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30, ఏప్రిల్ 2022, శనివారం

8pm NEWSFEED

Custodial Death: Police Offer Rs 1 Lakh Bribe To Stay Silent

Posted: 30 Apr 2022 03:32 AM PDT

Chennai (Tamil Nadu): Almost a week after 25-year old V Vignesh allegedly died in police custody at a police station in Tamil Nadu’s Chennai, his brother on Saturday accused the police of offering a bribe of Rs 1 lakh to his family to keep mum over the death.


He further alleged that the police did not allow his family to see the body after the autopsy.

“The police offered me Rs 1 lakh (1,00,000) to stay silent on the case. There were wounds on my brother’s body. We were not allowed to see his body after the autopsy,” said Vinod, Vignesh’s brother.


“Our house owner was threatened by police to make us vacate the premises,” he added.


V Vignesh died on April 19, after he and his friend were arrested for possessing drugs near the Kellys area of the city.


Vignesh’s case was transferred to Crime Branch, Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID) on Tuesday, when the Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Saravanan was leading the investigation.


However, the family alleged that no steps were taken in the probe and nobody is ready to speak up on the issue.


The family of the deceased put forth a number of demands, wherein, they have asked for a witness protection scheme and CCTV footage of April 19 from the Patinambakkam, Ainavaram, and G5 police station in Tamil Nadu.


The family’s demand for CCTV footage came in view of Justice Rohinton that mandated the fixation of cameras in all the police stations of the state. 

‘Spider-Man’ Director Jon Watts Quits Marvel’s ‘Fantastic Four’

Posted: 30 Apr 2022 03:24 AM PDT

Washington [US]: American filmmaker Jon Watts, who was set to direct the rebooted version of the ‘Fantastic Four’ film, has opted out of the Marvel Cinematic Project.


According to The Hollywood Reporter, in a statement after leaving the directorship of the series Watts said, “Making three Spider-Man films was an incredible and life-changing experience for me. I’m eternally grateful to have been a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for seven years. I’m hopeful we’ll work together again, and I can’t wait to see the amazing vision for Fantastic Four brought to life.”

Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios president and co-president Louis D’Esposito said that collaborating with Jon on the Spider-Man films has been a true pleasure for him as they were looking forward to continuing their work with him to bring the Fantastic Four into the MCU but also understands and supports his reasons for stepping away.


Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios movies earned $ 1.89 billion, making them the sixth-highest-paying movie in history.

It was Feige, who announced in December 2020 at Disney’s Investors Day presentation that Watt would lead the ‘Fantastic Four’.

Watts oversaw Spider-Man: ‘Noway Home’.


Created by Stanley and Jack Kirby, ‘Fantastic Four’ launched Marvel Comics in 1961.

The comic book that reinvented the periodical publisher, known as ‘Timely’ made comic book superheroes more realistic and relatable to audiences, as per The Hollywood Reporter.


The comic may have succeeded quickly, but adaptation to the big screen didn’t really work. In the mid-1990s, Roger Corman made a cheap Hackney feature film that didn’t reach the theater but can be found on YouTube.

In the 2000s, when intellectual property rights existed in the 20th century, Tim Story directed two films starring Chris Evans and Jessica Alba.


Meanwhile, on the work front, Watts has another powerful project that could be the next step for the director.

Last September, Apple Studios won a lively auction of untitled films written and directed by Watts, and George Clooney and Brad Pitt played rival “fixers” who were hired at the same time for the same thing. 

Putin, Zelensky Both Invited To G20: Indonesian President

Posted: 30 Apr 2022 03:17 AM PDT

Jakarta [Indonesia]: Indonesia has invited both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the Group of 20 (G20) summit in November, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said Friday.


“Indonesia is ready to contribute to the peace effort,” Widodo said in a virtual press conference. “Indonesia wants to unite the G20. Do not let there be a split.

Peace and stability are the keys to the world economic development.” The G20, he said, plays a catalyst role in the recovery of the world economy, adding that he had telephone conversations with both leaders of Russia and Ukraine this week.


On Thursday, Widodo and Putin discussed issues of Russian-Indonesian cooperation and various aspects of the activities of the G20 in a phone conversation.


In a conversation with Zelensky on Wednesday, Widodo turned down a request for arms from the Ukrainian president, saying that Indonesia is ready to provide humanitarian assistance.

Eminent Persons Trash CCG’s Call For ‘End To Hate Politics’

Posted: 30 Apr 2022 03:08 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: As many as 197 eminent persons, hailing from the judiciary, armed forces and bureaucracy, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, slammed the ‘Constitutional Conduct Group (CCG)’, which had sought an “end to hate politics”.


The letter was signed by eight retired judges, 97 retired bureaucrats and 92 retired Armed forces officers on Saturday.

“Public opinion remains solidly behind Prime Minister Modi as recent state elections have shown,” stated the letter, claiming that the group calling for the end to “hate politics” has expressed “anger and anguish” while fuelling hate against the present government with their patent prejudices and false portrayals.


The letter further stated that “the studied silence of this CCG on unprecedented post-poll violence in West Bengal, which was so serious that the Kolkata High Court had to mandate the National Human Rights Commission to carry out an independent investigation, which resulted in a report strongly critical of the West Bengal government and the Trinamool Congress, lays bare their cynical and unprincipled approach to issues”.


It also stated that “the same attitude shapes their reactions (or rather the lack of any reaction) to the multiple violent incidents in various states ruled by different political parties (premeditated attacks on peaceful, processions during Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, and other sacred festivals in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and New Delhi), and targeted violation of human rights adversely affecting the livelihoods of the poor irrespective of their religion”.


It again argued that “the double-standard in assessing a situation, deliberate attempts to make an issue out of non-issues, distorted thinking on the challenges faced by the country, resort to bloated vocabulary to grab international attention, motivated tirades against the democratically elected governments, is a malaise of our society that the CCG reflects in its open letters”.


The CCG should not give ideological cover to an anti-national outlook as well as religious and left-wing extremism, which they seem to do, added the letter. These former civil servants should not be orchestrating a false narrative of “colourable use of state power”, argued the letter.


The letter exhorted that the CCG should do some introspection about their own failure to address “these ills they seek to combat now while in office”.

Wisdom seems to have dawned only after they have no responsibility or accountability, it said, adding that constructive criticism is an essential feature of democracy provided such criticism is not selective.

Amit Shah To Embark On 3-Day Visit To West Bengal

Posted: 30 Apr 2022 02:56 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will embark on a three-day visit to West Bengal starting May 4 with an aim to strengthen the BJP in the state.


On May 4, 5, and 6, Shah will attend party-related programs in West Bengal.

Besides this, he will also attend a BSF program there. Shah’s visit holds importance as West Bengal BJP units need proper guidance about the working style of the party.


West Bengal BJP Vice President Soumitra Khan, party Vice President Dilip Ghosh, and National Secretary Anupam Hazra have already appealed to the Central Government to give directions to strengthen the West Bengal BJP unit.


West Bengal Vice President Soumitra Khan said, “Shah will be holding a meeting with party workers and senior party leaders in Kolkata on May 4 in which, he will give directions to strengthen the party’s organisational structure in the state and know about the status of West Bengal BJP unit at present.”


“Shah will also take feedback from workers in the meeting. Apart from meeting with workers in Siliguri on April 4, and Kolkata on April 5, Shah will also participate in BSF’s ‘Tin Bigha Corridor’ program. Apart from this, North Bengal and South Bengal units of the party will hold important meetings with Amit Shah in both the places,” he said.


This is going to be Shah’s first visit to the state after the results of the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections poured in.


Previously, many party leaders left BJP and joined TMC, including Mukul Roy, and Babul Supriyo to name a few. Apart from this, there is a need to strengthen the party ahead of the 2024 elections. Hence, Shah’s visit holds importance in the state.


Soumitra Khan said that we have urged that there is a special need for the intervention by the Centre to strengthen the party at this time, otherwise the situation of the party can worsen.


“I hope this visit of Amit Shah will give new life to the party and will infuse new energy,” he added. 

Gen Manoj Pande Takes Over As 29th Army Chief

Posted: 30 Apr 2022 02:48 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: General Manoj Pande on Saturday took over as the new Chief of Army Staff from General Manoj Mukund Naravane, who is superannuating today.


General Manoj Pande is the first officer from the Corps of Engineers to become the Chief of Army Staff.

Gen Pande took over the charge from Gen Naravane in a brief ceremony at the South Black. Pande, who belongs to the 117 Engineers Regiment of the Indian Army, would be the 29th Army Chief.


He was commissioned on December 24, 1982, in the Corps of Engineers (The Bombay Sappers) of the Indian Army.


During his long and distinguished service spanning over 39 years, he has served in a variety of Command, Staff and Instructional appointments.


His son is a pilot in the Indian Air Force in the transport aircraft stream.


Gen Pande held various important command and staff appointments which include a Mountain Division in the high-altitude area in Ladakh along the Pakistan border and Command of a Corps, deployed along the LAC and in the Counter Insurgency Operations area of Eastern Command. 

Rs 7Cr Assets Of Jacqueline Fernandez Attached In Money Laundering Case

Posted: 30 Apr 2022 02:40 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth Rs 7.27 crore of Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez in a money laundering case that involved jailed conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, according to sources.


Sources said the attached property is a fixed deposit, and the move comes following the investigation of the ‘Rs 200-crore extortion case’ being probed by the agency against conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who is currently lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail.

The ED estimated that Chandrasekhar had given gifts worth over Rs 5 crore to Fernandez using the extorted money as well as funds close to US dollar 173,000 and around 27,000 Australian dollars to her close family members.


The action was taken months after ED confronted another arrested accused in the case, Pinky Irani with Chandrashekhar during interrogation.


Irani, who was held on December 9, had introduced Chandrashekhar to Fernandez.

They were confronted in December last year. The investigators asked about their links and connection with Fernandez as well as matters related to the money laundering operations.


The investigation revealed that Irani, an alleged associate of Chandrashekhar, was paid a huge amount to introduce Fernandez to Chandrasekhar.


Earlier, the ED also confronted Irani with Fernandez.


The ED earlier questioned Fernandez in the money laundering case.

Another actress Nora Fatehi was also questioned in connection with the same case. ED is also looking into various people who are directly or indirectly connected to this case.


Reports suggest that the ED is looking into the possibility that money was invested abroad and it was led by Chandrashekhar, who is accused in 21 cases.


This case is based on an FIR filed by Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) against Chandrashekhar who is accused of cheating and extorting Aditi Singh, wife of the former promoter of Religare Enterprises Shivinder Mohan Singh, who was arrested in October 2019 in a case related to alleged misappropriation of funds at Religare Finvest Ltd.


Chandrashekhar and his associates reportedly took money from Aditi after posing as government officials and promising to get bail for her husband. Chandrashekhar reportedly persuaded Aditi to transfer money by impersonating a central government official over a spoof call while he was lodged in Rohini jail and promised to manage bail for her husband.


Both Chandrashekhar and his actor wife Leena Maria Paul were arrested by the Delhi Police in September last year for their alleged role in the duping case.

The Delhi Police has so far arrested 13 people in connection with the case.


The ED suspects that Chandrashekhar had extorted money from several people while he was in jail.


In October last year, the ED officials had conducted raids at Chandrashekhar’s sea-facing bungalow in Chennai and had found a fleet of 16 luxury cars worth crores of rupees.


At the time of the incident, Chandrashekhar was lodged in Delhi’s Rohini jail and was running an extortion racket behind the bars.


In September, the ED had arrested two aides of jailed conman against whom the Delhi Police recently invoked stringent provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).


Chandrashekhar was allegedly running the cheating and extortion racket in connivance with jail officials and some associates outside. 

Telangana CM Hosts Iftar Party, Owaisi, Several Scholars Attend

Posted: 30 Apr 2022 12:26 AM PDT

Hyderabad (Telangana): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Friday extended greetings of Ramzan at the Iftar party organised by the state government in Hyderabad.


All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Telangana Home Minister Mohammed Mehmood Ali, Telangana Rashtra Samithi leaders, Muslim clerics, many MLAs and MLCs were among the dignitaries present at the Iftar pary.


TRS chief KCR said that the Telangana has completed several development initiatives and has become an example for the entire country.


“Telangana government has done some really constructive work and has become an example for the entire country. Telangana is the only state where we have 24/7 electricity. The centre is suffering from some disease and we have to fix it since we all are part of India,” he said at the Iftar party.


Further slamming the central government, he said, “Telangana’s per-capita income was Rs 1,24,000 in the year 2014 and now it is Rs 2,78,000. Centre couldn’t match up to even half of what we have achieved.”

Expressing concern over communal violence recently witnessed in some parts of the country, the TRS chief said, “Few people are trying to instigate communal issues but they will not succeed. We can see how in Bengaluru, how they are spreading poison and it’s happening everywhere in the country.”


Expressing the party’s wishes to spread ahead of the southern state and assume the national role, KCR said, “We aim that throughout the country we will achieve the goal similar to the way we have achieved various goals in Telangana.”

Earlier, Telangana MLC K Kavitha on the occasion of 21-year anniversary of the party had said, “Today I believe that the country needs leaders like TRS and KCR ji (Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao).”


“We gave hope to the people and made sure that the state progressed well. The TRS will take up a good national role and we will work for the country,” she stated. 

Goa: 6500 Olive Ridley Hatchlings Released From Nesting Sites

Posted: 30 Apr 2022 12:18 AM PDT

Panaji (Goa): Goa Minister for Forest Vishwajit Rane on Friday said that Olive Ridley turtles, which are one of five marine turtles, have hatched around 6500 young hatchlings in Goa.


“Olive Ridley turtles are one of five marine turtles that visit these beaches and lay eggs from November to April. In an artificial turtle hatchery, the Forest Department protects and conserves these eggs. Due to scientific management, 89 turtles nested this year, the most in recent years. Around 6500 (6523) young hatchlings have been successfully released,” he posted on Facebook.

The Minister added that the “additional steps to ensure the success of the turtle conservation programme” will be taken.


The Goa government is aiming to put the coastal state on the “country’s Sea Turtle map” for which more areas will be notified for Turtle conservation.


Meanwhile, Turtle conservation is being carried out at four turtle nesting beaches in Goa i.e., Morjim and Mandrem in North Goa, Agonda and Galgibagh in South Goa. 

PM Modi Urges Judiciary To Use Local Languages In Courts

Posted: 30 Apr 2022 12:07 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the confluence of objectives of the legislature and judiciary will help in preparing a roadmap for an effective and time-bound judicial delivery system in the country while also stating that the court should encourage the use of local languages.


The Prime Minister stated that while the judiciary is the custodian of the Constitution and the legislature has the mandate to represent the aspirations of the people.

Addressing the joint conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of High Courts today, PM Modi said, “In our country, while the role of the judiciary is that of the guardian of the constitution, the legislature represents the aspirations of the citizens.

I believe that this confluence of these two will prepare the roadmap for an effective and time-bound judicial delivery system in the country.”


He underlined the need to introduce local languages in the courts which will connect people to the judicial system.


“We need to encourage local languages in courts. This will not only increase the confidence of common citizens in the justice system but they will feel more connected to it,” he said.


He said that the “75 years of India’s independence have clarified the roles and responsibilities of the judiciary and executive”.


“Wherever necessary, this relation between judiciary and executive has evolved to give direction to the country,” the Prime Minister stated.


Further, PM Modi also stressed the need for a digital judicial system which can empower citizens.


“To strengthen citizens, technology has become an important tool. Likewise, our judicial infrastructure needs to be digitalised too. Tech-friendly human resources play an important role in integrating Digital India with the nation’s growth story. Blockchain, cyber security, robotics, AI (Artificial Intelligence) all are being taught in colleges,” he added.


Speaking about online payments, the Prime Minister said that digital transactions are now becoming common in small towns and villages.


“Today, digital transactions are becoming common in small towns and villages. Out of all the digital transactions that took place in the world last year, 40 per cent of them took place in India,” he said.


Union Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju, Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann were also present at the joint conference.


The joint conference is an occasion for the executive and the judiciary to come together to create frameworks for simple and convenient delivery of justice and to discuss steps required to overcome the challenges facing the justice system, according to PMO. 

Delhi: Flames Continue To Arise At Bhalswa Landfill

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 11:57 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: A massive fire that broke out at the Bhalswa landfill site on Tuesday has not completely dozed off yet on Saturday.


Flames emerging from the site can still be seen as it continues to exhale the toxic air in the site surrounding.


So far, the Delhi Commission of Women (DCW) has summoned the North Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on May 4 to explain the steps taken by it to prevent poisonous fumes from entering the houses of residents living nearby the landfill area at Bhalswa.


The residents have informed the Commission that poisonous fumes generated due to fire are entering their homes which is severally affecting the health of all residents including the women and children in the area.


Earlier on Thursday, the Delhi government imposed a fine of Rs 50 lakh on the North Delhi Municipal Corporation in connection fire.


The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has submitted the report to the Environment Minister of Delhi.


According to the report, a matter of negligence from the MCD’s side has come to the fore.


Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has imposed a fine on DPCC on the basis of the investigation report.


According to Delhi Fire Service officials, smoke was reported around 5.00 pm on Tuesday that later spread into a massive fire.


Following the incident, locals living near the Bhalswa landfill in Delhi have been reporting breathing problems.

Priyanka Shares Steamy Poolside Pics, See How Nick Reacted

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 11:51 PM PDT

Los Angeles (USA): New mommy in B-town, actor Priyanka Chopra, on Saturday shared some extremely hot photos of her in the poolside in her latest post, leaving her followers awestruck.


In her recent Instagram post, the ‘Mary Kom’ star can be seen wearing a lime-coloured co-ord bikini set, relaxing in the poolside at her LA abode. “Instagram Vs Reality” she captioned the post

Priyanka looked really stunning and alluring and fans filled the comment section with fire and heart emoticons including her husband Nick Jonas who dropped a fire emoji and the comment ‘Damn’.


It was recently revealed that the actor couple duo Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas had named their daughter, who was born in January this year via surrogacy, as ‘Malti Marie’.


On the work front, Priyanka Chopra’s next films include Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Jee Le Zaraa,’ Amazon’s ‘Citadel,’ and Anthony Mackie’s ‘Ending Things.’

Wishes Pour In For ‘Hitman’ Rohit Sharma As He Turns 35

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 11:44 PM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): As Indian skipper Rohit Sharma turned 35 today, the cricket fraternity rallied to shower their heartfelt wishes on the ‘Hitman’.


Virat Kohli shared an Instagram story which he captioned: “Happy Birthday Rohit Sharma. God Bless.”

“My best wishes to the master of cricket @ImRo45 champ. You have made all of us proud & inspired generations to come! May God bless you with the best always,” tweeted Suresh Raina.


“Birthday greetings to the only batsman who’s given me nightmares as a captain. Thankfully I don’t captain anymore @ImRo45,” tweeted former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir.


Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh also wished Rohit Sharma, “Many many happy returns of the day @ImRo45 God bless you with tons of happiness and success in the coming year.”


“Happy birthday @ImRo45 bhai. My inspiration since I was a youngster, and inspiring me every day now at @mipaltan,” tweeted his Mumbai Indians teammate Tilak Varma.


Sharma’s IPL franchise Mumbai Indians also extended birthday wishes on Twitter and tweeted, “30th April bole toh aaplyaa rohit caa brthdde! plttn, mg houu dyaa kii replies mdhye selibreshn! #OneFamily #DilKholKe #MumbaiIndians @ImRo45.”


“Happy Birthday @ImRo45! Here’s to many more years of good friendship,” tweeted Ajinkya Rahane.


“400 international matches, 15,733 international runs and going strong, only batter to hit 3 ODI double tons, 2007 ICC World T20 & 2013 ICC Champions Trophy winner.

Here’s wishing #TeamIndia captain @ImRo45 a very happy birthday,” tweeted the official handle of BCCI.


“Wishing you a very happy birthday Sham! May you always keep up with the humour and put a smile on everyone’s face and be the loving family man you always are,” tweeted Dinesh Karthik.


Former India batter Yuvraj Singh tweeted: “Happy birthday brotherman, this is the time to back yourself and hit it out of the park like you always have. Sending you loads of love and good wishes on your special day @ImRo45.”


Rohit is considered one of the greats of his generation and has the highest individual score in ODIs.

Rohit also has three double centuries to his name in the 50-over format.

Also, the most successful captain in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), having won the title with Mumbai Indians five times.

UP: Police Removes 45,000 Loudspeakers In The State

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 11:37 PM PDT

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh): Uttar Pradesh Police informed on Saturday morning that as many as 45,773 loudspeakers have been removed from various religious places across the state.


In a conversation, Additional Director General of Police ( Law and Order) in Uttar Pradesh, Prashant Kumar said, “So far 45,773 loudspeakers have been removed from various religious places across the state while the sound level of 58,861 loudspeakers was reduced and brought down to the level of standard parameters.”

This news comes days after the Uttar Pradesh government ordered the removal of illegal loudspeakers from religious places.


Prior to this announcement, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued directions for restricting the volume of loudspeakers at religious places, earlier this month.


“The order to remove illegal loudspeakers from religious places in the state was issued on Saturday. A compliance report (from the districts) in this regard has been sought by April 30,” Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi said.


“The police have been directed to establish conversations with the religious leaders, and ensure the removal of the unauthorised loudspeakers by coordinating with them,” said Awasthi.


On April 13, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has given an ultimatum to the Maharashtra government and reiterated his demand that loudspeakers from mosques be removed. He has asked the government to act before May 3 failing which the government can face consequences, he said.

Several leaders came out in support of MNS chief by saying that they will play Hanuman Chalisa instead of Azaan at mosques.

As ‘Hit-Man’ Rohit Sharma turns 35, A Look At His Journey

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 11:22 PM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): As Team India captain Hit-Man Rohit Sharma turned 35 on Saturday; we take a trip down the memory lane and relive some of the achievements of the amazing batter.


Widely hailed as one of the best of his generation, Hit-Man Rohit continues to be a star batter for India, particularly in white-ball cricket.

Rohit made his international debut in 2007 at the ICC Men’s World T20 in South Africa and returned home as a winner.

Since then, Hit-Man Rohit has cemented his place among the greats of white-ball cricket.

– Rohit holds the record for smashing most centuries in a world cup. He hit 5 centuries in a total of 9 matches played in the 2019 ICC World Cup.


– Rohit has scored 9283 runs in ODIs, 3137 in Tests and 3313 in T20 Internationals. – – He has so far smashed 41 international centuries including 8 centuries in Tests, 29 in ODIs and 4 in T20 Internationals.


– The only player to score three double centuries in ODIs.


So far 6 players have scored a double century in ODI cricket. Rohit Sharma is the only player among them, who has done this thrice – scoring 264, 209 and 208 not out.


– In the Indian Premier League, Rohit is the only IPL captain, to have won 5 titles. In second place is Chennai Super Kings’ former skipper MS Dhoni with four titles. 

Walkathon Marking 75yrs of Indo-Russian Diplomatic Relations Organised

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 11:14 PM PDT

Chennai [Tamil Nadu]: Marking the 75 years of Indo-Russian diplomatic relations, a walk of friendship (walkathon) was organised at Besant Nagar beach in Chennai on Saturday.


The one-kilometre long walkathon witnessed the presence of the director and vice council of the consulate general of Russia, Gennadil A Rogalev, accompanied by Thangappan, the Secretary-General of the Indo-Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industries.

The people participating in the walkathon were seen holding both Indian and Russian flags in their hands, as a symbol of friendship.


Speaking on the occasion, Rogalev said that this walk was dedicated to celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Russia.

He extended his best wishes to all the citizens of India, adding that he hoped for their relationship to continue to grow stronger in the future.


However, the Russian consulate general refrained from commenting on the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war.


“I think we should focus on our relations and not think about others,” he said.


Further, Rogalev mentioned that the Indo-Russian friendship will lead to ample growth opportunities in the field of industrial development that can spread to other spheres like culture and science, which is in the best interests of both nations.

He emphasised continuing and boosting their mutual cooperation with each other.
Asserting that Russia is a “safe country”, Rogalev expressed his wishes to see more and more Indians coming to Russia in the near future.


Notably, India has remained a reliable strategic partner of Russia traditionally and remembers the help Moscow extended to India in its toughest times in the past.


India-Russia relations have been the cornerstone of India’s foreign policy.

Indo-Russian ties enjoy enhanced levels of cooperation in almost all areas of the bilateral relationships, including political, security, defence, trade and economy, science and technology, and culture. 

5 Pakistanis Arrested For Insulting Sharif’s Delegation In S Arabia

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 11:07 PM PDT

Riyadh [Saudi Arabia]: Police arrested five Pakistani nationals for “abusing and insulting” members of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s delegation at the Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH) in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.


The spokesperson of the Madinah police said that the suspects have been referred to the competent authorities after completing the legal procedures, Geo TV reported citing Saudi Publication Saudi Gazette.

“Their actions contradict the sanctity of the place and impact the safety of visitors and worshipers,” said the spokesperson.


On Thursday, some protesters, allegedly belonging to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), violated the sanctity of the Masjid-e-Nabawi by loudly chanting slogans against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s delegation.


Earlier in the day, the Director of Information at the Saudi Arabia Embassy in Islamabad confirmed the arrest of Pakistani nationals and said that an investigation has been launched into this matter, reported Geo TV.


A viral video has been circulating on social media platforms that showed hundreds of pilgrims raising “chor chor” [thieves] slogans upon seeing the delegation making their way to Masjid-e-Nabawi.


In a video, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and member of the National Assembly Shahzain Bugti were seen along with others.


According to the Pakistani newspaper, Aurangzeb indirectly blamed ousted Imran Khan for the protest.


“I will not name this person on this holy land because I do not want to use this land for politics. But they have destroyed the [Pakistani] society,” The Express Tribune quoted Aurangzeb as saying.


This comes as Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is on his maiden three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia. Dozens of officials and political leaders have accompanied the Pakistan Prime Minister on his visit to the Kingdom.


Taking to Twitter and sharing the video, a netizen wrote, “Proud Pakistanis, please be heartened by witnessing what a wonderful welcome our PM and his Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) gang of criminals got in Saudi Arabia.”


Another Twitter user, Muhammad Ibrahim Qazi said that Saudi Arabia citizens are calling out ousted PM Imran Khan. “Citizens of Saudi Arabia are calling out Ousted PM Imran Khan to have exported the moral obscenity to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

They are also condemning Pakistanis for violating the Kingdom’s laws,” Qazi said.


Sharif was sworn in as Pakistan’s 23rd Prime Minister on April 11 after his predecessor Imran Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote. 

Police Destroys Cannabis Worth Over Rs 16 Cr In Kullu

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 10:59 PM PDT

Kullu (Himachal Pradesh): After the police destroyed cannabis worth over Rs 16 crore in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu, State Director General of Police (DGP) Sanjay Kundu said the police have zero tolerance towards drugs.


Addressing reporters on Friday, the DGP said, “A total of 160-kg charas, 120 cannabis plants, and 80 opium plants, that were seized in 43 cases, including 37 in Banjar, five in Anni, and one in Manali were destroyed in high-temperature boilers.”

“To prevent the misuse of the seized contraband, it is destroyed as per the rules. The contraband is put in an incinerator or a boiler to avoid pollution,” he added.


Kundu further said police want to give a message to drug smugglers that there is no future in the ‘black’ business.

Char Dham Yatra: COVID Testing, Vaccination Status Not Required

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 10:53 PM PDT

Dehradun (Uttarakhand): Ahead of the Char Dham Yatra which is set to begin on May 3, the Uttarakhand government has instructed all the devotees to register on the state’s portal before their arrival.


However, COVID-19 testing and checking of vaccination certificates have not been made mandatory for the devotees.

Chief Secretary SS Sandhu took a meeting of the concerned officers on the instructions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to clear the confusion regarding carrying out COVID-19 tests of travelers and pilgrims coming from outside Uttarakhand.


During the meeting, the Chief Secretary instructed officials to ensure the smooth conduct of Char Dham Yatra till further orders.


To date, it is not mandatory for passengers and devotees arriving from the state borders to undergo COVID-19 testing, and present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, the official said.


However, it is mandatory for all travellers and devotees to register on the portal operated by the Tourism Department for Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand.

The situation should be continuously monitored at the government and administration level, the official added.

Tibetan Exile Leader Penpa Tsering, Seeks Support Against China

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 10:46 PM PDT

Washington [US]: Tibetan exile leader Penpa Tsering, who was on a US visit earlier this week, met with congressional leaders, state department officials, civil society groups, and local Tibetan Americans and Chinese Americans to build on strong bipartisan support for Tibet.


Penpa, who is the Sikyong (President) of the Central Tibetan Administration, was in Washington, DC this week on his first trip to the US capital since his election last year. He, who was elected Sikyong on April 11, 2021, serves as the democratic leader of the Tibetan diaspora.

He is the second Sikyong elected since the Dalai Lama retired from politics and devolved political power in 2011 and previously served as the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and Representative at the Office of Tibet in Washington, DC.


During his visit to the US from April 24 to 30, Penpa held talks with the US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The meeting also witnessed the participation of Richard Gere, chairman of the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), and Namgyal Choedup, representative of exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.


“We are trying to burst the myths or narratives that the Chinese government has been presenting for many decades about Tibet being a part of China, which is not true,” Radio Free Asia quoted Gere as saying on Thursday.


“And we are trying to push for a genuine dialogue [between China] and His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” he added.


Meanwhile, expressing his gratitude towards Pelosi for her continued support for Tibetans, Choedup described the talks as “decisive and constructive”.


“The meeting also discussed collective decisions on future courses of action regarding how to resolve the Sino-Tibetan conflict,” he said, according to the media outlet.


During his visit, Penpa also met the Undersecretary of State Uzra Zeya, who has served as the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues since December 2021, Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Rashad Hussain, Chinese democracy activists among others.


He ended his Washington visit Friday evening with a panel discussion held at George Washington University on the Tibet-China dialogue and a public talk with the DC-area Tibetan community, according to RFA.


Notably, according to Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2022 report, after more than 60 years of occupation, the Chinese government has turned Tibet into the least-free country or territory on Earth.


China’s control of Tibet has also endangered the water security of neighbouring countries in Asia, spread to the US through China’s transnational repression of Tibetan Americans and Tibet supporters, and threatened international religious freedom through China’s attempts to control the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation.


In response to China’s violations, the US in recent years has passed the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018 and the Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020. Further, US President Joe Biden also promised in his campaign to pressure China to resume dialogue with Tibetan leaders after over 10 years.

Mobile, Internet Suspended In Patiala, 3 Policemen Transferred

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 10:35 PM PDT

Patiala (Punjab): Mobile, internet services have been temporarily suspended on Saturday in Punjab’s Patiala, which a day ago witnessed clashes between two groups in which four people were injured.

Three senior police officials have also been transferred in connection with the incident on the directions of chief minister Bhagwant Mann.


CM Mann has directed the transfer with immediate effect of Inspector General of Police (IG) Patiala range, Rakesh Aggarwal, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Patiala, Nanak Singh and Superintendent of Police (SP) Harpal Singh, according to a spokesperson from the chief minister’s office.

Authorities imposed a curfew in the district yesterday till 6 am today after clashes broke out near the Kali Devi Temple in Patiala city on Friday afternoon as members of two groups hurled stones and brandished swords at each other.

Police personnel were deployed to bring under control the situation. Two policemen were among those injured.


On Saturday morning the Punjab government temporarily suspended mobile, internet services from 9:30 am to 6 pm in the city today.


“… there is likelihood of tension, annoyance, obstruction or injury to persons, danger to human life and property, disturbance of public peace and tranquility within the limits of district Patiala due to the recent law and order events,” an official order read.


By stopping the spread of misinformation is necessary “to thwart the designs and activities of anti-national and anti-social groups/ elements and maintain peace and communal harmony and to prevent any loss of life or damage to public/private property,” the order said.


“.. (i) Mobile internet services (2G/3G/4G/CDMA) (ii) all SMS services and (iii) all dongle services etc. provided on mobile networks except voice calls in the territorial jurisdiction of the District of Patiala from 9:30 am to 6 pm on April 30,” the official order said.


After the clashes the Shiv Sena on Friday expelled from its Punjab unit working president Harish Singla who had led a march in Patiala on Friday after which clashes broke out in the city. Singla was later arrested in connection with the incident. Locals say the situation is peaceful and devotees continue to visit the temple today.


Patiala Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney confirmed the development and said that one person has been arrested with regard to the clashes.


She said, “FIRs have been lodged and raids are underway. We appeal to public to maintain peace. From 9.30 am to 6pm today, mobile internet services will remain temporarily suspended as a step of abundant caution by the government. One person has been arrested.”


Patiala’s Senior Superintendent of Police, Nanak Singh told reporters today that the police and administration will share factual information and no misinformation should be believed in the said incident.


Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has ordered a probe into the clash and said that strict action will be taken against those behind the violence. 

Delhi Logs 1,607 Fresh COVID Cases, 2 Deaths

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 10:26 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: The national capital reported 1,607 fresh COVID-19 infections and 2 deaths on Friday, taking the active caseload to 5,609 in the city, informed a health bulletin by the Delhi government.


The city reported the highest number of fresh infections since February 4 this year when 2,272 cases were recorded, according to the Delhi health department.

The daily case positivity rate stands at 5.28 per cent.


As many as 1,246 COVID patients recovered from the disease yesterday.

The total number of recoveries since the onset of the pandemic in the city has gone up to 18,49,772.


Two COVID-affected persons died of the virus during this period, taking the death toll in the national capital to 26,174.


As per the official data, more than 30,000 COVID samples were tested in the city yesterday.

Under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive, a total of 60,287 eligible beneficiaries were administered coronavirus vaccine doses on Friday in Delhi.


So far, 3,34,01,239 vaccine doses have been provided in the national capital.

4 Injured In Patiala Clashes, Curfew Imposed

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 10:13 PM PDT

A curfew has been imposed in Punjab’s Patiala where violent clashes took place between two groups earlier today leaving four persons injured.

The curfew will remain in force from 7 pm on Friday till 6 am on Saturday (April 30). As per Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Patiala Nanak Singh, four people have been injured in the clash.

Stones were hurled and swords were brandished as clashes broke out on Friday afternoon when the Shiv Sena was carrying out a march near Kali Mata temple in the city.

The SSP also apprised that the groups did not have permission for the processions.
“Police took suitable action, both the groups were intimated earlier that they aren’t allowed to take out a procession. They sought permission but were refused. Four people were injured and an investigation is underway,” Nanak Singh said.
Further, he added that due to some rumours, the atmosphere of the procession became tense.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urged people to maintain law and order at all costs besides upholding the long traditional love, peace, brotherhood and harmony.

As per an official statement from Chief Minister’s office, Mann termed the incident as “highly deplorable” and “extremely unfortunate” and said that it needs to be condemned by one and all in the strictest possible words.

Speaking to ANI, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha said, “I want to clarify that this unfortunate violent clash in Patiala today was not between two groups but the workers of two political parties – on one side, there were people from Shiv Sena and Congress and on the other side, people from Shiromani Akali Dal.”

He said that the anti-social elements of both parties got involved in this clash, created violence and attempted to soil the atmosphere of Punjab.

“Any person attempting to disturb Punjab’s peace will not be spared. Police have restored law and order immediately.” Chadha said.

Further, the AAP MP informed that several people have been arrested in the matter.
“Punjab government and police will take strict action against those behind this violence. The masterminds of these political parties will not be spared,” he said.

India Adds 3,688 New COVID-19 Cases, 311 More Than Yesterday

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 10:11 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: India reported a slight rise in coronavirus cases, recording 3,688 new COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, 311 more than yesterday, as informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday.


The country had registered as many as 3,377 COVID-19 cases yesterday.

The Health Ministry informed that active cases in the country have increased to 18,684 which accounts for 0.04 per cent of the total cases.


A total of 2,755 COVID patients recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours taking the total number of recoveries since the beginning of the pandemic to 4,25,33,377. The recovery rate is 98.74 per cent.


With 4,96,640 COVID-19 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, the cumulative tally has risen to 83.74 crore tests.


The country reported 50 COVID-related deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative death tally to 5,23,803.


The daily cases positivity rate saw a rise from 0.71 per cent (on Friday) to 0.74 per cent (on Saturday). The weekly positivity rate saw an uptick from 0.63 per cent (on Friday) to 0.66 per cent (on Saturday).


As far as vaccination is concerned, 22,58,059 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 1,88,89,90,935.

Title Of Tom Cruise’s ‘Mission Impossible: 7’ Revealed

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 09:59 PM PDT

Washington [US]: The latest instalment from the Tom Cruise starrer ‘Mission Impossible’ franchise will be called ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’.


On Thursday, Paramount pictures uncovered the tentpole’s title during its show at CinemaCon, the annual trade show for theatre owners.

As reported by Variety, Hollywood star Tom cruise will be reintroduced as IMF agent Ethan Hunt in the seventh instalment of this franchise.

Cruise, who generally marks his presence at the show in Las Vegas, wasn’t in attendance. However, he went to last year’s CinemaCon to talk up the outrageous stunts in ‘Mission: Impossible 7’ before the film’s delivery date was moved back by a year because of COVID-19.

Then, he was most excited about driving a bike off a cliff in Norway, an antic he called “far and away from the most dangerous thing I’ve attempted” reported Variety.


The trailer, which hasn’t been made available to the public, is loaded with action-packed visuals, including rare-looking trains taking off tracks, lethal emerald-shaded billows of biochemical weapons, and a lot of ruthless road battles.


The theatrical release of ‘MI7’, which has been delayed several times during the pandemic, is now scheduled for July 14, 2023. ‘Dead Reckoning Part Two’, as it will apparently be called, is set to be released on June 28, 2024.

China Reports 1,410 New Local COVID 19 Cases, 47 Deaths

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 08:47 PM PDT

The Chinese mainland reported 1,410 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases and 47 deaths in the past 24 hours, the National Health Commission said on Saturday.

Of these local cases, 1,249 were reported in Shanghai while the rest of the cases were reported in 14 other provincial-level regions, including Beijing, Guangdong, and Sichuan, Xinhua reported citing the commission. Notably, of the newly reported local confirmed cases, 1,013 were previously identified as asymptomatic infections.

Besides the local cases, 9,293 local asymptomatic carriers were also identified in the country, of which 8,932 were reported in Shanghai.

As many as 3,127 COVID-19 patients recovered from the virus in the past 24 hours, while 26,567 people are undergoing treatment in hospitals across the country.
With 47 deaths, all in Shanghai, reported in the past 24 hours, the COVID-19 death toll in the country mounted to 5,022, Xinhua reported.

Meanwhile, to avoid the infamous Shanghai-like lockdown, China’s capital Beijing has shut schools and suspended weddings and funerals, reported a South Korean media outlet on Friday.

The ongoing severe lockdown restrictions in China’s Shanghai to contain the spread of COVID-19 has drastically affected the day-to-day lives of the people due to food shortage.

According to reports, Shanghai residents have also been falling sick after consuming some of the food supplies because of the distribution of stale food by the authorities amid the city’s COVID-19 lockdown.

The city’s poor handling of the country’s worst COVID-19 outbreak in two years has raised public distrust in the authorities and anger at the government.

Pralhad Joshi Calls Rahul Gandhi ‘Fake Astrologer’ Over His Coal-Crisis Barb Against Govt

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 08:42 PM PDT

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his recent remark on India’s coal crisis and said that he has become a “fake astrologer” these days.

“Rahul Gandhi has become a fake astrologer these days. Instead of telling what is going to happen due to the shortage of coal in the country, he should tell the country how big a coal scam happened during his government and how much loss the country incurred due to this fraud,” the minister said in a Facebook post. His remarks came after the Wayanad MP yesterday said that the Modi government should stop running the “bulldozer of hatred” and run power plants instead.

“On April 20, 2022, I told the Modi government to stop running the bulldozer of hatred and start power plants in the country. Today, the coal and electricity crisis has created havoc in the entire country,” Gandhi wrote in a Facebook post.

He further said, “I am saying again – This crisis will destroy small industries, due to which unemployment will increase further. Small children cannot stand this scorching heat. The lives of patients admitted to hospitals are at stake. There will be financial loss by stopping rail and metro services.”

Refuting his allegations about the BJP-led Central government, Joshi said that the Centre is continuously taking many steps to increase coal production in the country, citing India’s coal production has increased to 777 MT and offtake of 818 MT in the financial year 2021-22.

“The country’s coal production was just 566 MT in the FY 2013-14, while it has increased to 777 MT and offtake 818 MT in the FY 2021-22 under the Modi-government. But Rahul Gandhi does not understand these figures because he is a fool. If he is so fond of making predictions, then he should at least once tell the future of his own party!” Joshi further said.

Several states of India have been reeling from power outages due to the coal crisis in the country. Coal India Limited has reported an increase of 27.2 per cent in its output in April 2022, as compared to the year-ago period, the Ministry of Coal on Friday.
The Coal ministry further informed that the CIL has a coal stock of 56.7 MT at present, while the stock at Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is at 4.3 MT, and the captive coal blocks have about 2.3 MT of stock.

The demand for power has risen in April due to heatwave and people in different parts of the country are facing power cuts. The problem has been accentuated by a steep rise in prices of imported coal due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and some power plants not operating to their full capacity.

Amid reports of a dip in coal stocks with thermal plants, Joshi has said that the country’s thermal plants hold about 22 million tonnes of coal which is enough for 10 days and replenishment will be done continuously.

Centre Would Be Happy To Bring Petrol, Diesel Under GST, States Unwilling: Hardeep Puri

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 08:31 PM PDT

Amid the war of words between the Centre and the Opposition over the fuel taxes, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday said that the Centre would be happy to bring petrol and diesel under the GST regime but states are not willing to do so.

“My understanding is the Centre would be happy in bringing petrol and diesel under GST… the fact of the matter is that the states aren’t willing for same. They make a killing from revenues of petrol, diesel and alcohol…when debt rises they blame others…Punjab is the case in example,” the minister told ANI. The Union Minister took a dig at the Opposition and said that the government has “assumed its responsibility” in the fuel sector and the states should also take the onus on the issue of slashing the value-added taxes on petrol and diesel.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been consistent. He has advocated for the best spirit of cooperative federalism pertaining to the issue of livelihoods. Burden sharing need not be equal, the Center has assumed its responsibility in the fuel sector, the states too should take onus,” he said.

The Union Minister also referred to the impact of Russia-Ukraine conflict on fuel prices.

“We’re yet to recover from a pandemic, still feeding 80 crore people and looking after vaccines. There was military action in Ukraine…Oil prices went up from USD19.56/barrel to USD130…Centre charged Rs 32 excise on petrol-diesel, before Diwali we reduced it and rates went down,” he said.

“Fuel price hike under Modi period is lowest. It’s 30 per cent and not 80 per cent, basic salaries have increased over decades. Along with that, government is giving free schemes to people under various categories,” the minister added.

The Union Minister hit out at the Opposition-ruled states for their criticism over the fuel taxes and said that the BJP-ruled states charge half the VAT amount than the non-BJP states.

“BJP states are charging VAT half the amount of what non-BJP states are doing…There’s a difference of Rs15-Rs20 in retail prices of petrol between BJP and non-BJP states,” he said.

The Minister also India imports a very small portion of its oil requirements from Russia and was open to buying it if the terms were right. He said India has to look after its interests.

“We’re situated close to gulf countries like Iran which has lot of oil…We’ve energy relations with Russia, we buy crude from them but our total imports are not more than 0.2 per cent, we’re open to buying if terms are right, we’ve to look after our interests,” Puri said.

CIL’s Coal Production Increases By 27.2 pc In April, Despatch Improves By 5.8 pc

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 08:24 PM PDT

As several states report power outages amid the coal crisis, Coal India Limited has reported an increase of 27.2 per cent in its output in April 2022, as compared to the year-ago period, the Ministry of Coal on Friday.

The despatch of coal also improved by 5.8 per cent year-on-year in April 2022. “Coal production by Coal India Ltd (CIL) has increased by 27.2 per cent in April 2022 as compared to the same period of last year and coal despatch has increased by 5.8 per cent,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry further informed that the CIL has a coal stock of 56.7 MT at present, while the stock at Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is at 4.3 MT, and the captive coal blocks have about 2.3 MT of stock.

“Thus, sufficient coal stock with coal companies is available,” the Ministry said.
Further, the statement said that the coal stock at good shed sidings, washery sidings and port is about 4.7 MT and it is ready to be moved to power plants immediately.

The demand for power has risen in April due to heatwave and people in different parts of the country are facing power cuts. The problem has been accentuated by a steep rise in prices of imported coal due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and some power plants not operating to their full capacity.

Amid reports of a dip in coal stocks with thermal plants, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has said that the country’s thermal plants hold about 22 million tonnes of coal which is enough for 10 days and replenishment will be done continuously.

Jharkhand, Haryana, Bihar, Punjab, and Maharashtra are among the states seeing power outages. Delhi has also written to the Centre over the possibility of power cuts to important establishments. The states and UTs are also taking steps to deal with the situation.

Meanwhile, Indian Railways has decided to cancel 657 train trips to speed up the movement of coal rakes to power plants.

As many as 509 mail/express train trips/services and 148 MEMU train services have been cancelled. 

PM Modi To Address Joint Conference Of CMs, Chief Justices Today

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 08:01 PM PDT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the inaugural session of the joint conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of High Courts at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday. He will also address the gathering.

Chief Justice of India, Justice NV Ramana and Union Minister for Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju will also address the conference. According to Prime Minister’s office, the Joint Conference is an occasion for the executive and the judiciary to come together to create frameworks for simple and convenient delivery of justice and to discuss steps required to overcome the challenges facing the justice system.

“Since then, the government has taken various initiatives for improving infrastructure and integration of digital technology in court processes under eCourts Mission Mode Project,” reads the official statement.

Earlier on Friday, Chief Justice of India NV Ramana chaired the 39th conference of Chief Justices of various High Courts of the country.

Highlighting the issue of vacancies, CJI Ramana said, “Due to our collective efforts, we could fill 126 vacancies in various High Courts, in less than a year. We are expecting 50 more appointments. This remarkable feat could be achieved because of your wholehearted co-operation and commitment to the institution.”

CJI Ramana requested the Chief Justices of High Courts, which are still having a number of vacancies, to forward the names for elevation at the earliest.
He also expresses happiness about the response from some of the High Courts, which according to him, has been extremely encouraging.

The first Chief Justices’ conference was held in November 1953 and till date 38 such conferences have been organised. The last Conference was held in the year 2016.
Both the Chief Justices’ conference and the joint conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices are being held after a gap of six years, at the initiative of the CJI Ramana.

Ukraine Continues To Block Foreign Ships In Its Waters: Russia

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 07:55 PM PDT

Ukraine continues to block foreign ships, creating a threat of shelling in its internal waters and territorial sea, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

“Russia is taking measures to ensure civil navigation in the waters of the Black and Azov seas. Every day a humanitarian corridor is opened, which is a safe lane for the movement of ships,” he said in an interview with Xinhua. “However, the Ukrainian side continues to block foreign ships, creating a threat of shelling in its internal waters and territorial sea,” he said.

“Moreover, units of the Ukrainian Navy have planted mines on the coast, in port waters and territorial waters. These explosive devices are detached from anchor cables and drift into the open sea, which is why they pose a serious danger to both navies and for the port infrastructure of the Black Sea,” he added.

Odisha: 58-year-Old BJD MLA Appears For Class 10th Exam 40 Years After Dropping Out Of School

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 07:46 PM PDT

A 58-year-old MLA from Odisha’s Phulbani who left education in the year 1978 due to family reasons is proving the old saying ‘age is no bar for learning’ by appearing for Class 10th examination this year.

Angada Kanhar, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA from Phulbani, on Friday appeared for the first paper in the ongoing Matric examination being conducted by the Board of Secondary Education (BSE). Kanhar was seen along with his two friends appearing for the English paper at Rujangi High School.

Before entering the examination hall, Kanhar said, “I was in my class 10 in 1978, but was unable to appear for exams due to some family issues. Recently, I was told that many people at the age of 50 or more are appearing for exams. So, I too decided to appear for the board exams. There is no age barrier to appear for exams or to get educated.”

Kanhar is not the sole politician, who is appearing for the examination. He is being joined by one of his friends who is a Sarpanch.

“We are conducting board Exams at our centre which is open school exams. This is a special exam conducted for those who had to leave their studies midway for some reason. As many as 63 students have appeared for SIOS exam at our centre including Phulbani MLA Angad Kanhar and one of his friend who is a Sarpanch. This examination will get over by May 10,” said Archana Bas, Headmistress, Rujangi High School.

A total of 5.8 lakh students are appearing for the Class 10 state board examination in Odisha that commenced on Friday.

Mass Graves With 900 Bodies Found At Different Places In Kyiv Oblast: Ukrainian President

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 07:35 PM PDT

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the mass grave with 900 bodies had been found in different places in Kyiv Oblast.

Ukraine’s The Kyiv Independent earlier said that the Ukrainian President said a mass grave with 900 people was found in Kyiv Oblast. But after that, the media outlet issued a correction and said that Zelenskyy had been referring to the total number of people found in different mass graves in Kyiv Oblast. “Hundreds of civilians have been killed in the region by Russian troops,” the media outlet reported.

On Friday, The Kyiv Independent reported that three Russian missiles hit Kyiv Oblast.
The missiles hit undisclosed infrastructure sites near the city of Fastiv in Kyiv Oblast, according to Oleksandr Pavlyuk, head of the Kyiv Oblast Military Administration, said the media outlet.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during his visit to Ukraine’s Borodyanka, described the ongoing war “an absurdity” and stated that he imagines his family in one of the rooms which has now been destroyed.

“I imagined my family in one of those houses that is now destroyed and black,” he said. “I see my granddaughters running away in panic, part of the family eventually killed. So, the war is an absurdity in the 21st century. The war is evil,” Guterres was quoted as saying by OCHA (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) Ukraine.

The UN Chief arrived in Ukraine on Wednesday after his visit to Moscow. Taking to Twitter, UN Chief said that he will continue their work to expand the humanitarian support to Ukraine and will also secure the evacuation of civilians from conflict zones.
Notably, Russia launched a “special military operation” in Ukraine on February 24, which the West has termed an unwarranted war. As a result of this, the western countries have also imposed several crippling sanctions on Moscow. 

Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi Hits Out At AAP For ‘Lying’ On Coal Shortage

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 07:23 PM PDT

Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday lambasted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) saying that the party has a “habit of lying” after Raghav Chadha alleged coal shortage and assured that there is no need for any panic.

“AAP’s new leader (Raghav Chadha) is very close to the so-called super Chief Minister of Punjab (Bhagant Mann) and (AAP national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister) Arvind Kejriwal. This party has a habit of lying; they have never met me and they are saying that they have, taking my name and spreading lies,” the Union Coal Minister told ANI. Earlier in the day, Chadha slammed the Centre over the coal shortage in the country stating that over 16 states including Punjab are “seeing only one or two days of remaining coal supply.”

“Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann went to meet union coal minister (Pralhad Joshi) in Delhi a few days ago; the latter assured of no coal shortage. Still, more than 16 states including Punjab, are seeing only 1-2 days of coal supply left. Centre has to fulfil its responsibility,” Chadha had said.

The AAP led Delhi government on Thursday expressed its concern over the possible shortage of coal in power plants that supply electricity to the national capital and had written a letter to the Central Government urging it to ensure adequate coal supply. As per the Delhi government, Dadri-II power plant was only left with a day’s worth of stock and the Unchahar power plant had two days’ worth of stock left.

Speaking further, Joshi said, “I’d like to say, 11 units of Dadri and Unchahar power plants are running at full capacity and have a stock of 2.3 lakh tonnes (of coal), which is also replenished on a daily basis.”

He also said that the coal companies have around 73 million tonnes of coal stock at their end while the thermal power plants have coal stock of 21.5 million tonnes.
Emphasising that there is “no need to panic”, Joshi assured that the Central government is monitoring the situation.

“Whatever stock we have left of 7-10 days all over the country, is being daily replenished,” he said.

The demand for power has risen in April due to heatwave and people in different parts of the country are facing power cuts. The problem has been accentuated by a steep rise in prices of imported coal due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and some power plants not operating to their full capacity.

Jharkhand, Haryana, Bihar, Punjab, and Maharashtra are among the states seeing power outages.

Boris Becker Sentenced To Two And Half Years Of Jail After Being Convicted In Bankruptcy Case

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 07:13 PM PDT

Tennis legend Boris Becker has been jailed for two and a half years for hiding Euro 2.5 million worth of assets and loans to avoid paying his debts. The three-time Wimbledon champion was found guilty of four charges under the Insolvency Act between June 21 and October 3 in 2017 here at Southwark Crown Court.

The 54-year-old was declared bankrupt on the 21st of June 2017 owing creditors almost £50 million over an unpaid loan of more than £3 million on his estate in Mallorca, Spain. The father-of-four arrived at court with his partner Lilian de Varvalho Monteiro.

Judge Deborah Taylor gave the six-time Grand Slam champion imprisonment of two and a half years which he will serve half of it. They also acquitted him on a further 20 charges including nine counts of failing to hand over his tennis trophies and medals including two Wimbledon trophies.

The former world number one has won three Wimbledon titles, two Australian Opens and one US Open. He also won a gold medal at the Olympics in doubles. Becker retired from tennis in 1999.

In 2013, Boris Becker became reigning World No.1 and 20-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic’s coach and helped him win six Grand Slams in three years.

Punjab: Clashes Break Out Between Two Groups During Shiv Sena’s Rally In Patiala

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 07:04 PM PDT

A tense situation prevailed in Punjab’s Patiala after stones were hurled and swords were brandished as clashes broke out between two groups near Kali Mata temple in the city on Friday.

The clash broke out when the Shiv Sena was carrying out a march, under the supervision of Punjab Shiv Sena working president Harish Singla without permission. Police personnel were deployed at the spot to bring the situation under control and maintain law and order in the city.

“Seeing the problem of law and order here, police have been deployed. We are speaking with Shiv Sena’s (one of the two groups) chief Harish Singla as they don’t have any permission for the march,” DSP Mohit Malhotra said.

Condemning the incident, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called it “unfortunate” and assured his government will not let anyone create disturbance in the state.

“The incident of clashes in Patiala is deeply unfortunate. I spoke with DGP, peace has been restored in the area. We’re closely monitoring the situation and won’t let anyone create disturbance in the State. Punjab’s peace and harmony are of utmost importance,” the chief minister tweeted. 

IPL 2022: Mohsin, Chameera, Krunal Guide LSG To 20-Run Win Over PBKS

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 06:56 PM PDT

Mohsin Khan bagged three wickets while Dushmantha Chameera and Krunal Pandya bagged two each for Lucknow Super Giants as they restricted Punjab Kings to 133/8 in 20 overs and registered a 20-run win at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium here on Friday.

Chasing a 154-run target, Punjab Kings got off to a decent start. Captain Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan gave their team a steady start. Agarwal did most of hitting as he took the bulk of the strike. Dushmantha Chameera got Lucknow Super Giants back into the game dismissing Punjab Kings skipper Agarwal for 25 off 17 balls as PBKS lost their first wicket for 35 runs.

Leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi got the prized scalp of Shikhar Dhawan for 5 as Punjab Kings lost their second wicket for 46. Jonny Bairstow and Bhanuka Rajapaksa took their team’s total beyond the 50-run mark. In the next over, Krunal Pandya dismissed Bhanuka Rajapaksa for 9.

Punjab desperately needed a partnership and Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone struck one to keep their side in the game.

The 30-run partnership between the two was broken as Livingstone was dismissed by Mohsin Khan and Punjab Kings lost their fourth wicket for 88. In the next over, Jitesh Sharma was dismissed leg before wicket by Krunal Pandya for 2 as Punjab lost half of the side for 92.

Rishi Dhawan joined Bairstow to take Punjab’s total beyond the 100-run mark in 14.4 overs. But Punjab were dealt with a body blow as Chameera made him his second victim to leave Punjab Kings tottering at 103/6.

From there on Punjab never looked like chasing the total down as Mohsin Khan came in the 18th over to dismiss Kagiso Rabada and Rahul Chahar cheaply as Lucknow restricted them to 133/8 in 20 overs to register a 20-run win. Rishi Dhawan remained unbeaten on 21.

Earlier in the day put into bat Lucknow Super Giants did not get the best of the start losing their in-form skipper KL Rahul as Kagiso Rabada dismissed him caught behind by wicket-keeper Jitesh Sharma for 6.

Opener Quinton de Kock and Deepak Hooda then struck a partnership and batted cautiously to score 39 runs in six overs of powerplay. The duo also took their team’s total beyond the 50-run in 7.4 overs and also notched up a fifty run stand for the second wicket in 40 balls.

The 85-run partnership was broken by Sandeep Sharma as he dismissed opener de Kock for 46 off 37 balls as LSG lost their second wicket for 98.
Krunal Pandya walked in to bat with Hooda as they took their team’s total beyond the triple-figure mark. After reaching the 100-run mark Jonny Bairstow ran out Hooda for 34 as Lucknow lost their third wicket for 104.

In the next over Krunal Pandya was dismissed by Rabada for 7 as the pacer took his second wicket of the match and Lucknow lost their fourth wicket for 105. After three balls Ayush Badoni became the South African speedster’s third victim for 4 and LSG lost half of their side for 109.

Wickets kept falling for Lucknow as leg spinner Rahul Chahar dismissed Marcus Stoinis caught and bowled for 1. Chahar came back in his next over and dismissed Jason Holder for 11 reducing LSG to 127/6.

In the next over Rabada struck for the fourth time dismissing Dushmantha Chameera for 17 off 10 balls as LSG lost their eighth wicket for 144.

Tailender Mohsin Khan’s boundary and a six helped Lucknow go past the 150-run mark as they were restricted to 153/8 in 20 overs.

Brief Scores: Lucknow Super Giants 153/8 in 20 overs (Quinton de Kock 46, Deepak Hooda 34; Kagiso Rabada 4/38, Rahul Chahar 2/30) vs Punjab Kings 133/8 in 20 overs (Jonny Bairstow 32, Mayank Agarwal 25; Mohsin Khan 3/24, Krunal Pandya 2/11, Dushmantha Chameera 2/17).

Pat Cummins Rested From T20Is For Australia’s Tour Of Sri Lanka

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 01:08 AM PDT

Melbourne [Australia]: Australia Test skipper Pat Cummins has been rested from the 20-overs format as Australia named their Test, ODI and T20I squads for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka in June-July.


Cricket Australia on Friday announced squads for all three formats for Australia’s forthcoming one-month tour to Sri Lanka.

The tour consists of 3 T20Is, 5 ODIs and 2 Tests, starting June 7.

The R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium and the Galle International Stadium will host the red-ball and white-ball matches.

Australia’s chairman of selectors George Bailey was pleased to name near full-strength squads for the T20Is and ODIs, as Australia continue to build towards the T20 World Cup and the 50-over World Cup next year in India.


“These are very targeted to skill sets, and what we see as the bulk of the squad for the home T20 World Cup and looking further forward to the ODI World Cup. We were able to continue to build our depth with great white ball performances in Pakistan on the back of a superb Test Series. As selectors this has been one of the most rewarding parts amid the challenges of the past few years,” said George Bailey.


Australia T20 squad: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade and David Warner.


Australia ODI squad: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson and David Warner.


Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson and David Warner. 

Sexual Assault Case: Vijay Babu Files Anticipatory Bail Plea

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 01:00 AM PDT

Kochi (Kerala) [India]: Malayalam actor-cum-producer Vijay Babu on Friday approached the Kerala High Court and filed an anticipatory bail plea in a sexual assault case registered against him.


The court is likely to consider the bail plea in the afternoon today.

In the anticipatory bail plea, Vijay Babu alleged that the actress who has given a complaint against him is trying to blackmail him.


Earlier this week, Ernakulam South Police registered a case against Vijay Babu for sexual assault on the actress’ complaint.

After that, police also registered another case against him for disclosing the complainant’s identity through Facebook.


Police probing the case said that the officials are expecting Vijay Babu to return from Dubai and surrender before the law.


“We had begun the searches regarding this case. There are still a few places to search. Witness identification and their examination are pending. We are expecting that he might come and surrender before the law. We also took his passport details and travel details,” CH Nagaraju, Kochi City Police Commissioner said.


He further said, “The identification of more witnesses began yesterday. Apart from this, we have already requested the court to impound his passport if he is not coming forward. He has to co-operate with the investigation. We have served notice at his house also to come forward. No other complaints were received against him.”


The police official also informed that they have retrieved CCTV footage from various locations.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Arrives In Bhutan

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 12:50 AM PDT

Thimphu [Bhutan]: External Affair Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Bhutan on an official visit on Friday and said he was looking forward to a productive trip and enhancing bilateral cooperation between India and Bhutan.


“Delighted to be back in Bhutan. Good to see @FMBhutan Tandi Dorji. Look forward to a productive visit,” Jaishankar tweeted.’ He also shared photographs of his arrival here.


Jaishankar is in Bhutan at the invitation of his Bhutanese counterpart Lyonpo Tandi Dorji, as per an official statement by India’s external affairs ministry (MEA).


Jaishankar will receive an audience with Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan also call on Bhutan Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering. He will also meet his counterpart Dr Tandi Dorji, the MEA said.

India and Bhutan share a unique and time tested bilateral relationship, characterised by utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding, said the statement.


Jaishankar will be Bhutan’s first high-level visitor from abroad since March 2020.

During the visit, the two sides will discuss all issues of mutual interest, including the upcoming high-level exchanges, economic development and hydro-power cooperation.


Yesterday, Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka, kicking off his three-day visit to Bangladesh and Bhutan from April 28-30. Notably, this is Jaishankar’s first visit to Bangladesh, since March 2021.


In Dhaka, Jaishankar called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during his official visit to the country and also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to her to visit India later this year.


EAM Jaishankar also exchanged views with the Bangladesh PM on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.


“This afternoon, EAM called on Prime Minister of Bangladesh, H.E. Sheikh Hasina and conveyed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s invitation to her to visit India at her convenience later this year,” an official statement said.


Jaishankar also met his counterpart, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, AK Abdul Momen and extended him an invitation to attend the next meeting of the Joint Consultative Commission to be held in India prior to the visit of PM Hasina. 

Biden: Won’t Let Russia intimidate After Gas Supplies Cut To 2 EU Nations

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 12:44 AM PDT

Washington [US]: US President Joe Biden said on Friday Washington will not let Russia intimidate or blackmail their way out of sanctions after Russia cut off gas supplies to 2 EU nations.


This comes after Russian energy giant Gazprom cut natural gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria on Wednesday after they refused to pay for gas in rubles.

“Yesterday, Russia threatened two of our allies with a cut off of gas supplies. Let me be clear: We will not let Russia intimidate or blackmail their way out of sanctions. And we will not allow them to use their oil to avoid consequences for their aggression,” Biden said in a tweet.

The US President said that Washington is working with other nations to help their “European allies threatened by Russia with gas blackmail.”


“We are working with other nations — like South Korea, Japan, and Qatar — that support our effort to help our European allies threatened by Russia with gas blackmail meet their energy needs in other ways. Aggression will not win. Threats will not win,” he said in another tweet.


On March 31, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree stipulating that all contracts for gas supplies with companies registered in “unfriendly” countries be settled in rubles.


Media reports said some European gas buyers have already paid for supplies in rubles as Russia demanded.


On Wednesday, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said Russian energy giant Gazprom’s decision to cut off gas supplies to Bulgaria and Poland is yet another attempt at blackmail.


“The announcement by Gazprom that it is unilaterally stopping delivery of gas to customers in Europe is yet another attempt by Russia to use gas as an instrument of blackmail. This is unjustified and unacceptable. And it shows once again the unreliability of Russia as a gas supplier,” von der Leyen had said in a statement. 

Bride Shot Dead By Jilted Lover At Her Wedding In Mathura

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 12:30 AM PDT

Mathura (Uttar Pradesh): Every bride dreams to get married to the love of her life. However, in an untoward incident, a bride was shot dead allegedly by her ‘jilted’ lover at her wedding ceremony in Mathura’s Mubarikpur village of Naujheel area on Friday.


The bride, named Kajal, was shot dead soon after her ‘Jai Mala’ ritual concluded as per the Hindu traditions at the venue. Reportedly, the accused had been in a relationship with the woman and was irked by her wedding with another man.


After hearing the sound of the bullet, the family members and relatives rushed to the spot of the incident. Speaking in this matter, the teary-eyed father of the victim, Khubi Ram Prajapati, said, “After ‘Jai Mala’, my daughter went to the room for refreshing up wherein an unknown person came in her room and shot her dead. I cannot believe this happened!”

Soon after this incident, the victim’s father went to the police station to register the complaint.

Speaking on the matter, SP (Rural) in Mathura, Shrish Chandra said, “We have got to know about the said incident. We have registered a complaint. The police is probing the matter from all angles.”

Haryana To Get More Power From Other States To Meet Demand

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 12:17 AM PDT

Chandigarh (Haryana): Amid reports of thermal power plants witnessing a dip in their coal stocks, Haryana will take additional power from states like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh and other sources to meet the consumption, said state Power Minister Ch Ranjeet Singh.


“We will tackle the situation within a week. 1200-1400 MW additional electricity would be taken from Adani. Electricity consumption has increased. Further, 350 MW of additional power would be taken from Chhattisgarh and 150 MW from Madhya Pradesh,” the Minister said.


Singh further said a unit of the thermal plant has been closed for technical issues.


“A unit of a thermal power plant had been closed. Its router had to be changed. It has to be brought from China. It could not happen during COVID due to the lockdown in China. The replacement will be completed soon,” added Haryana Power Minister.


Meanwhile, the Delhi government has expressed its concern over the possible shortage of coal in electricity plants that supply electricity to the national capital and has written a letter to the Central Government urging it to ensure adequate coal supply.


Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain held an emergency meeting at Delhi Secretariat in this context on Thursday and also wrote a letter to the Central Government requesting its intervention so as to provide enough coal for the plants supplying electricity to the national capital.


Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Thursday that the country’s thermal plants hold about 22 million tonnes of coal which is enough for 10 days and replenishment will be done continuously.


The minister referred to thermal plants not working to their full capacity due to the surge in prices of imported coal.


He said the power ministry has given requisite directions to the thermal power plants.


“Since gas-based power plant got shut, imported prices hiked, no plant functioned at full capacity. Power Ministry has given directions to start it…our thermalplants hold 21-22mn tonnes coal, enough for 10 days. Replenishment to be done continuously,” Joshi said.

Challenges For Cong After Prashant Kishor Refuses To Join

Posted: 29 Apr 2022 12:00 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: With ace poll strategist Prashant Kishor turning down the offer to be inducted into the Congress citing the need for “transformational reforms” in the grand old party, political analysts say the development could be a setback in the Congress’ aim of making its mark in the upcoming Gujarat Assembly polls as well as the 2024 general elections.

“The preparations of Congress have suffered a setback. After the crushing defeat in the recently held assembly elections in five States, Congress was seeing hope in Kishore’s strategy,” a source said.


While Congress leaders may not give much importance to Kishor’s refusal to join the party, especially on the basis of his role in the party’s Special Action Group which has been formulated for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, many think otherwise.


The Congress is formulating a fresh strategy to take the PM Narendra Modi-led Government out of power in the General Elections slated to be held in 2024.


“The party’s future path will be clear at the Udaipur Navsankalp Shivir to be held from May 13-May 15. But before that, to implement the suggestions of Prashant Kishor, Congress President Sonia Gandhi decided to form an Empowered Action Group for the Lok Sabha elections,” sources said.


“PK had advised Congress to focus on 370 Lok Sabha seats and change its media strategy. He was offered a position as a member of the Action Group but he gave a jolt to Congress! The question is whether Congress will be able to implement his suggestions without him?” sources said.


Prashant Kishor, also referred to as PK, had also shared the strategy of building a strong alliance against the BJP by keeping the Congress at the Centre of Opposition parties.

He had proposed leaving out certain old allies of the Congress and joining hands with new allies, including parties like JDU in Bihar, TMC in Bengal and TRS in Telangana, sources said.


Apart from these parties, PK has good relations with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal among others.

After the death of Congress leader Ahmed Patel and the sidelining of senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Congress lacked a strong leader who could parley with other parties and currently Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi herself is engaging with other party leaders.


With Kishor’s decision to not join the party, the alliance plan of Congress is likely to be affected. Allies like NCP, Shiv Sena have from time to time demanded from Congress to leave the command of UPA, sources said.


Also, Kishor’s decision has thrown up a crisis for Congress in Gujarat.

Congress is in the process to make Patidar community leader Naresh Patel as Chief Ministerial face by getting him into the party in the Gujarat assembly elections likely to be held by the end of this year.


According to sources, PK’s strategy was behind this. Naresh Patel had put a condition in front of Congress to give command of campaigning to Prashant Kishor.

On Friday, Naresh Patel came to Delhi and met him.

He was also scheduled to meet Congress President Sonia Gandhi but the meeting did not take place.

Clearly, the ‘Gujarat plan’ of the Congress seems to be floundering.


However, some Congress sources are claiming that Naresh Patel will join the party.


Apart from elections and alliances, PK was advocating for major changes within the Congress, which are now likely to be incomplete.


After Kishore’s refusal, Congress leader Pawan Khera said, “Congress has made an identity in the whole country by values and work. When we talk about Congress, we talk about values by rising above the individual level. Talks to strategists are on at different times. We accept everyone’s suggestions.”


Khera said that there is no harm in his decision (referring to Kishor’s call to not join the party). “There must have been some reason why he turned down the offer,” he said.

However, on the question related to the possibility of PK working for Congress in the future, Khera said that the doors of Congress are never closed. 

1 Held, 4 Escaped In Police Encounter At CR Park

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 11:26 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: The Delhi police have registered a case against an accused who was shot during an encounter that broke out between police and some miscreants in the wee hours of Friday at Chittranjan Park in South East Delhi.


The accused have been identified as Sangram who is a resident of Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh. According to police, he has a criminal background and many cases are already registered against him.

The police deputed a night patrolling team and were conducting regular checking in the area to locate the miscreants who were executing crimes in the area for a long time.

On the early morning of Friday, a team at Chittaranjan Park police station laid an ambush to apprehend the five miscreants.

Police said that the accused entered the CR Park area on Thursday night.


Police said that during the encounter on Friday morning, the accused attacked the police with knives and tried to escape. Later, they opened fire on police.


While four of them succeeded to escape when they were intercepted by the police inside Jahapanah jungle, the accused Sangram was apprehended after suffering a bullet injury on his leg during the retaliation firing.


In order to escape he ran and jumped the wall of the adjacent house where he was caught by the police. The injured has been shifted to the hospital for the treatment, said police.


Sangram has been booked under relevant charges and a case has been registered against all the accused.


Police are trying to locate the absconding miscreants. Further investigation into the case is underway.

Raj Cong Leader Booked For Controversial Religious Remarks

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 11:21 PM PDT

Alwar (Rajasthan): Congress Alwar district president, Yogesh Mishra, who was booked over alleged controversial religious remarks has clarified that he did not intend to hurt religious sentiments and that he will attempt to solve the matter amicable with those, who had filed a police complaint against him.


He simply denied making a statement to incite the Muslim community, but still regret the remarks if anyone got offended. Earlier on Thursday, Youth Congress leader Md Shaun Meo filed a complaint against Mishra over his controversial religious remark on mosques and police are probing the allegations to take appropriate action.


“I also uploaded a video on my Facebook expressing that my intentions were not to hurt anyone’s religious sentiments and if anyone got offended, I regret it, even though there’s nothing in my speech. Shaun Ji and I will solve the matter like family,” Mishra said.


Targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress Alwar chief said he spoke for around 10 minutes, but a 10-second audio clip was circulated by people who want to break the Hindu-Muslim brotherhood.


“I kept my opinions in Rajgarh for 10 minutes; in those 10 mins, some people, who want to soil Hindu-Muslim brotherhood, edited out a 10-second clip… Indians live in unity. No one has the right to demolish any religious place,” he stated.


Further, he said, “I listened to what I said in my speech 3-4 times to see what was wrong with it. I just said that if no one’s demolishing the temples built on the middle of the road in Jaipur or in front of Mittal Hospital in Alwar, then why under the BJP municipality in Rajgarh.”


Mishra warned BJP for blaming the Rajasthan government over the temple demolition incidents saying that the party will suffer its repercussions in the upcoming polls.


He also called Md Shaun Meo his brother and assured him that they will both solve the matter like a family.


“Then they blame the Rajasthan govt. A municipality is an independent organisation… their blame is wrong. BJP will suffer its repercussions in the upcoming polls. Md Shaun Meo (who filed the complaint) is my younger brother,” he added.


Earlier on Thursday while filing the complaint against his own party leader Meo said “We have come here to register a complaint against Yogesh Mishra who recently has made a controversial statement over religious places. He instigated people. If something happens to any religious place tomorrow, who will be responsible? He wanted to create religious tension in the area.”


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 the district on Sunday, to clear the way for a road.

Chattisgarh: BJP To Execute Detailed Plan Ahead Of Polls

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 11:10 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: With the Chhattisgarh Assembly Elections scheduled to be held in 2023, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will execute a detailed action plan from May 5 to May 20 in the state to strengthen the party, party sources said on Thursday.


Ahead of the State Assembly poll next year, the core leaders of the Chhattisgarh BJP held an important meeting with party national president JP Nadda and party national general secretary BL Santosh in the national capital on Thursday.

The meeting was attended by former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, BJP State President Vishnu Dutt among other leaders.

According to party sources, discussions were held regarding the execution of a detailed action plan from May 5 to May 20.


“As per this plan, vistaraks (observers) will be sent to all the Shakti Kendras of the state. There are more than 4,500 Shakti Kendras in the state. Each Shakti Kendra includes 5-7 booths.

All vistaraks will carry out the election preparations at these booths in 15 days,” said sources.


Sources revealed that after that the party is also preparing to hold protests on various issues including unemployment allowance in the state in the presence of the party’s Yuva Morcha.

The party is also chalking out a plan for the same, sources added.


Sources further told that instructions were given to strengthen the party at the booth level during the meeting.


The 2018 Chhattisgarh Assembly elections were held in two phases on November 12, 2018, and the second on November 20, 2018. In 2018, Congress in Chhattisgarh Assembly polls won 68 of the total 90 seats.

The BJP was reduced to only 15 seats while the Janata Congress Chhattisgarh Jogi-Bahujan Samaj Party (JCCJ-BSP) combine won seven seats.

Jaaved Jaaferi Condoles Bharat Ek Khoj Actor Salim Ghouse’s Demise

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 10:58 PM PDT

New Delhi [India: Jaaved Jaaferi shared a heartfelt condolence message for ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’ actor Salim Ghouse who died on Thursday at the age 70 after reportedly suffering from a cardiac arrest.


Jaaferi took to his Twitter handle and wrote, “Salim Ghouse, a man with a lot of self-respect and a multitalented multifaceted powerhouse of a performer who captured audiences in Bharat ek Khoj, Koyla etc. passes away. RIP Salim sahab. Heartfelt condolences to the family.”


Salim, who was born in Chennai, was known for his role in the TV series ‘Subah ‘and for playing Rama, Krishna and Tipu Sultan in Shyam Benegal’s TV Series ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’. He has also worked in the TV serial ‘Wagle Ki Duniya’.


In 1989, he portrayed the villain in ‘Vettri Vizhaa’, a Tamil film directed by Pratap Pothen. He also starred alongside Mohanlal in the classic Malayalam movie, ‘Thazhvaram’, directed by Bharathan.


He once again portrayed a villain role in Mani Ratnam’s film, ‘Thiruda Thiruda’ in 1993, and also acted alongside Madhuri Dixit and Shahrukh Khan in the 1997 film, ‘Koyla’.

Xi Jinping Set For Historic Third-Term As China’s President

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 10:50 PM PDT

Beijing [China]: The Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) 20th National Congress is likely to re-elect General Secretary Xi Jinping for a historic third term, setting a new precedent for the country.


President Xi Jinping, who has been occupying the top post since 2012, was unanimously chosen as a delegate to the ruling party’s 20th national congress at the CPC Guangxi regional meeting on April 22.

“The announcement of Xi Jinping’s unanimous election won a burst of sustained and warm applause at the regional congress on Friday morning,” Xinhua reported the same evening.


CPC leaders are effectively chosen in China, and Xi’s appointment as a delegate was more like a formality, Policy Research Group (POREG), a think tank said in a report.


“This may not mean that his election as the general secretary is 100 per cent certain, but it is a very firm step,” Alfred Wu, an associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy was quoted as saying.


Earlier, Hu Jintao was also chosen as a representative to the 18th National Congress in 2012 when he handed over the baton to Xi.


In April 2017, Xi Jinping was chosen as a delegate to the CPC’s 19th National Conference by a unanimous majority at the 12th CPC Guizhou provincial congress.

Thereafter, Xi’s selection of Guangxi as a delegate is important, as Guangxi was one of China’s poorest regions until 2017, the report said.


During the upcoming National Congress, CPC’s Central Committee, the party’s top governing body delegates will go to vote, during the congress, which is held every five years for the party’s elite.


The committee’s 200 or more members will vote on who will be seated on the Politburo and its Standing Committee, the Communist Party’s highest decision-making body.


Xi’s proteges make up the majority of the 25 members of the CCP’s Standing Committee of the CCP Politburo. As a result, a political battle over personnel issues at the party’s core is quite improbable.

While there has been speculation of pushback from former Premier Zhu Rongji and his allies, their impact will remain limited, the report said.


Xi Jinping administration has made several modifications to the party’s statutes, as well as significant personnel changes.

The majority of the newly appointed province leaders are no longer members of the Political Bureau’s Standing Committee, the report added.


However, the majority of the Xi Jinping administration’s roster will stay unchanged in 2022, the report said, adding that Xi’s stock of subordinates from his time in the provinces is nearly depleted.


Given the increased difficulty of picking proteges in the future, a new framework for personnel selection, including the nomination of a successor, is required, the report further said, adding, only after that, Xi’s successor and the Chinese Communist Party’s new leadership structure will materialise. 

COVID-19 Cases Increase, India Reports 3,377 New Cases

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 10:43 PM PDT

New Delhi: India continues to register an increase in its daily COVID-19 cases as the country reported 3,377 new infections during the last 24 hours, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Friday.


The country saw an increase of a total of 74 more COVID-19 cases today in comparison to Thursday.

India registered as many as 3,303 COVID-19 cases yesterday. The active cases in the country increased to 17,801 which accounts for 0.04 per cent of the total cases.


The ministry data mentioned that as many as 2,496 patients recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours taking the total recoveries to 4,25,30,622.


The recovery rate currently is 98.74 per cent. However, the death toll climbed to 5,23,753 with 60 fresh fatalities.


The daily positivity rate has been recorded at 0.71 per cent with 4,73,635 COVID-19 tests being conducted in the last 24 hours. The weekly positivity rate was also reported at 0.63 per cent.


As far as vaccination is concerned, 22,80,743 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 1,88,65,46,894.

Three Buses Gutted In Fire At Bus Stand In Bathinda, One Dead

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 10:36 PM PDT

Bathinda (Punjab): A bus conductor was killed after three buses were gutted in a fire that broke out on Thursday night at a bus stand in Bathinda.


Station House Officer of Dhanaula Police Station, Darpan Ahluwalia who was present on the site of incident confirmed the information and said, “As many as two buses a mini-bus were gutted down in the fire. In the incident, a conductor of a bus has also died.”

Further investigation into the matter is underway. 

Ayodhya: 7 Held For Throwing Objectionable Items In Mosques

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 10:31 PM PDT

Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh): Seven people have been arrested by Ayodhya police on Thursday, all are accused of disturbing the peace and equanimity of the city by throwing objectionable posters and items at several mosques in Ayodhya.


The arrested accused have been identified as Mahesh Kumar Mishra, Pratyush Srivastava, Nitin Kumar, Deepak Kumar Gaur alias Gunjan, Brijesh Pandey, Shatrughan Prajapati and Vimal Pandey, all are residents of Ayodhya.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Ayodhya), Shailesh Kumar Pandey said that the incident was carried out by 11 people out of which seven have been arrested while the other four are absconding.

“A total of eight persons on four motorcycles, led by Mahesh, threw objectionable posters and items outside the mosques.

The police recovered the objects, and a mobile phone and vehicles have been impounded.

We have arrested seven people so far, four are absconding. We will arrest them soon. Action under the Gangsters Act and NSA will also be initiated against them,” said the SSP.


During the investigation, it was found that Mahesh Kumar Mishra was the main conspirator and along with his other accomplices, a conspiracy was hatched at Brijesh Pandey’s house in opposition to the recent incident in Jahangirpuri of Delhi.

It also came to light that the accused on the night of Wednesday, first reached the Beniganj Tiraha where after seeing PRV’s car could not execute the plan on Beniganj Masjid and thus moved to other mosques.

They threw the objectionable posters and items at the Ayodhya’s Masjid Kashmiri Mohalla, Tatshah Mosque, Ghosiyana Ramnagar Masjid, Idgah Civil Line Mosque and Gulab Shah Dargah behind Dargah Jail.


Police also said that out of the four arrested three accused have previous criminal history.


“The accused Mahesh has four cases registered against him in Kotwali Police station Ayodhya.

Apart from this, the accused Nitin and Vimal also have cases registered against them,” said a police officer.


Police said that all the seven accused have been booked under Sections 295 (injuring or defiling places of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class), and 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the Indian Penal Code. 

Ahead Of IPO Launch, LIC To Hold Press Conference Today

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 10:20 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Ahead of the Life Insurance Corporation of India’s forthcoming Initial Public Offering (IPO), India’s largest ever IPO, on May 4, the LIC is set to hold a press conference here on Friday.


The much-awaited issue of the LIC IPO is set to open on May 4 and will remain open for bidders till May 9, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey 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 has cut the size of IPO from 5 per cent to 3.5 percent due to the market condition. A proposal to reduce the size of LIC’s IPO to 3.5 percent from 5 percent proposed in its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) was tabled and approved at a board meeting held on Saturday.


The insurance company has set its price band for the Initial Public Offer (IPO) at Rs 902 to Rs 949 per equity share.


The size of the LIC IPO is set to be the largest so far in the country.

The government targets to raise Rs 20,557.23 crore by offloading 3.5 per cent of its equity stake or 22.13 crore shares of LIC.

This is substantially lower than the earlier projection of about Rs 60,000 crore.


The IPO will be a pure offer for sale. Out of the 22.13 crore shares offered for sale, around 5.93 crore shares have been reserved for the anchor investor portion.

Employee reservation portion is at1.58 million while policyholder reservation is at 22.14 million.


Half of the shares are reserved for qualified institutional buyers (QIB), 15 percent of the shares will be reserved for non-institutional investors while the rest is for retail investors.


Policyholders will get a discount of Rs 60 per equity share. Retail and employees will get a discount of Rs 40.


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

US Passes Bill To Aid Taiwan’s WHO Bid

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 09:14 PM PDT

Washington [US]: The US House of Representatives has passed legislation calling on the US State Department to submit a plan to help Taiwan acquire observer status at the World Health Organisation (WHO).


The legislation seeks to boost the nation as it faces pressure from China. This bill, which was cleared in the Senate last August, was passed 425 to 0 on Wednesday.

The measure directs the secretary of state to develop a strategy to “regain observer status for Taiwan in the World Health Organisation, and for other purposes.”


The bill has been sent to US President Joe Biden to sign it into law.


Chinese experts on Thursday said the latest US effort to help Taiwan regain observer status at the World Health Assembly (WHA) will prove futile again, just like how numerous political stunts pulled by the separatists over the past five years failed to achieve any meaningful results.


The Beijing government has been blocking Taiwan’s representation at WHO meetings after the self-ruled democracy elected Tsai Ing-wen as Taiwan’s president in 2016 and again in 2020.


Delegates from Taiwan had attended the WHA as nonvoting observers from 2009 to 2016, during a period of relatively warm ties between Beijing and Taipei.


Chinese analysts suggested that the US administration might pull some tricks but that will prove futile too, state media outlet Global Times reported. 

Bangladesh Grants India Access To Chittagong Port

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 09:07 PM PDT

Dhaka [Bangladesh]: Emphasising the need to increase connectivity between the two countries during her interaction with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said that India’s North-Eastern states can access the Chittagong port for the purpose.


“If the connectivity is increased, the Indian North-Eastern states like Assam and Tripura can have access to the Chittagong seaport,” Hasina reportedly said during her interaction with EAM Jaishankar as quoted by Dhaka Tribune.

The Chittagong or Chhatogram port is one of the important seaports of Bangladesh, located in the region of Chittagong hill tracts. Due to the sea port’s close proximity with North-Eastern Indian states, the port facility has the potential to significantly boost economic activity in the North-East Indian states, providing close access to global shipping lanes.


Earlier in the year 2010, India and Bangladesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to allow for the use of Chittagong and Mongla Ports in Bangladesh for the movement of goods to and from India.


In 2018, the Bangladesh cabinet approved the proposed agreement with New Delhi to allow for the use of the two ports for the transport of goods.


Jaishankar called on the Bangladesh Prime Minister on Thursday during his two-day visit to Bangladesh which concludes today (Friday).


During the interaction, the EAM and the Bangladeshi PM exchanged views on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.


EAM Jaishankar also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to PM Hasina to visit India later this year.


Jaishankar also met his counterpart, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, AK Abdul Momen and extended him an invitation to attend the next meeting of the Joint Consultative Commission to be held in India prior to the visit of PM Hasina.


During a Joint Press interaction with his Bangladeshi counterpart, Jaishankar also announced the resuming of cross-border bus and railway services between the two countries, shortly after Eid.


EAM Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka on Thursday, kicking off his three-day visit to Bangladesh and Bhutan from April 28-30. Notably, this is Jaishankar’s first visit to Bangladesh, since March 2021. 

Chor-Chor Slogans Raised Against Pak Delegation In Madina

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 08:58 PM PDT

Riyadh [Saudi Arabia]: ‘Chor-Chor’ slogans raised against Pak delegation in Madina. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led delegation, who is in Saudi Arabia on a three-day official visit, received a “wonderful welcome” as they entered Masjid-e-Nabawi in Madina.


A viral video has been circulating on social media platforms that showed hundreds of pilgrims raising ‘chor chor’ [thieves] slogans upon seeing the delegation making their way to Masjid-e-Nabawi.

After the incident, it was reported that police have arrested them for violating sanctity.


In a video, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and member of the National Assembly Shahzain Bugti were seen along with others.


According to the Pakistani newspaper, Aurangzeb indirectly blamed ousted Imran Khan for the protest.


“I will not name this person on this holy land because I do not want to use this land for politics. But they have destroyed the [Pakistani] society,” The Express Tribune quoted Aurangzeb as saying.


This comes as Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is on his maiden three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia.

Dozens of officials and political leaders have accompanied the Pakistan Prime Minister on his visit to the Kingdom.


Taking to Twitter and sharing the video, netizens wrote, “Proud Pakistanis, please be heartened by witnessing what a wonderful welcome our PM and his Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) gang of criminals got in Saudi Arabia.”


Another Twitter user, Muhammad Ibrahim Qazi said that Saudi Arabia citizens are calling out ousted PM Imran Khan.

“Citizens of Saudi Arabia are calling out Ousted PM Imran Khan to have exported the moral obscenity to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. They are also condemning Pakistanis for violating the Kingdom’s laws,” Qazi said.


Sharif was sworn in as Pakistan’s 23rd Prime Minister on April 11 after his predecessor Imran Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote.


During the visit, Sharif is set to seek an additional package of USD 3.2 billion from Saudi Arabia. He will pose this request to avert further depletion of Pakistan’s foreign currency reserves.


Saudi Arabia had already given USD 3 billion deposits to the debt-ridden country and an oil facility on deferred payment worth USD 1.2 billion during Imran Khan’s tenure.

Estimates say Pakistan requires USD 12 billion to prevent the balance of payment crisis and further depletion of the foreign currency reserves. 

NCB Suspects Narco-Terrorism Module In Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh 100 cr Drug Bust

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 08:51 PM PDT

Following the recovery of heroin worth over Rs 100 crore and other narcotic substances and Rs 30 lakh cash from a residential flat in southeast Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh on Thursday, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has raised the possibility of narco-terrorism module in the case.

Speaking to ANI, Director-General of NCB, SN Pradhan said, “There is every possibility of narco-terrorism module. The network is connected to Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Middle East. So there is every chance that there may be a narco-terrorism module. However, it is subject to investigation. The operation will go on all night today and there will be arrests.” “This has been going on for several days. More people are involved in this case. We have been trying to catch the entire network.

Pakistani nationals were caught in an operation a few days ago. Further, people were caught from Muzaffarnagar and Kairana in an ATS raid. During the investigation, the case of Shaheen Bagh’s apartment came to the fore. Not only heroin was being imported, but heroin was being made from opium at the apartment,” said the NCB chief.

He said the situation in Afghanistan is such that earlier opium was cultivated under the auspices of the Taliban. He mentioned that all the attempt is being made to capture the big market like India. The money acquired from heroin sold in India was being sent to Dubai through hawala.

“Recently, Afghanistan’s Taliban government announced a ban on cultivation. But in anticipation of the ban, there seems to be a rise in exports and illegal trafficking outside. There is demand in the Indian market. It is a huge market,” Pradhan stated.
He said heroin was earlier smuggled from Afghanistan through South Africa and Sri Lanka.

“These syndicates have been smuggling goods to India via maritime as well as land border routes wherein heroin was smuggled in alongside various goods. Heroin is smuggled to India concealed in liquorice, truck tyres, etc. Heroin was later extracted from those goods by Indian counterparts with the help of some Afghan nationals,” said the DG, NCB.

He emphasized that an international network of law enforcement agencies will have to be created to eliminate the international network of drugs.

In one of the biggest recent narcotics seizures, the NCB, Delhi Unit on Thursday busted an India-Afghanistan drug syndicate and recovered 50 kilograms of heroin worth over Rs 100 crore from a flat in southeast Delhi’s Jamia Nagar, Shaheen Bagh.
One person was arrested in this case. Along with the contraband, Rs 30 lakh of cash and 47 kilograms of some other narcotics substance, concealed in a tree trunk- yet to be identified, were also recovered.

The NCB and agencies concerned are now probing if the hawala money was for any other illegal purposes. In connection with the recovered narcotics to the massive recent drug haul in Kandla is also being looked into, sources said.
NCB Deputy Director General (operations) Sanjay Kumar Singh said that the probe so far has revealed an India-Afghan syndicate is based in Delhi and neighbouring states.

He said these syndicates have expertise in manufacturing and adulterating heroin locally.

“We received input from a liable source that a huge amount of heroin is stored in an apartment in Shaheen Bagh. Our team searched the apartment to recover 50 kg of heroin, 47kg of suspected narcotics, Rs 30 lakhs in cash and a note-counting machine. They smuggle it from abroad and manufacture it here. The supply is to Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, UP, Uttarakhand via sea route and land border that is Attari-Wagah border. They also mix it with legal goods being imported from Afghanistan and Pakistan,” Singh said.
H

e said many people of the network have been identified and searches are underway at various locations in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi.
He further said that the drugs were kept in backpacks and jute bags and were wrapped in packets of e-commerce companies.

“This is one of the biggest narcotics seizures in Delhi, that too from a residential area, in the recent past. Another 47 kg of “suspected” narcotics were also seized from the premises and has been sent to a laboratory for testing,” Singh said.

Kirit Somaiya To File Petition In HC Against Maha Govt, Shiv Sena MLA Over Unauthorized Construction Of Vihang Garden

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 08:39 PM PDT

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kirit Somaiya will file a petition in the Bombay High court on Friday against the Maharashtra government and Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik over the alleged unauthorized construction of Vihang Garden in Thane and exemption of Rs 18 crores penalty to the builder.

“Tomorrow afternoon at 1 pm, we will file a petition at Bombay High Court against Thackeray Sarkar and Pratap Sarnaik for illegal protection to builder Pratap Sarnaik for unauthorized construction of Vihang Garden, Thane and exemption of Rs 18 crores as penalty,” tweeted Somaiya. Sarnaik’s name hit the headlines earlier on March 25 this year, when the Enforcement Directorate attached his assets in connection with the National Spot Exchange Limited (NSEL) scam. The Central agency attached two flats and a parcel of land in Thane worth Rs 11.35 crore of Sarnaik and his family members under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Moreover, Somaiya’s decision to file a petition in High Court holds importance as he had also moved the Bombay High Court on Thursday seeking a CBI probe into the alleged attack on him by Shiv Sena workers in Mumbai last week and also demanded action against the city police for lodging a “fake and manipulated” FIR in connection with the incident.

Shiv Sena and the BJP have been locking horns over the Hanuman Chalisa row over the past few days. In this row, Somaiya claimed he had gone to the Khar police station to meet Independent Lok Sabha MP Navneet Rana and her MLA-husband Ravi Rana, who were taken there following arrest over the Hanuman Chalisa row. Outside the police station, Somaiya alleged, he was attacked allegedly by a mob of Shiv Sainiks.

Meanwhile, Rana couple’s jail time in this matter will continue till the Mumbai court hears the plea on April 29.

Political row over Hauman Chalisa erupted after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray served the ultimatum to the Maharashtra government to remove loudspeakers from mosques by May 3.

Independent Lok Sabha MP Navneet Rana and her husband Ravi Rana, an MLA, afterward announced their plan to chant Hanuman Chalisa in front of the residence of the Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray. Later, the couple withdrew the call citing severe backlash.

The ruling Shiv Sena led Maha Vikas Aghadi government in the state alleged that the Rana couple acted at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The row gained momentum after the Shiv Sena workers held protests at the residence of the Rana couple, who were later arrested by the state police, and subsequently sent to judicial custody. 

Pakistan: Probe Ordered Against Imran’s Close Aide Farah Khan

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 08:37 PM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]: Pakistan’s anti-corruption watchdog National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Thursday authorised an enquiry on Farah Khan, a close friend of ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan, over allegations of accumulating “illegal assets beyond known sources of income” among other charges.


NAB-DG Lahore has been ordered to initiate an inquiry against Farah Khan, who left Pakistan for Dubai amid corruption allegations, Dawn reported.

“Huge turnover amounting to Rs 847 million was found in her (Farah Khan’s bank) account during the last three years,” a press release issued by NAB was quoted as saying.


“These credits were received in her personal account and withdrawn immediately after credit within a short time period,” the release further stated.


“Moreover, she has been frequently travelling to foreign jurisdictions; nine times to the USA and six times to the UAE,” it added.


According to the NAB, several “adverse” media reports were also found where Farah — referred to in the statement as Farhat Shahzadi (alias Farah Khan) was alleged to “being involved in (acquiring) assets beyond legal means”.


Last month, at a gathering of the opposition alliance, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz had first alleged that a friend of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman’s wife received a huge sum of money for getting officers transferred and posted according to their choice.


Earlier a photograph of Farah Khan seen on a flight with a handbag that is claimed to costs USD 90,000, had gone viral on social media.


According to reports in local Pakistan media, PML-N leader and former finance minister Miftah Ismail alleged that the handbag was worth USD 90,000 (Rs 16.5 million).


“I dare to name Farah, a friend of Bushra Bibi who is involved in receiving millions of rupees in transfers and postings and these are directly connected to Banigala (residence of Imran Khan),” Maryam had said.


Notably, Imran Khan in a recent presser ducked a question about his relationship with Farah and simply walked away.


The corruption saga is not limited to Farah Khan according to reports. The assets of Farah Khan’s family, including her husband, her sister, and her father-in-law, also grew rapidly within a year after the Imran Khan government came into power.


Separately, the NAB approved a supplementary reference against former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and his son Abdullah Khaqan Abbasi. 

CNG Price Up By Rs 2.20 In Pune

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 08:26 PM PDT

Pune (Maharashtra): In a major hike, the price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has been increased by Rs 2.20 in Pune, taking its new rate to Rs 77.20 in the city today, informed Ali Daruwala, Spokesperson, All India Petrol Dealers Association on Friday.


However, there is no change in the other fuel prices as petrol costs continue at Rs 119.96 and diesel Rs 102.67, according to an official statement issued by the association.

In Pune city, the new hike in CNG will be effective from today itself.


Notably, this is the third hike in the past one and half months in Pune as earlier, the CNG price was increased by Rs 2 per kg.

At that time, the price of CNG had gone up from Rs 73 to Rs 75.

Prior to this, it was hiked by Rs 5 per kg from Rs 68 to Rs 73 per kg.

Encounter Breaks Out In Delhi’s CR Park, One Injured

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 08:23 PM PDT

New Delhi: An encounter broke out between police and some miscreants at Chittranjan Park (CR Park) in South East area of the national capital on Friday morning.


As per the initial information, one miscreant was injured in the encounter and has been shifted to the hospital immediately.

Further information is awaited.

US To Call For Joint Response Against Russia At Quad Meeting

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 08:19 PM PDT

Washington [US]: US President Joe Biden will raise the issue of a unified response against Russia in the upcoming Quad summit in Toyko next month and will provide an update on the steps Washington is taking to help Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict, the White House said on Thursday.


This comes as Japan announced a summit of leaders of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) nations in Tokyo on May 24. Answering a question about whether Biden will raise the issue of a unified response to Russia, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, “We will convey the same sentiments in this meeting.”

“Now, this meeting is several weeks away, so a lot can certainly happen,” said Psaki, adding that “certainly, the President will provide an update on what we’re doing and where things stand at that point in time.”


Biden will visit South Korea and Japan on May 20-24 to boost cooperation between the US and the two nations, the White House announced on Wednesday.


In Tokyo, Biden will also meet with the leaders of the Quad grouping of Australia, Japan, India, and the United States.


“We look forward to having further details to share about this trip soon,” the White House said.


In September last year, Biden had hosted Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, and then Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga at the White House for the first-ever in-person Leaders’ Summit of the Quad.

US Awaits Sweden, Finland’s Decision On NATO Accession

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 08:13 PM PDT

Washington [US]: The United States is awaiting formal decisions from Sweden and Finland about NATO accession in the buildup to an alliance summit in June, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday.


“It’s under very active consideration by both countries. There’s a NATO summit, as you know very well, coming up soon, so I would anticipate that we’ll hear more about that by the time of the summit,” Blinken said in response to a question on the matter of Sweden, Finland’s decision on NATO Accession, during a hearing of the House Foreign Relations Committee.

Talk of Swedish and Finnish accession to NATO has been on the rise since the start of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine in February.

The conflict is likely to be a focal point of the summit in June, which is set to take place in Madrid.

China Asks Sweden To Respect ‘Religious Beliefs’ Of Muslims Despite Being Worst Human Rights Abusers: Report

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 08:10 PM PDT

China, which is listed among the worst human rights abusers in the world by the Human Rights Watch, has asked Sweden to respect the “religious beliefs” of Muslims and other minority groups, protect their lawful rights and interest, said a media report.

On April 20, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin asked Sweden, in the wake of anti-Muslim riots on April 15-16, that the European country should “earnestly respect the religious beliefs of Muslims and other minority groups, protect their lawful rights and interest, and square their words of respecting and protecting freedom of religious belief with action,” The Hong Kong Post reported. Just five days after a “soulful lecture” to Sweden on issues related to Muslims, Wenbin took a U-turn on the planned visit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet to Xinjiang in May.

Bachelet who is known for her feistiness has expressed her desire to meet Uyghur Muslims whose persecution by China has created uproar in the world.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, in an obvious move to stonewall the UNHCR’s desire to visit Xinjiang said, “the goal of the High Commissioner’s visit (China) is to promote exchange and cooperation. We are opposed to political manipulation by exploiting the matter,” The Hong Kong Post reported.

It further reported that it is clear, China which tried to show its concern for “lawful rights and interest” of Muslims in Sweden, is egregiously worried that if Michelle Bachelet visits Xinjiang then it could create an awkward situation for Beijing and would become hard for it to defend an indefensible.

Listed among the worst human rights abusers in the world by the Human Rights Watch, China is not only erasing the cultural identity of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang, it is also hunting them down abroad. And, this the Middle Kingdom is doing with help from countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, said the report.

The report also highlighted the recent 48th summit of the Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation held in Pakistan.

In the summit, every speaker at the summit talked about the situation in Afghanistan and Muslims’ sufferings in Palestine and other countries, but “none could dare to raise a single word for Uyghur Muslims despite the fact the world is aware of their plight under China’s Communist regime,” The Hong Kong Post reported.

As per a report, 1 million to 2 million Uyghurs and members of other minorities are held up in various camps in Xinjiang, where they are asked to renounce their religion, avoid maintaining any religious identity, study Marxism and work in factories.

As per the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s 2020 report, Uyghurs work in a range of supply chains including electronics, textiles and automotive under a central government policy known as ‘Xinjiang Aid’. The report further said that Uyghurs are not just working in Xinjiang, they work in 27 factories spread across nine Chinese provinces, The Hong Kong Post reported.

Recently the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) appealed to the European Union to ban all imports of products from China which have been made by forced labour.

The European Commission, which is the executive branch of the 27-member European Union, is reportedly considering bringing a legislative proposal on a forced labour ban by mid-September 2022, the report said.

Haryana: Ammonia Gas Leak From Factory Triggers Panic In Jhajjar

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 08:02 PM PDT

Jhajjar (Haryana): A gas leak was reported at a factory in the Jhajjar district of Haryana on Thursday evening.


The gas leak of ammonia was reported from a ‘Kathha’ making factory. The incident triggered panic among locals.

Some locals living in the area complained of breathing difficulties and vomiting. On information fire brigade teams, police and administrative officials rushed to the spot.

“Incident of ammonia gas leakage reported. Three ambulances and 3 to 4 fire brigades are at the spot. Advised people to wear masks,” said Jag Niwas, Deputy Commissioner, Jhajjar.


The factory was evacuated by the fire brigade personnel. Ambulances also reached the spot. Several people were then shifted hospital.


Further details are awaited. 

Balochs Are Sacrificing Their Lives Due To Pakistani Oppression: Baloch Woman Activist

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 07:57 PM PDT

Distressed by a recent incident of a 30-year-old Baloch woman teacher blowing herself and killing four people, including three Chinese at Karachi University, a Baloch woman activist calls it a consequence of Pakistan’s oppressive policies and genocide in Balochistan province.

Shari Baloch, who joined Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) two years ago volunteered herself for a “self-sacrificing mission” and targeted the Chinese to take revenge against Baloch genocide, occupation of Balochistan by Pakistan and now China’s growing investment and interference in the region. Prof. Naela Quadri Baloch, the President of the World Baloch Women’s Forum in Canada said, “If a mother of two beautiful kids who is having a very decent and well-educated family, Shari Baloch can decide to be a self-sacrificer then the world can understand what Baloch people are going through and who is responsible for that”.

Prof. Naela added, “It is the state of Pakistan and the Communist government of China who are responsible for pushing our daughters and sons to the level of self-sacrifice because there is no political platform left and the United Nations are also not listening to Baloch people”.

Balochistan has long demanded independence from Pakistan, and the multi-billion-dollar China-initiated One Belt One Road (OBOR) Project has further inflamed passions. The Baloch, who are opposing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as part of OBOR, are facing oppression and genocide by the Pakistan Army.

There are uncounted incidents of enforced disappearances and killings of Baloch political activists, intellectuals and students by the Pakistani security forces and secret agencies.

Prof. Naela said, “We are at the deepest level of pain. We are hurt that our highly educated youth, if they were not Baloch, could have a bright future. But as they are Baloch, which is their main crime, they have no future. They are picked up during daylight from the University by the ISI people, the Pakistani military, and then they disappear because the former knows that if they will be educated, they will become doctors, engineers, teachers or journalists”.

“Being Baloch as they have no future in Pakistan, they have decided to be self-sacrificers. They have joined organizations like Majeed Brigade and Baloch Liberation Army because they think it is the only way to survive”.

A large number of Baloch youth and political activists have migrated abroad to save their lives. They have been raising their concerns at international platforms, but there is no ray of hope.

Prof. Naela said, “Baloch people have raised their concerns in the United Nations and other international forums in a very peaceful way but nobody listens and our youth has been observing this thing. They see that there is no response from any country so if the International community will remain silent and just keep looking at the genocide of the Baloch people, this will be the reaction”.

“Our sons and daughters, even highly educated ones have decided to go for self-sacrifice because they don’t see any future or hope”, said the Baloch political activist, who herself is living in exile due to life threats.

IIT Madras Reports 171 COVID Cases

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 07:56 PM PDT

Chennai (Tamil Nadu): A total of 171 COVID-19 cases reported from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras till now, informed Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan on Thursday.


The Health Secretary informed that the institute has not been closed as of now, however, the government along with campus authorities are trying their best to ensure that the COVID cluster does not spread to the other places from the university.

“Total 171 Covid19 cases detected in IIT-Madras campus till now,” Radhakrishnan said in a briefing yesterday.


Further, he said, “Few more cases have been reported in IIT Madras. These all are part of our saturation test. There is nothing to panic about. We have not closed the institution. We are ensuring that the cluster doesn’t spread to other places.”


Meanwhile, the institute authorities have asked people to get themselves tested in case they observe any COVID-19-related symptoms and advised everyone to wear masks, maintain social distancing, and practice all COVID-19 safety protocols.


Earlier on Wednesday, IIT Madras had 111 COVID-19 positive cases in the campus, according to the Tamil Nadu health department. 

Afghanistan Mazar-i-Sharif Blasts- IS Claims Responsibility

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 07:51 PM PDT

Kabul [Afghanistan]: The Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the twin explosions in the Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif, local media reported.


Two explosions rocked Mazar-i-Sharif in Balkh province on Thursday, leaving at least 9 people killed and 13 injured.

One of the blasts was staged near an educational facility while another one hit a vehicle.


This is the latest in a series of bombings to shake Afghanistan and comes just days after a blast at a Shia mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif that killed at least 12 worshippers and wounded scores more.


The IS branch, Islamic State – Khorasan Province, has been operating in Afghanistan and neighbouring Pakistan since 2015. The group has claimed responsibility for multiple bloody attacks.


A separate bomb attack in the northern city of Kunduz last week targeted the minority community and killed at least 36 people at Friday prayers. 

With Surge In Fresh Infections, Shanghai Reports 5,487 New COVID-19 Cases

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 07:49 PM PDT

China’s economic hub Shanghai on Thursday reported 5,487 confirmed locally transmitted COVID-19 cases and 9,545 local asymptomatic carriers, Xinhua reported citing the municipal health commission as saying on Friday.

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.

Shanghai, facing the worst COVID-19 outbreak, has been desperately seeking medical care and basic supplies like food. Moreover, 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.

Also, Beijing is on high COVID-19 alert after the city recorded 21 new community cases in the last 24 hours on Sunday. Later, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports also ordered to suspend all sports events, and extracurricular sports training activities from Tuesday to Saturday amid a surge in cases.

As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread in more and more cities in China, questions are mounting over the country’s zero covid policy.

The country’s much-publicized “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.

Delhi Staring At Power Outage, Urges Centre To Ensure Adequate Coal Supply

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 07:31 PM PDT

The Delhi government has expressed its concern over the possible shortage of coal in power plants that supply electricity to the national capital and has written a letter to the Central Government urging it to ensure adequate coal supply.

Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain held an emergency meeting at Delhi Secretariat in this context on Thursday and also wrote a letter to the Central Government requesting its intervention so as to provide enough coal for the power plants supplying electricity to the national capital. “At present, there is a shortage of coal in various thermal stations supplying electricity. National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)’s Dadri-II and Jhajjar (Aravalli), both power plants were established primarily to meet the power requirement in Delhi. However, there is very little stock of coal left even in these power plants,” Jain said in a statement.

In NTPC’s Dadri-II power plant, only a day’s worth of stock left and in Jhajjar (Aravalli), only 7-8 days’ worth of stock is left, as per the Delhi government.

The Dadri-II, Unchahar, Kahalgaon, Farakka and Jhajjar power plants in Delhi supply 1751 MW of electricity per day, officials said in today’s emergency meeting.

Noting that Delhi gets the maximum supply of 728 MW from Dadri-II Power Station, while 100 MW from Unchahar Power Station, officials said that in such a situation, due to disruption of power supply from these two power stations, there may be a problem in 24 hours power supply to many essential institutions including Delhi Metro and Hospitals.

As per Delhi government data, the Unchahar power plant has two days’ worth of stock left, Kahalgaon has 3.5 days worth of stock left and Farakka has five days’ worth of stock left.

According to the daily coal report of the National Power Portal, there is an acute shortage of coal at these power stations of NTPC.

Jain said that the Delhi government is monitoring the situation closely and making every possible effort to ensure that people do not face power outages in some areas of the national capital.

Presently, 25 per cent to 30 per cent of the electricity demand in Delhi is being met through these power stations, which are facing a coal shortage, he added.

“These power stations play an important role in preventing blackouts in some parts of Delhi and are also essential to ensure the continuous supply of electricity to DMRC, hospitals, and to the people of Delhi in the upcoming summer season. The Delhi Government has made an appeal to the Center to intervene and provide for an adequate supply of coal in the power plants that supply electricity to Delhi in case there is a shortage, to ensure that people in Delhi receive an unrestricted 24 hour supply of electricity,” Jain said.

For the first time in April, Delhi’s peak power demand clocked 6000 megawatt (MW) as the unabated heatwave continues to push the power demand to newer highs.

On Wednesday, the power demand was 5786 MW and it has increased by around 3.7 per cent in just 24 hours. Peak power demand in the BRPL area of South and West Delhi today clocked 2549 MW and 1375 MW in the BYPL area of East and Central Delhi, as per the data by the discoms.

IPL 2022: I Am Mentally Stronger Than Before, Says Kuldeep Yadav

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 07:21 PM PDT

Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket haul in three overs giving away only 14 runs helped Delhi Capitals restrict Kolkata Knight Riders to 146/9 in 20 overs here at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

The wily left-arm Chinaman bowler after being dropped from India’s limited-overs side believes that after facing the axe he has gone mentally stronger. His superlative performance helped him earn the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

“I might have become a better bowler, but I am mentally stronger than before. When you fail in life you pick what you can improve on and that is something I had to improve on. I don’t get scared of failing now, ” said Kuldeep Yadav in the post-match presentation ceremony.

Kuldeep Yadav dismissed KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer, Indrajith, Sunil Narine and dangerous Andre Russell and he enjoyed Russell’s wicket the most.

“I liked Russell’s wicket as I set him up, it was my plan and when there were a couple of dots I knew he would step out. This is the best IPL season for me. I am enjoying my bowling. I don’t think what the batter will do and what if I get hit. My focus has been to bowl the right line and lengths, ” explained Kuldeep Yadav.

KKR captain Shreyas Iyer was losing partners from the other end but he himself kept batting well and also struck a 48-run partnership with Nitish Rana which was bringing the two-time champions back in the game. But Kuldeep Yadav got the prized scalp of Shreyas to bring Delhi back into the game.

“I felt there was a bat but thought the ball had touched the ground but when Rishabh went up then I was positive, it was an important wicket as Shreyas was batting well,” said Kuldeep Yadav.

Kuldeep Yadav with his consistent performances has bagged 17 wickets in eight matches only one behind current ‘Purple Cap’ holder Yuzvendra Chahal who has bagged 18 wickets in as many matches.

“There has never been competition with him (Chahal). He’s like my big brother and has always backed me. He kept motivating me when I was injured and I hope he wins the Purple Cap, ” told Kuldeep Yadav.

Kuldeep Yadav’s brilliant performance with the ball helped Delhi Capitals register their fourth win of the season and they will now face Lucknow Super Giants in the next match on Sunday.

IPL 2022: Kuldeep Yadav’s Four Wickets Help DC Beat KKR By 4 Wickets

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 07:15 PM PDT

Kuldeep Yadav’s four-wicket haul and blistering knocks from David Warner and Rovman Powell powered Delhi Capitals to a four-wicket victory against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

This was Delhi Capitals’ fourth win in eight matches. Chasing a tricky 147-run target, Delhi Capitals got off to a poor start as in-form Umesh Yadav dismissed opener Prithvi Shaw caught and bowled in the very first ball of the innings for a golden duck.
In the next over, medium pacer Harshit Rana dismissed Mitchell Marsh to leave Delhi Capitals in a spot of bother at 17/2.

Lalit Yadav walked into bat with David Warner as the duo struck a much-needed partnership for DC and took the team’s total beyond the 50-run mark in 6.3 overs.
Warner batted aggressively while Lalit played a sheet anchor role and took their partnership beyond the 50-run mark. The 65-run partnership was finally broken as Umesh dismissed Warner for 42 off 26 balls as DC lost their third wicket for 82.

In the next over Sunil Narine dismissed Lalit for 22 to put Delhi under pressure at 84/4

Umesh Yadav got his third wicket, the prized scalp of DC skipper Rishabh Pant, for 2 as Delhi lost half of their side for 84.

Axar Patel and Rovman Powell struck a small partnership to take Delhi’s total into triple figures. The 29-run partnership was broken as Axar was run out for 24.
Shardul Thakur joined Powell and the West Indian played a blistering knock of unbeaten 33 off 16 balls hitting three sixes and one four to finish off the match in 19th over.

Earlier in the day after being put into bat first, Kolkata got off to a pathetic start as the opening batter Aaron Finch lost his wicket to the season debutant Chetan Sakariya in the 2nd over with only four runs on the board. Skipper Shreyas Iyer joined Venkatesh Iyer on the crease and the duo tried to anchor the innings.

Delhi got another breakthrough in the 5th over when Venkatesh Iyer got caught by Sakariya on Axar Patel’s delivery, with KKR’s total at 22/2. This was followed by a major change of events in the 7th over, when Kuldeep Yadav struck twice and sent back Baba Indrajith and Sunil Narine to the dugout, leaving the team’s total at 35/4.

Shreyas was then joined by Nitish Rana and the duo kept the scoreboard moving for KKR. They built up a 40-run partnership and brought some momentum back to their side. Their happiness could not last long as it was Kuldeep Yadav, who had the last laugh.

The spinner provided Delhi with the much-needed wicket of Shreyas Iyer in the 14th over, who departed after scoring 42 runs off 37 balls. It was followed by Andre Russell’s dismissal in the same over, leaving KKR’s total at 83/6.

Rinku Singh joined hands with Rana, and the duo then took the responsibility of carrying KKR to a decent total. They started thrashing the DC bowlers at every corner of the ground and completely changed the phase of the game.

They smashed 16 runs in the 19th over of the innings, which was bowled by Shardul Thakur. Rana also brought up his half-century in just 30 balls and the duo stitched a 60-run partnership, to bring KKR back in the game.

Delhi finally got a sigh of relief when Mustafizur Rahman dismissed Rana, Rinku and the newly joined Tim Southee in the 20th over and ended KKR’s innings at 146/9.

Brief Scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 146/9 in 20 overs (Nitish Rana 54, Shreyas Iyer 42; Kuldeep Yadav 4/14) vs Delhi Capitals 150/6 in 19 overs (David Warner 42, Rovman Powell 33*, Umesh Yadav 3/24). 

IIT Delhi Turns Blue For Delhi Capitals

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 09:20 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: As Indian Premier League (IPL) fever grips the nation, IIT Delhi turned blue to show its support for the city’s very own IPL franchise Delhi Capitals.

The reputed engineering institute held its popular cultural festival “Rendezvous 2022” from 24-26 April.


The first day of the fest (24th April) was declared DC Day, with hordes of fans turning up wearing blue to cheer for their city’s team. The celebrations kicked off with a fan meet-up where they got a chance to send in personalised wishes to the players through the DC Mail Box.


A DC stall was set up where visitors could play a range of cricket-themed games and pick up official merchandise. The students also enthusiastically participated in a reel-making competition and a marathon, both hosted by the Delhi Capitals.


One of the highlights of the fest was undoubtedly the striking Delhi Capitals mural painted on the walls of the campus’ famous “selfie spot”.

Created by artists from “Delhi Street Art”, the mural features star players Rishabh Pant, David Warner, and Axar Patel, alongside the iconic buildings of IIT’s Delhi campus.


The engagement activities at the fest reached an estimated audience of around 10,000 students over three days, making Delhi Capitals’ first college campus event in 2 years a resounding success. 

SC To Hear Plea On Rakesh Asthana As Delhi Police Chief

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 09:13 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: The Supreme Court on Thursday said that it will hear on May 18 the plea challenging the appointment of Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Rakesh Asthana as the Delhi Police Commissioner.


A bench headed by Justice Justice DY Chandrachud said to list the petition on May 18, 2022. The NGO ‘Centre for Public Interest Litigation’ (CPIL) through its advocate Prashant Bhushan, mentioned listing the matter for hearing.


The NGO though Prashant Bhushan had approached the apex court in an appeal against the October 12, 2021 order of the Delhi High Court which had upheld the Centre’s decision to appoint Asthana, Gujarat cadre 1984-batch IPS officer, as Delhi Police Commissioner four days before his superannuation on July 31, saying there was “no irregularity, illegality or infirmity” in his selection.


In the affidavit filed by the Centre, it has been maintained that he was picked “to provide effective policing on the recent law and order situation which arose in the National Capital Territory of Delhi”.


The Central government has informed the Supreme Court that there was a “compelling need” to appoint Indian Police Service Rakesh Asthana as the Delhi Police Commissioner taking into consideration the national capital’s “extremely challenging situations” of public order, policing issues, and their implications on national security.


The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) while justifying the appointment of Asthana as the Delhi Police commissioner, has informed the apex court through an affidavit that Asthana was appointed police chief of Delhi as a “special case of public interest”.


The affidavit was filed on a plea of NGO CPIL against the Delhi High Court’s order of upholding Asthana’s appointment as police chief.
Eight Delhi Police Commissioners had been appointed by the same procedure without any complaints from the petitioner, the Centre had said while accusing the petitioner of harbouring a personal vendetta against Asthana.


The affidavit had stated, “Delhi being the capital of the country has a specific and special requirement which witnessed certain untoward and extremely challenging public order problems/riots/crimes which have an international implication.

This necessitated the appointment of an experienced officer having diverse, multifarious experience of heading a police force in any large State/Central Investigating Agency/Para-military Security Forces, etc, to head the Delhi Police force.”


It had sought that the petitions challenging the appointment to be dismissed.


Asthana had also filed a separate affidavit in the court saying petitions were filed in the top court following a scathing social media campaign to malign his reputation and that petitioner NGO and Prashant Bhushan harboured a personal vendetta against him.


The Delhi High Court while dismissing a PIL challenging Asthana’s selection had said the justification and reasons given by the Centre for appointing Asthana are plausible, calling for no interference in judicial review.


Asthana, who was serving as the Director-General of Border Security Force, was appointed the Commissioner on July 27, 2021, after being shifted to the Union Territory cadre from the Gujarat cadre for the tenure of one year.


The NGO’s petition has urged the top court to set aside the Centre’s order to appoint Asthana after extending his service period.


It had termed the extension of Asthana’s tenure as well as an appointment as “illegal” as he did not have a residual tenure of mandatory six months of service at the time of his appointment as Commissioner of Police since he was to retire within 4 days.


The petition had further claimed that the Centre’s order violated the policy regarding Inter-Cadre deputation of All India Service Officers. 

Key Accused In Jahangirpuri Violence Arrested From W Bengal

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 09:03 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: A key accused in the Jahangirpuri violence was arrested from West Bengal’s East Medinipur, said the Delhi police on Thursday.


The accused has been identified as Farid alias Neetu, who is one of the prime conspirators and executors of Mohammad Ansar who was arrested earlier in the case.

According to the police, the team was chasing him for the past two weeks.

A number of hideouts were raided in Uttar Pradesh west and West Bengal. Several teams of special cell and Crime Branch who were deployed in West Bengal arrested him on Thursday from his aunt’s village.


The accused had fled from the spot after the Jahangirpuri violence. Since then, he had been changing his locations and moving across West Bengal, Delhi police said.


Farid, 34, already had six cases against his name including that of robbery, snatching, burglary and under the Arms Act, since 2010 and he is a history-sheeter in the Jahangirpuri area, informed the police.


The police have arrested 30 individuals in connection with the case including three juveniles who were sent to a correction home in Delhi.


Earlier this morning, the Delhi police arrested two persons who were identified as Jafar and Babuddin and who were brothers in relation.


Violent clashes broke out in Delhi’s Jahangirpuri on April 16 between two groups during a Hanuman Jayanti procession that left nine people injured, including eight police personnel and a civilian. 

NCB Seizes 50Kg Heroin, Rs 30 Lakh Cash From Shaheen Bagh

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 08:57 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Delhi zone has seized 50 kg of “high-quality” heroin from a residential premise in the Jamia Nagar area of Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh, the agency informed on Thursday.

A person of Indian origin has been arrested in the case.


As per Deputy Director General (DDG) Operations of NCB, Sanjay Singh, the seized heroin originated from Afghanistan and drug money is suspected to be channelled through hawala.

“NCB Delhi zone seized 50 kg high-quality heroin, 47 kg suspected narcotics, 30 lakhs drug money in cash counting machines and other incriminating materials from a residential premise in Jamia Nagar, Shaheen Bagh, yesterday (April 27),” Singh informed.


The 47 kgs of suspected narcotics have been sent to a laboratory for testing.


He further added that the drugs were kept in backpacks and jute bags and were wrapped in packets of e-commerce companies.


The agency has also raided locations in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Haryana, due to suspected links with this international drug syndicate.


Singh informed that the syndicate smuggled goods to India through the sea, and border routes, wherein they would hide heroin in legitimate goods and cargo.


“The heroin was subsequently extracted from these goods by the Indian members of the syndicates,” he said. 

Delhi’s Peak Power Demand Clocks 6000 MW

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 08:49 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Delhi’s peak power demand clocked 6000 megawatt (MW) for the first time in April as the unabated heatwave continues to push the power demand to newer highs.


On Wednesday, the power demand was 5786 MW and it has increased by around 3.7 per cent in just 24 hours.

Out of the 6000 MW, Peak power demand in the BRPL area of South and West Delhi today clocked 2549 MW and 1375 MW in the BYPL area of East and Central Delhi, as per the data by the discoms.

Peak power demand in BRPL’ area of South and West Delhi, which had clocked 3118 MW and 2815 MW during the summers of 2021 and 2020 respectively, is expected to reach around 3500 MW this year.


On the other hand, in BYPL’ area of East and Central Delhi, the peak power demand, which had reached 1656 MW and 1439 MW during the summers of 2021 and 2020 respectively, is expected to touch around 1800 MW this year.


Delhi’s ever-increasing peak power demand is expected to cross 8200 MW during the summer of 2022.

Apart from arranging adequate power, BSES has ramped up the network capacity by deploying both conventional and innovative solutions. 

Heatwave: IMD Issues Orange Alert For 5 States

Posted: 28 Apr 2022 08:39 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Amid an ongoing spell of heatwave, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued an orange alert for five states of northwestern India including Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha.


Briefing the media today, IMD Scientist RK Jenamani informed that on Wednesday (yesterday) some parts of the country recorded temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius. “In view of this, we have announced an orange warning for Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha,” he said.


Jenamani further informed that during the first week of May, there is a likeliness of witnessing western disturbances and increased chances of rain.


In an advisory, he said that under the influence of another fresh Western Disturbance likely to affect northwest India from May 2.


“Light/moderate isolated/scattered rainfall accompanied with thunderstorm/lightning is likely over the Western Himalayan Region during May 2-4,” IMD said.


“Because of this, isolated light rainfall is likely over plains of northwest India during May 3 and 4”, Jenamani added.


IMD informed heatwave conditions over Northwest and Central India during the next 5 days and over East India during the next 3 days and abate thereafter. 

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