pictures has suspended the production of ‘Being Mortal,’ which also stars Aziz Ansari and Seth Rogen in the lead roles.

Variety reported that the studio sent a letter to the movie’s cast and crew on Wednesday, informing them that the filming had been suspended due to an unspecified complaint. “Late last week, we were made aware of a complaint, and we immediately looked into it,” Searchlight said in Wednesday’s note to production. “We are truly grateful to all of you for everything you’ve put into this project. Our hope is to resume production and [we] are working with Aziz and [producer Youree Henley] to figure out that timing. Production will be in touch with you to share details on the wrap, and we will let you know as soon as we have more information to share,” the note obtained by the outlet said.

The sources confirmed to Variety that the production halt was not due to COVID-19.
Though Searchlight Pictures declined to comment on the investigation, as per Variety it is not clear if Murray will stay on board for the film or if he will be recast.

For the unversed, the principal photography of the film had started at the end of March and nearly half of the movie had been shot before production was suspended.
In addition to acting, Ansari is also writing, directing, and producing ‘Being Mortal’. Searchlight is scheduled to release the film theatrically in 2023.

The movie is based on Atul Gawande’s 2014 nonfiction book, ‘Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End’.

As per Variety, Gawande, a practising surgeon, describes his book as “about aging, patients’ anxieties regarding death and doctor’s tendencies to fall back on false hope — as having the potential to ‘change medicine — and lives’.”

The book takes a look at the limitations and failures of modern medicine at the end of a person’s life.

The movie’s plot details have not been announced yet. Thus, the roles that Ansari, Rogen and Murray will play in the film also remain unclear.

India Records 2,451 Fresh COVID-19 Cases, 54 Fatalities

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 11:00 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: India’s COVID-19 cases continue to rise as the country recorded 2,451 fresh COVID-19 cases (71 cases higher than yesterday) with 54 fatalities on Friday.


The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare today informed that with this single-day rise, the country’s total caseload has reached 4,30,52,425. Of the fresh cases recorded in India, Delhi logged in 965 COVID-19 cases on Thursday, Uttar Pradesh recorded 205 cases, Maharashtra recorded 91 cases and the rest of the cases were reported by other states.

As of Thursday, India recorded 2,380 cases of COVID-19 and 56 fatalities.


The country’s active caseload currently stands at 14,241 which accounts for 0.03 per cent of the total cases.


A single day rise of 54 fatalities today pushed India’s death toll to 5,22,116. Of the 54 fatalities, 48 were reported in Kerala on Thursday.


As a sign of relief, the ministry data said that as many as 1,589 recoveries were logged in the last 24 hours increases thereby taking the total recoveries from this virus to 4,25,16,068.

The recovery rate currently is at 98.75 per cent, 0.01 per cent lower than yesterday.


With these details, the ministry data added that the daily positivity rate is at 0.55 per cent.

This is because 83.38 crore total tests have been conducted so far to detect the presence of the Coronavirus in individuals of which 4,48,939 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours.


On the front of India’s nationwide vaccination drive, as many as 187.26 crore vaccine doses have been administered so far. 

PM Modi Receives UK Prime Minister At Rashtrapati Bhavan

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 10:53 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday received UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi.

PM Modi Receives UK Prime Minister At Rashtrapati Bhavan


The UK Prime Minister, who is on a two-day visit to India, was accorded a Guard of Honour upon his arrival at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

“It is a very auspicious moment in India-UK friendship and two democracies, largest and one of the oldest. I do not think things have ever been so strong and good between India and UK as they are now,” Johnson said.


Johnson arrived in Gujarat on Thursday at the start of his visit to India to hold in-depth talks on the UK and India’s strategic defence, diplomatic and economic partnership, aimed at bolstering close partnership and stepping up security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.


“They (People of Gujarat) put on a fantastic welcome for us. It was absolutely extraordinary. I have never seen such a joyful reception.”


“I would have not gotten the same reception anywhere else in the world. It was amazing to see your (PM Modi’s) home state for the first time,” Johnson said.
The British PM earlier today laid a wreath at Raj Ghat and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.


Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar received Johnson at the airport here late Thursday.


The UK Prime Minister is scheduled to hold talks with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar after which the two sides will issue a press statement at around 1 pm at Hyderabad House.

J-K: Terrorists Attack Bus Carrying CISF Personnel; 1 Dead, 2 Injured

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 09:24 PM PDT

Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir): A bus carrying 15 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel were attacked by terrorists on Friday near Chaddha Camp in Jammu.


According to a senior CISF officer, the attack happened around 4.25 AM, while the bus was en route for the morning shift duties. “CISF averted the terrorist attack, retaliated effectively, and made the terrorists run away,” said a senior CISF officer.


“In the line of action, one Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) of CISF has lost his life and two others are injured,” he added.


Further details are awaited.

US Hopes Austin’s Recent Talks With Chinese Counterpart Would Lead To Future Dialogues

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 08:40 PM PDT

The United States expects that the recent talks between US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and China’s Defense Minister Wei Fenghe will lead to future conversations, Defense Department spokesperson John Kirby said.

“This was an initial call. We felt it was a productive one and our expectation is that it will lead to future conversations appropriate to whatever the issue is,” Kirby said during a press briefing on Thursday (local time). The call between the two officials took place on Wednesday and they discussed bilateral defense relations, regional security issues and the conflict in Ukraine.

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe has said that US should not underestimate China’s determination and capability.

In the phone conversation, the two ministers also exchanged views on issues such as maritime and air security and the situation in Ukraine. Wei said that China and the US should earnestly implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, as per Xinhua News Agency.

The two militaries should enhance mutual trust, strengthen dialogue and exchanges, manage risks and crises, and carry out practical cooperation, so as to ensure the normal and stable development of bilateral military-to-military relations, he said.

US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price on Monday said that the United States will continue to carefully monitor the level of support China may show towards Russia with respect to Ukraine.

“We’re going to continue to keep a careful eye, a careful watch on the level of support the PRC (People’s Republic of China) exhibits towards Russia,” Price said during a press briefing.

Price added that there will be strong consequences for China if it provides weapons or supplies to Russia for its operation in Ukraine or if it helps Moscow evade Western sanctions. 

US Fully Understands India’s Long-Standing Ties With Russia, India-US Partnership Paying Dividends: Blinken’s Top Advisor

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 08:32 PM PDT

India has had a long-standing defense relationship with Russia for many years when the United States was not available to be a partner, a top advisor of US Secretary Antony Blinken said, adding that “Washington fully understands New Delhi’s long-standing ties to Moscow.”

In an exclusive interview with ANI on Thursday (local time), Derek Chollet, Blinken’s top advisor said that the US is there to support India and the partnership between US and India has tremendous potential. “We understand that India has had a long-standing defense relationship with Russia over many years and part of that was because the United States was not available to be a partner. It is decades ago and we face a much different reality today,” he said.

“Over the last 10 years, the US-India Defense Partnership has changed dramatically. We see great potential and opportunity in their relationships. Anything that two plus two conversations between Secretary (Antony) Blinken and Secretary of Defense

Lloyd Austin had with their counterparts helped further clarify that.”
Asserting that India is a strategic partner of the United States, Chollet said: “We’re natural allies. And this partnership has tremendous potential. It’s already paying dividends for both countries in the region and all around the world. And we think, really, there’s nowhere to go but up.”

He also noted that the US is in close touch with India. “We fully understand their long-standing defense ties to Russia,” Blinken’s top advisor said.
It is to be noted that Russia might not be able to make equipment at its previous rates due to sanctions imposed against Moscow. Some of the Russian arms plants reportedly have halted production as they face difficulties in importing source components.

When asked about how the US is planning to use this opportunity (arms export) to lure India, Blinken’s top advisor said: “It’s not so much about luring India away. We see this partnership is growing organically. And this is something both sides seek to achieve in terms of making our relationship across the board but especially our defense relationship, even stronger. It (The relationship) can’t happen overnight. It’s going to take a long time to make this shift. And we want to be there to support our Indian allies.”

However, earlier in the month US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had suggested to India to cut back on purchases of Russian military equipment, stating that Washington does not believe such purchases are in New Delhi’s best interest.

“We continue to work to ensure that they understand… we believe it is not in (India’s) best interests to continue to invest in Russian equipment,” Austin told House Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on the annual defence budget.

“Our requirement going forward is that they downscale the types of equipment that they are investing in and look to invest more in the types of things that will make us continue to be compatible,” he said.

Austin made these remarks while responding to question posed by Congressman Joe Wilson. This comment had come as India has refused to join the Western sanctions against Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Indian military uses several Russian-made weapons, including tanks, artillery guns and missile systems. New Delhi has also signed deals to purchase Russia’s S-400 air defence system, which has been under threat of US sanctions under Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

IPL 2022: CSK Record Most Number Of Last-Ball Wins In Run Chase

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 08:22 PM PDT

Chennai Super Kings on Thursday registered the most number of last-ball wins in a run a chase in the history of Indian Premier League (IPL).

Chennai achieved this feat during the clash against Mumbai Indians, where the legendary Indian wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni scored 17 runs off the last over and brought his side to another thrilling victory of IPL 2022. With this win, Chennai have recorded a total of eight last-ball wins in a run a chase, followed by Mumbai Indians with a total of six wins.

Coming to the match, CSK won the toss and followed the trend in this year’s tournament of bowling first.

Mukesh Choudhary of CSK dismissed the openers for a duck in the very first over. After this, MI fought hard with the help of Tilak Varma’s 51 off 43 and managed to put up a total of 155.

The quick cameo from Pretorius(22 from 14) was very crucial in the end and the classic finisher MS Dhoni(28* off 13) finished the match with a boundary of the last ball.

Over 6 CR Members Enrol For Congress’ Internal Polls, Will Elect New President

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 08:08 PM PDT

As the Congress weighs poll strategist Prashant Kishor’s proposal for a revamp, the party is all set to have organisational elections. Over six crore Congress members have enrolled themselves for the same.

Speaking exclusively to ANI, Congress Central Election Authority Chairman Madhusudan Mistry said that the party has completed its membership drive, wherein almost 6 crore members were enrolled. “Around 2.6 crores members were enrolled through Digital Membership. Membership has been done through papers too, so the total numbers will be finalised in another few days. It is expected to be more than six crores by April 15, 2022,” he said.

It is important to note that the members who have been enrolled till April 15 will be entitled to take part in the organisation elections.

Further, Mistry said that the party will start from a Primary Level and then Booth Committee Elections, Block, District and State Level Elections will be held.

“For this, we have appointed 756 District Returning Officers across the country. We are going by fine, according to the schedule given by the Congress Working Committee. The party will get a new elected president by September 2022,” he added.

It is not yet clear whether Rahul Gandhi will fight for the post of Party President or not.

After the poll debacle in 2019, Rahul who was elected unopposed in December 2017, resigned from the Presidentship of the Congress while taking the responsibility for the defeat. Sonia Gandhi was then made the interim president by Congress Working Committee.

Notably, the G-23 group had demanded an internal poll at all levels, including the CWC Members. They had also demanded a full-time president for the party. 

India Highlights Its Contribution To Global Food Security

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 07:57 PM PDT

Highlighting the contribution India has made towards global food security, New Delhi on Thursday (local time) said that it is a basic minimum requirement, especially when the world is beset by the universal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts.

Speaking at the UN Security Council ARRIA formula meeting on conflict and hunger, Sneha Dubey, India’s First Secretary highlighted that New Delhi has provided food aid to several countries including Myanmar, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Sudan and South Sudan. She noted that in view of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, India has decided to donate 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat.

“Similarly, India has continued its humanitarian support for Myanmar, including a grant of 10,000 tons of rice and wheat,” Dubey said.

Reiterating India’s commitment, she said that the country will continue working with all other member-states and International organisations, including the UN, to collectively strengthen global food security, including in conflict-affected regions.

“Food security, in itself, is not a driver of armed violence and conflict. It may, at best, precipitate or exacerbate violence, depending upon a country’s level of development and the strength of its political institutions,” the First Secretary said.

She also asserted that armed conflict and terrorism combined with extreme weather conditions, food price volatility, political exclusion and economic shocks can devastate any fragile State, further eroding economic growth consequently increasing the threat of famine.

“We would like to underscore that “White Notes” on famine risk in conflict situations should be objective and factual, and need not become political tools. We are unfortunately witnessing an increasing tendency to politicize humanitarian situations,” India said at the ARRIA formula meeting.

Welcoming Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s call for humanitarian assistance from food export restrictions with immediate effect, India said that the food security challenges emanating from the Ukraine conflict require us to respond creatively.
“The growing shortages can only be addressed by going beyond the constraints that bind us presently,” the country noted.

Meanwhile, India remains strongly committed to the cause of global food security and has contributed to the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in response to the various humanitarian crises over the years.

“Our spearheading of the UN General Assembly resolution for declaring the year -2023 as the “International Years of Millets” was aimed at addressing the food security challenges,” India’s First Secretary said.

Imran Khan Once Again Praises India’s foreign Policy At Lahore Rally

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 07:29 PM PDT

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan once again lauded India’s foreign policy over importing oil from Russia, saying that “New Delhi’s decision is for the betterment of its people.”

Speaking at a rally in Lahore, Imran Khan said: “India, which is a strategic partner to the United States, is importing oil from Russia, saying that its decisions are based on the betterment of their people. But our foreign policy is for the betterment of other people.” Earlier in March, Imran Khan admitted that the foreign policy of India is independent and for the betterment of the people.

During a public rally in the Malakand area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Imran Khan had said: “I praise our neighbouring country as they always had an independent foreign policy. Today India is in their (America) alliance and they are part of QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue); they say that they are neutral. They are importing oil from Russia despite sanctions because their policy is for the betterment of people.”

Justifying the reason for his visit to Russia, Imran Khan said that he went to Moscow so that the growing inflation in Pakistan could be controlled.

“I went to Russia because Russia gave us oil at a discount of 30 per cent,” he said at the Lahore rally.

The PTI chairman, not for the first time, claimed that he was out of power due to pursuing an independent foreign policy for the Pakistan, which he said was not liked by international powers.

He accused global forces of colluding with local “Mir Jaffars and Mir Sadiqs among others” to end his government at a time “when the economy was shooting, the exports were record high — and all of this at a time when the coronavirus was wreaking havoc.”

Imran Khan explained the cablegate issue, repeating his allegation of US Assistant Secretary of State for Central and South Asia Donald Lu threatening Pakistan’s ambassador to the US that Khan must be ousted from the power to get back in American good books.

“What crime had we committed that it warranted forgiving? Was it that we went to Russia? Or that we said we won’t give military bases (to US)? Remember Lahore, where they got these bad habits from. Why don’t they ask the same from India?” he asked.

Khan said the foreign powers did not like him boosting trade with China as well.
“Since they did not like all of these things, a conspiracy was planned. But no conspiracy can be successful without the support of Mir Jafars and Mir Sadiqs,” the ousted premier said.

He said the incumbent government — comprising three stooges, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman — fully supported the foreign conspiracy.

Khan claimed that his government was removed from power at a time when the country was progressing, with the remittances, tax collection, and development at historic levels.

“The unemployment level was at its lowest; we were ahead of everyone. Our government also handled the coronavirus in an exemplary manner as we saved lives and the employment of our poor people,” Khan said. 

COVID-19: China Reports 2,119 New Cases

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 07:21 PM PDT

On Wednesday, China recorded 2,830 locally transmitted confirmed cases. Of these new locally transmitted cases, China’s economic hub Shanghai reported 2,634 cases and 15,861 local asymptomatic infections, Xinhua reported.

Across China, cities are locking down their residents, supply lines are rupturing, and officials are scrambling to secure the movement of basic goods, with its largest-ever recorded outbreak of COVID-19 threatening to spiral into a national crisis of the government’s own making.

At least 44 Chinese cities are under either a full or partial lockdown as authorities persist in trying to curb the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant, according to a report from investment bank Nomura and CNN.

In Shanghai, the epicentre of the country’s latest outbreak, scenes once unimaginable for the hyper-modern financial capital have become part of the daily struggle for 25 million people.

There, residents forbidden to leave the confines of their apartments or housing blocks for weeks have been desperate for food and freedom — some seen in social media clips screaming out of their windows in frustration or clashing with hazmat-clad workers, reported CNN.

The current situation may mark the most significant challenge for the country — and, arguably, for Chinese leader Xi Jinping against zero Covid policy.
Getting supplies across the country has become a steep challenge, with some expressways closed, and truck drivers ensnared in quarantine or at thousands of highway health checkpoints.

Some cities have discouraged their residents from leaving, like the major southern port of Guangzhou, which requires its 18 million people to show a negative COVID test if they want to get out. Moreover, the zero-covid policy has sparked mounting frustration and anger in Shanghai and threatens more disruption amplifying the risks for the Communist Party. 

PM Modi Releases Stamp, Coin On Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 400th Parkash Purab At Red Fort

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 07:15 PM PDT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday released a postage stamp and coin during celebrations of the 400th Parkash Purab of Guru Tegh Bahadur at Red Fort and said that the country is moving forward with full devotion on the ideals of the Gurus.

“In 2019, we had got the fortune to celebrate the 550th Parkash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev ji and in 2017, 350th Parkash Purab of Guru Gobind Singh ji. I am happy that today our country is marching on the ideals of our Gurus with full devotion. On this occasion, I bow at the feet of all ten gurus. Hearty congratulations to all of you on the occasion of Prakash Parv,” he said addressing the gathering. Referring to the significance of Red Fort, the Prime Minister said the dreams of the country in the 75 years since Independence have been articulated from the historical place.

“This programme during the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav has special significance,” he said.

Red Fort is located near Gurdwara Sis Ganj, where the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded in November 1675 on the order of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.
The Prime Minister said that the Red Fort has been witness to several key phases of history.

“The Red Fort has witnessed the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur ji and also seen the courage of the people of this country. Where we are today is because of the sacrifices of lakhs of freedom fighters,” he said.

“Today the country is celebrating the Aazadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and the 400th Parkash Purab of Guru Tegh Bahadur ji. Near the Red Fort lies the symbol of Guruji’s sacrifice, Sis Ganj Sahib Gurudwara. The Gurudwara reminds us of the greatness of his sacrifice for the protection of our great culture,” he said.

Secured USD 46.5 Billion For Funding Twitter Buyout Bid- Elon Musk

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 07:07 PM PDT

Tesla Chief Elon Musk has said that he has lined up commitments worth USD 46.5 billion to finance a Twitter takeover deal, a week after he first made a public offer to buy the social media company, CNN reported.

According to Musk, he has commitment letters to finance the deal, including two debt commitment letters from Morgan Stanley and other unnamed financial institutions and one equity commitment letter from himself, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday (local time). However, he has yet to receive any formal response from Twitter’s board to his offer to acquire all of its shares that he does not currently own for USD 54.20 a piece, the Tesla Chief said in the filing.

Last week Twitter’s board adopted a “poison pill” defense that could make a takeover attempt prohibitively expensive.

The “poison pill” provision, announced in a press release on last Friday, preserves the right for Twitter shareholders other than Musk to acquire more shares of the company at a relatively inexpensive price, effectively diluting Musk’s stake, as per CNN.

The provision will be triggered if Musk (or any other investor) acquires more than 15 per cent of the company’s shares. Musk currently owns around 9 per cent of Twitter’s shares.

“The Rights Plan will reduce the likelihood that any entity, person or group gains control of Twitter through open market accumulation without paying all shareholders an appropriate control premium or without providing the Board sufficient time to make informed judgments and take actions that are in the best interests of shareholders,” the company said in its statement.

This comes at a time when the world’s richest man made the offer in an updated 13D filing. Musk offered a “best and final” bid to purchase 100 per cent of Twitter for USD 41.39 billion with USD 54.20 per share in cash.

“I invested in Twitter as I believe in its potential to be the platform for free speech around the globe, and I believe free speech is a societal imperative for a functioning democracy,” Musk said in his filing.

“However, since making my investment I now realize the company will neither thrive nor serve this societal imperative in its current form,” he had said.

In a separate Tweet, Musk had mentioned that he will try hard to keep as many shareholders in privatized Twitter as allowed by law.

A series of tweets were posted after Tesla’s chief claimed of having a ‘Plan B’ ready if the board of the social media giant Twitter decides to reject his offer to buy the entire company.

MI Skipper Rohit Sharma Now Has Most Ducks In IPL History

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 06:55 PM PDT

Rohit Sharma on Thursday bagged an unwanted record after getting dismissed for a duck in an Indian Premier League 2022 match.

Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit now has the most ducks in the history of the IPL. The unwelcome record was registered by Rohit in the MI’s IPL 2022 match against Chennai Super Kings. In the very first over of the match, Rohit handed an easy catch to Mitchell Santner at mid-on and went back to the pavilion on a second-ball duck off Mukesh Choudhary.

Rohit has been dismissed for a duck in the IPL 14 times and he has surpassed Piyush Chawal, Harbhajan Singh, Mandeep Singh and Parthiv Patel to register this unwanted record. All the aforementioned players surpassed by Rohit were dismissed for a duck 13 times in the IPL.

The Indian captain has failed to score a single fifty in IPL 2022 and has been out of form in this season of the cash-rich league. He had scores of 41, 10, 3, 26, 28 and 6 before this duck.

IPL 2022: MS Dhoni’s Late Blitz Sinks MI To Their 7th Consecutive Defeat; CSK Grab 2nd Win

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 06:50 PM PDT

Mahendra Singh Dhoni turned back the clock on Thursday scoring an unbeaten 28 from 13 balls to hand Chennai Super Kings their second win of IPL 2022 as they defeated Mumbai Indians by three wickets here at the Dr DY Patil Stadium.

Chasing a 156-run target, Chennai Super Kings got off to the worst possible staff losing Ruturaj Gaikwad to a golden duck as Daniel Sams dismissed him. He came back in his next over and dismissed Mitchell Santner for 11 to leave CSK tottering at 16/2. Robin Uthappa and Ambati Rayudu then struck a partnership to take the team’s total beyond the 50-run mark in the eighth over. The 40-run partnership was broken as Jaydev Unadkat dismissed Uthappa for 30 to leave Chennai in a spot of bother at 66/3.

Sams got his third wicket of the match as he dismissed Shivam Dube for 13. Rayudu and captain Ravindra Jadeja took the team’s total beyond the triple-figure mark.

Sams struck again as Rayudu who scored 35-ball 40 became his fourth scalp.
In the next over Riley Meredith got the prized scalp of CSK captain Jadeja for 3 as CSK were left tottering at 106/6.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Dwaine Pretorius struck a much-needed partnership to take his team closer to the target. With 42 runs needed off the last three overs, Pretorius’s big-hitting allowed CSK to claw their way back in the game.

With 17 runs needed off the last six balls, Unadkat dismissed Pretorius for 22 from 13 balls. CSK needed 16 to win off the last four balls and Dhoni struck a six followed by a boundary and then a couple and with 4 required off the last ball he hit a boundary to register a three-wicket win for his side and himself remained unbeaten on 28 off 13 balls. This was Mumbai Indians’ seventh consecutive defeat of the season and they are yet to win a match in IPL 2022. This was CSK’s second win of the season.

Earlier in the day put into bat Mumbai Indians got off to the worst possible as their captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck by a left-arm pacer Mukesh Choudhary. Two balls later they lost the prized scalp of Ishan Kishan who was cleaned up by the same bowler as Mumbai lost their second wicket for just 2 runs on the board.

Mukesh Choudhary in his next over dismissed Dewald Brevis for 4 caught behind by wicket-keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to leave Mumbai tottering at 23/3.

Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma struck a small partnership but left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner dismissed Suryakumar for 32 off 21 balls as Mumbai Indians were pushed to further trouble at 47/4.

Hrithik Shokeen joined Tilak Varma and they struck a partnership to take Mumbai beyond the 50-run mark. The 38-run partnership was broken by Dwayne Bravo as he dismissed Hrithik Shokeen for 25. Mumbai Indian lost half of their side for 85.

Kieron Pollard then joined Tilak and the duo took the team’s total beyond the triple-figure mark. Maheesh Theekshana then broke the 26-run partnership dismissing Pollard for 14 in the 16th over.

In the next over Bravo took his second wicket dismissing leg before Daniel Sams for 5 to leave Mumbai at 120/7.

Tilak Varma notched up his half-century and took the team’s total beyond the 150-run mark. Mumbai Indian finally score 155/7 in 20 overs.

Brief scores: Mumbai Indians 155/7 in 20 overs (Tilak Varma 51*; Mukesh Choudhary 3/19, Dwayne Bravo 2/36) vs Chennai Super Kings 156/7 in 20 overs (Ambati Rayudu 40, Robin Uthappa 30, MS Dhoni 28*; Daniel Sams 4/30).

Karnataka: Mastermind Of Hubli Stone-Pelting Arrested From Mumbai

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 08:48 AM PDT

Karnataka Police arrested the absconding mastermind of the Hubli stone-pelting incident Wasim Pathan from Mumbai on Thursday.

Pathan was detained by the Hubli Police team in Mumbai and brought to Hubli on Thursday. He was absconding after the incident itself. The stone-pelting incident took place on the night of April 16 in Old Hubli leaving four policemen injured and several vehicles damaged.

Further, Seven more accused have been taken into custody by police today, in connection with the stone-pelting incident at Old Hubli Police Station.
Following the stone-pelting incident, section 144 was imposed in Hubli.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday denied allegations levelled by the Opposition of arresting innocent persons in connection with Hubli violence.

Speaking to media persons in Sringeri, Bommai rejected former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy’s charge that innocents have been arrested in connection with the Hubali incidents.

“No innocents have been arrested. The arrests have been made based on evidence,” Bommai said.

Reacting to a video inciting to kill a Congress leader, which has gone viral, Bommai said that the Police Commissioner will take action.

When asked about opposition leaders accusing him of turning the Rama Rajya into a Ravana Rajya, the Chief Minister said, “They are entitled to have their own interpretations. It is not important as to what the Opposition leaders say, it is the opinion of the people that matters.” 

Prince William, Kate Pen Heartfelt Note On Queen’s 96th Birthday

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 08:32 AM PDT

London [UK]: The duke and duchess of Cambridge–Prince William and Kate Middleton penned a heartfelt note for Queen Elizabeth II, on her 96th Birthday on Thursday.


Taking to their official Twitter handle, the Duke and duchess shared two pictures featuring the British Monarch. The first photo is a candid picture featuring William and Kate with the Queen.

The second one shows the Queen and her now-late husband Prince Philip posing for a picture with their great-grandchildren.

Alongside the pictures, they wrote, “Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very happy 96th birthday today! An inspiration to so many across the UK, the Commonwealth and the world, it’s particularly special to be celebrating in this #PlatinumJubilee year.”

Prince William is the grandson of Queen Elizabeth. He is the elder son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana.


People magazine reported that Buckingham Palace has announced a weekend of celebrations and an extended bank holiday from June 2 until June 5 to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.


The actual date of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee was February 6, 2022, but plans had been made to celebrate the event in June.


Events will include Trooping the Colour (the annual public festivities for the Queen’s birthday), the lighting of Platinum Jubilee beacons, a service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, the Derby at Epsom Downs, a live concert called ‘Platinum Party at the Palace,’ the Big Jubilee Lunch and the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.

Tony Awards Introduce ‘No Violence’ Policy Before Show

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 08:21 AM PDT

Washington [US]: The producers of the Tony Awards have introduced a new ‘no violence’ policy ahead of the 75th annual show scheduled to be held in June.


Weeks after the Will Smith-Chris Rock slap controversy at the 2022 Oscars, the Tony Awards producers revealed the new procedure which clarifies how they would handle an individual “in the event of an incident”, in a letter to ticket buyers obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, on Wednesday.

“The Tony Awards has a strict no violence policy. In the event of an incident, the perpetrator will be removed from the event immediately.” the letter reads.


As per the outlet, the show’s new protocol was included among several other standard policies addressing a range of ceremony and gala-related topics, including dress code, seating and vaccination requirements for the New York event.


For the unversed, this follows the recent Oscars controversy where Smith slapped Rock during the live ceremony, leading the Best Actor winner to resign from the Academy.

The Academy also banned the ‘King Richard’ actor from the show and other Academy-related events for a decade.


Coming back to the 2022 Tony Awards, the show is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 12, at Radio City Music Hall and will air live on CBS and Paramount plus. The complete list of nominees for the 75th annual ceremony will be announced on May 3.

Alan Walker Concludes Sunburn Music Festival With Magic Moments In Gurugram

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 08:10 AM PDT

Sunburn Music Festival came to an exhilarating conclusion in Gurugram with multi-platinum record producer Alan Walker mesmerizing the audience with soul-stirring renditions.

Presented by Magic Moments Music Studio from the house of Radico Khaitan, Asia's biggest music festival has been the coming together of two brands complementing each other as they both bring international flavor to the Indian audience. The world-famous DJ Alan Walker toured four cities — Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Gurugram.

unburn Music Festival
Alan Walker Sunburn Music Festival With Magic Moments In Gurugram

This year also, Radico was the presenting partner of Sunburn after starting as an 'Associate Partner' in 2017. The company maintains that the festival helps them reach out to the concentrated audience as the platform that help the company tap into the younger audiences. 

unburn Music Festival
Alan Walker Sunburn Music Festival With Magic Moments In Gurugram

Talking about the past and present associations with Sunburn, Mr. Amar Sinha, Chief Operating Officer, Radico Khaitan Ltd., "We are thrilled by the traction garnered by all the associations with this Asia's biggest music festival. The festival resonates with brand Magic Moments entirely with its brand preference going strong for many years. Our back to back associations — one during Holi and now the Alan Walker one – with the music brand reaffirmed our faith in the impact it has on millennial, who comprise a significant part of our brand Magic Moment consumer base." 

Over the years, the Arena presented by Magic Moments has hosted some of the World’s most well-known DJs in the past, including Hardwell, Deadmau5, Afrojack, Armin Van Buren, and Swedish House Mafia, Dash Berlin, and Avicii. Last month, Magic Moments Music Studio partnered with 'Sunburn Holi Reload' held in ten cities, including Bhopal, Thane, Chennai, Kasol, Chandigarh, Jamshedpur, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, and Goa.

Sony Delays ‘Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse’ To Summer 2023

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 06:13 AM PDT

The release date of ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’, the animated sequel of Sony’s Oscar-winning film ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse’, will be moving from October 7 this year to June 2, 2023.

According to Deadline, this news regarding the change in release comes just before the studio’s presentation at CinemaCon next week. Meanwhile, the upcoming movie’s sequel, ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Part II’, is slated for March 29, 2024 release.

Both the films will hit theatres in premium large formats and IMAX. The first movie collected over USD 375M WW and its filmmakers include Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson.

Sony has also dated their ‘Spider-Man’ spinoff ‘Madame Web’, starring Sydney Sweeney and Dakota Johnson, from filmmaker SJ Clarkson for July 7, 2023.

As per Deadline, Sony’s Korean War movie, ‘Devotion’, from director JD Dillard and starring Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell, is set to release on October 14 with limited runs, expanding on October 21, and going wide on October 28.

India, UK Must Develop Strong Bilateral Defence Ties: Boris Johnson

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 06:05 AM PDT

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday said that both the countries (India and UK) should deepen the security and defence partnership.

The British PM made the remarks while visiting the new JCB factory at Halol GIDC Panchmahal where he was accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupesh Patel.

Referring to the security and defence partnership between the two countries, Johnson said, “There’s the opportunity for us to deepen our security and defence partnership. As you know, the UK is making an Indo-Pacific tilt in our integrated review of our national defence and security strategy.”

“That’s the right thing to do given the huge portion of the world economy and the growth of the world economy that can be found in this area. And India & UK both share anxieties about autocracies around the world, we’re both democracies and we want to stick together,” he added.

Johnson, who landed in Ahmedabad on Thursday, visited the new JCB Tractor Factory at Halol GIDC Panchmahal.

UK Prime Minister said that India is investing billions of pounds in their country with which India became the second-largest investor in the UK.

He further said, “That investment is going to drive 11,000 jobs in the UK. We also hope to complete another Free trade agreement with India.”

Referring to the UK and India’s excessive dependence upon the ‘Hydrocarbon’, Johnson said that they were talking about building a partnership on hydrogen, electric vehicle and other natural sources of energy so that the cost of energy can be reduced.

He also raised the Ukraine issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said, “India strongly condemns the atrocities of Russia against Bucha.” He further said that he is ready to take any step but has to wait until the investigation is completed.

Johnson landed in Gujarat earlier today for his two-day India visit. He was accorded a grand welcome at the airport in Ahmedabad.
He firstly visited Sabarmati Ashram and was accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupesh Patel.

‘Guide to London’, one of the first few books written by Mahatma Gandhi which never got published will also be gifted to UK Prime Minister by Sabarmati Ashram.
UK PM then net Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani.

“Honoured to host @BorisJohnson, the first UK PM to visit Gujarat, at Adani HQ. Delighted to support climate & sustainability agenda with a focus on renewables, green H2 & new energy. Will also work with UK companies to co-create defence & aerospace technologies,” Adani tweeted.

Johnson started his visit from Ahmedabad where he is scheduled to meet with leading business group leaders and discuss the UK and India’s thriving commercial, trade, and people’s links.

This is the first time a UK Prime Minister is in Gujarat, India’s fifth-largest state and the ancestral home of around half of the British-Indian population in the UK.

Johnson will announce a slew of commercial agreements and hold bilateral discussions with a focus on the UK and India’s trade, investment and technology partnership.

Money Laundering Case: ED Submits Around 5,000-Page Chargesheet Against Nawab Malik

Posted: 21 Apr 2022 05:54 AM PDT

Enforcement Directorate on Thursday submitted around 5000-page chargesheet against NCP leader and Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik in the Special PMLA court, in connection with a money laundering case.

Statements of more than 50 people have been recorded, according to the chargesheet. ED said in the chargesheet that the agency summoned sons of Malik several times and his brother Kaptan Malik was also summoned however, they did not cooperate in the investigation and skipped the summons.

Earlier last week, ED attached properties belonging to Malik and his family under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.

The Supreme Court on Friday will hear a plea of Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Nawab Malik filed against an order of the Bombay High Court which had rejected his interim application seeking immediate release in a case of money laundering being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate.

A bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and Surya Kant will hear the plea of Malik.
Earlier, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana agreed to list the case for hearing after senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Malik, mentioned the matter for urgent listing of the case.

Malik has challenged the March 15 order of the Bombay High Court which had rejected his application saying just because the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court’s order remanding him in custody is not in his favour, it does not make that order illegal or wrong.

ED had arrested Minorities Development Minister Malik on February 23 over a property deal allegedly linked to the aides of gangster Dawood Ibrahim. Soon after his arrest, the minister had filed a habeas corpus plea in the High Court, challenging his arrest and the remand orders.

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