Recent Posts

› Unlabelled › 8pm NEWSFEED

8pm NEWSFEED

27, ఏప్రిల్ 2022, బుధవారం

8pm NEWSFEED

Gadkari: Tesla Welcome, But Built In China Sell In India Not Possible

Posted: 26 Apr 2022 07:59 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Highlighting the conducive environment for automobile manufacturing in India, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said that Elon Musk is welcome to manufacture e-vehicles in India, but in case the Tesla owner desires to build in China and sell in India, it cannot be a “good proposition”.


Gadkari made the remarks while speaking at a private event in Delhi answering a question on Tesla’s concerns on “high duties” in India.

“It is a very easy alternative, if Elon Musk is ready to manufacture a Tesla in India, there is no problem. We have got all competencies, the vendors are available. We have got all types of technology and because of that, he can reduce the cost,” Gadkari said, reiterating that build in China, sell in India not possible.


Inviting Tesla to start manufacturing in India, the Union Minister highlighted that India is a huge market, and infrastructure like ports are available to enable exports.


“He is welcome in India. We don’t have any problem, but, suppose, he wants to manufacture in China and sell in India, it cannot be a good proposition for India. Our request to him is, come to India and manufacture here,” Gadkari said.


Citing the tremendous growth in the e-vehicles sector in India over the last few years, Gadkari further said that “my suggestion to Elon Musk is, in India, he will get a good market and Indian market is very huge. It is a win-win situation for both.”


He added that India has all the quality vendors and automobile spare parts that are available in China and that “it can be more easy for him to make here in India and sell in India. He will get good profits from that, and good economics is there. I will request him to come to India and start manufacturing here.”


The Union Minister also talked about India’s dependence on crude oil and said that the government is working on alternative sources of energy.


“Presently because of import of crude oil, we are facing critical economic challenges at the same time pollution problems. We import Rs 8 lakh crores of petroleum products in India and exactly on the line we need to find some alternative for that, so different alternatives are there. The government is working on all options and I feel that in some time we will be in a position to give an alternative solution for the country,” Gadkari said.


Gadkari also talked about the ongoing research in India on the production of “green hydrogen” from biowaste and other methods, saying, “In due course of time we will be in a leading position in the world as far as green hydrogen is concerned.” 

Hanuman Chalisa Row: Mumbai Court Seeks Special Public Prosecutor’s Reply To Bail Plea Of Rana Couple In Sedition FIR

Posted: 26 Apr 2022 05:55 AM PDT

Mumbai Sessions Court on Tuesday asked the Special Public Prosecutor to file a reply on April 29 to the bail plea of jailed independent MP Navneet Rana and MLA Ravi Rana in connection with the Hanuman Chalisa recital row.

The court will hear the bail pleas of the Rana couple on April 29. “The court has a lot of workload, so we have accepted a reply to the bail application on April 29, after which the court will decide on further hearing. It can happen on April 29 and later as well,” said Rizwan Merchant, lawyer of the Rana couple.

In her application, Navneet argued that the arrest is illegal as she was not told on what grounds she was arrested. Also, notice under 141CrPC was not served before the arrest.

The Mumbai police had on Saturday arrested Navneet and her husband Ravi Rana, who is an independent MLA. They were arrested on Saturday from their Mumbai residence after declaring that they would recite the Hanuman Chalisa outside Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s home in Bandra.

The Rana couple was booked on charges of sedition, promoting enmity, and assaulting a public servant to prevent discharge of duty.

DCGI Grants EUA To ZycovD COVID Vaccine For Two-Dose Regimen For Children Above 12

Posted: 26 Apr 2022 05:37 AM PDT

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on Tuesday granted Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) to Zydus Cadila vaccine (ZycovD) for COVID-19 as a two-dose vaccine for children above the age of 12 years, said Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., the pharmaceutical company.

With this approval, the vaccine will now be administered on day 0 and day 28. Earlier, the vaccine was approved in a three-dose regimen to be administered on day 0, day 28 and day 56.

Speaking on the development, Dr Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences said, “The approval of a two-dose regimen for ZyCoV-D is a welcome development. This will increase the compliance with the vaccine and reduce the overall time required for vaccination to improve immunity against the virus. It will also help in administering the vaccine to a larger population in a shorter time which is always desirable in the midst of a pandemic.”

The two-dose regimen for ZyCoV-D was tested in 3,100 healthy volunteers more than 12 years of age.

Earlier, the safety and efficacy analysis data from Phase III clinical trial of its Plasmid DNA COVID-19 vaccine ZyCoV-D (three-dose regimen) has been peer-reviewed and published in The Lancet, a reputed and well known medical journal.

The results of the Phase I part of Phase I/II clinical trial (three-dose regimens) have also been published in the EClinical Medicine Journal of The Lancet.
Earlier, the DCGI gave restricted emergency use authorisation to Covaxin for the 6-12 age group.

The Corbevax is currently being administered to children in the age group of 12-14.
COVID-19 vaccinations for minors in India were started from January 3 onwards for those in the 15-18 age group with Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin.

The drive later expanded on March 16 to include children aged above 12 for Corbevax.

Overall India is currently administering two COVID-19 vaccines for children above 12.

More Than Me, Congress Needs Leadership, Collective Will To Fix Problems: Prashant Kishor

Posted: 26 Apr 2022 05:19 AM PDT

After declining the offer to join the Congress, poll strategist Prashant Kishor on Tuesday said that the party needs “leadership and collective will” to fix deep-rooted structural problems through transformational reforms.

Taking to Twitter, Kishor said, “I declined the generous offer of Congress to join the party as part of the Empowered Action Group (EAG) and take responsibility for the elections.

In my humble opinion, more than me the party needs leadership and collective will to fix the deep-rooted structural problems through transformational reforms.”

Kishor has held several meetings in the last 15 days with Congress’s top leadership and gave a proposal to revamp the party ahead of the 2024 general election. Kishor had given a detailed presentation with a road map for the 2024 General elections.

Earlier today, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi constituted an Empowered Action Group 2024 and invited Kishor to join the party as part of the group with defined responsibility but he declined.

“Following a presentation and discussions with Prashant Kishor, Congress President has constituted a Empowered Action Group 2024 and invited him to join the party as part of the group with defined responsibility. He declined. We appreciate his efforts and suggestion given to party,” Surjewala tweeted.

SC Directs Uttarakhand Govt To Prevent Hate Speeches At Dharm Sansad To Be Held In Roorkee

Posted: 26 Apr 2022 04:33 AM PDT

The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed its dissatisfaction with the Uttarakhand government for allowing the Dharm Sansad event despite prior notice and asked the state’s Chief Secretary to ensure that “no hate speeches are made” at the event to be held in Roorkee on Wednesday.

A bench headed by Justice AM Khanwilkar also asked the top official to file an affidavit and explain the preventive steps taken so far and no untoward statement will be made at the event. When senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for petitioners, informed the apex court about another scheduled Dharm Sansad event in Roorkee tomorrow, the bench told counsel of Uttarakhand, “We are now informing you about an event tomorrow. Take action.”

It even warned that the Chief Secretary would be asked to be present if the state failed to take preventive steps in view of Dharm Sansad proposed in Roorkee, Uttarakhand.

“There is no confidence that such a thing will not happen again. You know what is said at these Dharm Sansad,” the bench observed.

“You know what are preventive measures… you will have to do it. And if it still happens, we will ask the Chief Secretary to remain present. We are directing you to take all these steps. You are bound to. You are not doing a favour on us by following the directions,” the bench told the counsel appearing for the Uttarakhand government.

It also recorded the statement of the counsel for Uttarakhand that the Dharm Sansad event which is set to take place tomorrow will not have any “untoward incident”.
While the state of Uttarakhand’s counsel told the apex court to have “trust and faith in them”, the bench reminded the Uttarakhand government about the judgment passed by the Supreme Court regarding preventive measures.

Prashant Kishor Declines Offer To Join Congress

Posted: 26 Apr 2022 04:23 AM PDT

After several rounds of meetings with Congress top brass in the last few days, poll strategist Prashant Kishor has declined to join the Congress party.

Prashant Kishor has held several meetings in the last 15 days with Congress’s top leadership and gave a proposal to revamp the party ahead of the 2024 general election. Kishor had given a detailed presentation with a road map for the 2024 General elections. Taking to Twitter today, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi constituted an Empowered Action Group 2024 and invited Kishor to join the party as part of the group with defined responsibility but he declined.

“Following a presentation and discussions with Prashant Kishor, Congress President has constituted a Empowered Action Group 2024 and invited him to join the party as part of the group with defined responsibility. He declined. We appreciate his efforts and suggestion given to party,” Surjewala tweeted.

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

Sources told ANI that Kishor, in his presentation to Congress leadership, suggested that Congress should fight alone in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha, and it should form alliances in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Maharashtra to which Rahul Gandhi has agreed.

Kishor is learnt to have said that Congress should focus on 370 Lok Sabha constituencies for the 2024 general elections.

After the recent poll debacle in five states, Congress was holding negotiations with Kishor. The results of five Assembly polls came as a shock to Congress which was hoping to do well to revive its prospects for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and to fend off the emerging challenge from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Trinamool Congress to replace it as the fulcrum of anti-BJP politics in the country.

Earlier, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has openly praised Prashant Kishor, saying that he is a “brand”. Senior Congress leader Veerapa Moily has said that those opposing Kishor’s entry to the party are “anti-reformers”.

4th COVID-19 Wave Chances ‘Extremely Low’: Dr. Jacob John

Posted: 26 Apr 2022 02:20 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Eminent virologist and former Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore professor Dr T Jacob John on Tuesday said that the probability of a 4th COVID-19 wave in India is “extremely low”.

On being asked about why some of the states are reporting a surge in COVID-19 cases, the virologist said that Delhi and Haryana had minor increases in COVID numbers over the last two to three weeks but the increase was not being sustained.


To his knowledge, he said, no state was reporting a surge in the COVID-19 cases.


“To my knowledge, no State is reporting a surge in COVID-19 cases. India remains with low and relatively steady numbers throughout March and April so far,” Dr John said.


“Delhi and Haryana had minor increases in the last two to three weeks but the increase is not being sustained. One thousand cases in Delhi is equal to just 5 per lakh population. During the “endemic” phase which is applicable to India and also every state, we must not expect a continuous decline in numbers at all. Continuous falls can not occur because the end of such a graph is zero,” he added.


The virologist reiterated that the possibility of a 4th COVID-19 wave is extremely low.


“If a 4th COVID-19 wave comes it will be a total surprise to me. Therefore I cannot guess anything about it. The probability of a fourth wave is extremely low. Our best defence against the ill effects of a wave is very high coverage of vaccination. Full vaccination means two doses plus a precautionary dose at least 6 months later. The official version of two doses as full vaccination is unscientific,” Dr John said.


The current population-based vaccination coverage is 75 per cent for one dose and 65 per cent for two doses.


On being asked about what should be done to control this surge?, the virologist said: “Not using the mask is the number one culprit. I am disappointed that experts and policy leaders have not been teaching people the immense value of wearing a mask when interacting with people.”


When asked if schools would be shut down as many states showed children testing Covid19 positive.


“Not at all. Schools should remain open. During the ‘endemic phase’ which is our present as well as future, we will find an occasional case which should be dealt with in a case by case manner,” Dr John said.


So is there a new variant of the coronavirus? To this, the virologist responded in the negative.


“Wherever there were ups, there have been downs also. The rises are not sustained at all. So I don’t think any new variant is involved. However, variant screening must be sustained so that the virus does not surprise us again,” he noted. 

Emergency Use Of Covaxin For 6-12 Age Group Cleared

Posted: 26 Apr 2022 02:04 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) gives restricted emergency use authorisation to Covaxin for the 6-12 age group.


The Hyderabad-based Pharma company Bharat biotech has been asked to submit safety data including the data on adverse events with due analysis every 15 days for the first two months and monthly thereafter up to 5 months by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), Sources said.

The DCGI to give emergency use authorisation to Corbevax COVID-19 vaccines for 5-12 age group soon, sources said.


Earlier, DCGI’s Subject Expert Committee (SEC) recommended the restricted emergency use of Biological E’s Corbevax COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5-12, on Thursday.


The subject expert committee has asked for additional data from BharatBiotech for Covaxin below 12 yrs, No recommendations as of now, Sources added.


The Corbevax is currently being administered to children in the age group of 12-14.
COVID-19 vaccinations for minors in India were started from January 3 onwards with those in the 15-18 age group for Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin.


The drive later expanded on March 16 to include children aged above 12 for Corbevax.


Overall India is currently administering two COVID-19 vaccines for children above 12.


Meanwhile, informing about the DCGI’s nod to Covaxin for the 6-12 age group and Corbevax for 5-12 age group, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted, “India’s fight against COVID becomes stronger @CDSCO_INDIA_INF gives nod to ‘Covaxin’ for 6-12 age group and ‘Corbevax’ for 5-12 age group for ‘Restricted Use in Emergency Situations’ “.

Knowledge Sharing Agreement Signed Between Delhi And Punjab

Posted: 26 Apr 2022 01:23 AM PDT

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced that a Knowledge Sharing Agreement has been signed between the state government of Delhi and Punjab.

Addressing a press conference in the national capital in this regard, Kejriwal said, “We have just signed the knowledge sharing agreement. It is a new step in the history of India that we have signed an agreement to share knowledge. It is wrong to say that till now, only we have done good work. We know that many state governments have done good work. But till date, we have not done the work of learning from each other.

Several states chose to remain divided among the parties.” “Good work done in the field of education and healthcare in Delhi is being discussed all over the world. CM Bhagwant Mann was on a two-day visit to Delhi with his ministers and officials in this regard. He visited the schools, hospitals, Mohalla clinics etc here,” he said.

Earlier on Monday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the Punjab government will replicate Delhi’s education model in the state where students from all economic backgrounds will get quality education.

The Delhi Chief Minister also slammed those who opposed Delhi’s model of education. He said today, “Our leader Manish Sisodia is on a visit to Finland to know about their education system. Sisodia, after garnering information, will try to implement Finland’s model of education here. However, some say that Delhi’s government is being run from Finland, Italy. What is the matter with them? Later, such critics will say that Tamil Nadu government is being run from Delhi, is it?”

Recently, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin visited the national capital and lauded Delhi’s model of education.

Adani Wilmar Market Cap Crosses Rs1L Crore, Shares Surge 5%

Posted: 26 Apr 2022 12:34 AM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): The market capitalisation of Adani Wilmar crossed Rs 1 lakh crore on Tuesday as the company’s share jumped 5 per cent.


With the recent surge in share price, the company has gained a place among the top 50 Indian companies in terms of market capitalisation.

On the day of its share listing on the stock markets on 8th February 2022, the market capitalisation of the company stood at around Rs 35,000 crore. It has jumped by around 250 per cent in just over two months.


Adani Wilmar share surged 5 per cent to Rs 802.80 at the BSE on Tuesday. 5 per cent is the daily circuit limit for the company’s share trading.


Adani Wilmar, a 50:50 joint venture company between Gautam Adani-led conglomerate Adani Group and Singapore’s Wilmar Group, had raised Rs 3,600 crore through an initial public offering (IPO) at the beginning of this calendar year.

The company’s shares were offered at Rs 230 apiece in the IPO. 

Sunil Jakhar Unhappy Over Show-Cause Notice

Posted: 26 Apr 2022 12:24 AM PDT

Chandigarh (Punjab): Days after the Congress disciplinary committee issued a show-cause notice to party leader Sunil Jakhar for his reported derogatory statement against party leaders, the Congress leader expressed his displeasure over the party’s action.


On April 11, Congress leaders KV Thomas and Sunil Jakhar were issued show-cause notices for breaking party discipline and were asked to reply within a week.

Sunil Jakhar, however, has not yet presented any statement before the committee.

Congress disciplinary committee member JP Aggarwal while speaking on the matter had said that a decision on Jakhar is likely to be taken in the committee’s meeting which is currently underway.


Speaking on the matter, over the phone before the meeting, Sunil Jakhar said that he is very angry and upset with the attitude of the Congress Disciplinary Committee.


Jakhar while giving his opinion on the notice of the disciplinary committee said that he is not a slave of the Congress party but a disciplined worker.


Stating that he has a 50-year-old relationship with the Congress party, Jakhar said, “For years, I have acted as a disciplined worker of the Congress party,” he said.


The Congress leader also expressed his displeasure over the Gandhi family, saying that if the party wanted to know anything from him, then core Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi or any other senior Congress leader could have called him to know about the issue against which he had complained.


Expressing displeasure over the members of the Disciplinary Committee, Jakhar said that despite having an old relationship with most of the members of the committee, the party is trying to humiliate him in the eyes of the people.


Adding up, Jakhar said that the committee can take whatever decision it wants to take but he is not ready to bow down.

Jack Dorsey Calls Elon Musk’s Twitter Buy A Singular Solution

Posted: 26 Apr 2022 12:06 AM PDT

After Tesla Chief Elon Musk succeeded in his bid to take over Twitter, the former CEO of the microblogging site Jack Dorsey dropped a series of tweets, suggesting that he supports the move.

“In principle, I don’t believe anyone should own or run Twitter. It wants to be a public good at a protocol level, not a company. Solving for the problem of it being a company however, Elon is the singular solution I trust. I trust his mission to extend the light of consciousness,” Jack Dorsey tweeted.

"Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated," Musk said in a statement.

"I also want to make Twitter better than ever by enhancing the product with new features, making the algorithms open source to increase trust, defeating the spam bots, and authenticating all humans. Twitter has tremendous potential – I look forward to working with the company and the community of users to unlock it," he added.

The deal comes after Musk revealed last week he had lined up USD 46.5 billion in financing to acquire the company, an apparent turning point that forced Twitter's board to seriously consider the deal. The board met Sunday to evaluate Musk's offer.

HC Grants EC Two Weeks To Reply On PIL Seeking Model Election Procedure For Political Parties

Posted: 26 Apr 2022 12:00 AM PDT

The Delhi High Court, on Tuesday, granted two weeks time to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to file its response on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking direction to formulate the norms of democracy within the political parties.

The petition alleged that various provisions related to the organisational elections are not being followed by the political parties.

The bench of Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Navin Chawla gave the ECI two more weeks to come up with its response. The Court noted that the notice was issued to the ECI in October last year, but the commission is yet to come up with a response.

The petition sought direction from the Respondent Election Commission of India, directing them to formulate and notify a Model Procedure for Elections with respect to the intra-party elections.

The petition filed by C Rajshekaran stated that there is a demonstrably feudal and oligarchic nature of the functioning of most political parties in India. This leads to ineffective democratic processes within the said political parties. The Petitioner was represented by Advocate Abhimanyu Tiwari.

The same petitioner had approached the Delhi HC in January last year also and the court had asked the ECI to decide the representation of the petitioner.

It was alleged that there is a lack of adequate regulatory oversight of said internal elections in political parties by the Respondent-Election Commission.

The petition sought a direction from the Election commission to frame a Model Election Procedure for political parties, and further direct all political parties registered with it to mandatorily integrate the said model election procedure in their respective constitutions.

The petition further asked for the issuance of directions by the Election Commission, mandating external monitors to observe and ensure transparent and fair internal elections for the political parties.

It was submitted by the petitioner, that it is a settled position of law that democracy is a crucial aspect of the basic structure of the constitution.

Further, the said concept of democracy has evolved to include evolved standards of transparency and accountability, which is evidenced by the Right To Information being recognized as a crucial right in electoral democracy. The subsequent passage of the Right to Information Act, and the various judgments of the Supreme Court called for greater accountability and transparency in the electoral system, including election financing, information on political candidates and adherence, etc. 

Supriya Pathak, Manoj Pahwa’s ‘Home Shanti’ To Release On May 6

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 11:54 PM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Actors Supriya Pathak and Manoj Pahwa are all set to give you a dose of laughter with their new web series titled ‘Home Shanti’.


Penned by writers Akshay Asthana, Aakanksha Dua, Nidhi Bisht, Mayank Pandey, Nikhil Sachan and Saurabh Khanna, ‘Home Shanti’ revolves around the chaotic lives of a comic Hindi newspaper columnist, Umesh Joshi (Manoj Pahwa), his stoic retired government school vice-principal wife, Sarla Joshi (Supriya Pathak), and their 22 and 16-year-old children, Jigyasa Joshi and Naman Joshi.

It traces the journey of this non-descript middle-class family of Dehradun, offering a heartfelt story that is generic, yet specific to all who one day aspire to build their own homes.

Talking about the show, Manoj Pahwa said, “I feel extremely proud to be a part of a special project like Home Shanti. I fell in love with the show’s storyline of a heartfelt and endearing drama. Viewers can expect a fun, easy watch that touches their heart with its simple story and its even simpler characters. However, playing these simple characters is what gets me motivated as an actor.”


“Getting back on the sets with Supriya ji was like slipping into comfortable waters for me. I must applaud the new talents as well as they have been such an easy flock to work and laugh with. I can’t wait to see how the audience responds to the show,” he added.


Supriya Pathak, too, expressed her excitement about ‘Home Shanti’.


“Home Shanti is a heartfelt family drama that makes you step back and take note of those little intimacies shared in a family. The relatability factor of this drama is very high for we all know of families who dream of owning a house one day. I had an absolute gala time working on this series, especially getting to rekindle Manoj and my chemistry had me super excited. At times, the set felt like an extension of a family,” she shared.


‘Home Shanti’ will be out on Disney+ Hotstar on 6th May.

Uttarakhand CM Dhami Reviews Yatra Preparations In Kedarnath

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 11:46 PM PDT

Kedarnath (Uttarakhand): The Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, on Tuesday, visited Kedarnath to review Kedarnath Yatra-related preparations.


“Under the direction and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the work (construction) for three consecutive phases of the Kedarnath Yatra have been completed and the ones for further phases is going on,” said Dhami.


“I am myself going to review the preparations in the area to ensure a smooth pilgrimage,” the chief minister said.


“This year, the hotels, cabs, taxis, etc. are being booked two months prior, hence we are expecting it to break all records this time,” Dhami said.


Addressing media-persons, the chief minister assured that the administration has made all the arrangements for the smooth conduct and functioning of the Kedarnath Yatra.


Earlier on April 9, the chief minister had said that in the near future, the distance between Uttarakhand and Delhi will get reduced to 2 hours. The distance between Haridwar to Kashipur is likely to be covered within one to 1.5 hours as a proposal for road construction had been approved.


As per the announcement at Omkareshwar Temple at Ukhimath, the seat of Panch Kedar, the portals of Kedarnath Temple is scheduled to open on May 6, while the Badrinath Temple will open on May 8.


Prior to the opening of the portals, Kedar Baba’s doli (palanquin) will leave for Kedarnath from Omkareshwar Temple at Ukhimath on May 2.


Char Dham Yatra begins on May 3 this year with the opening of portals of the Yamunotri temple in the Uttarkashi district of the state 

BJP Leader Alleges Mumbai Police For Circulating Fake FIR, To File Complaint Today

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 11:44 PM PDT

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya had made an allegation against the Mumbai police for circulating a Fake FIR (First Information Report) against him.

The BJP leader said Mumbai police circulated a fake FIR against him on April 23 for assault. He will file a complaint regarding this today at Khar Police Station. Taking to Twitter, Somaiya on Monday wrote, “Mumbai Police circulated a FAKE FIR of mine on April 23 for assault. I have not filed any FIR. Bandra Police Station refused to register my FIR on 23 April. I will file a complaint tomorrow at 12 noon at Khar Police Station against this criminal conspiracy of bogus manipulated FIR.

Earlier on Saturday, Somaiya claimed he was injured in alleged stone-pelting by Shiv Sena workers in Mumbai. 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.

Following that BJP leader on Sunday said Mumbai Police has refused to register his FIR after he was allegedly attacked by Shiv Sena goons.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Manjunath Shinge said a case has been registered based on Somaiya’s complaint. 

Lata Mangeshkar Once Worked In 104-Fever: Asha Bhosle

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 11:06 PM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Work was undoubtedly worship for legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar.

She began her career in 1942 at the age of 13 and gave over seven decades to the music world.

Although India’s nightingale is no more with us, her huge body of work will be remembered forever.


On Sunday, the first Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award ceremony took place in Mumbai, wherein Prime Minister Narendra Modi and family members of Lata Mangeshkar including sister Asha Bhosle paid heartfelt tributes to the Queen of Melody, who breathed her last on February 6 following multiple organ failure.

In her emotional speech, Asha Bhosle recalled her fond memories associated with her sister.

She also appreciated her sister’s immense love for her work, revealing how she had once worked despite suffering from a 104-degree fever.


“Woh bhaut jaldi kaam pe lag gayi..ek baar ki baat hai Lata didi ko 104 bukhar hua wa tha. Maa ne unse kaha ki aaj shooting pe mat jaa tabiyat theek nahin…. par didi ne kaha nhi maa mujhe jana padega aur woh itne tapte bukhar me bhi gayi aur kaam kiya…Uska kaam tha us time pari banke upar se latakte hue gaana gaana tha… kitna kasht karna padta hai ek artist ko aur usne woh kia (She started working very young.

I remember once she had a 104 fever, maa told her to don’t go for shooting as her health is not okay, but didi refused and went for the shoot. How much trouble one has to do as an artist and she did that,” Asha Bhosle shared.


While talking about her sister, Asha Bhosle also hummed to the tunes of Lata Mangeshkar’s evergreen song ‘Aayega Aanewala’.


The Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award was instituted in the memory and honour of Lata Mangeshkar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the first Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award for his selfless service to the nation. 

Dr S Jaishankar To Visit Bangladesh On Thursday

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 10:19 PM PDT

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar will travel to Dakha on Thursday to invite Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit India.

“Yes, the EAM will pay a one-day visit to Dhaka on Thursday,” Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla told reporters in Delhi on Monday. “He will carry a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to invite Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit India,” Shringla was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune.

Shringla made these remarks in response to queries from journalists at an event at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.

Foreign Secretary and Bangladesh High Commissioner Muhammad Imran on Monday attended the award-giving ceremony for felicitating winners of a competition conducted on the occasion of India-Bangladesh Friendship Day.

During the event, Shringla shared views on strengthening the bilateral partnership.
Both representatives felicitated the winners of the Maitri Diwas logo and backdrop competition conducted on the occasion of India-Bangladesh Maitri Diwas.

“FS @harshvshringla and Bangladesh High Commissioner Muhammad Imran felicitated the winners of the India-Bangladesh #MaitreeDiwas logo and backdrop competition. Also shared views on further strengthening bilateral ties, including youth connect, innovation and emerging areas,” said Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.

India Logs 2,483 New COVID-19 Cases, Daily Positivity Rate Declines

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 10:13 PM PDT

India recorded 2,483 new COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, recording a slight decline from the previous day’s 2541 cases.

The active caseload has also dipped from 16,522 to 15,636, while the positivity rate declined to 0.55 per cent, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare bulletin on Tuesday. A total of 1,970 COVID patients recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours taking the total number of recoveries since the beginning of the pandemic to 4,25,23,311. The recovery rate is 98.75 per cent.

As a total of 4,49,197 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours, the cumulative tally has risen to 83.54 crore tests.

The country has reported 1,399 COVID- related deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative death tally to 52,3622.

According to the bulletin, 1347 deaths have been counted from Assam which includes COVID-19 patients who died due to other reasons.

“Assam: The total cases, discharges and deaths provided by the State in its media bulletin have been considered along with the number of COVID-19 positive patients died due to other reasons to reflect the current active case figures,” reads the bulletin.

However, it added, that the state has reported zero deaths in the last 24 hours.
As far as vaccination is concerned, 22,83,224 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 1,87,95,76,423.

Over 19.90 CR COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Available With States, UTs

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 10:05 PM PDT

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Tuesday that more than 19.90 crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses are still available with States and Union Territories.

“More than 19.90 crore (19,90,98,860) balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered,” said the ministry. It further said, “More than 192.85 Crore (1,92,85,90,115) Coronavirus vaccine doses have been provided to the States/UTs so far through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category.”

The nationwide COVID-19 vaccination started on 16 January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on 21 June 2021.
The vaccination drive has been ramped up through the availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.

As a part of the nationwide vaccination drive, the Government of India has been providing the States and UTs with COVID Vaccines free of cost.

In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.

EU Countries Now Looking At Turkmenistan For Gas Supplies, Amid Russia-Ukraine Crisis

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 09:50 PM PDT

The Russia-Ukraine war has brought a new evolution in the geopolitics of energy. In the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the European Union and other western countries imposed sanctions on Russia after which, the countries are looking towards Central Asian countries as an alternative for the supply of gas.

The Repower EU initiative has three objectives with an aim at strengthening the EU’s energy structure and they are–(i) increase natural gas imports from non-Russian sources, (ii) enhance the import of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from non-Russian sources, and (iii) boost the development of bio-energy and promote the production of renewable energy.

With the aim to achieve the third objective, which focuses on boosting the development of bio-energy and promotion of the production of renewable energy, EU countries are looking towards Central Asian countries and it seems that Turkmenistan is their primary choice for gas supply to Europe.

The gas supply for the EU from other countries (except Central Asian Countries) is unfeasible. Israel, which has gas export agreements with a number of countries, its own gas supply is fragile. Qatar, on other hand, transports only 10 to 15 per cent of LNG to Europe, according to a report in the European Times.

After all this, Turkmenistan seems the right option but China will become a major competition for Europe as the Communist country is the largest buyer of Turkmen gas accounting for over 60 per cent of pipeline imports in 2019. The payment dispute with Russia and Iran in 2016 and 2017 respectively, left China as the only major export market for Turkmenistan.

Not only this, but the Communist country is also Turkmenistan’s primary international lender, having provided over USD 8 billion in loans to develop the country’s gas infrastructure. Turkmenistan repays the loan with the revenue which Beijing give due to its gas deal, this enables China to have a continued influence on Turkmenistan, European Times reported.

Beijing has apparently monopolized exports of Turkmen natural gas to such an extent that gas has been used as a de-facto form of currency in economic contracts between the two countries.

In the view of the current limited gas capacity of Turkmenistan, the supply of natural gas to Europe will lead to a situation where the “fighting for gas” can be created and even the cost of China’s gas imports may also go up as the Turkmen gas price will go high due to its huge demand.

Once the EU enters the Central Asian gas market, the United States may follow the same path. Therefore, the Central Asian Caspian region could face a new round of geopolitical risks, which may negatively impact China’s political diplomacy, trade and economic investments, and many more.

China’s Pro-Russia Stance Sets Foreign Investors On Hot Retreat

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 09:47 PM PDT

Beijing [China]: The speculation of a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan amid Beijing’s pro-Russia stance of military operation in Ukraine has triggered an unprecedented capital flight from China with a large offloading of Chinese government bonds by overseas investors in recent months, said a media report.


China is facing a huge trust deficit from international investors as it witnessed portfolio outflow worth nearly USD 18 billion last month, reported The Hong Kong Post.

The country witnessed a record bond-market retreat by foreign investors in recent months with an offloading of Chinese bonds worth USD 5.5 billion in February, reported CNN citing data from the Chinese government.


This comes as China’s ambiguity concerning the Ukraine-Russia war is scaring away the investors.

Though the communist country refuses to criticise “friend” Russia’s actions in Ukraine, and showcases a pro-Russia stance, Beijing has not done anything to help Moscow for the fear of attracting crippling sanctions from the West.


“There is nervousness about China’s ambiguous, but Pro-Russia stance on the Ukraine conflict, which raises worries that China could be targeted by sanctions if it helps Russia,” CNN quoted Martin Chorzempa, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, as saying.


The American media outlet also cited “rate hike in the United States and China’s strict COVI-related lockdowns” as a reason behind the capital flight.


China’s rigid ‘Zero-COVID’ policy that led to the complete shutdown of scores of cities and towns, including Shanghai, its ports and airports, halting manufacturing and trade, has increased “uncertainties about future growth”, reported The Hong Kong Post.


According to analysts, the Chinese government’s crackdown on private businesses late last year to instil fiscal discipline also had a cascading effect on the economy, affecting industry morale and making foreign investors more nervous as they don’t want to play regulatory guessing games or worry that tomorrow’s news may deplete another company or business model in China.


Amid such a situation, international organisations and investment banks have slashed their growth projections for China this year with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reducing its prediction from 4.8 to 4.4 per cent. 

Equity Indices Open In Green, Sensex Up By 600 Points

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 09:34 PM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Equity benchmark indices opened in green on Tuesday with Sensex up by 600.21 points and Nifty by 189.00 points.


At 9:20 AM, the BSE Sensex was up by 600.21 points or 1.06 per cent at 57,180.10. BSE Limited, also known as the Bombay Stock Exchange, is the oldest stock exchange in Asia, and also the 10th oldest in the world.


The 50-scrip NSE Nifty was trading at 17,143.60, at 9:20 AM, up by 189.00 points or 1.11 per cent.


NIFTY 50 is a benchmark Indian stock market index, representing the weighted average of 50 of the largest Indian companies listed on the National Stock Exchange.

It is one of the two main equity indices used in India.

Maharashtra: Gadkari Urges Mills To Focus On Ethanol, Not Sugar

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 09:01 PM PDT

Solapur (Maharashtra): Raising concerns over the surplus sugarcane production in Solapur, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday urged sugar mill owners to reduce the production of sugar and increase the production of ethanol.


Gadkari was in Solapur on Monday for the foundation stone-laying ceremony of national highway projects.

The minister said if the production goes on like this, then farmers would have no option other than suicide.

Meanwhile, India’s sugar exports surged by 64.9 per cent to $4.6 billion in the financial year 2021-22 from $2.79 billion recorded in the previous year, according to the latest government data.


As per data released by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S), India exported the product to 121 countries across the world during the financial year ended March 2022.


India is the world’s second-largest sugar producer after Brazil. Since 2010-11, India has consistently produced surplus product, comfortably exceeding the domestic requirements.

The record exports would enable the sugar producers to reduce their stocks and would also benefit the sugarcane farmers, as the increased demand for Indian sugar is likely to improve their realisations, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement.


Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka account for nearly 80 per cent of the total sugar production in the country. The other major sugarcane-producing states are Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Haryana, and Punjab.

IPL 2022: CSK ‘lacking’ In Getting Good Start In Powerplay, Ravindra Jadeja

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 09:00 PM PDT

Chennai Super Kings captain Ravindra Jadeja admitted that the four-time champions are ‘lacking’ in not getting good starts in the first six overs of the ongoing IPL 2022.

CSK fell to their 6th defeat of the season on Monday as the Punjab Kings (PBKS) bounced back in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 with a victory against defending champions by 11 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Chasing a target of 188, CSK lost Robin Uthappa’s wicket early after the opener was caught inside the circle off Sandeep Sharma’s bowling. Ruturaj Gaikwad struck two fours before Arshdeep Singh knocked Mitchell Santner’s stumps as CSK were 32-2 at the end of the powerplay.

CSK skipper Ravindra Jadeja after the match said: “We started off very well, we felt we gave away 10-15 runs extra at the end. We did not execute our plans very well. He [Rayudu] was batting brilliantly, throughout but as I said earlier, if we could’ve restricted them to under 175 it would’ve been good.”

“We are not getting good starts in the first 6 overs, that’s where we are lacking and hopefully we will come back stronger,” the star all-rounder added.

PBKS, who were put in to bat first, made three changes – Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Sandeep Sharma, and Rishi Dhawan were named in the eleven. CSK bowlers started effectively and put openers – Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan under pressure after PBKS were 29-0 after five overs.

Maheesh Theekshana provided the opening wicket for CSK in the form of the opposition skipper Mayank Agarwal, who was caught at backward point. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, the next batter, was dropped twice before adding a four and a six to take PBKS to 72-1 at the half-way mark.

Dhawan creamed three fours against Mukesh Choudhary as 16 runs came from the 12th over. The PBKS opener reached his fifty in the 14th over while Rajapaksa thumped a six down the ground. The boundaries kept flowing from the bat of Shikhar Dhawan as the hundred partnership was up for the pair. Bravo put an end to the partnership after Rajapaksa was caught by Shivam Dube in the 18th over.

Liam Livingstone crunched two sixes and one four in the 19th over before the right-handed batter was dismissed in the final over by Bravo. Dhawan remained unbeaten on 88 as PBKS posted 187/4 in the first innings.

AP: Maoist Set Bus On Fire In Chinturu; No Casualties Reported

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 08:52 PM PDT

Alluri Sitha Ramaraju (Andhra Pradesh): Several Maoists set ablaze a bus near Andhra Pradesh’s Chinturu on Sunday night.


According to the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Krishnakant (Chinturu sub Division), some Maoists cordoned the passengers from the bus near Chinturu, which is 4 to 5 km from the Chattisgarh border, and set it on fire at around 11.30 PM.

“Earlier in the year 2018, 2019, 2020, similar incidents were reported in the area. They put the bus on fire and left the place. The case is yet to be registered and an investigation is on,” he added further.


However, no casualties were reported, and further investigation into the matter is going on. 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Warns Of World War III

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 08:45 PM PDT

Moscow [Russia]: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday warned against an imminent World War III looming in the forefront as Ukraine fails to comply with the peace talks.


Lavrov spoke with various Russian news agencies where he criticised Ukraine’s approach to the peace talks, reported The Moscow Times.

He said, “Goodwill has its limits. But if it isn’t reciprocal, that doesn’t help the negotiation process.” On the recent meeting between Russia and Ukraine, held in Istanbul, Turkey, Lavrov mentioned that Kyiv had presented a draft agreement which marked a departure from its previous stand.”


Further, Lavrov asserted that Russia will continue to engage in negotiations with the team assigned by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. But, he added that Zelenskyy was pretending on peace talks.


Lavrov warned that the danger of World War III is as real as it sounds.


“The danger is serious, it is real, you can’t underestimate it,” the Russian Foreign Minister quoted by The Moscow Times.

Twitter Confirms Sale Of Company To Elon Musk For USD 44 Billion

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 08:45 PM PDT

Twitter on Monday (local time) confirmed the sale of the company to Tesla Chief Elon Musk for USD 44 billion.

Under the terms of the deal, shareholders will receive USD 54.20 in cash for each share of Twitter stock they own, matching Musk’s original offer and marking a 38 per cent premium over the stock price the day before Musk revealed his stake in the company, CNN reported. It further reported that the deal caps off a whirlwind news cycle in which the Tesla and SpaceX CEO became one of Twitter’s largest shareholders, was offered and turned down a seat on its board and bid to buy the company — all in less than a month.

“Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated,” Musk said in a statement.

“I also want to make Twitter better than ever by enhancing the product with new features, making the algorithms open source to increase trust, defeating the spam bots, and authenticating all humans. Twitter has tremendous potential – I look forward to working with the company and the community of users to unlock it,” he added.

The deal comes after Musk revealed last week he had lined up USD 46.5 billion in financing to acquire the company, an apparent turning point that forced Twitter’s board to seriously consider the deal. The board met Sunday to evaluate Musk’s offer.

Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal in a statement said “Twitter has a purpose and relevance that impacts the entire world. Deeply proud of our teams and inspired by the work that has never been more important.” 

Super Mario Bros. Movie Gets New Release Date

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 08:37 PM PDT

Washington [US]: Fans will have to wait a little longer as the Super Mario Bros. movie has been delayed to 2023.


As per Variety, Universal and Illumination Entertainment’s adaptation of Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. video game series, which was scheduled to release on December 21, will now hit the theatres on April 7, 2023, in North America.

A Japanese release will follow on April 28.

Sharing the update, the series creator and Nintendo leader Shigeru Miyamoto took to Twitter and wrote, “After consulting with Chris-san, (producer Chris Meledandri) my partner at Illumination on the Super Mario Bros. film, we decided to move the global release to Spring 2023. My deepest apologies but I promise it will be well worth the wait.”

For the unversed, Chris Pratt has come on the board to voice the Italian plumbing protagonist.


The voice ensemble also includes Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek, Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong, and Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike.

Cricketer MS Dhoni’s Wife Sakshi Flags ‘Power Crisis’ In Jharkhand

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 08:29 PM PDT

Sakshi Singh, the wife of cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni has questioned the Jharkhand government over the “power crisis” in the state.

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Sakshi wrote: “As a taxpayer of Jharkhand just want to know why is there a power crisis in Jharkhand since so many years? We are doing our part by consciously making sure we save energy!”

Sakshi’s tweet comes amid reports of coal shortages faced at power plants in the country.

There is also a heatwave in the state with most parts of the state witnessing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. A heatwave is predicted in the districts of Girdhi, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Ranchi, Bokaro, Koderma, Palamu, Garhwa, Chatra till April 28.

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Power RK Singh on Monday met Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss measures to enhance efficiency in coal transport to power plants.

Singh urged all stakeholders at the Centre and state level to work hand in hand for an unhindered power supply, the Ministry of Power said in a statement.

The minister urged the Power Gencos to own freight rakes under the scheme of the Ministry of Railways to deal with logistic constraints in coal supply.

Representatives from Coal and Power PSUs and states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra also joined the meeting virtually.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Railways said it has deployed additional rakes to transport coal to power plants.

To ensure a swift supply of coal across power plants, additional trains and rakes by Indian Railways have been initiated to augment the transportation of coal through its network, the Ministry of Railways said.

Indian Railways has ramped up the coal transportation resulting in 32 per cent more coal freight loading between September 2021 and March 2022. There has also been an increase in 10 per cent freight, by efficiently mobilizing resources after April 2022, the ministry said. 

Massive Fire In Gurugram, 35 Fire Tenders On Spot

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 08:28 PM PDT

Gurugram (Haryana): A massive fire broke out in a pile of garbage in Manesar in Gurugram on late Monday night.


The incident occurred near sector-6 of Manesar. 35 fire tenders are present on the spot to douse the flame.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

Further details are awaited. 

Delhi: AIIMS Nurses Union To Go On Indefinite Strike Today

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 08:23 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: In response to the suspension of the President of AIIMS Nurses Union, Harish Kajila, the nursing staff of the hospital will go on an indefinite strike from Tuesday.


The nurses union has demanded the immediate revocation of Kajla’s suspension.

In a letter addressed to the AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria, the Union wrote, “In response to your unilateral decision to suspend Harish Kajila, president of AllMS Nurses Union, without even citing proper reasons, the union has called an emergency executive meeting took the decision to go on indefinite strike from 8 AM on April 26 demanding immediate revocation of suspension of Harish Kumar Kajla and stopping of all kinds of retaliative measures against union executives and Union members of main operation theatre (OT).”


“The union has always been receptive and open to expressing our genuine concerns and version throughout this issue. But unfortunately, we were neither called, nor contacted via any communication which forced us to go on an indefinite strike to safeguard the basic rights of our members. We would like to remind you that the undemocratic AllMS administration will be solely responsible for the consequences if any,” the letter read.


On April 23, AIIMS witnessed a dispute between the nursing officer Harish Kajila and the Resident Doctors Association.

The nursing staff were protesting over the lack of manpower and late duty hours in the main operation theatre.


However reacting over the incident, taking to social media today morning, the Association of Resident Doctors of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi wrote, “Doctors and nurses have worked together in harmony, with mutual respect, to bring AIIMS to new heights. Without good nursing care, the holistic treatment of patients can’t be imagined. Voice of RDA AIIMS is not against any person or union, but against this unjust behaviour.”

PM Modi Pushed Tripura Towards Progressive Tomorrow, Says CM Biplab Deb

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 08:22 PM PDT

Hailing the Centre’s development works across the country, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Monday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushed the state towards a “progressive tomorrow”.

As a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sanctioned Rs 7 crore for the development of a high-tech building at Mahatma Gandhi memorial old-age home located in the outskirts of Agartala city.
Within a year, the new building was officially inaugurated by Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Monday.

Following the inauguration, Deb spent time with the elderly people of the old age home.

Addressing the programme, Chief Minister Deb said, “For decades Tripura saw a weak system that ran under a weak Chief Minister. It is Prime Minister Narendra Modi who pushed Tripura towards a progressive tomorrow.”

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi specially sanctioned Rs 7 crore for constructing a high-tech building for the old age homes. The technology which has been devised to construct this building is far superior to what is in use nowadays here in the state. This is the vision of PM Modi,” he said

Deb said even the Chief Minister does not have such a good house like the newly-inaugurated old age home.

He further said, “After Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in the Centre, he gave equal respect to all the Chief Ministers of the country. Today, the Prime Minister gives equal importance to the Chief Minister of Tripura and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, there is no disparity.”

Turkey Sends 227 Migrants Back To Afghanistan

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 08:06 PM PDT

At least 227 Afghan nationals who entered Turkey illegally were flown back to Afghanistan on Sunday, local media reported citing officials as saying.

Since the resumption of the chartered flights from Malatya Airport, at least 681 irregular migrants have been sent to Afghanistan, Ariana News reported. It further reported that Turkey has been a key transit point for asylum seekers aiming to cross to Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

The country already hosts 4 million refugees, more than any other country in the world, and is taking new security measures on its borders to humanely prevent a fresh influx of migrants, Ariana News reported.

Since the Taliban took over in mid-August last year, Afghanistan has not only seen a mass exodus but also the illegal crossings of Afghans into neighbouring countries like Iran via Nimroz province and Turkey.

Although the fighting in the country has ended, serious human rights violations continue unabated.

UN Special Envoy Stresses Importance To Ensure Protection, Human Rights For Afghans

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 08:00 PM PDT

Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Mette Knudsen, met members of Hazara and Shia communities and stressed the importance to ensure protection and human rights for all people in Afghanistan.

Knudsen and members of the Hazara and Shia communities also discussed recent attacks in Afghnaistan. “UNAMA deputy head @Metknu met today with members of Hazara & Shia communities to discuss recent attacks & express condolences. She stressed importance to ensure protection & human rights for all Afghans & representative decision-making to reflect diverse voices in Afghanistan,” UNAMA News tweeted.

Recently, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) had expressed concerns over the series of attacks that led to the deaths of over 50 boys and girls, calling it a “grave rights violation” in Afghanistan.

“In one week alone, more than 50 girls and boys have lost their lives in a series of heinous grave rights violations in Afghanistan,” Paloma Escudero, UNICEF Director for Global Communication and Advocacy, was quoted by Tolo News as saying.
The UN agency also highlighted the delay in reopening of schools for girl students in Afghanistan saying, “It’s been one month since Afghanistan’s de facto authorities barred teenage girls from returning to school.

“The Taliban regime in Afghanistan had barred girls from attending school over grade six after issuing a decree last month.

Meanwhile, the Taliban’s Ministry of Education said that the schools for girls in grades 7-12 will be reopened in the near future. 

UK Announces Export Ban On Products, Technology ‘Russia Could Use’ In Ukraine

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 07:46 PM PDT

The UK is imposing a ban on the export to Russia of technology and goods that may be used against Ukraine, the UK Department for International Trade (DIT) said in a statement.

“The UK has also announced an export ban on products and technology that Russia could use to repress the heroic people of Ukraine,” the DIT said. “Products targeted could include interception and monitoring equipment. This will close any existing loopholes to ensure that Russia is not buying these goods from the UK,” according to the statement.

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

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

Alwar Temple Demolition: Rajasthan Govt Suspends 3 Officials Including Rajgarh SDM

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 07:38 PM PDT

Amid the row over the 300-year-old Shiva temple demolition in Alwar, the Rajasthan government suspended three officials including a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) on Monday.

The suspended officials include Rajgarh SDM Keshav Kumar Meena, Rajgarh Municipality Board’s chairman Satish Duharia and Executive Officer (EO) of the Nagar Panchayat Banwari Lal Meena. A 300-year-old Shiva temple was demolished using bulldozers at Sarai Mohalla, Rajgarh in the Alwar district last week.

Besides the Shiva temple, 86 shops and homes were demolished with bulldozers in Rajasthan’s Alwar district on Sunday, to clear the way for a road.

Earlier on Monday, a PIL was filed in the Rajasthan High Court against the demolition of a 300-year-old Shiva temple in Alwar, in which Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot along with District Collector, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Executive Officer, Municipality and others have been made the party.

The PIL said the demolition drive in Rajgarh was carried out in an unconstitutional manner in which shops and temples, including the ancient Shiva temple, were demolished by the state government in the name of a master plan.

“By vandalising the Shiva temple in an unconstitutional way, the sentiments of Hindu society have been hurt and the fundamental rights of innocent people have been violated,” the PIL read.

As the encroachment drive took a political turn, Rajasthan Congress chief GS Dotasara said, “Removal of Alwar temple’s encroachment started during the previous rule of BJP government saying that Congress disturbs temples and idols, is wrong. This has always been BJP’s agenda. As polls come, they spread religious unrest to make political chapatis.”

Rajasthan Congress has alleged that Vasundhara Raje was the Chief Minister when BJP had promised a road called the “Gaurav Path” at the very place where the demolitions took place. 

COVID-19: Shanghai Reports 1,661 Locally Transmitted Cases

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 07:27 PM PDT

China’s economic hub Shanghai on Monday reported 1,661 confirmed locally transmitted COVID-19 cases and 15,319 local asymptomatic carriers, Xinhua reported citing the municipal health commission as saying on Tuesday.

Shanghai has been facing the worst COVID-19 outbreak and has been desperately seeking medical care and basic supplies like food. Shanghai authorities have imposed draconian lockdown measures since March that have locked 25 million residents in their homes.

On April 3, the Chinese government announced the deployment of thousands of military personnel to Shanghai to assist in the mandatory testing of all 25 million residents for the virus that causes Covid-19.

On April 4, Shanghai authorities said the city would indefinitely remain under lockdown – meaning that residents are not allowed to leave their homes, as it reviews the results of the mass Covid testing.

Meanwhile, horrifying videos have emerged showing Shanghai residents screaming from their windows over strict COVID lockdown measures that prevent them from leaving home even for food.

In a clip posted online by a Twitter user that he said was taken by the father of his close friend who reported that “people (are) screaming outside of their windows after a week of total lockdown” because they “can’t even step outside their apartments”.
Many screams can be heard from the windows of nearby apartment buildings in the footage, as per news.com.au.

China’s much-publicised ‘zero-covid’ strategy that the government credited for bringing the country out of the pandemic till recently is falling apart as the rapidly mounting cases are again forcing mass lockdowns like those seen in 2020. 

Haryana: Free Booster COVID-19 Dose For 18-59 Age Group

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 07:14 PM PDT

Chandigarh (Haryana): The Haryana government on Monday announced the free administration of booster doses of COVID vaccine to the age group of 18 to 59 years.


The state government said that it would bear the expenses of Rs 300 crore for the purpose.

“Haryana’s 18-59 age group to be given booster dose for free; state government to bear expenses of Rs 300 crores for the same,” said DPR Haryana.


“Giving priority to the health of the people of the state, the Chief Minister has announced free booster dose for the citizens in the age group of 18 years to 59 years in Haryana,” tweeted the Chief Minister’s Office.


The free vaccine jabs will be available in the government hospitals and dispensaries.
According to the CMO, this would benefit 1.2 crore people of the state.


The Centre had announced the administration of precaution doses for the age group from April 10. 

Telangana: Pricy Mangoes Make Customers Unhappy

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 07:13 PM PDT

Hyderabad (Telangana): Pricy mangoes have made customers and retailers an unhappy lot.

Wholesale mango dealers in Secunderabad’s Monda market in Hyderabad have expressed discontentment over the low production of mango this year due to the absence of rainfall in the summer season and as a result, prices have soared in comparison with last year.


The dealers feared the mango prices would rise as compared to last year.

The fruit has arrived in Indian markets, but the pricy mangoes are making the sellers and the buyers sweat.

The quantity remains on the lower side making the mangoes pricy: Mango sold for 50 per kg last year and is now sold at 150 per kg this year.


Speaking on the matter, Sanjay, a retailer, said that Kesar mangoes which are the sweetest ones are being sold for Rs 250 per kg.


“Kesar mangoes are Rs 250 per kg and we are getting it for Rs 220 per kg from the wholesale market. These are the sweetest of all and have a lot of demand. Rasaal which comes from Vijaywada is priced at Rs 100 per kg, Himayath is Rs 400 per kg, and Daseri is Rs 200 per kg. The mangoes hit the market very late this year,” he said.


“The customers are not purchasing mangoes as they are costly. As there was no rain, there is a decline in production. By this time the whole market would have been filled with mangoes but this year it’s very less,” the retailer added.


Another customer Lakshman Ram also expressed his dissatisfaction over the rising prices of mangoes this year.


“Hapuz Mangoes come from Mumbai. They are very costly. The taste is good and Kesar also tastes nice. The prices are high,” he said.


Shyam, a customer who had come to buy mangoes for the family said that due to the low production in the state this year, there is “no guarantee of the fruit in the coming days”.


“It’s getting difficult to get mangoes from the market. We used to get a trolly full of mangoes but now we are getting very little as the prices are high. As there are no summer rains, the mango yield is low and the price has soared. Last year the prices were low. It was Rs 50 per kg and now it’s Rs 150 per kg. In the coming days, there is no guarantee of the mangoes in state markets,” he said. 

LIC IPO To Open On May 4

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 07:11 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: The much-awaited initial public offering (IPO) of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is likely to open on May 4, sources privy to the development said.


The government, which wholly owns the insurance behemoth, plans to sell a 3.5 per cent instead of 5 per cent as mentioned in the previous Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP), said sources.

LIC IPO size has been cut from 5 per cent to 3.5 per cent due to the market condition.

A proposal to reduce the size of LIC IPO to 3.5 per cent from 5 per cent proposed in its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) was tabled and approved at a board meeting held on Saturday.


Last month, market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved the initial public offering proposal of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).


The company has filed the Draft Red Herring Prospectus with the market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).


It has time until May 12 to launch the IPO. If it is not done by May 12, the company would be required to file fresh papers with the market regulator.


The government had initially wanted to list LIC in the last financial year that ended March 31 but had to delay the sale after the Russia-Ukraine war triggered a market rout.

Delhi Reports 1,011 New COVID Cases, Active Cases Over 4,000

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 07:09 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: The national capital reported over 1,000 cases for the fourth continuous day in a row with 1,011 new COVID cases in the last 24 hours, according to the health bulletin by the Delhi government on Monday. With this, the active cases in the city went past the 4,000 mark and currently stand at 4,168 which is the highest since February 12.

The active cases were 4,331 on the said date. However, the city witnessed a slight dip in the new cases as it reported 72 lesser cases than yesterday.


The national capital witnessed a surge in the daily case positivity rate which was 4.48 per cent on Sunday and now rose to 6.42 per cent.


As many as 817 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 18,45,551.


One patient succumbed to the virus during this period. The death toll in the national capital rose to 26,168.


A total of 15,742 COVID samples were tested in the last 24 hours.


Under the vaccination drive in the city, 8,979 new beneficiaries were jabbed with the COVID shots taking the cumulative vaccine doses jabbed so far to Cumulative doses provided so far 3,31,83,143.


Meanwhile, India’s COVID-19 count witnessed a slight dip as the country reported 2,541 fresh cases in the last 24 hours, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Monday. 

Shikhar Dhawan Becomes Second Cricketer After Virat Kohli To Complete 6,000 IPL Runs

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 06:56 PM PDT

Punjab Kings batter Shikhar Dhawan on Monday completed 6,000 runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Dhawan achieved this feat during the clash with Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. He became the second cricketer after Royal Challengers Bangalore batter Virat Kohli to achieve this milestone. Coming to the match, Chennai Super Kings skipper Ravindra Jadeja won the toss and opted to field against Punjab Kings.

So far, Punjab have won a total of three matches in IPL 2022 while Chennai have claimed victory in two games.

Shikhar Dhawan Surpasses Rohit Sharma For Most Runs Against A Single Opponent In IPL

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 06:50 PM PDT

Punjab Kings batter Shikhar Dhawan on Monday recorded a total of 1029 runs against Chennai Super Kings and became the number one player to score the most runs against a single opponent in the Indian Premier League.

Dhawan achieved this feat on Monday during the clash against Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. He surpassed the record of Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma, who has scored a total of 1018 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Rohit is followed by Delhi Capitals batter David Warner who has 1005 runs in his kitty against Punjab Kings.

Coming to Monday’s match, after being put to bat, Punjab registered a total of 187/4 in the first innings against Chennai. Dhawan shone with the bat and scored an unbeaten knock of 88 runs off 59 balls. He also completed his 6,000 IPL runs in the same match.

IPL 2022: Dhawan’s 88-Run Knock Guides PBKS To 11-Run Victory Against CSK

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 06:41 PM PDT

Shikhar Dhawan’s unbeaten 88 helped Punjab Kings beat Chennai Super Kings by 11 runs at the Wankhede Stadium here. Ambati Rayudu’s 39-ball 78-run knock went in vain as CSK lost their sixth match of the season.

Chasing a challenging 189, Chennai Super Kings got off to a poor start losing opener Robin Uthappa for 1 as they lost their first wicket for 10 in the second over of the innings. Sandeep Sharma gave Punjab Kings the first breakthrough. CSK were dealt another severe blow as they lost the wicket of Mitchell Santner for 9 as left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh cleaned him up to leave CSK tottering at 30 for 2.

In the next over Rishi Dhawan cleaned up all-rounder Shivam Dube for 8 to leave CSK tottering at 40/3.

The defending champions desperately needed a partnership and opener Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ambati Rayudu did exactly that to take their side beyond the 50-run mark in 7.5 overs.

Gaikwad-Rayudu’s 49-run partnership was broken by Kagiso Rabada as he dismissed Gaikwad for 30 off 27 balls as CSK lost their fourth wicket for 89.

Rayudu kept hitting powerful blows to take his team beyond the triple-figure mark in 13.4 overs and in the process notched up his half-century off just 28 balls.

Rayudu and Jadeja put on a fifty partnership for the fifth wicket off just 21 balls. These two took CSK’s total beyond the 150-run mark in 17.2 overs.
Rabada got the dangerman Rayudu out for 78 off 39 balls hitting seven fours and six maximums.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni walked out to bat with CSK needing 35 runs of 13 balls. Dhoni tried hard-hitting a four and a six but was dismissed by Rishi Dhawan for 8-ball 12 run knock as his side fell short by 11 runs.

Earlier being put in to bat, Punjab Kings got off to a steady start as captain Mayank Agarwal and experienced opener Shikhar Dhawan, who was playing his 200th IPL match, batted sensibly.

In the second over, Shikhar Dhawan became only the second batter in the history of IPL after Virat Kohli to amass 6,000 runs in the league. In another milestone for the southpaw, he reached the milestone of 9,000 runs in T20s in the sixth over.

Maheesh Theekshana gave CSK the first breakthrough by dismissing Mayank Agarwal for 18 of 21 balls. Bhanuka Rajapaksa joined Dhawan and the duo took Punjab’s total beyond the 50-run mark in the eighth over.

Rajapaksa-Dhawan duo batted brilliantly to strike a fifty partnership and take their team’s total beyond the triple-figure mark in 12.3 overs.

The 36-year old Dhawan went on to score his half-century off 37 balls. Rajapaksa-Dhawan pair kept on hammering CSK’s bowling attack as they notched up a century stand of 63 balls on a wicket where the ball was not coming easy on the bat.

Dwayne Bravo managed to break the 110-run partnership dismissing the Sri Lankan batter to a 32-ball 42. Liam Livingstone walked in to bat and scored 7-ball 19 in order to take the Punjab team beyond the 150-run mark in the 18th over.

Dhawan continued to hit lusty blows and took the Punjab team to 187/4 in 20 overs. Dhawan remained unbeaten on 88 off 59 balls hitting nine fours and two sixes.

Brief scores: Punjab Kings 187/4 in 20 overs (Shikhar Dhawan 88, Bhanuka Rajapaksa 42; Dwayne Bravo 2/42) vs Chennai Super Kings 176/6 in 20 overs (Ambati Rayudu 78, Kagiso Rabada 2/23, Rishi Dhawan 2/39). 

RJD Leader Tej Pratap Yadav To Resign From Party Soon

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 09:37 AM PDT

Patna (Bihar): Former Bihar health minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tej Pratap Yadav on Monday announced that he will submit his resignation from the party to his father and party chief Lalu Prasad Yadav soon.


Taking to Twitter, he wrote, “I followed in my father’s footsteps and gave respect to all the party workers. I will submit my resignation soon after meeting my father.”

This comes after RJD leader Ramraj Kumar on Monday alleged that he was beaten up in a room at Rabri Devi’s residence by the party’s senior leader Tej Pratap Yadav.


Addressing media persons here, Ramraj Yadav, RJD’s Patna Metropolitan Youth President said that three days ago, at Rabri Devi’s residence during the Iftar party, Tej Pratap had locked him up in a room and beat him up, and made a video.


Ramraj Yadav even submitted his resignation from the party today after party leaders refused to take cognizance of the incident, despite complaining to senior RJD leaders.

Elon Musk Likely End Up Buying Twitter Eventually

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 09:26 AM PDT

Washington [US]: What once seemed like a farfetched idea might actually become true as reports suggest that Elon Musk might actually be buying Twitter eventually.


According to TechCrunch, multiple news outlets have reported that Twitter’s board has actually considered Musk’s funded offer over the weekend, with the corporate governing body’s attitude towards the offer changing following Musk’s outlining of his plan to source the funds to make real his USD 46.5 billion offer to buy the company.

After initially meeting up on Sunday, Twitter’s board entered into negotiations with Musk on Monday morning in order to hammer out additional details. Though reports stress that the deal has not yet been finalised and can still fall out however it’s kind of amazing that it’s even gotten this far.


The tech billionaire’s bid was initially seen by critics as undervaluing the company significantly despite it representing a premium on the current Twitter stock price.
Further, Twitter’s board had even instituted a ‘poison pill’ policy to try to block Musk from acquiring a much more significant ownership position in the company, as per TechCrunch.


On April 4, 2022, Musk announced that he had purchased 9.1 per cent of Twitter which made him the largest shareholder of the social media platform and also sent the company’s stock price soaring.


Twitter responded by offering him a board seat, a move that would have restricted him to owning just 15 per cent of the company. At first, he said yes but later changed his mind and said no.

Punjab To Follow Delhi Education Model: Bhagwant Mann

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 09:18 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accompanied by his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal, on Monday announced that Punjab would follow Delhi Education Model and soon modernise the entire school education and health sector as promised by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the people as another guarantee during the run-up to the assembly polls in the state.


Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of his maiden visit to the state-of-the-art Dr BR Ambedkar School of Specialised Excellence here at Kalkaji, Mann called the Delhi education model a next-level in the education system. “It is something which cannot be thought of by big schools has been implemented by government schools. Digital education is taking place. There is a collaboration with big companies. I’ve seen such schools in America-Canada but not in India,” he said.


The Chief Minister said that it was more important to revamp the existing infrastructure in the core sectors of school education and health as these directly contribute towards the human resource development.


Sharing his first-hand impression of the government school, Mann said that the Delhi education model was a “mind blowing experience”.


“I spoke with several students here, and where did they study earlier. They dropped out of big private schools to get enrolled here. They say that they have more facilities here. These students have new ideas…” he said.


He was highly impressed to see a classroom with paperless teaching where all the students were taking lessons on their laptops. Likewise, Mann also witnessed another classroom where all the students were engrossed in their studies while some expert was delivering an online lecture to them.


Mann said these ultra-modern teaching gadgets with advanced skills would also be replicated in the Punjab schools to provide quality education to the students in digital mode.


Showing deep concern over the trend of students going abroad for higher studies from Punjab, Mann said that he was confident that with the setting of such schools across the state this tendency amongst our youth would be considerably checked.


Emphasising the need to make students job providers not seekers, the Punjab Chief Minister said that the Delhi model would be implemented in the letter and spirit which is instrumental in imparting both practical and theoretical education judiciously.


Replying to a query as to when Punjab would establish such schools, Mann said that the state has ample space in rural areas for constructing such schools.

Rajasthan: PIL Filed Against Demolition Of Alwar’s Shiva Temple

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 09:07 AM PDT

Jaipur (Rajasthan): A PIL was filed in the Rajasthan High Court on Monday against the demolition of a 300-year-old Shiva temple in Alwar, in which Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot along with District Collector, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Executive Officer, Municipality and others have been made the party.


Advocate Amitosh Pareek, who filed the PIL, said that the PIL was filed regarding the demolition drive in Rajgarh carried out in an unconstitutional manner in which shops and temples, including the ancient temple, were demolished by the state government in the name of a master plan.

The petitioner, in this case, is Prakash Thakuria and the state government has been made the respondent.


“By vandalising the Shiva temple in an unconstitutional way, the sentiments of Hindu society have been hurt and the fundamental rights of innocent people have been violated. Keeping all these things in mind, we have filed public interest litigation,” he added.


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


A 300-year-old Shiva temple, 86 shops and homes were demolished with bulldozers in Rajasthan’s Alwar district on Sunday, to clear the way for a road.

With Shehbaz Sharif Leading Pak Govt, Brother Nawaz Gets New Passport

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 08:53 AM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]: With the Pakistan government being led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, brother and Former PM Nawaz Sharif has been issued a new passport that will enable him to travel to the country, reported local media outlet citing sources.


The former prime minister’s new passport is valid for 10 years till April 2032. The passport’s status is “active” as per the evidence shared by a trusted source and it is not diplomatic but “ordinary”. This is a key development as ousted PM Imran Khan’s government had refused to renew Nawaz’s passport after it expired in February last year.


Official documents, seen by the media outlet, show that Nawaz’s passport was issued in Islamabad on April 23, 2022, at 2:49pm (PST). The nature of the passport is “ordinary”, and it was made in the “urgent” category, according to the available evidence.


A ‘credible’ source of the outlet said that Nawaz’s appointment for fingerprints at Pakistan High Commission was set for April 23, at Pakistan High Commission London, but it was cancelled the last time. The reason behind the appointment’s cancellation is not clear.


Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah, who sworn-in last week in the Shehbaz cabinet, said that a diplomatic passport was Nawaz’s Sharif right and it would be issued to him.


“It is unfortunate that a person who has been prime minister three times is being deprived of national citizenship,” he added.


The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had Monday dismissed a petition challenging the possible issuance of a diplomatic passport to Nawaz. The court dismissed the petition stating that it is “based on unreliable material and is, therefore, frivolous”.


The PML-N supremo was granted an eight-week bail on medical grounds in October 2019, and a month later, he was allowed to travel abroad for treatment for four weeks but he is still in London to date, reported the media outlet.


Imran Khan had been slamming Nawaz for going abroad for treatment. Earlier in February, the ousted PM noted that letting the PML-N supremo leave Pakistan was a “major mistake” of his government. 

Maha To Have 10,000 Electric Buses By 2025: Aaditya Thackeray

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 08:45 AM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Maharashtra Tourism and Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray on Monday said that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)-led state government is planning to have 10,000 electric buses by 2025.


“We are turning towards electric buses as we cannot afford petrol, diesel now. We are planning to have 10,000 electric buses by 2025,” the Minister said while addressing the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) event in Mumbai today.

Speaking about the event, Thackeray said that “BEST is really best” as there are many memories of Mumbaikars who travel in double-decker buses, so the Maharashtra government is planning to increase it.


“BEST is really best…there are many memories of Mumbaikars who travelled in double-decker buses, hence, we are planning to increase it. We are working on enhancing the technology of buses. For students, we have made it possible that they can stop the buses by showing their hands,” the Minister said.


He also informed that all the routes are being brought on one card and the state government is also in talks with the railways and metro to join BEST.


“In the coming two years, we are planning to bring 900 double-decker buses which will be made in Maharashtra,” he added.

Biden Nominates Bridget Brink As New US Ambassador To Ukraine

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 08:29 AM PDT

Washington [US]: US President Joe Biden announced his intention to nominate Bridget Brink for U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, a vacant post since May 2019.


The announcement on Monday by the White House came shortly after Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a press conference at an undisclosed location near the Polish-Ukrainian border following a secrecy-shrouded visit to Kiev, where they met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Blinken told reporters he shared with Zelensky “a number of things” the United States is committed to regarding Ukraine in its military conflict with Russia, “including President Biden’s intent to nominate a new ambassador to Ukraine, Ambassador Bridget Brink.”


Blinken described Brink, a Michigan native appointed by former President Donald Trump to serve as the US ambassador to Slovakia in August 2019, as “deeply experienced in the region, who’ll be a very strong representative for the United States in Ukraine.”


The United States has been without a Senate-confirmed ambassador to Ukraine since May 2019, when Trump recalled then-Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch over claims she was undermining the former president’s efforts to press Ukraine to investigate the Biden family’s business ties with the country.


Blinken also said US diplomats, who left Ukraine due to the war, will return to the country next week and “start the process of looking at how we actually reopen” the US embassy in Kiev, which ceased operation in the lead-up to Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.

Football Federation Gen Secy Kushal Das Accused Of Molestation

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 08:22 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: All India Football Federation (AIFF) General Secretary Kushal Das had molested employees at the workplace, alleged Ranjit Bajaj, who owned I-League club Minerva Punjab FC, on Monday.


The allegations against Kushal were quickly denied by AIFF as the top Indian football body said: “The All India Football Federation (the “AIFF”) has become aware of statements made by one Mr. Ranjit Bajaj on twitter, levelling serious allegations of sexual harassment against the General Secretary of the AIFF, Mr. Kushal Das.”

“All statements and allegations made in this regard are false and fabricated, and made without an iota of evidence in support of the same. Further, no such complaints and/or concerns were received by the Internal Complaints Committee constituted by the AIFF as per the PoSH Act, 2013,” the statement added.


Ranjit Bajaj who sold his remaining fifty per cent stakes in I-League side Punjab FC to RoundGlass in 2020 to end a seven-year stint as owner of the club said that there were “two cases of molestation of employees at workplace” against the general secretary of AIFF.


Bajaj tweeted: “…Kushal Das RESIGN Or I will be revealing details about you which have been buried by @praful_patel #METOO #metooindia enuf is enuf,” Bajaj tweeted.


“…two cases of molestation of his employees at the workplace …head of madatory (mandatory) sexual harassment complaint officer of AIFF & he was forced to bury the report by @praful_patel,” he added.


After these allegations, AIFF backed Kushal and said: “The AIFF follows a strong ethical code of conduct within the organisation, ensuring the protection and wellbeing of all its staff members. The allegations made by Mr. Bajaj are defamatory in nature, causing harm not only to Mr. Das but also to the entire footballing fraternity in India. In consideration of the same, the AIFF has considered it prudent to take appropriate legal action against the concerned individual.”


The AIFF also added that it will also refer the matter to the Executive Committee, and also to the AGM for appropriate action. 

Joint Venture For Developing Greenfield Airport In Mandi Signed

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 08:10 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: In a major step aimed at improving Himachal Pradesh’s air connectivity and boosting its tourism potential, a joint venture agreement was signed on Monday for the development of a greenfield airport at Nagchala in Mandi district.

The JV agreement was signed in the presence of Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur here.


The agreement will pave the way for the development of an airport in Mandi, which is the dream project of the Chief Minister, a Himachal Pradesh government release said.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the proposed airport will improve air connectivity, boost tourism and generate employment opportunities to local youth.

The airport will enable the landing of wide-bodied aircraft and international flights will also be able to land at the airport.


He said that the Greenfield Airport will be developed with a proposed runway of 3,150 meters for which 2,840 bigha land has been identified. The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has also conducted the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) survey and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) survey.


Jai Ram Thakur said that according to OLS and LIDAR survey reports, the proposed airport at Mandi is feasible and suitable for round-the-year operations.

It can have a night landing facility and AB-320 type of aircraft can be operated.


Chief Minister also requested for the landing of ATR 42-600 in Shimla airport and for flight operations to Shimla -Kullu – Dharamshala under UDAN II as a priority area route.


The Chief Minister also urged the Centre to extend the Chandigarh-Dharamshala route to Chamba and Shimla-Rampur up to Kinnaur under Udaan II.


The Union Civil Aviation Minister gave assurance of all possible support to the state.

Congress A Redundant Institution, Has No Future: KT Rama Rao

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 08:00 AM PDT

Hyderabad (Telangana): TRS working president and Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao on Monday termed the Congress as “a redundant institution” and said the party along with the BJP has let the country down in the last 75 years while adding that the grand old party has no future.


Speaking on the matter, KTR said, “We do not have any relation with Congress. It is a redundant institution. The people of India gave them a chance to rule for more than 50 years in the last 75 years. The country has been let down by Congress and the BJP. Congress particularly is a party that has been tried, tested and dusted. I don’t see any future in Congress.” The TRS leader denied the Congress and BJP were a “national party” and said that every party should put forward their agenda in front of the people and let the people decide “which party is big or small”.


“There is no party in the country today which can call itself a national party because if you look at the BJP, it has its presence in only one state in South India. If you consider Congress a national party, its condition is known in Uttar Pradesh and other states. Probably we are a regional party at a small level. There is no party in India that is a national party, according to me,” he said.


“BJP is a north-Indian party, and Congress is limited to one or two states. So every political party should keep its agenda in front of the country, then the people will decide which party is big or small,” KTR added.


Asked about Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao’s support to Rahul Gandhi in a press conference over Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s remark on the Congress leader, KTR said that he did not support anybody, but condemned the person who made the derogatory remark.


“He did not support anybody, but condemned the person who insulted another politician using very derogatory words. This is the minimum decency that one should have. Even the Prime Minister should have acted, he did not, but he should have,” he said.


Notably, the TRS has hired I-PAC, once led by poll strategist Prashant Kishor, ahead of the Assembly elections in the state next year.


When asked if Kishor would facilitate an alliance between TRS and Congress in the future, KTR said that the Sonia Gandhi-led party “does not have a future” and its “a redundant institution”


“I believe that Congress does not have a future. That party was part of history and will remain history. It has no future. If it has no future, then how can I say that we would work with them. What happens in the future, we will see,” he said.


Chief Minister KCR has time and again called for a third front against the BJP to oust the ruling party at the Centre in the 2024 general elections. KCR has also expressed his national ambitions in the past on various occasions.


KTR, when asked about the failure to stitch any third front till now, said that the efforts to bring the anti-BJP parties will continue and they will provide a “credible alternative” in the country.


“The efforts would continue to be made. We will make efforts to provide a credible alternative in the country. PM Modi had said that the farmers’ income would be doubled by 2022, but their problems have doubled. He had also promised a house to every Indian by 2022, but nobody got it. But nothing has happened. The people of India should think about what Congress and the BJP did in the last 75 years,” he said. 

EU Chief: Principles That Underpin Peace, Security Are At Stake

Posted: 25 Apr 2022 07:47 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: EU Chief, Ursula von der Leyen said that strengthening and energising its partnership with India is a priority in the upcoming decades, noting that the core principles that underpin peace and security across the world are at stake.


“We all see rising challenges to our open and free societies. This is true for the technological and the economic domain. But it’s also true for security. The reality is that the core principles that underpin peace and security across the world are at stake,” the EU chief said highlighting the challenges that the democracies are facing currently.

“As vibrant democracies, India-EU share fundamental values and common interests. Together, we believe in each country’s right to determine its own destiny. We believe in the rule of law and fundamental rights. We believe, that it’s democracy that best delivers for citizens,” EU Chief said at the seventh edition of the Raisina Dialogue.


“Democracy was born more than 2,000 years ago in Europe. But today, its largest home is in India. For the European Union’s strengthening and energising, its partnership with India is a priority in the upcoming decade,” she added.


Highlighting the fact that for the European Union, strengthening and energising its partnership with India is a priority in the upcoming decades, she said, “Both the economies thrive in the world of common rules in a fair competition. We share the same interest and safe trading routes, seamless supply chains, and a free-and open Indo-Pacific.”


Explaining that the war in Ukraine will have an impact on Indo-Pacific, Ursula von der Leyen said,”Borders should be respected, spheres of influence should be rejected”.


Taking on China and Russia indirectly, European Commission President said, “If we consider what it means for Europe and Asia, Russia and China have forged seemingly unrestrained pact. They’ve declared that friendship between them has no limits, no forbidden areas of cooperation. It was in Feb this year. Then, the invasion of Ukraine followed.”


The EU President called on “all members of the international community for lasting peace” and reiterated that “this is a defining moment and the discussion at Raisina Dialogue will shape” the world.


“In Europe, we see Russia’s aggression as a direct threat to our security. We’ll make sure that unprovoked-unjustified aggression against Ukraine will be a strategic failure. Doing all we can to help Ukraine fight for its freedom. We imposed effective sanctions,” she said.


“We’ll continue to encourage Beijing to play its part in a peaceful and thriving Indo-Pacific region. The relationship between EU and China is strategically important and challenging. All at once, China is a negotiating partner, an economic competitor and a systemic rival,” the EU Chief continued saying.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, EU chief and other dignitaries were present at the inaugural session of Raisina Dialogue 2022.


The Raisina Dialogue 2022, based on the theme “Terranova- Impassioned, Impatient, Imperilled”, will be modelled along six thematic pillars –Rethinking Democracy: trade, technology and ideology; End of Multilateralism: a networked global order; Water Caucuses: turbulent tides in the Indo-Pacific; Communities Inc: first responders to health, development, and planet; Achieving Green Transitions: common imperative, diverging realities; Samson vs Goliath: the persistent and relentless technology wars.


The Raisina Dialogue, which started in 2016, is India’s premier 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 in-person format this year.


“Raisina Dialogue 2022 will have around 100 sessions with over 210 speakers from 90 countries. There will 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,” MEA Spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi has said.

వినోదం - తాజా - Google వార్తలు

లోడ్ అవుతోంది...