8pm NEWSFEED

---

• Vir Das Mocks Will Smith’s Visit To India Post Oscars Slap Controversy
• Alia Bhatt’s Sunday Started On ‘Kesariya’ Mode
• Swadeshi Jagran Manch Hails ED’s Action Against Amway India
• PM Modi to chair COVID review meeting with CMs on April 27
• Prashant Kishor’s I-PAC Officially Working For TRS
• Anurag Thakur Interacts With Participants Ahead of Khelo India University Games
• Foreign Holdings Of Chinese Central Government Bonds Dip In March
• Bhagwant Mann Likely To Sign MoUs With Delhi Govt For Imparting Quality Health, Education Facilities
• Punjab Police AGTF Arrests Most Wanted Terrorist Absconding Since 2010
• J-K: PM Modi Inaugurates Projects Worth Rs 20,000 Crore
• EU Chief Hails India’s Strive For Renewable Energy
• Odisha: Bus Carrying 50 Passengers Overturns In Puri, 25 Injured
• Rahul Credits Rajiv Gandhi For Panchayati Raj Institutions
• Media Query On Farah Khan Riles Former Pak PM Imran Khan
• COVID-19: Over 192.5 CR Vaccine Doses Provided To States, UTs: Centre
• ‘Our Country Is Going To Hell’: Donald Trump
• India’s Covid-19 Vaccine Coverage Exceeds 187.67 Crore
• Jaishankar Meets Argentine FM Ahead Of Raisina Dialogue
• BJP leaders Swapan Dasgupta, Roopa Ganguly Retire From Rajya Sabha
• PM Modi Calls Panchayats ‘Pillars Of Indian Democracy’, Key To Building Self-Reliant India
• COVID-19: India Reports 2,593 Fresh Cases With Daily Positivity Rate At 0.59 PC
• Suspected Blast In Jammu Village Ahead Of PM Modi’s 1st Major J-K Visit
• IPL 2022: Enjoyed opening with skipper Kane Williamson, Says SRH’s Abhishek Sharma
• IPL 2022: RCB Skipper Faf Looking For Ways To Set Foundation After Debacle Against SRH
• IPL 2022: SRH Skipper Kane Williamson Credits His Bowlers For Thumping Nine-Wicket Win Over RCB
• KKR’s Andre Russell Becomes First Player In IPL To Scalp Four Wickets In One Over Spell
• Rashid Khan Becomes Second Overseas Spinner To Bag 100 Wickets In IPL
• PM Modi To Visit J-K Today To Participate In Panchayati Raj Day Event
• CID Detains Main Accused In Karnataka PSI Scam
• Mumbai Police Refused To Lodge My FIR: Kirit Somaiya
• Police Allowed Attack Under MVA Govt Pressure: Fadnavis Claims After Kirit Somaiya Alleges Assault
• Hanuman Chalisa Row: Kirit Somaiya Accuses Shiv Sena Goons Of Attacking Him At Khar Police Station
• Modi Government Has Focused On Health Sector With Holistic Approach, Says Amit Shah
• IPL 2022: SRH Beat RCB By 9 Wickets, By Chasing Target In 8 Overs
• South Africa To Tour India For 5 T20Is, BCCI Announces Venues
• Ripun Bora Appointed As Assam Trinamool Congress President
• Stay Away From Shiv Sena- Warns Sanjay Raut
• Archery WC: Men’s Compound Team Clinches Gold, Defeats France
• IPL: Gujarat Hold Nerve To Defeat KKR, On Top Of Points Table
• Delhi Logs 1,094 New COVID Cases, Highest Since Feb 10
• Asian Wrestling C’ships: Ravi Dahiya Clinches Gold; Bajrang, Gourav Settle For Silver
• Hanuman Chalisa Row: MP, MLA Arrested

Vir Das Mocks Will Smith’s Visit To India Post Oscars Slap Controversy Posted: 24 Apr 2022 09:08 AM PDT Hollywood star Will Smith’s recent visit to India weeks after slapping Chris Rock at Oscars 2022 has caught everyone’s attention. Like several netizens, actor and stand-up comedian Vir Das, too, commented about the same. Taking to Instagram, Das welcomed Smith with a joke, indirectly making a reference to Indian comedians who have faced lawsuits for hurting the sentiments of people with their acts. In fact, in 2021, Das landed in a legal soup over his controversial ‘I come from two Indias’ performance. “Will Smith is in India? Good. He can learn to stop slapping comedians with his hands and start slapping them with legal cases,” Das posted. Das’s “welcome note” for Smith garnered a lot of reactions from social media users. “LOL,” a netizen commented. “Hahahha savage,” another one wrote. For the unversed, while presenting the best documentary feature award at the 2022 Oscars, comedian Chris Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. Rock said he couldn’t wait to see Pinkett Smith, who has alopecia areata, star in ‘G.I. Jane 2’ which led Smith to go up on stage and slap Rock. Smith returned to his seat and shouted, “Keep my wife’s name out of your fu**ing mouth!” A few minutes after the incident, Smith was announced Best Actor at the 94th Academy Awards. While accepting his first-ever Oscar for best actor (leading role) in ‘King Richard’, Smith apologised to the Academy and fellow nominees but did not mention Rock. However, after receiving backlash for his disorderly behaviour, Smith issued an apology to Chris Rock and Academy on his social media handle. On March 29, there was a short virtual meeting between Smith, Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson, initiated by Smith. A few hours later, Smith announced his resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, claiming he “willfully accept any and all consequences for my conduct.” The Academy then moved up its meeting, where it banned Smith from its events for the next 10 years. And interestingly, on April 23, he was spotted at a private airport in Mumbai. He was seen dressed in an oversized white T-shirt that he teamed with the same coloured pants over which he donned knee-length black shorts. The viral photos also showed a ‘mala’ around his neck. It is believed to be Smith’s first public appearance since his Oscars controversy. The purpose of his trip has not been publicised.

Alia Bhatt’s Sunday Started On ‘Kesariya’ Mode Posted: 24 Apr 2022 08:55 AM PDT ‘Kesariya’ song holds a special place in actor Alia Bhatt’s heart as it’s her first-ever track with her husband Ranbir Kapoor. Prior to the couple’s wedding on April 14, the makers of their upcoming film ‘Brahmastra’ shared the teaser of the song. And it seems like Alia has been listening to it on loop since it was released. On Sunday, Alia took to Instagram and posted a story of her enjoying the track as a part of her playlist. She dropped a still of ‘Kesariya’ playing on her device and captioned, “currently listening…” Sung by Arijit Singh, ‘Kesariya’ features Ranbir and Alia romancing each other. The music video was shot in Varanasi in March.

Swadeshi Jagran Manch Hails ED’s Action Against Amway India Posted: 24 Apr 2022 08:06 AM PDT Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch has welcomed the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) action against Amway India Enterprises Private Limited, a company accused of running a multi-level marketing scam, and has demanded a probe by the central investigative agencies against all such institutions or companies which are working to “rob innocent people” by luring them with more income. The forum has also demanded strict action against the culprits of such cases. While welcoming ED’s action against Amway for “running a pyramid fraud schemes under the guise of Direct Selling Multi-Level Marketing Network”, the national co-convener of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch, Dr Ashwini Mahajan, issued a statement saying that there is a need to create a regulatory framework for such Multi-level marketing (MLM) companies to strongly prevent fraudulent practices. He claimed that there are several more MLM companies which have been selling their products at exorbitant prices by “looting innocent citizens” and by “luring them to earn handsome incomes” in India. “When those in the net of these companies start luring their friends and acquaintances, the chain starts,” he added. Mahajan, in the statement, cited a report published by the Federal Trade Commission that studied the business models of 350 MLM companies, saying that 99 per cent of people involved in MLM businesses lose money. “The business model may be there, but for the gullible, it is causing a definite loss rather than an income opportunity,” the statement read. On April 18, the ED attached assets worth Rs 757.77 crore belonging to Amway. The attached properties include land and factory building of Amway at Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu, Plant and Machineries, vehicles, bank accounts, and fixed deposits, said the agency, in a statement. The attached properties include Rs 411.83 crore immovable assets and bank balances of Rs 345.94 crore from 36 different accounts belonging to Amway. A money-laundering investigation by the ED revealed that Amway is running a pyramid fraud in the guise of direct selling multi-level marketing network. “It is observed that the prices of most of the products offered by the company are exorbitant as compared to the alternative popular products of reputed manufacturers available in the open market,” said the ED. The federal agency accused that the common gullible public is induced to join as members of the company and purchase products at exorbitant prices and are thus losing their hard-earned money. “The new members are not buying the products to use them but to become rich by becoming members as showcased by the upline members. Reality is that the commissions received by the upline members contribute enormously to the hike of prices of the products,” said the ED. It is observed that the company has collected an amount of Rs 27,562 crore from its business operations from 2002-03 to 2021-22. Out of this, the company has paid a commission of Rs 7588 Crore to its distributors and members in India and in the USA during Financial Year 2002-2003 to 2020-21. “The entire focus of the company is about propagating how members can become rich by becoming members. There is no focus on the products. Products are used to masquerade this MLM Pyramid fraud as a direct selling company,” said the ED. Amway has brought Rs 21.39 crores as share capital in India in 1996-97 till Financial Year 2020-21, said the ED, it added, “the company has remitted the huge amount of Rs 2,859.10 crore in the name of dividend, royalty and other payments to their investors and parent entities”. Britt Worldwide India Private Limited and Network TwentyOne Private Limited also played a major role in promoting the pyramid scheme of Amway by conducting seminars for joining members under the guise of sale of goods by the enrolment of members in the chain system, said the Central agency.” The promoters are conducting mega conventions and flaunted their lavish lifestyle and used social media to lure gullible investors,” the ED added.

PM Modi to chair COVID review meeting with CMs on April 27 Posted: 24 Apr 2022 07:57 AM PDT In view of increasing COVID cases in the country over the last two weeks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be chairing a meeting to assess the situation with Chief Ministers on April 27 (Wednesday) via video conferencing. Apart from the Prime Minister and senior officials of the Prime Minister’s Office, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and officials from their respective Ministries are likely to attend the meeting. As per sources, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan will be making a presentation on the present situation of COVID, the extent of vaccination, especially the booster drive and the trajectory of cases in certain states. In the past, PM Modi has held several meetings with the CMs, and even District Magistrates, to understand the situation on the ground. As per data available with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, today India’s Cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage exceeds 187.67 crores, with over 2.65 crore first doses of COVID vaccines administered for the age group 12-14 years. Meanwhile, 2,593 new COVID cases were reported in the last 24 hours, taking India’s active caseload for the virus to 15,873. The recovery rate from COVID currently stands at 98.75 per cent, while the weekly positivity rate is presently at 0.54 per cent.

Prashant Kishor’s I-PAC Officially Working For TRS Posted: 24 Apr 2022 07:07 AM PDT Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader KT Rama Rao on Sunday confirmed that poll strategist Prashant Kishor’s Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) is working for TRS officially. However, he clarified that the TRS is just working with the I-PAC and not with Prashant Kishor. “Prashant Kishor has introduced I-PAC to the TRS party and I-PAC is working for us officially. We are not working with Prashant Kishor but we are working with I-PAC,” said KTR. TRS working president KTR further said that Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao is running TRS for the last two decades but the party doesn’t want to miss the digital medium and that’s why IPAC is going to help the TRS party in coming polls. “KCR is running TRS for the last two decades. We don’t want to miss digital medium and that’s why IPAC is going to help TRS party in coming polls,” he added. KTR further said “Prashant Kishor has disassociated himself from I-PAC and he is doing his own politics. IPAC will be working for us.” This comes amid speculations about poll strategist Prashant Kishor joining the Congress.

Anurag Thakur Interacts With Participants Ahead of Khelo India University Games Posted: 24 Apr 2022 06:57 AM PDT Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday interacted with participants from various universities ahead of the Khelo India University Games 2021 in Bengaluru. The Union Minister paid a surprise visit to the Jain University Global Campus-venue for 13 disciplines including new additions Mallakhamba and Yogasana. He walked to various sporting arenas and took cognizance of the arrangements made for the participants to ensure they have a memorable event at the KIUG. Reminiscent of his playing days as a cricketer, the minister said, “Jain University along with the Karnataka State Government is doing a fantastic job of hosting these events with best facilities for athletes taking part in the Khelo India University Games. Watching these athletes here today, I am reminded of my University days when I played cricket. In some of the tournaments held in places like Darbhanga and Samastipur in Bihar, the facilities used to not be up to the mark. But infrastructure has improved so much today and you can see the kind of facilities being provided here for athletes. Our initiative through the KIUG is to provide athletes with a platform that is on par with international standards.” Advising the budding athletes of the country, Thakur said, “Play in the spirit of sportsmanship. I would advice them to propagate clean sports and not use performance enhancements drugs. That is why we have NADA here to give athletes the right information and create more awareness about doping particularly among young athletes at the university level.” The minister arrived at the Volleyball venue in the morning when the matches between HRM (Himachal Pradesh University) and AWU (Adamas University West Bengal) in the women’s section and SRM university Chennai and AWU in the men’s section were underway. He interacted with both the teams and wished them good luck for their upcoming matches. He also had an interaction with the referees and the audience too. Apart from this, the minister indulged in a round of volleyball himself.

Foreign Holdings Of Chinese Central Government Bonds Dip In March Posted: 24 Apr 2022 06:46 AM PDT Overseas institutional investors reduced their holdings of Chinese government bonds in March, official data showed. By the end of March, the country’s central government bonds held by foreign investors topped RMB 2.43 trillion (about USD 376.2 billion), down by RMB 51.81 billion from the previous month, data released by the China Central Depository & Clearing Co., Ltd. showed. Foreign investors’ holdings of bonds issued by China’s policy banks topped RMB 1.01 trillion during the period, while their holdings of local government bonds stood at RMB 10.99 billion, the data showed. The outstanding bonds held by overseas institutional investors reached nearly RMB 3.57 trillion as of the end of March, of which RMB 2.77 trillion was under depository via the Global Connect program and RMB 800.58 billion via the Bond Connect program. Currently, overseas institutions may access China’s inter-bank bond market through the Global Connect (direct holding) or the Bond Connect (multi-tiered custody).

Bhagwant Mann Likely To Sign MoUs With Delhi Govt For Imparting Quality Health, Education Facilities Posted: 24 Apr 2022 06:35 AM PDT Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is likely to sign a few Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Government of Delhi for imparting quality health and education facilities to people in the state during his visit to the national capital on Monday. In a bid to revamp the existing health and education infrastructure across the state, the Punjab Chief Minister would undertake a tour of the premier health and school educational institutes in the national capital on Monday. He would be accompanied by a battery of senior officers from both School Education and Health and Family Welfare departments to apprise them of prevalent models in both these crucial sectors directly attributable to the human development, according to Punjab Chief Minister’s Office. The move is aimed at sprucing up the health and education infrastructure of Punjab by replicating the Delhi model in both these core sectors, as per Punjab CMO. Pointing out further, the spokesperson said that starting in the morning, the Chief Minister will visit Dr Ambedkar Institute of Excellence at Kalka ji, followed by Mohalla clinics at Greater Kailash, Chirag Enclave, after which he will visit Kautilya Government Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya Chirag Enclave. The spokesperson further said that after taking stock of the facilities in this school, the Chief Minister along with his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal will inaugurate the newly constructed swimming pool in the school. The Punjab CM will then visit the Rajiv Gandhi Hospital at Dilshad garden and inspect the quality health facilities being provided to the citizens. The Punjab CM was also scheduled to visit the Delhi government schools on April 18, but it was later postponed. However, the reason behind the postponement of Bhagwant Mann was not ascertained.

Punjab Police AGTF Arrests Most Wanted Terrorist Absconding Since 2010 Posted: 24 Apr 2022 06:25 AM PDT Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of the Punjab Police on Sunday arrested a most wanted terrorist and an active member of terrorist module Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) identified as Charanjit Singh alias Patialavi, who has been evading arrest for last 12 years by using different identities and hideouts. Pertinently, Punjab Government has recently constituted an AGTF headed by ADGP Promod Ban under the supervision of DGP Punjab VK Bhawra to intensify action against gangsters, read a statement from the Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab. Divulging details, DIG AGTF Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that accused Charanjit Patialavi, a resident of village Butta Singh Wala in Patiala was declared proclaimed offender in a case FIR dated 23-07-2010 registered under sections 4/5 of the Explosive Act and sections 17/18/20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act at Police Station Machhiwara. However, Patialavi’s other associate deceased terrorist Gurmail Singh Boba of Butta Singh Wala, was arrested in this case along with recovery of detonators and RDX, he added. He said that following reliable information, the AGTF teams led by AIG AGTF Gurmeet Singh Chauhan and DSP AGTF Bikramjit Singh Brar have arrested Patialavi from near Gurudwara Sahib at village Lali in Dera Bassi. “Patialavi, disguising himself as a Granthi was presently staying in Gurudwara Sahib at Khargpur in West Bengal and was not using any communication device,” said Bhullar, adding that different identification cards on West Bengal address have been recovered from his possession. Further investigation is in process, it may lead to more arrests and important disclosures, Bhullar said. As per the statement, Charanjit alias Patialavi was an active member of BKI terrorist module which was busted by the Punjab Police in 2010 for it’s involvement in Shingar Cinema Ludhiana bomb blasts in 2007, and other blasts at Kali Mata Mandir, Patiala and Ambala in 2010. All the other associates of Patialavi were arrested in 2010 by the Punjab Police.

J-K: PM Modi Inaugurates Projects Worth Rs 20,000 Crore Posted: 24 Apr 2022 01:12 AM PDT Samba (Jammu and Kashmir): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his first major visit to Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation of multiple development projects worth Rs 20,000 crore in the Union Territory. “Projects worth Rs 20,000 crore related to connectivity and electricity have been inaugurated here today. In a bid to bid speed up the development in Jammu and Kashmir, many development initiatives are being taken up in the Union Territory,” said PM Modi in Palli Panchayat of Samba district. PM Modi further said that these projects will provide huge employment opportunities to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Ratle and Kwar Hydroelectric projects. The 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project will be constructed on Chenab river in Kishtwar District at a cost of around Rs 5300 crore. The 540 MW Kwar Hydroelectric Project will also be built on the Chenab river in Kishtwar District at a cost of over Rs 4500 crore. Both the projects will help meet the power requirements of the region. “With the inauguration of a 500 KW solar power plant at Palli in Samba District, it is moving towards becoming the country’s first panchayat to become carbon neutral…The people of Palli have demonstrated what ‘Sabka prayas’ can do,” said PM Modi. Prime Minister inaugurated the Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel, built at a cost of over Rs 3100 crore. The 8.45 Km long tunnel project would reduce the road distance between Banihal and Qazigund by 16 km, and reduce journey time by around one and a half hour. It is a twin-tube tunnel – one for each direction of travel – with the twin tubes being interconnected by a cross passage every 500m, for maintenance and emergency evacuation. The tunnel would help establish an all-weather connection between Jammu and Kashmir and bring the two regions closer. Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of three road packages of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, being built at a cost of over Rs. 7500 crore. They are for the construction of 4/6 lane access controlled Delhi-Katra-Amritsar Expressway from: Balsua on NH-44 to Gurha Baildaran, Hiranagar; Gurha Baildaran, Hiranagar to Jakh, Vijaypur; and Jakh, Vijaypur to Kunjwani, Jammu with spur connectivity to Jammu Airport. In order to further expand the network of Jan Aushadi Kendras in Jammu and Kashmir and to make good quality generic medicines at affordable prices available, 100 Kendras made functional were also dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister. These Kendras are located in the remote corners of the UT. He will also inaugurate a 500 KW solar power plant at Palli, which will make it the country’s first panchayat to become carbon neutral. Prime Minister also visited the INTACH photo gallery which depicts the rural heritage of the region, and Nokia Smartpur, a rural entrepreneurship-based model designed to create ideal smart villages in India. PM Modi is addressing a gathering of more than 30,000 Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members of Jammu and Kashmir, while PRIs from across the country are connected virtually for the Prime Minister’s address.

EU Chief Hails India’s Strive For Renewable Energy Posted: 24 Apr 2022 01:01 AM PDT New Delhi [India]: Noting India’s commitment to renewable energy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday said that India and European Union (EU) have shared goal for green energy, including solar power. The EU President’s remarks came during an event ‘Youth for a Greener Future’, organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in Delhi. “India and the European Union have a lot in common. I’ve seen your goals to have 50 per cent of energy from renewables in 2030. We share the idea that we really have to look into solar energy, wind energy, biomass, hydropower… geothermal. These are the ingredients for the success of the economy, betterment of people and of course protection of our climate,” said the EU President. “We also have innovation in common, and I’m deeply convinced that our world will take the right direction in cutting emissions by harnessing clean, innovative technologies, the demand for which will be enormous,” she added. The EU President arrived in India for a two-day official visit on Sunday to strengthen India-EU strategic partnership. This will be her first visit to India as the President of the European Commission. “Warm and cordial welcome to President of the @EU_Commission @vonderleyen to India. She will be the Chief Guest at @raisinadialogue starting April 25,” the External Affairs Ministry (MEA) tweeted. During her visit, European Commission President will meet President Ram Nath Kovind and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, the energy and digital transition, connectivity, security and defence, the cooperation in the Indo-Pacific will be at the centre of her conversations in Delhi. EU-India’s broad economic agenda will have focus on the free trade agreement, investment protection agreement and Geographical Indications agreement. President von der Leyen will also deliver an address at the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and discuss with Indian and EU companies the security of supply chains in the energy sector. 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.

Odisha: Bus Carrying 50 Passengers Overturns In Puri, 25 Injured Posted: 24 Apr 2022 12:47 AM PDT Ganjam (Odisha): A bus carrying pilgrims from Odisha’s Puri met with an accident leaving 25 people injured, informed the officials on Sunday. The bus was going towards Tamil Nadu from Odisha’s Puri when it overturned and crashed on the highway near Rambha in the Ganjam district, said the police. According to the police, the bus had around 50 passengers and four survived major injuries out of the 25 injured. A project of highway widening is underway near the accident spot. Ganjam district magistrate and Chhatrapur sub-collector visited the spot. A rescue squad was also called in for the injured. Further details are awaited.

Rahul Credits Rajiv Gandhi For Panchayati Raj Institutions Posted: 24 Apr 2022 12:40 AM PDT New Delhi [India]: On National Panchayati Raj Day, former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Sunday hailed former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi for fulfilling Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of strengthening villages by giving the Panchayati Raj system to the country through the landmark Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992. “It was the dream of Mahatma Gandhi that the villages of the country should become strong. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi made that dream come true by bringing the Panchayati Raj system. Hearty greetings to all the heads of the panchayat institutions, Sarpanchs and members of local rural bodies on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day,” the Congress leader tweeted (roughly translated from Hindi). 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. On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir today to mark National Panchayati Raj Day and address Gram Sabhas across the country. 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 the income of the farmers and the rural people. Amongst important innovations that are planned to be showcased are geospatial technology for rural development and farmers, apps for farmers for the weather forecast for five days, lavender cultivation, famously known as the purple revolution, biotechnology innovation to increase the production of apple to increase farmers’ income, drone application for pesticide spray and waste treatment.

Media Query On Farah Khan Riles Former Pak PM Imran Khan Posted: 24 Apr 2022 12:32 AM PDT Islamabad [Pakistan]: With speculations running rife about his links with Farah Khan, who left Pakistan for Dubai amid corruption allegations, ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan again refused to answer media queries on the issue on Saturday. Farah Khan is believed to be a close friend of Imran Khan’s first wife Bushra Bibi. Imran Khan often entertains only those questions which are of his liking and similar sights were seen in this latest presser when he ducked a question about his relationship with Farah Khan and simply walked away, reported Geo News. Farah Khan was in the spotlight after the PTI chairman Imran Khan was voted out of power, as allegations were levelled against her that she had been involved in money laundering. Another question that the PM left unattended was about his opinion on the campaign that was run against journalists during his tenure. The ousted PM did not entertain any of these questions. Imran Khan’s rivals had been accusing him for curbing freedom of expression and independent media. Farah Khan, whose real name is reported to be Farah Shahzadi, reached Dubai on April 3. She used an international airline with the number EK623 to reach Dubai and used a Pakistani passport to travel to the country, the report said citing officials, privy to the knowledge. Farah Khan had become controversial as estranged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Aleem Khan and the Opposition had put forward corruption allegations against the friend of the Prime Minister’s wife Bushra Bibi. Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister’s aide and former federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Fawad Chaudhry lost his cool and heckled a journalist who asked about corruption allegations against Farah Khan. The showdown took place at a press conference outside the Supreme Court, following which media persons boycotted the meeting that was attended by ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members Asad Umar, Shahbaz Gill and Ali Muhammad Khan, and demanded an apology from Chaudhry. Earlier a photograph of Farah Khan seen on a flight with a handbag that is claimed to costs USD 90,000, had gone viral on social media. According to reports in local Pakistan media, PMLN leader and former finance minister Miftah Ismail alleged that the handbag was worth USD 90,000 (Rs16.5 million). Ismail alongside former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi alleged that Farah Khan had “taken money” for getting civil servants transferred and posted according to their choices. “Farah Gujjar, while using a Punjab government’s plane, had a bag that was worth USD 90,000,” claimed Ismail. Ismail also alleged that Farah Khan was a front-woman of Usman Buzdar, the former chief minister of Punjab. Farah Khan reached Dubai the same day when Imran Khan dissolved the National Assembly and the no-trust motion brought by the opposition was dismissed by the speaker.

COVID-19: Over 192.5 CR Vaccine Doses Provided To States, UTs: Centre Posted: 24 Apr 2022 12:28 AM PDT The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Sunday that over 192. 51 crores of COVID-19 vaccine doses have been provided to States and Union Territories so far. “More than 192.51 crores (1,92,51,46,165) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category,” read the official statement from the ministry. Further, more than 19.75 Cr (19,75,29,350) balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through the availability of more vaccines, advanced visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them and streamlining the vaccine supply chain. As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, the Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them with COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply (free of cost) 75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.

‘Our Country Is Going To Hell’: Donald Trump Posted: 24 Apr 2022 12:22 AM PDT Washington [US]: Former US President Donald Trump says the Democrats and the administration of US President Joe Biden are destroying the United States. “The fact is, the election was rigged and stolen and now our country is being destroyed. Our country is being destroyed, our country is going to hell. We’ve never had anything like this,” Trump told his supporters at a Saturday rally in Delaware, Ohio. Trump mocked Biden, recalling some of the recent awkward incidents involving the US president. “We have a president right now, sadly, who has absolutely no idea what the hell is happening. He is shaking hands with the air, he is walking around somewhat bewildered… and taking orders from the Easter bunny,” Trump said, adding that Biden “is doing all of this while [Russian President Vladimir] Putin does nothing but talk about nuclear weapons and destroying the world.” Trump said the current administration is to blame for the high gas prices and the record inflation in the United States and reiterated that ‘our country id going to hell’. “We have our signals very crossed in our country,” the former president said. On Tuesday, The Hill reported citing two sources that Biden had told former US president Barack Obama that he was going to seek reelection in 2024. Biden reportedly believes that he is the only one who can defeat Donald Trump. Trump has not officially announced his intention to run for president again, although he has hinted on the possibility during numerous Save America rallies he has held across the US.

India’s Covid-19 Vaccine Coverage Exceeds 187.67 Crore Posted: 24 Apr 2022 12:20 AM PDT The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, on Sunday informed that the cumulative Covid-19 vaccination coverage of the country has exceeded 187.67 Crore (1,87,67,20,318) through 2,30,29,745 sessions, as per the provisional reports till 7 am. As many as 1,04,04,725 (1st Dose), 1,00,12,053 (2nd Dose), and 46,94,892 (Precaution Dose) have been administered to the Health Care Workers (HCWs) whereas 1,84,14,942 (1st Dose), 1,75,32,038 (2nd Dose), and 73,40,412 (Precaution Dose) have been jabbed to the Front Line Workers (FLWs) in the country. COVID-19 vaccination for the age group 12-14 years was started on 16 March 2022. So far, 2,65,75,579 1st dose and 29,32,476 2nd dose of Covid-19 vaccine have been given to these adolescents. Youngsters belonging to the age group 15-18 years have been given 5,81,40,660 (1st Dose) and 4,13,45,317 (2nd Dose) of the vaccine against coronavirus. Besides 84549 Precaution Doses of vaccine, 55,54,82,878 (1st Dose) and 47,54,34,938 (2nd dose) have been administered to the people of the age group 18-44 years. People belonging to the age group 45-59 years have been given the 20,28,83,319 and 18,73,63,960 jabs of 1st dose and 2nd dose of Coronavirus vaccine, respectively. According to the ministry, this group of citizens is also jabbed with 3,03,170 jabs of Precaution Dose against the Coronavirus. As per the data, the people with the age more than 60 years have been jabbed with 12,68,38,741 (1st Dose), 11,67,19,403 (2nd Dose), and 1,42,16,266 (Precaution Dose). India’s Active Caseload currently stands at 15,873 and the active cases now constitute 0.04 per cent of the country’s total positive cases. “India’s recovery rate stands at 98.75 per cent. 1,755 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients (since the beginning of the pandemic) is now at 4,25,19,479,” it read. According to the ministry, India has so far conducted over 83.47Cr (83,47,17,702) cumulative tests and 2,593 new cases of Covid-19 were reported after conducting 4,36,532 tests in the last 24 hours. The weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 0.54 per cent and the Daily Positivity rate is also reported to be 0.59 per cent.

Jaishankar Meets Argentine FM Ahead Of Raisina Dialogue Posted: 24 Apr 2022 12:13 AM PDT External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met with Argentina’s Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero at Hyderabad House in Delhi on Sunday. The Argentine Foreign Minister is in the national capital to attend the Raisina Dialogue scheduled for April 25-26. Today, Foreign Minister of Nigeria Geoffrey Onyeama also arrived in New Delhi on an official visit. Onyeama will also attend the Raisina Dialogue. Taking to Twitter, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi wrote, “Pleased to welcome FM @GeoffreyOnyeama of Nigeria as he arrives in New Delhi on an official visit. He will also be attending the @raisinadialogue starting tomorrow.” Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau will also visit India from April 25-27, Poland Foreign Ministry announced in a statement. This will be the first visit of a Polish foreign minister to India in nine years. Poland FM’s visit also includes a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the seventh edition of the Raisina dialogue on April 25, said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi during the MEA weekly briefing on Thursday. The dialogue, which will be held over three days from April 25 to April 27, will witness the participation of European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen as the chief guest. The Raisina Dialogue, which started in 2016, is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. The conference is organised by MEA in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). The dialogue, which was held virtually last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be held in the in-person format this year, informed Bagchi. “Raisina Dialogue 2022 will have around 100 sessions with over 210 speakers from 90 countries. There will also be side events that will be hosted in Berlin and Washington. Raisina young fellows programme will also be conducted on the sidelines of this main conference,” said Bagchi.

BJP leaders Swapan Dasgupta, Roopa Ganguly Retire From Rajya Sabha Posted: 23 Apr 2022 11:58 PM PDT The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders Swapan Dasgupta and Roopa Ganguly on Sunday completed their terms as Rajya Sabha MPs. Both were nominated members of the Rajya Sabha. They took to Twitter to express their gratitude and shared their experiences as MPs of the Upper House. Gupta tweeted: “Today I complete my term as an MP in Rajya Sabha. The past six years has been a voyage of discovery. I moved from a ringside view of public life to being in the ring itself. I rediscovered Bengal, made new friends and some enemies. I look forward to future challenges in a rising India.” He also said that in active politics, one must think big and long term, answer phone calls and know when to speak and when to observe silence. He said that every question doesn’t merit answers. One must observe civility in speech and respect the other side even if they don’t reciprocate, he added. Gupta had unsuccessfully contested the West Bengal Assembly elections. He had to quit his Rajya Sabha membership following controversy over his nomination for the Assembly polls in West Bengal. Reacting to a tweet by MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce, Vijayasai Reddy V, who praised Ganguly for her contribution in the parliament and Commerce Committee, Ganguly thanked him for his support and called him an inspiration for new MPs. “Thank you Sir, @VSReddy_MP It’s been a wonderful experience working under your guidance, you have nurtured new MPs like myself, you have been very patient with our inadequacy and have been an inspiration. I must say, You are a great teacher. Regards,” she tweeted. MP Vijayasai Reddy V wishing Ganguly for her future endeavours tweeted,”Bidding farewell to Smt. Roopa Ganguly, Nominated MP of the Rajya Sabha. She will be remembered for her contribution in the Parliament and her consistent performance in the Commerce Committee. Wishing her all the best with the hope that she will return to the RS. @RoopaSpeaks.” Roopa joined BJP in 2015 ahead of West Bengal Assembly polls in 2016. Later, she was nominated in 2016 as Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha by the President of India. She also served as the president of BJP Mahila Morcha in West Bengal. A farewell was organised in the Parliament on March 31, for the 72 Rajya Sabha members who are retiring from the Rajya Sabha this year.

PM Modi Calls Panchayats ‘Pillars Of Indian Democracy’, Key To Building Self-Reliant India Posted: 23 Apr 2022 11:49 PM PDT Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday greeted people on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day and said that the Panchayats are the pillars of the Indian democracy which needs to be further strengthened. “Wishing you all a very Happy National Panchayati Raj Day. Panchayats are the pillars of Indian democracy, in whose strength lies the prosperity of the new India. Let us pledge to further empower our panchayats in building a self-reliant India,” tweeted PM Modi. On the occasion, PM Modi is travelling to Jammu and Kashmir’s Palli and from there he will address Gram Sabhas across the country. 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. The date – April 24, 1993 – is remembered for the decentralization of power to the grassroots, with the institutionalization of Panchayati Raj, through the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992. 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 for farmers for weather forecast for five days, lavender cultivation, famously known as purple revolution, biotechnology innovation to increase the production of apple to increase farmers’ income, drone application for pesticide spray and waste treatment, the shelf life of fruits to be increased through atomic radiation, etc.

COVID-19: India Reports 2,593 Fresh Cases With Daily Positivity Rate At 0.59 PC Posted: 23 Apr 2022 11:42 PM PDT Witnessing a steady rise in the number of new COVID-19 infections, India recorded 2,593 new cases in the last 24 hours, with a daily positivity rate of 0.59 per cent. Earlier country had reported 2,527 new COVID-19 infections with a daily positivity rate of 0.56 per cent on Saturday and 2,451 new cases with a daily positivity rate of 0.55 per cent on Friday. As per today’s government data, India’s active caseload currently stands at 15,873. They now constitute 0.04 per cent of the country’s total positive cases. A total of 4,36,532 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours. The weekly positivity rate is 0.54 per cent. With 1,755 recoveries reported in the last 24 hours, the cumulative recoveries rose to 4,25,19,479. The recovery rate is at 98.75 per cent. In the last 24 hours, 44 people succumbed to the virus. The death toll in the country is currently at 5,22,193. The case fatality rate is 1.21 per cent. In the nationwide vaccination drive against COVID-19, which commenced on January 16 last year, more than 187.67 crore doses have been administered to eligible beneficiaries.

Suspected Blast In Jammu Village Ahead Of PM Modi’s 1st Major J-K Visit Posted: 23 Apr 2022 09:19 PM PDT On a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is embarking on his first major visit to Jammu and Kashmir, the police said that people in Lalian village in the Bishnah area in Jammu reported a suspected case of a blast. “A suspected blast was reported by villagers in open agricultural land in Lalian village, Bishnah, Jammu,” said Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday. The investigation into the suspected blast is underway. Meanwhile, security checks are underway at the venue in Palli village in Samba from where PM Modi will address the Panchayats across the country. On the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir today and address Gram Sabhas across the country. He will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development initiatives worth over Rs 20,000 crore. With a view to ensuring the rejuvenation of water bodies, during the visit to Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister will also launch a new initiative named Amrit Sarovar. It is aimed at developing and rejuvenating 75 water bodies in each district of the country. Prime Minister will inaugurate the Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel, built at a cost of over Rs 3,100 crore. The tunnel would help establish an all-weather connection between Jammu and Kashmir and bring the two regions closer. Further, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of three road packages of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, being built at a cost of over Rs 7,500 crore. They are for the construction of 4/6 lane access controlled Delhi-Katra-Amritsar Expressway from: Balsua on NH-44 to Gurha Baildaran, Hiranagar; Gurha Baildaran, Hiranagar to Jakh, Vijaypur; and Jakh, Vijaypur to Kunjwani, Jammu with spur connectivity to Jammu Airport. This will be PM Modi’s first major trip to the Union Territory, other than his trips to border posts, since the abrogation of Article 370 and special status of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019.

IPL 2022: Enjoyed opening with skipper Kane Williamson, Says SRH’s Abhishek Sharma Posted: 23 Apr 2022 09:08 PM PDT Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Abhishek Sharma said that he enjoyed opening with skipper Kane Williamson, as the duo led their side to a nine-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday. SunRisers Hyderabad chased down a 69-run target against Royal Challengers Bangalore in just eight overs to register a thumping nine-wicket win at the Brabourne Stadium. Sharma scored 28-ball 47, decorated with eight fours and one six while bowlers Marco Jansen and T Natarajan bagged three wickets each to bundle out RCB for 68 runs and pave way for a comprehensive win for SRH. “Feeling really good for contributing to my team, I think I played my shots. I always wanted to play at this position, and was waiting for the opportunity – so when they said that I would open, I was very excited. We have a great support staff and I’m learning a lot from them,” said Abhishek Sharma in a post-match presentation. “It’s working really well for us because we’ve been talking almost on every ball in between the wickets, talking about the game, how it’s coming, how the next ball we might play. So that’s helping. [On working with Brian Lara] 100%, I’ve been learning my best from him because we all know what he did for the country and for cricket. So I’ve been trying my best for him,” said Sharma. Coming to the match, chasing a paltry 69-run target started off steadily as openers Kane Williamson and Abhishek Sharma ensured that their team did not lose any early wicket. Skipper Williamson was happy to play a sheet anchor role and allowed Abhishek Sharma to attack from the other end as the 2016 champions crossed the 50-run mark in 5.5 overs. Harshal Patel finally broke the 64-run partnership dismissing Abhishek Sharma for 47 but it was too little too late for RCB as Hyderabad chased down the 69-run target in just 8 overs winning the match by nine wickets.

IPL 2022: RCB Skipper Faf Looking For Ways To Set Foundation After Debacle Against SRH Posted: 23 Apr 2022 09:02 PM PDT After a dismal show of batting against SunRisers Hyderabad on Saturday, Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Faf du Plessis feels that his side need to find a way to set the foundation of their batting order. Bangalore was bundled out on 68 against Hyderabad at the Brabourne Stadium on Saturday. In return, Hyderabad chased down the target in just eight overs and registered a spectacular nine-wicket win. “The first four overs, we shouldn’t have lost so many wickets, it was a bit spicy upfront. We still got to find a way to set a foundation (in the upcoming games), even if it’s sacrificing a few runs in the powerplay. We just needed to get through that phase where the ball was swinging and seaming, once you get through it, it becomes easier. This wicket looked the best, the expectations were pretty high, it was a very good wicket,” said Faf du Plessis in a post-match presentation. “There are no excuses though. Jansen bowled well in his first over swinging the ball both ways and got the big wickets. You want to make sure you don’t get a lot emotional, it was a bad day at the office, but you need to keep your chin up and need to get the learning from it. As a team we need to move forward, it’s a long tournament,” he added. Coming to the match, chasing a paltry 69-run target started off steadily as openers Kane Williamson and Abhishek Sharma ensured that their team did not lose any early wicket. Skipper Williamson was happy to play a sheet anchor role and allowed Abhishek Sharma to attack from the other end as the 2016 champions crossed the 50-run mark in 5.5 overs. Harshal Patel finally broke the 64-run partnership dismissing Abhishek Sharma for 47 but it was too little for RCB as Hyderabad chased down the 69-run target in just 8 overs winning the match by nine wickets.

IPL 2022: SRH Skipper Kane Williamson Credits His Bowlers For Thumping Nine-Wicket Win Over RCB Posted: 23 Apr 2022 08:54 PM PDT SunRisers Hyderabad captain Kane Williamson credited his bowlers and batters for the thumping nine-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday. SunRisers Hyderabad chased down a 69-run target in just eight overs to register a spectacular nine-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Brabourne Stadium. Marco Jansen and T Natarajan bagged three wickets each to bundle out RCB for 68 runs and pave way for a comprehensive win for SRH. “The guys bowled beautifully and we caught well. It was an outstanding performance, but for us it’s about looking forward to the next challenge. The ball is swinging a lot more this season, so we have been taking wickets in the powerplay,” said Kane Williamson in a post-match presentation. “He (Jansen) is always up for a laugh off the field, but he is very focused. He has got the skills to do that, he is a real treat for us. You want to do as well as you can. There was a bit of chat with him, he (Abhishek) has been timing the ball brilliantly. There are a few challenges coming up ahead, so need to be focused,” he added. Coming to the match, chasing a paltry 69-run target started off steadily as openers Kane Williamson and Abhishek Sharma ensured that their team did not lose any early wicket. Skipper Williamson was happy to play a sheet anchor role and allowed Abhishek Sharma to attack from the other end as the 2016 champions crossed the 50-run mark in 5.5 overs. Harshal Patel finally broke the 64-run partnership dismissing Abhishek Sharma for 47 but it was too little too late for RCB as Hyderabad chased down the 69-run target in just 8 overs winning the match by nine wickets.

KKR’s Andre Russell Becomes First Player In IPL To Scalp Four Wickets In One Over Spell Posted: 23 Apr 2022 08:47 PM PDT Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Andre Russell on Saturday became the first player in the history of the Indian Premier league to achieve a four-wicket haul in a one-over spell. Russell achieved this feat during the clash against Gujarat Titans at the Dr DY Patil stadium. He dismissed Abhinav Manohar, Lockie Ferguson, and Yash Dayal in the 20th over of the first innings to restrict Gujarat at 156/9. Earlier, the record of most wickets in a single over spell was held by Kolkata’s Laxmi Ratan Shukla, who had registered a figure of 3/6 against Delhi Capitals (then Daredevils) in 2008. Coming to the match, Russell’s last-over heroic went in vain as Gujarat Titans held their nerve to get their sixth win of the campaign and move back to the top of the IPL 2022 table. The total of 156 is now the lowest to be defended by a team so far in this edition of IPL. Hardik Pandya played a skipper’s knock of 67 off 49 balls while David Miller played a handy innings of 27 for Gujarat Titans. For KKR, Tim Southee scalped three wickets while Shivam Mavi and Umesh Yadav bagged one each. Kolkata will now be going up against Delhi Capitals while Gujarat Titans will be facing SunRisers Hyderabad in their next clash.

Rashid Khan Becomes Second Overseas Spinner To Bag 100 Wickets In IPL Posted: 23 Apr 2022 08:42 PM PDT Gujarat Titans (GT) leg-spinner Rashid Khan on Saturday became the second overseas spinner in the history of the Indian Premier League to reach the milestone of 100 wickets. The Afghanistan spinner reached this incredible feat when he bagged his first wicket of the innings against the Kolkata Knight Riders in match number 35 of IPL 2022. Rashid reached the triple-figure mark after removing KKR’s Venkatesh Iyer. Iyer was dismissed after the left-handed batter holed out to the deep off Rashid’s bowling and Abhinav Manohar took a sharp catch in the outfield. With this, Rashid became the third-fastest player in the history of the tournament to reach the 100-wickets mark. When KKR required 50 off the final five, Rashid Khan castled Shivam Mavi to claim his second wicket of the match. The 23-year-old also became just the 2nd overseas spin bowler after West Indian Sunil Narine to pick 100 wickets and overall 4th overseas bowler. The others are Lasith Malinga and Dwayne Bravo. Rashid took his 100th league wicket in his 83rd match, equalling Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra for the record of the fastest spinner to reach the feat (100 wickets) in IPL history. Rashid went past Yuzvendra Chahal (84 matches) and Sunil Narine (86 matches) for the milestone. Overall, Sri Lanka’s former speedster Lasith Malinga holds the record for the fastest to reach 100 wickets (in 70 matches). Rashid Khan made his IPL debut in 2017 for Sunrisers Hyderabad and is now the vice-captain of the new franchise Gujarat Titans.

PM Modi To Visit J-K Today To Participate In Panchayati Raj Day Event Posted: 23 Apr 2022 08:00 PM PDT On the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir today and address gram sabhas across the country. He will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development initiatives worth over Rs 20,000 crore. The Prime Minister will visit Palli Panchayat in Samba district. With a view to ensuring the rejuvenation of water bodies, during the visit to Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister will also launch a new initiative named Amrit Sarovar. It is aimed at developing and rejuvenating 75 water bodies in each district of the country. “I am eager to inaugurate the Amrit Sarovar initiative which marks a special moment in the collective endeavours to rejuvenate our water bodies and conserve every drop of water. Under this initiative, 75 water bodies will be developed and rejuvenated in each district,” PM Modi tweeted. Prime Minister will inaugurate the Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel, built at a cost of over Rs 3,100 crore. According to Prime Miniter’s Office, the 8.45 Km long tunnel would reduce the road distance between Banihal and Qazigund by 16 km, and reduce journey time by around one and a half hour. It is a twin-tube tunnel – one for each direction of travel – with the twin tubes being interconnected by a cross passage every 500m, for maintenance and emergency evacuation. The tunnel would help establish an all-weather connection between Jammu and Kashmir and bring the two regions closer. Further, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of three road packages of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, being built at a cost of over Rs 7,500 crore. They are for the construction of 4/6 lane access controlled Delhi-Katra-Amritsar Expressway from: Balsua on NH-44 to Gurha Baildaran, Hiranagar; Gurha Baildaran, Hiranagar to Jakh, Vijaypur; and Jakh, Vijaypur to Kunjwani, Jammu with spur connectivity to Jammu Airport. Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of Ratle and Kwar Hydroelectric projects. The 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project will be constructed on the Chenab River in Kishtwar District at a cost of around Rs 5,300 crore. The 540 MW Kwar Hydroelectric Project will also be built on Chenab river in Kishtwar District at a cost of over Rs 4,500 crore. In order to further expand the network of Jan Aushadi Kendras in Jammu and Kashmir and to make good quality generic medicines at affordable prices available, 100 Kendras have been made functional and will be dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister. These Kendras are located in the remote corners of the UT. He will also inaugurate a 500 KW solar power plant at Palli, which will make it the country’s first panchayat to become carbon neutral. Prime Minister will hand over SVAMITVA cards to beneficiaries under the scheme. He will also transfer award money to Panchayats which are winners of awards given across different categories on National panchayati Raj Day for their achievements. Prime Minister will also visit the INTACH photo gallery which depicts the rural heritage of the region, and Nokia Smartpur, a rural entrepreneurship-based model designed to create ideal smart villages in India.

CID Detains Main Accused In Karnataka PSI Scam Posted: 23 Apr 2022 08:00 PM PDT Criminal Investigation Department (CID) detained the main accused in the Karnataka PSI scam Rudragowda D Patil from Maharashtra and brought him to its office late Saturday night. The case is related to the irregularities in the appointment of police sub-inspectors in the state. Earlier on Saturday, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said everything related to the PSI recruitment scam will be thoroughly investigated, and action will be taken against those found guilty. Bommai on Thursday said, “Arrangements were made on the lines of the UPSC recruitment test. Irregularities had been perpetrated despite the tight security and transparent system. We want to put an end to this,” he added. The Chief Minister further informed that he has instructed the CID to speedy and transparent investigation. “Officials were instructed to conduct a thorough preliminary investigation immediately after getting the complaint about irregularities. The case was handed over to CID when differences were noticed in answer scripts. Instructions have been issued for speedy and transparent investigation without wasting the time. Heads of educational institutions in Kalaburagi have been questioned. The head of Jnanajyothi School is absconding. The search is on to nab him,” the Chief Minister had said. The candidates who passed the exam too would be questioned and a thorough investigation would be conducted, Bommai said.

Mumbai Police Refused To Lodge My FIR: Kirit Somaiya Posted: 23 Apr 2022 07:43 PM PDT Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya on Sunday said Mumbai Police has refused to register his FIR after he was allegedly attacked by Shiv Sena goons. “Mumbai Police has refused to lodge my FIR. Instead, they lodged a bogus FIR stating that only one stone was hurled. As many as 70-80 Shiv Sainiks attacked me. No action has been taken by Khar Police despite intimation. This is the third attempt by Uddhav Thackeray to take my life. Earlier in Washim, then Pune and now in Khar,” Somaiya told ANI. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Manjunath Shinge said a case has been registered based on Somaiya’s complaint. “Case registered on the basis of his complaint. The investigation will be fair and impartial,” said DCP Shinge. The BJP leader had reached Bandra police station after the alleged attack on him by Shiv Sena workers. Somaiya claimed he was injured in alleged stone-pelting by Shiv Sena workers in Mumbai on Saturday. In a series of Twitter posts, Somaiya said, “Heavy stone-throwing at Khar Police Station by Shiv Sena gundas (goons), my car window glass broken, I am injured, rushing to Bandra police station,” Somaiya said. “I am shocked, in the presence of 50 police persons, on the campus of Khar police station, Shiv Sena’s 100 gundas assault me with stones. Wanted to kill me. What the Police Commissioner is doing? How are so many mafia Sena gundas allowed to gather in the police station?” he said. Earlier on Saturday, Somaiya visited Khar Police Station to meet Amravati MP Navneet Rana and her husband MLA Ravi Rana who were arrested on Saturday. Mumbai Police on Saturday arrested Amravati Member of Parliament Navneet Rana and Member of Legislative Assembly Ravi Rana on Saturday. The police officials took them to Khar Police Station. “A case is registered at Khar Police against MLA Ravi Rana and MP Navneet Kaur Rana U/S 153(A), 34, IPC r/w 37(1) 135 Bombay police act. Both are taken into custody from their house at Khar. Further investigation is being done by Khar Police Station,” stated an official release by the police. Earlier, Shiv Sena workers on Saturday protested outside the residence of Amravati MP Navneet Rana and MLA Ravi Rana who had announced their plan to chant “Hanuman Chalisa” outside Matoshree, the private residence of Chief Minster Uddhav Thackeray. The announcement came after, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray had stoked controversy earlier by asking the state government to remove loudspeakers from mosques while warning that if the demand isn’t met, his party members will put loudspeakers to play “Hanuman Chalisa”.

Police Allowed Attack Under MVA Govt Pressure: Fadnavis Claims After Kirit Somaiya Alleges Assault Posted: 23 Apr 2022 07:31 PM PDT Following the alleged attack on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said police allowed Shiv Sena goons to carry out the attack under the pressure of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. “I will speak with the Home Secretary and Home Minister today over the attack on Kirit Somaiya and will also write a letter to take action against the police, who are working as political workers,” Fadnavis told mediapersons. “Despite Kirit Somaiya informing Khar Police prior about the possibility of an attack and seeking Z+ protection, the police did not take any action. Instead, they permitted Shiv Sena goons to carry out the attack under the state government pressure,” he added. Maharashtra BJP president Chandrakant Patil alleged that the MVA government is doing violence with the help of police. “It was a fatal attack on Kirit Somaiya. This attack happened on the police station premises. Now the MVA government has started violence in front of the police. Do they want to create Kerala and Bengal-like situations in Maharashtra?” said Patil. “Mohit Kamboj was also attacked yesterday. If the state government breaks the law and order with the help of the police, then BJP will answer it in the same way. BJP workers will not sit quietly at home,” said the Maharashtra BJP chief. Meanwhile, BJP workers flocked outside Bandra Police Station where Kirit Somaiya reached following the alleged attack on him by Shiv Sena workers. Somaiya claimed he was injured in alleged stone-pelting by Shiv Sena workers in Mumbai on Saturday. In a series of Twitter posts, Somaiya said, “Heavy stone-throwing at Khar Police Station by Shiv Sena gundas (goons), my car window glass broken, I am injured, rushing to Bandra police station,” Somaiya said. “I am shocked, in the presence of 50 police persons, on the campus of Khar police station, Shiv Sena’s 100 gundas assault me with stones. Wanted to kill me. What the Police Commissioner is doing? How are so many mafia Sena gundas allowed to gather in the police station?” he said. Earlier on Saturday, Somaiya visited Khar Police Station to meet Amravati MP Navneet Rana and her husband MLA Ravi Rana who were arrested on Saturday. Mumbai Police on Saturday arrested Amravati Member of Parliament Navneet Rana and Member of Legislative Assembly Ravi Rana on Saturday. The police officials took them to Khar Police Station. “A case is registered at Khar Police against MLA Ravi Rana and MP Navneet Kaur Rana U/S 153(A), 34, IPC r/w 37(1) 135 Bombay police act. Both are taken into custody from their house at Khar. Further investigation is being done by Khar Police Station,” stated an official release by the police. Earlier, Shiv Sena workers on Saturday protested outside the residence of Amravati MP Navneet Rana and MLA Ravi Rana who had announced their plan to chant “Hanuman Chalisa” outside Matoshree, the private residence of Chief Minster Uddhav Thackeray. The announcement came after, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray had stoked controversy earlier by asking the state government to remove loudspeakers from mosques while warning that if the demand isn’t met, his party members will put loudspeakers to play “Hanuman Chalisa”.

Hanuman Chalisa Row: Kirit Somaiya Accuses Shiv Sena Goons Of Attacking Him At Khar Police Station Posted: 23 Apr 2022 07:22 PM PDT Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya claimed he was injured in alleged stone-pelting by Shiv Sena workers in Mumbai on Saturday. Somaiya has now reached Bandra Police Station following the alleged attack on him. In a series of Twitter posts, Somaiya said, “Heavy stone-throwing at Khar Police Station by Shiv Sena gundas (goons), my car window glass broken, I am injured, rushing to Bandra police station,” Somaiya said. “I am shocked, in the presence of 50 police persons, on the campus of Khar police station, Shiv Sena’s 100 gundas assault me with stones. Wanted to kill me. What the Police Commissioner is doing? How are so many mafia Sena gundas allowed to gather in the police station?” he said. Somaiya further alleged that this was the third time he was attacked. “This is the third time Uddhav Thackeray’s gundas tried to kill me, first at Vashim, then Pune and now at Police Station (Khar Mumbai) itself,” he said. Meanwhile, former Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis demanded action against the alleged attack on party leader Kirit Somaiya. “It is a total collapse of the law and order situation in Mumbai and Maharashtra! Goons attacked BJP leader Kirit Somaiya ji right in front of Khar Police Station and in presence of police personnel. This is absolutely unacceptable! We demand the strongest action!” tweeted Fadnavis. Earlier on Saturday, Somaiya visited Khar Police Station to meet Amravati MP Navneet Rana and her husband MLA Ravi Rana who were arrested on Saturday. Before reaching Khar police station, he said, “I will go to Khar police station to meet Ravi Rana and Navneet Rana. Let us see who stops me. Those who were protesting at Navneet Rana’s place today are not Shiv Sainiks, they are goons. The end of this government has come, people here will expose the scam.” Mumbai Police on Saturday arrested Amravati Member of Parliament Navneet Rana and Member of Legislative Assembly Ravi Rana on Saturday. The police officials took them to Khar Police Station. “A case is registered at Khar Police against MLA Shri Ravi Rana and MP Smt Navneet Kaur Rana U/S 153(A), 34, IPC r/w 37(1) 135 Bombay police act. Both are taken into custody from their house at Khar. Further investigation is being done by Khar Police Station,” stated an official release by the police. Earlier, Shiv Sena workers on Saturday protested outside the residence of Amravati MP Navneet Rana and MLA Ravi Rana who had announced their plan to chant “Hanuman Chalisa” outside Matoshree, the private residence of Chief Minster Uddhav Thackeray. The announcement came after, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray had stoked controversy earlier by asking the state government to remove loudspeakers from mosques while warning that if the demand isn’t met, his party members will put loudspeakers to play “Hanuman Chalisa”.

Modi Government Has Focused On Health Sector With Holistic Approach, Says Amit Shah Posted: 23 Apr 2022 07:14 PM PDT Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday that the health sector saw incremental work in the first 70 years after Independence but the Modi government has focused on it with a holistic approach and worked for rapid expansion of infrastructure. Addressing the convocation of Gopal Narayan Singh University in Sasaram, Amit Shah said Bihar is a revered land and every part of its soil has the ability to provide energy. “This is where Maharishi Vishwamitra, who composed the Gayatri Mantra was born, many steps related to the freedom movement were taken here, the first President of the country Dr Rajendra Prasad was born here. This is the land of Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavir, and Chanakya and Chandragupta. This is the land of Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan,” Shah said. Referring to Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and Amrit Kaal, he said the effort should be to make the country number one in every field in the next 25 years. “Our ancestors laid a strong foundation in the last 75 years. Now it is our responsibility that in the next 25 years when we will celebrate 100 years of our independence, our country should become number 1 in the world in all fields,” he said. He said due to efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AIIMS had been approved for Darbhanga and IIM had been set up in Bodh Gaya and NIT in Patna. “In 2013-14, the number of private and government medical colleges in the country was 387, today after eight years 596 medical colleges are there in the country,” the minister said. “Earlier 51,000 MBBS doctors used to study every year and today the number increased to 89,500. Earlier 31,130 post-graduate doctors used to pass out every year, today 72,000 PG doctors pass out every year to serve the people”, he added.

IPL 2022: SRH Beat RCB By 9 Wickets, By Chasing Target In 8 Overs Posted: 23 Apr 2022 06:54 PM PDT IPL 2022: SunRisers Hyderabad chased down 69-run target against Royal Challengers Bangalore in just eight overs to register a thumping nine-wicket win at the Brabourne Stadium here on Saturday. Marco Jansen and T Natarajan bagged three wickets each to bundle out RCB for 68 runs and pave way for a comprehensive win for SRH. Chasing a paltry 69-run target started off steadily as openers Kane Williamson and Abhishek Sharma ensured that their team did not lose any early wicket. Skipper Williamson was happy to play a sheet anchor role and allowed Abhishek Sharma to attack from the other end as the 2016 champions crossed the 50-run mark in 5.5 overs. Harshal Patel finally broke the 64-run partnership dismissing Abhishek Sharma for 47 but it was too little too late for RCB as Hyderabad chased down the 69-run target in just 8 overs winning the match by nine wickets. Earlier in the day after being put in to bat Royal Challengers Bangalore got off to a terrible start as in the second over left-arm South African pacer Marco Jansen cleaned up his countryman RCB skipper Faf du Plessis for 5. In the very next ball, he dismissed Virat Kohli caught by Aiden Markram for a golden duck. Two balls later he sent opener Anuj Rawat packing for a duck caught by Markram who took his second catch of the match and Jansen got his third wicket to leave RCB tottering at 8/3. The Faf du Plessis led side went further down the drain as T Natarajan got the prized scalp of dangerous Glenn Maxwell to leave them in deep trouble at 20/4. Suyash Prabhudessai and Shahbaz Ahmed struck a partnership in order to resurrect Bangalore’s innings but Jagadeesha Suchith dismissed Prabhudessai for 15 as they lost half of their side for 47 runs. Two balls later he dismissed in-form batter Dinesh Karthik for a duck as the wicket-keeper batter became the third batter to be dismissed without troubling the scorers after Kohli and Anuj Rawat. In the next over pacer, Umran Malik sent Shahbaz Ahmed packing at RCB lost their seventh wicket for 49 runs. Harshal Patel and Wanindu Hasaranga helped RCB scratch their way to the 50-run mark. Left-arm pacer Natarajan dismissed Harshal Patel for 4 as RCB were reduced to 55/8. The 31-year old struck for the third time as he dismissed Hasaranga for 8 as RCB’s ninth wicket fell on 65. Bhuvneshwar Kumar wrapped up the tail dismissing Mohammed Siraj for 2 and RCB were bundled out for 68 in just 16.1 overs Brief Scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 68/10 in 20 overs (Suyash Prabhudessai 15; T Natarajan 3/10, Marco Jansen 3/25) vs SunRisers Hyderabad 72/1 in 8 overs (Abhishek Sharma 47, Kane Williamson 16; Harshal Patel 1/18).

South Africa To Tour India For 5 T20Is, BCCI Announces Venues Posted: 23 Apr 2022 09:43 AM PDT The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday announced the venues for the upcoming South African tour of India comprising 5 T20 Internationals in the month of June. The series will begin in Delhi on June 9 and end in Bengaluru on June 19. The five-match series will be held across Delhi, Cuttack, Vizag, Rajkot, and Bengaluru on June 9, 12, 14, 17, and 19 respectively. The series against South Africa will play a crucial part in the T20 World Cup which will be held in Australia later this year. India last played against Sri Lanka in a T20I series, which they won 3-0.

Ripun Bora Appointed As Assam Trinamool Congress President Posted: 23 Apr 2022 09:36 AM PDT Kolkata (West Bengal): All India Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday appointed Ripun Bora as the state president of the All India Trinamool Congress Assam unit. Former senior Congress leader Ripun Bora had on April 17 joined the TMC in Kolkata alleging that the Congress party from grassroots to top-level was fighting among each other instead of fighting against the BJP. Bora on Wednesday said that the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banarjee is the “most suitable” opposition candidate for Prime Minister’s post in the 2024 Lok Sabha General election because she is fighting alone aggressively against BJP. Speaking on the matter Ripun Bora said, “I have full respect for all the opposition leaders but considering the ground reality, I have seen Mamata Banerjee is the only one fighting aggressively against Modi.” “Considering all this ground reality my personal opinion is that Mamta Banerjee would be the best-suited candidate for the opposition Prime Minister candidate in 2024,” he further added.

Stay Away From Shiv Sena- Warns Sanjay Raut Posted: 23 Apr 2022 09:27 AM PDT Mumbai (Maharshtra): Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday cleared his stance over Amravati Member of Parliament (MP) Navneet Rana and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Ravi Rana over the Hanuman Chalisa row. Sanjay Raut stressed about staying away from the party and ‘Matoshree’ (Residence of Maharashtra Chief Minister) or bear the consequences. “I’d like to add that don’t mess with Shiv Sena & ‘Matoshree’, you’ll be buried 20 feet deep. I am saying this in front of the camera, don’t test Shiv Sena’s restraint,” warned Raut. Sanjay Raut also mentioned that Rana was being used by other political parties. Shiv Sainiks on Saturday protested outside the residence of Amravati MP Navneet Rana and MLA Ravi Rana who had announced their plan to chant “Hanuman Chalisa” outside Matoshree, the private residence of Chief Minster Uddhav Thackeray. Earlier, Mumbai Police arrested Amravati Member of Parliament Navneet Rana and Member of Legislative Assembly Ravi Rana on Saturday.

Archery WC: Men’s Compound Team Clinches Gold, Defeats France Posted: 23 Apr 2022 09:10 AM PDT Antalya [Turkey]: The Indian men’s compound team on Saturday defeated France in the final to win the gold medal at the Archery World Cup (WC) 2022, Antalya. The trio of Abhishek Verma, Aman Saini and Rajat Chauhan defeated the French team by 232-230 to secure the gold at the Archery WC. This is India’s first medal at the ongoing meet. The Indians who were trailing by three points in the second set produced a perfect score of 60 in the third and then shot 59 in the final set to snatch the victory. Later, India’s mixed compound team of Abhishek Verma and Muskan Kirar narrowly missed out on the bronze medal, going down to Croatia 157-156. The recurve mixed team, featuring Tarundeep Rai and Ridhi will play for the gold against Great Britain on Sunday.

IPL: Gujarat Hold Nerve To Defeat KKR, On Top Of Points Table Posted: 23 Apr 2022 09:03 AM PDT Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra): Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya smashed another half-century before their bowlers secured a thrilling eight-run win against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in an IPL 2022 match at the Dr DY Patil Stadium here on Saturday. Gujarat Titans held their nerve to get their sixth win of the campaign and move back to the top of the IPL 2022 table. The total of 156 is now the lowest to be defended by a team so far in this edition of IPL. Hardik Pandya played a skipper’s knock of 67 off 49 balls while David Miller played a handy innings of 27 for Gujarat Titans. For KKR, Tim Southee scalped three wickets while Shivam Mavi and Umesh Yadav bagged one each. Andre Russell, who bowled the last over for GT, scalped 4 wickets. Chasing 157, KKR endured a bad start as the team amassed 34 runs with the loss of three wickets in the first six overs. In the very first over, Mohammad Shami struck to remove Sam Billings. The batter pulled the sharp bouncer and the ball got the top edge which was easily taken by the keeper. In his very next over, veteran Indian pacer struck again to dismiss Sunil Narine. Lockie Ferguson in the 5th over joined the wicket-taking party with a steaming delivery to Nitish Rana. The batter defended the ball and ended up feathering it to the keeper. Then in the first over after the power-play, Yash Dayal got the better of KKR’s skipper Shreyas Iyer. With 94 needed in the second half of the innings, Rinku Singh and Venkatesh Iyer joined hands to steady the ship for KKR. The 45-run partnership was ended by Yash Dayal in the 13th over. Rinku Singh was looking to pull but got the inner edge through to the keeper. Andre Russell did give hope to KKR with his quick knock of 48, but the wickets at the other end kept falling and GT secured an 8-run win in the last over. Earlier, Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya smashed another half-century and guided his team to 156/9 against Kolkata Knight Riders. Choosing to bat first, Gujarat had a decent start and had lost one wicket when they reached 47. Tim Southee removed Shubman Gill. The Kiwi bowler sent a good length ball which Shubman Gill attempted to nudge. The ball went away from the pads and straight to the keeper. Wriddhiman Saha and Hardik Pandya then steadied the ship for Gujarat but the opener wasn’t able to make the mark as he was removed in the 11th over by Umesh Pandya off 25 runs. Runs kept clocking for Titans but it was at a very slow pace. The third half-century on the trot for the Gujarat skipper came in the 12th over. Pandya then stitched a 50-run partnership with David Miller. The half-century partnership came to an end in the 17th over off Shivam Dube. David Miller tried to slap the cutter straight down the ground, but the ball hit the top edge and went directly to the point fielder. Southee then removed dangerous-looking Pandya and Rashid Khan in the 18th over to derail Gujarat’s late charge. Four wickets then fell in the final over of Andre Russell and a total of six in the last 17 balls – it was a crash landing of sorts from Gujarat Titans. Gujarat Titans 156/9 (Hardik Pandya 67, David Miller 27; Andre Russell 4-5) vs Kolkata Knight Riders 148/8 (Andre Russell 48, Rinku Singh 35; Mohammad Shami 2-20).

Delhi Logs 1,094 New COVID Cases, Highest Since Feb 10 Posted: 23 Apr 2022 08:53 AM PDT New Delhi [India]: The national capital logged 1,094 new COVID cases in the last 24 hours, the highest since Feb 10 this year, according to the health bulletin of the Delhi government on Saturday. The city reported 52 more daily fresh cases than Friday. With this, the active cases in the city rose to 3,705, which is the highest since Feb 13. The active cases on February 13 were 3,926. The case positivity rate stands at 4.82 per cent, a little more than yesterday (4.64 pc). As many as 640 COVID patients recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours taking the total number of recoveries in the city to 18,43,922. Two patients lost their lives during this period. The death toll in the national capital rose to 26.166. A total of 22,714 COVID samples were tested in the last 24 hours. As far as the vaccination drive in the city is concerned, 36,050 vaccine doses were administered during this period. The cumulative vaccine doses jabbed till date in the city increased to 3,30,95,781. Meanwhile, India reported 2,527 new COVID-19 infections and 33 fatalities in the last 24 hours informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday.

Asian Wrestling C’ships: Ravi Dahiya Clinches Gold; Bajrang, Gourav Settle For Silver Posted: 23 Apr 2022 08:45 AM PDT Ulaanbaatar [Mongolia]: Star Indian wrestler Ravi Kumar Dahiya grabbed the gold medal while Bajrang Punia and Gourav Baliyan settled for silvers at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2022 in Ulaanbaatar on Saturday. This is Ravi Kumar Dahiya’s third straight Asian Championships title. Tokyo Olympics silver medallist registered a comprehensive 12-2 technical superiority win against Rakhat Kalzhan of Kazakhstan in the 57kg men’s freestyle final. Dahiya had begun his title defence with a win over Rikuto Arai of Japan and followed it up with a semi-final victory over Mongolia’s Zanabazar Zanadanbud. Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Bajrang Punia was undone by junior world champion Rahman Mousa Amouzadkhalili of Iran 1-3 in the men’s 65kg freestyle final. Amouzadkhalili had come through the qualification round to defeat the top-seeded Bajrang Punia. Later, Gourav Baliyan picked silver in the 79kg, losing to Ali Bakhtiar Savadkouhi of Iran in the final. Gourav was down 0-8 in the final but produced a terrific comeback to make it 9-9 right at the end of the bout. But a bigger scoring move (four-pointer) from the Iranian meant the Indian grappler had to make do with the silver medal. This is Gourav Baliyan’s second silver medal at the Asian Championships after finishing runner-up in 2020 as well. In the men’s 70kg freestyle, Naveen pinned Temuulen Enkhtuya of Mongolia to add another bronze to India’s tally. Satywart Kadian picked the final medal of the day for India, winning the 97kg men’s freestyle bronze.

Hanuman Chalisa Row: MP, MLA Arrested Posted: 23 Apr 2022 08:37 AM PDT Mumbai (Maharashtra): Mumbai Police on Saturday arrested Amravati Member of Parliament Navneet Rana and Member of Legislative Assembly Ravi Rana on Saturday in the Hanuman Chalisa Row. The police officials took them to Khar Police Station. “A case is registered at Khar Police against MLA Shri Ravi Rana and MP Smt Navneet Kaur Rana U/S 153(A), 34, IPC r/w 37(1) 135 Bombay police act. Both are taken into custody from their house at Khar. Further investigation is being done by Khar Police Station,” stated an official release by the police. Earlier, Shiv Sena workers on Saturday protested outside the residence of Amravati MP Navneet Rana and MLA Ravi Rana who had announced their plan to chant “Hanuman Chalisa” outside Matoshree, the private residence of Chief Minster Uddhav Thackeray. The announcement came after, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray had stoked controversy earlier by asking the state government to remove loudspeakers from mosques while warning that if the demand isn’t met, his party members will put loudspeakers to play “Hanuman Chalisa”.

You are subscribed to email updates from 8PM News. To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States