Recent Posts

› Unlabelled › 8pm NEWSFEED

8pm NEWSFEED

9, ఏప్రిల్ 2022, శనివారం

8pm NEWSFEED

Priyanka Chopra Urges World Leaders To Help Refugees Amid Russia-Ukraine War

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 05:58 PM PDT

Amid the ongoing Russian military operation in Ukraine, Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra has made a direct appeal to all the world leaders globally “to stand up for refugees around the world”.

The ‘Baywatch’ actor took to her Instagram handle on Friday and posted a video in which she said, “World leaders this is a direct appeal to you, we need you to answer the call from activists and advocates working to support the humanitarian and refugee crisis that we are watching unfold every day in Eastern Europe. We need you to take immediate action to help displaced people from Ukraine and all around the world.” In her post’s caption, Priyanka wrote, “World leaders, we need you to stand up for refugees around the world to ensure that they get the support they need now. We can’t just stand by and watch.”

On February 24, Russia began a special military operation in Ukraine after the Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics requested help in defending themselves. What followed the military operation was a slew of sanctions imposed by the western countries targeting the Russian economy. 

US Wants Ukrainians To Win War Against Russia

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 05:50 PM PDT

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby on Friday (local time) said that the United States want Ukrainians to “win” the ongoing war with Russia.

During a press briefing, Kirby noted that Ukrainian lives are destroyed, hence America want to see the war ended. “We want Ukrainians to win this war, to see Ukraine not have to fight for its own sovereignty as it has been for eight years. We want to see Mr Putin and Russian army lose this invasion. Ukrainian lives are destroyed and obviously we want to see that end,” he said.

He also said that the Ukrainian forces could use intelligence information provided by the US to conduct counterattacks against Russia.

“When we say we want to help the Ukrainians defend themselves, we’re talking about the aggregate effort here… We’re trying to give them useful information and intelligence that allows them to defend themselves, to push back, to resist, to fight against – you can call it whatever you want – this Russian invasion, and if they were to use some of that information to conduct a counterattack, then so be it,” Kirby said during a press briefing.

However, US intelligence collection has been constrained due to the ongoing special operation in Ukraine, US media reported citing Senate sources.

The United States has multiple channels open and is sharing information with the Ukrainian government, but the intelligence is specific and being conveyed more slowly, the report said, according to Sputnik News Agency.

The shared intelligence is also being downgraded to protect sensitive sources and methods due to logistical issues with setting up secure lines with Ukrainian authorities, the report added.

On February 24, Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine after the breakaway republics of Donetsk and Luhansk appealed for help in defending themselves against Ukrainian provocations. In response to Russia’s operation, Western countries have rolled out a comprehensive sanctions campaign against Moscow.

Encounter Starts In J-K’s Anantnag, Internet Snapped For Precautionary Measures

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 05:45 PM PDT

An encounter started in the Sirhama area of Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir, informed police on Saturday.

Police and security forces are on the job to tackle the situation on the spot. The internet has been snapped in some parts of Anantnag for precautionary measures. “#Encounter has started at Sirhama area of #Anantnag. Police and security forces are on the job. The Internet has been snapped in some parts of Anantnag for precautionary measures. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice,” Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.

More details are awaited. 

Imran Khan Praises India As ‘Khuddar Quam’, Says No Superpower Can Dictate Terms To New Delhi

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 05:31 PM PDT

Lauding India as “Khuddar Quam” (very self-respecting people), Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that no superpower can dictate terms to the neighbouring country, admitting that both New Delhi and Islamabad do not share a good relationship.

“Indians are khuddar quam (very self-respecting people). No superpower can dictate terms to India,” he said on Friday during his national address on the eve of a controversial no-confidence vote that looks certain to dismiss him. He added: “I’m disappointed that only due to RSS ideology and what is done with Kashmir we don’t have a good relation.”

Raising the foreign hand charge again, Imran Khan said both India and Pakistan got their independence together but Islamabad gets used as tissue paper and thrown away by the hand of foreign forces.

“We and India got our independence together but Pakistan gets used as a tissue paper and thrown away,” he said adding that while he is not anti-American, the foreign conspiracy is an “attack on our sovereignty.”

Imran Khan government suffered a setback on Thursday as Pakistan Supreme Court set aside the ruling of the Deputy Speaker in which he had rejected the no-confidence motion brough by the opposition.

The court set aside the dissolution of the Pakistan National Assembly and all the subsequent decisions taken.

Addressing further, the Prime Minister expressed his disappointment over the Supreme Court’s decision.

“I am upset with the Supreme Court’s decision. I was upset because when the Deputy Speaker conducted the probe, the Supreme Court should have investigated it,” he said.

Pointing out at the “rampant horse-trading in the opposition camp”, Imran Khan asked: “Which country’s democracy allows these kinds of acts?”
“I am upset that when these things are happening openly, I have never seen something like this happen in a Western democracy. I have never seen people sell their conscience. The Supreme Court should take suo motu cognizance of such activities,” he said.

In an indication that his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government could lose the no-trust vote, he urged people to take to the streets on Sunday evening and said he will join them in their struggle.

“You have to come out to protest for Pakistan’s dream on Sunday evening. I will be with you. I will struggle with you. I will not accept any scenario in which an imported government is brought in Pakistan,” he said.

He also referred to his visit to Russia when Moscow launched a military operation in Ukraine and said a US official had told Pakistan diplomat that he (Imran Khan) should not have visited Russia.”

He also lashed out at PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif, who is the opposition’s choice for Prime Minister.

“We have leaders who say beggars are not choosers…he can sacrifice Pakistan’s everything for the sake of his money,” Imran Khan said.

The Supreme Court gave directions for holding the sitting of the National Assembly “not later than 10:30 am on April 9” for the no-trust vote.

The court set aside all the subsequent steps taken after the rejection of the no-confidence vote.

It also declared that the Prime Minister and federal ministers, ministers of state, advisers stand restored to their respective offices as on April 3.

The top court further ruled that the National Assembly session on the no-confidence motion must be convened by Saturday morning and must not be adjourned until a vote on the motion. 

Blistering Knocks By Gill, Tewatia Help GT Defeat PBKS In Last-Over Thriller

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 05:25 PM PDT

 Shubman Gill smashed a brilliant 96 but Rahul Tewatia stole the limelight in the end as Gujarat Titans clinched a thrilling win over Punjab Kings in the ongoing IPL 2022 here at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Friday.

Before Tewatia’s heroics, it was Shubman Gill who took his team’s total beyond the triple-figure mark. In the end, Gujarat Titans pulled off a six-wicket victory through old-fashioned stroke-play, led by Shubman Gill’s cool 96 in 59 deliveries. Gujarat’s team needed 19 runs in the last over and the Punjab captain handed the ball to Odin Smith.

After the dismissal of captain Hardik on the second ball, Tewatia , who came out to bat, changed the strike by taking 1 run. 17 runs were needed off the next 3 balls. David Miller hit a four off the fourth ball. 13 runs were needed to win and Smith hit a throw on which Tewatia took back the strike with a run.

GT needed two sixes off the final two balls and Tewatia has done it again. Tevatia returned after scoring 13 runs off 3 balls and the fans danced in the joy of victory.
With this win, GT registered their third win of IPL 2022. On the other hand, Punjab Kings faced their second defeat of this season.

During his stint with Rajasthan Royals in 2020, Rahul Tewatia stunned fans when he smashed five sixes in an over against Sheldon Cottrell, which changed the course of the game, helping his side pull off the highest run chase of 224 in the IPL.

Covid 19: Centre Asks 5 States To Maintain Strict Watch Over Rising Cases

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 05:24 PM PDT

The Centre has written to five states – Delhi, Haryana, Kerala, Maharashtra and Mizoram – on Friday over the increase in COVID-19 cases last week asking them to maintain a strict watch and take pre-emptive action if required.

Noting the significant decline in COVID-19 cases, with the country reporting less than 1,000 daily new cases for the past few days, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan in his letter to the states advised them to continue monitoring the spread of infection and undertake the required steps for prompt and effective management of COVID-19. Bhushan also stressed on the need to follow the five-fold strategy — Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination and Adherence to COVID appropriate behaviour.

lt is essential that the state must maintain a strict watch and take pre-emptive action if required in any areas of concern to control any emerging spread of infection. Testing and surveillance still remain important to track the virus, its spread & evolution,” the letter read.

The letter states that Kerala reported 2,321 new cases in the last week (ending April 8), accounting for 31.8 per cent of India’s new cases. The State has also seen an increase in positivity in the last week from 13.45 per cent to 15.53 per cent.

Mizoram has reported 814 new cases in the last week (ending April 8), accounting to 11.16 per cent of lndia’s new cases. The State has also seen an increase in positivity in the last week from 14.38 per cent to 16.48 per cent.

Maharashtra has reported 794 new cases in the last week (ending April 8), accounting for 10.9 per cent of India’s new cases. The State has also seen an increase in positivity in the last week from 0.39 per cent to 0.43 per cent.

Delhi has reported an increase in weekly new cases from 724 new cases in the week ending (April 1) to 826 new cases in the last week (ending April 8), accounting to 11.33 per cent of India’s new cases. The State has also seen an increase in positivity in the last week from 0.51 per cent to 1.25 per cent.

Haryana reported an increase in weekly new cases from 367 new cases in the week ending (April 1) to 416 new cases in the last week (ending April 8), accounting for 5.70 per cent of India’s new cases. The State has also seen an increase in positivity in the last week from 0.51 per cent to 1.06 per cent.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has assured to continue to provide requisite support to the states to bring the pandemic situation under control.

Imran Khan Sticks To ‘Foreign Conspiracy’ Charge Ahead Of No-Trust vote

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 08:40 AM PDT

A day ahead of the no-confidence motion against his government following Supreme Court orders, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday stuck to his “foreign conspiracy” allegation over efforts by the opposition to oust him from power and said people of the country need to “protect sovereignty and self-respect”.

“There was an attempt to change the regime from the outside, they decided from the outside that we don’t like him, so change him… Society has to protect… it is not about Imran Khan. If the society does not protect its sovereignty, then who will?” Imran Khan said in an interview with PTV. Imran Khan made a heavy Islamist pitch throughout the interview drawing several references from the life of Prophet Mohammad and the Quran, while also talking about the need to inculcate values in the younger generation.

Khan said that the “corrupt” opposition politicians destroyed the difference between “good” and “bad” in Pakistan.

“Our problem is that these corrupt people, by ruling this country, again and again, with an entire set-up colluding with them, the entire mafia colluding with them, even people in the media… they destroyed the difference between good and bad. If you want to destroy a society, destroy the difference between good and bad,” Imran Khan said.

“We have leaders who say beggars are not choosers,” Imran Khan said referring to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Shehbaz Sharif chief who is the opposition candidate to replace Imran Khan if the no-trust vote succeeds.

“We are poor, so we are slaves… Does that mean we will remain slaves forever? They say America has kept us on life support machine… When you have leaders like that, they destroy the potential of society,” Khan further said attacking Shehbaz Sharif.

Imran Khan government suffered a setback on Thursday as Pakistan Supreme Court set aside the ruling of the Deputy Speaker in which he had rejected the no-confidence motion brough by the opposition.

The court set aside the dissolution of the Pakistan National Assembly and all the subsequent decisions taken. It gave directions for holding a sitting of the National Assembly “not later than 10:30 am on April 9” for the no-trust vote.

Reinstating the National Assembly, the court also declared that the Prime Minister and federal ministers, ministers of state, advisers, etc, stand restored to their respective offices as on April 3.

The top court further ruled that the National Assembly session on the no-confidence motion must be held on Saturday and must not be adjourned until a vote on the motion.

During the interview, Khan made no references to the Supreme Court verdict.

Thailand Open: Amit, Ananta And Sumit Advance To Finals

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 08:18 AM PDT

Indian boxers Amit Panghal, Ananta Chopde and Sumit made their way into the final while three women boxers signed off with bronze medals at the 2022 Thailand Open International Boxing Tournament in Phuket on Friday.

Manisha (57kg), Pooja (69kg) and Bhagyabati Kachari (75kg) are the three women pugilists who ended their campaigns after conceding losses in their respective semi-finals. The 2018 Asian Games champion Panghal started the day’s proceedings aggressively when he outclassed Vietnam’s Tran van Thao in a one-sided 52kg semi-final. Panghal showed a brilliant display of counter-attacking boxing and swift movement to register a commanding win by unanimous decision.

Chopde too produced a strong show against another boxer from Vietnam Bui Trong Thai and notched up an easy 5-0 win in the 54kg category. On the other hand, in the 75kg Last-4 contest, Sumit faced a tough challenge from Kazakhstan’s Ayatulla Takizhanov. But the Indian managed to hold the edge over his opponent before securing a thrilling 4-1 victory.

Later in the day, Pooja and Manisha fought hard but suffered losses by similar margins 1-4 against Thailand’s Baison Manikon and the 2020 Olympic bronze medallist Italy’s Irma Testa respectively while Kachari lost to Hergie Bacyadan of the Philippines by 0-5 margin.

With Ashish Kumar (81kg), Monika (48kg), Govind Sahani (48kg) and Varinder Singh (60kg) already entering the finals on Wednesday, seven Indians will now fight for gold medals on Saturday with an aim to better the last edition’s record of one gold medal.

National Assembly To Vote On No-Trust Motion Against Imran At 10:30 AM Tomorrow

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 07:44 AM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]: Pakistan’s National Assembly Secretariat on Friday issued an order for a session to be held over the no-trust vote against the Prime Minister Imran Khan at 10.30 am on Saturday.


This comes at a time when the Pakistan Supreme Court on Thursday set aside the ruling of the Deputy Speaker which rejected the no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan government and gave directions for holding a sitting of the National Assembly “not later than 10:30 am on April 9 for the no-trust vote. The court set aside all the subsequent steps taken after the rejection of the no-confidence vote and reinstated the National Assembly.


It also declared that the Prime Minister and federal ministers, ministers of state, advisers, etc, stand restored to their respective offices as of April 3.


“The Speaker is under a duty to summon and hold a sitting of the Assembly in the present Session, and shall do so immediately and in any case not later than 10:30 a.m. on Saturday 09.04.2022, to conduct the business of the House as per the Orders of the Day that had been issued for 03.04.2022 and in terms as stated in, and required by, Article 95 of the Constitution read with Rule 37 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly Rules, 2007 (“Rules”),” the Supreme Court verdict said.


The top court further ruled that the National Assembly session on the no-confidence motion must be held on Saturday and must not be adjourned until a vote on the motion.


The Supreme Court also said that if Imran Khan is removed as a result of the no-confidence motion, the new leader of the House should be elected in the same session.


The opposition appeared to have the numbers for the no-confidence motion with some allies of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) deciding to part ways. Several members of PTI had also turned rebels. 

Mumbai Terror Mastermind Hafiz Saeed Sentenced To 31 Years In Jail By Pak Court

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 07:29 AM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]: Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed was Sentenced To 31 Years by a Pakistan anti-terrorism court on Friday.


The court also imposed a fine of PKR 3,40,000 on the UN-designated terrorist who is co-founder of the Lashkar-e-Toiba terror outfit, local media reported. The sentence was handed out by Ejaz Ahmad Buttar, Judge, Lahore Anti-Terrorism court under various sections of Pakistan’s Anti-terrorism Act, 1997.


“This is to authorise and require you, the said Superintendent to receive the said convict Hafiz Muhammad Saeed s/o Kamal Din into your custody in the said jail, with this warrant and to keep him there safely until you receive further warrant or order of this court, carrying into effect the order of the court according to law,” the warrant of commitment of sentence read.


He has been in Lahore central jail since his sentencing in 2020 in a terror funding case before Hafiz Saeed was sentenced to 31 years.


Pakistan has been on the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for failing to check money laundering leading to terror financing.


Hafiz Saeed, the founder of the terror organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is a United Nations designated terrorist, who is the mastermind of Mumbai terror attack in November 2008. He heads the Jamaat-ud-Dawa terror outfit. 

TEST

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 06:06 AM PDT

Tax Revenues In 2021-22 Exceed Budget Estimates By Rs 5 lakh Crore

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 05:35 AM PDT

Tax revenue in the financial year ended March 31, 2022, rose to Rs 27.07 lakh crore, which is nearly Rs 5 lakh crore more than the budgetary estimate of Rs 22.17 lakh crore for the year, Union Finance Ministry said on Friday.

The tax revenue during 2021-22 is 34 per cent higher than Rs 20.27 lakh crore recorded in 2020-21. The tax revenue collection is led by 49 per cent jump in revenue from direct taxes. Collection from indirect taxes grew by 20 per cent year-on-year. This revenue growth has been propelled by rapid economic recovery after successive waves of COVID, supported by one of the largest immunisation programme of the world run by the Government, Revenue Secretary Tarun Bajaj said at a media briefing here.

It also signifies a robust recovery in the economy. These were also supplemented with better compliance efforts in taxation. Various efforts were taken by tax administration on direct as well indirect taxes to nudge higher compliance through use of technology and artificial intelligence, he said.

2021-22 marks the highest tax-GDP ratio of 11.7 per cent, with direct tax to GDP ratio at 6.1 per cent and indirect tax to GDP ratio at 5.6 per cent.

The tax buoyancy (which is a measure of growth in tax revenues as compared to GDP growth) is at a very healthy figure of 1.9, with 2.8 for direct taxes and 1.1 for indirect taxes. The ratio of direct to indirect taxes recovered from 0.9 in 2020-21 back to 1.1 in 2021-22.

The gross corporate taxes during 2021-22 was Rs 8.6 lakh crore against Rs 6.5 lakh crore in the previous year, which shows that the new simplified tax regime with low rates and no exemptions has lived upto its promise.

During the year, Income tax department gave refunds of Rs 2.24 lakh core. During last two years, the effort has been to clear backlog of refunds to infuse liquidity into the hands of businesses. During the year, 2.4 crore refunds were issued that included 2.01 crore related to the year 2021-22, for which the returns were filed till 31st March 2021.

This has been possible due to faster processing of returns. During 2021-22, 22.4 per cent returns were processed on the same day and around 75 per cent returns were processed in less than a month time. The average processing time for returns during 2021-22 was 26 days. During the year, 7.14 crore returns were filed as compared to 6.97 crore last year.

On the indirect taxes, GST has seen an exemplary growth during 2021-22 despite two waves of COVID-19 pandemic. CGST revenues increased from Rs 4.6 lakh crore in 2020-21 to Rs 5.9 lakh crore in 2021-22. The average monthly gross GST revenue in 2021-22 was Rs 1.23 lakh crore as compared to Rs 94,734 in 2020-21 and Rs 1.01 lakh crore in 2019-20.

This signifies a robust rebound in the economy. This has been complemented due to various measures taken to improve compliance. The GSTR-3B filing (percentage of returns of the previous month filed till the end of the month) improved from 74 per cent in September 2020 to 87 per cent in February 2022.

The GSTR-1 filing has significantly improved from 54 per cent in September 2020 to 82 per cent in February 2022. This also shows that the gap between GSTR-3B filing and GSTR-1 filing has completely narrowed down to the level of elimination. This shows that the GST ecosystem has appreciated the invoice-based discipline in GST, which not only benefits GST revenues but also contributes to overall formalisation in the economy, Finance Ministry said in a statement.

The level of economic recovery can also be seen from the value of e-way bills generated every month, which has improved from Rs 16.9 lakh crore in January 2021 to Rs 25.7 lakh crore in March 2022.

During 2021-22, Customs duty has witnessed a growth rate of 48 per cent. During the last two years, the Government has undertaken comprehensive review and rationalisation of the Customs tariff structure through extensive consultations and crowd sourcing and has rationalized various exemptions and simplified the tariff structure.

“It is expected that the trend of recovery in the economy and tax revenues of the Government will continue to grow,” the ministry said. 

Precaution Dose Of COVID-19 Vaccine To Be Available For All Above 18 Years From April 10

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 05:21 AM PDT

The precaution dose will now be available to the 18 plus population group from April 10 at private COVID-19 vaccination centres, said the Union Health Ministry on Friday.

All those who are more than 18 years of age and have completed nine months after the administration of the second dose, would be eligible for the precaution dose, the ministry said in a statement. This facility would be available in all private vaccination centres.

India started administering precaution dose to frontline workers, healthcare workers and those above the age of 60 years with comorbidities on January 10 this year. Later, on March 16, the vaccination drive for precaution dose was extended to all adults above the age of 60 years.

The Health Ministry informed that so far, about 96 per cent of all 15+ population in the country have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose while about 83 per cent of 15+ population has received both doses of the vaccine.

More than 2.4 crore precaution doses have also been administered to healthcare workers, frontline workers and those above 60 years of age.

A total of 45 per cent of 12 to 14 years age group have also received the first dose. They are being administered Corbevax vaccine, which is manufactured by Biological E.

The ongoing free vaccination programme through government vaccination centres for the first and second dose to the eligible population as well as precaution dose to healthcare workers, frontline workers and those aged above 60 years would continue and would be accelerated, the ministry said.

Sensex Surges 412 Points As RBI Keeps Policy Rates Unchanged

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 05:13 AM PDT

The Indian equities markets benchmark Sensex jumped 412 points on Friday led by a strong buying support in the index heavyweight Reliance Industries as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept key policy rates unchanged in its first monetary policy review of the current financial year.

The 30 stock S&P BSE Sensex closed 412.23 points or 0.70 per cent higher at 59,447.18 points against its previous day’s close at 59,034.95 points. The Sensex was under selling pressure in the morning trade. It opened in the positive at 59,256.97 points but soon slipped into the red. It fell to a low of 58,876.36 points. The index witnessed strong buying support in the afternoon session. It rose to a high of 59,654.44 points in the intra-day.

The broader Nifty 50 of the National Stock Exchange jumped 144.80 points or 0.82 per cent to 17,784.35 points against its previous day’s close at 17,639.55 points. The Nifty touched a high of 17,842.75 points and low of 17,600.55 points in the intra-day.
The markets rallied sharply after the Reserve Bank of India kept key policy interest rates unchanged for the 11th time in a row.

In the first monetary policy review of the financial year 2022-23, the Central Bank kept the key policy repo rate unchanged. The RBI’s six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted unanimously to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 4 per cent. The repo rate is the interest rate at which the RBI lends short-term funds to banks.

The reverse repo rate, the interest rate at which the RBI borrows from banks, remains unchanged at 3.35 per cent. The marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank rate also remain unchanged at 4.25 per cent. This is the 11th time in a row that the central bank has kept key policy interest rates unchanged.

ITC surged 4.36 per cent to Rs 267.80. Mahindra & Mahindra jumped 2.70 per cent to Rs 857.10. Dr Reddy’s Laboratories soared 2.67 per cent to Rs 4432.
The index heavyweight Reliance Industries soared 1.75 per cent to Rs 2616.75. Titan soared 2.26 per cent to Rs 2514.50.

Only eight of the 30 scrips that are part of the Sensex closed in the red. Tech Mahindra fell 1.18 per cent to Rs 1451.60. Maruti Suzuki fell 1.04 per cent to Rs 7557.70. NTPC, HCL Technologies, Sun Pharma, HDFC and HDFC Bank were among the major Sensex losers. 

EU Strongly condemns Attack On Train Station In Ukraine: Borrell

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 03:05 AM PDT

“EU ‘strongly condemns’ attack on Ukraine train station” said foreign policy chief Borrell. EU’s Von der Leyen, Borrell further added that they were en route to Kyiv.

Taking to twitter, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Friday that she was en route to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv alongside the bloc’s diplomatic chief Josep Borrell.

“Looking forward to Kyiv,” Von der Leyen wrote on Twitter.

At least 35 people were killed earlier today in a rocket attack on a train station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk, which was being used for civilian evacuations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described Russia as an “evil with no limits” after the rocket attack. “They are cynically destroying the civilian population. This is an evil that has no limits. And if it is not punished, it will never stop,” he said.

Britain added Russian President Vladimir Putin’s daughters to its sanctions list, mirroring moves by the United States.

JEE Main 2022 Postponed Again Both Sessions In June And July

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 02:24 AM PDT

New Delhi: The JEE Mains have been postponed again. The National Testing Agency on Wednesday released a revised schedule for the conduct of Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) Mains 2022. The schedule has been revised for both sessions 1 and 2.

Revised schedule:

Exam/SessionEarlier datesRevised dates
JEE (Main) Session 121,24,25,29 April and 1,4 May 202220, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 June, 2022
JEE (Main) Session 224,25,26,27,28,29 May 202221,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29 and 30 July 2022

The development came after students and IIT aspirants demanded a delay in conducting the exam. NTA has advised students to keep visiting their official websites nta.ac.in and jeemain.nta.nic.in. for more updates on the exam.

The registration period for session of JEE (Main) 2022 is over now, and the date of commencement of registration for session 2 will be intimated soon. Likewise, the city of examination and details for admit card will also be informed later.

Today’s order is in continuation with a public order dated March 14. The NTA had received a representation from several student groups and stakeholders, seeking changes in the JEE Mains exam dates. The representation was submitted to avoid a direct clash with the board exams. The NTA then decided to postpone the JEE Main 2022 by a week.

Last year, the JEE Mains was held in four sessions. However, this year, the authorities have returned to the original format. 

Indian Army Learns From Russia-Ukraine War – To Relook At Battle Tank Design

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 02:15 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]): Amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine where the anti-tank missiles have achieved significant success against armour, the Indian Army is going to incorporate the lessons of the conflict in the Battle Tank Design especially of the main battle tank.


In the Ukraine-Russia conflict, reports from the war zone have suggested that the Ukrainians have extensively used anti-tank guided missiles to exploit the weakness of the Russian armoured vehicles and achieved significant success too. Indian armed forces have been keeping a close eye on the developments on the battlefield as a lot of equipment is common including the tanks being used there and they want to incorporate learnings to better battle tank design.


The inputs are being analysed and the lessons would be incorporated into the design of the futuristic main battle tanks that would be produced and used by the Indian Army in coming years, government sources said.


The Indian Army has been one of the biggest users of Russian armour including the T-90, T-72 and BMP-series infantry combat vehicles which are the mainstay of the force.


The Indian Army earlier used to deploy these tanks only along the desert and plain borders with Pakistan but they have now become the face of Indian resolve along the China border too as large numbers are deployed there from Ladakh to Sikkim.


In the Russia-Ukraine war going on for around 46 days now, a number of European and North American nations are supplying anti-tank and anti-aircraft equipment such as the Carl Gustaf anti-tank rocket launchers, NLAWs and AT-4s.


Officials familiar with the armoured operations said the design of the tanks is at least three to four decades old but the anti-tank missiles and rockets have been designed as per the latest requirements and have an upper hand in the present scenario.


The Indian designers would make an attempt to offset that advance in the futuristic main battle tanks that would be built some years from now, they said.

Indian Envoy Denies Reports Of Troop Deployment In Sri Lanka

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 01:50 AM PDT

Colombo [Sri Lanka]: Gopal Baglay, India’s High Commissioner of Sri Lanka on Friday has categorically denied reports of Troop deployment in Sri Lanka and said that it was a rumour floating around since April 1.


The rejection came in a virtual press conference of the Indian High Commissioner. On being asked over the troop deployment in Sri Lanka, Baglay called it a rumour floating around since April 1, adding that the Commission rejected the claim right away, “it should not be spread and that it is baseless”.


Sri Lanka is battling a severe economic crisis with food and fuel scarcity affecting a large number of the people in the island nation. The economy has been in a free-fall since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.


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


Discussing the economic crisis and Indian assistance to the island nation, Baglay said, “Indian help to Sri Lanka is quite significant. At a crucial time, India stepped up its efforts, we have come to aid and assist, and we have come up to support our close friend. Sri Lanka is India’s closest maritime neighbour and is at the confluence of three important streams of India’s foreign policy which are Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Neighbourhood First policy and the doctrine of SAGAR.


Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is the phrase that finds its origin in the Maha Upanishad, essentially meaning “the world is family”. It has been used to broadly convey India’s ideal and liberal concept of global norms, themes of globalisation, or global commons.


India shares its geographical boundary with Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. India’s policy towards its immediate neighbourhood is based on efforts to build peace and cooperation in South Asia. Its Neighbourhood First policy, accords primacy to nations in the periphery with a focus on encouraging trade, connectivity and people-to-people contact.


Meanwhile, through Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), India seeks to deepen economic and security cooperation with its maritime neighbours and assist in building its maritime security capabilities. For this, India would cooperate on the exchange of information, coastal surveillance, the building of infrastructure and strengthening their capabilities.


Baglay further said that both countries are civilisational twins and both share the joys and pains of each other.


“Not only geographically, and in terms of economic aspirations, being diverse democracies, but also from the cultural and civilisational point of view, India and Sri Lanka share good stand from thousands of years, in fact in essence they are civilisational twins,” said Baglay.


He gave the example of the COVID-19 pandemic when both countries behaved like twins, feeling the pain of each other.


“When India suffered during COVID (peak) there were prayers from Sri Lanka, when Sri Lanka suffered due to COVID, India helped them with medicines and other essentials. We have been in close contact and discussions with the Government of Sri Lanka for post-COVID economic recovery,” said the Indian High Commissioner.


Referring to the present economic crisis, Baglay said that in the same symbiotic manner, “India has come forward with humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka. This complements the main elements in our relations.”


“We have sent a rice consignment from India to Sri Lanka…Rs 18.5 thousand crores help provided to Sri Lanka. There will also be an investment in infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka,” he added.


Further, he stated that both countries were focussing on currency -currency swaps; extending credit for fuel and food; energy security, and encouraging Indian investment in Sri Lanka to help its “civilisational twin”.


“In view of discussions with Sri Lankan Government for post-COVID economic recovery, the focus has been on support for currency-currency swap; extending credit for fuel and food; energy security, and encouraging Indian investment in Sri Lanka,” said Baglay.


Taking a dig at China, he said that the investment made by India in Sri Lanka is demand-driven and is transparent in nature.


“Our development model is very demand-driven and we don’t have administrative overhead,” said Baglay.


China has been expanding its presence in the Island-nation through its ‘debt diplomacy. Sri Lanka is grappling with a big debt as well as China’s growing dominance in the region.


Talking about Sri Lankan refugees, who are migrating to India, he said, “There are family ties on both sides, marriage ties. I do not see them as economic refugees.”

AAI To Provide Platform To Local Artisans For Selling Self-made Products At Airports

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 12:46 AM PDT

In the line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of encouraging the talent of women, artisans and craftsmen and providing them with the right opportunities, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has taken an initiative to allocate space to Self Help Groups (SHGs) at its airports for selling or showcasing the self-made products of their region.

According to the AAI’s official statement, Under Airport as Venue for skilled artisans Of The Region (AVSAR) which is an initiative of AAI, an opportunity to help the indigent to mobilize their households into functionally effective self-earned groups for self-reliance and self-dependence, has been provided. Under this scheme, an area of 100-200 square feet has been earmarked at each AAI-operated airport.

“The space is being allotted to the self-help groups, turn on turn basis, for a duration of 15 days. Few outlets have already been commissioned at Chennai, Agartala, Dehradun, Kushinagar, Udaipur and Amritsar Airport wherein SHGs operated by local women, are showcasing and marketing their homemade local products like puffed rice, packaged papad, pickles, bamboo-based ladies bag/bottle/lamp sets, local artifacts, traditional craft, natural dyes, embroidery and indigenous weaves with contemporary design to the air travellers,” it said.

More AAI Airports are in the process of allotting space in coordination with the State Government to such Self-Help Groups which include Ranchi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Indore, Bhopal, Vadodara, Ranchi, Belagavi, Madurai, Coimbatore, Calicut, Surat, Bhubaneshwar, Raipur, Silchar, Dibrugarh and Jorhat.

Self-help Groups are India’s most powerful channels for empowering small and rural communities to move from subsistence to sustainability. The government is constantly creating an atmosphere to strengthen the SHGs’.

Many such groups are excellent producers, creators of local arts and crafts, useful and quality products with demand from the consumers and they need opportunity and space to showcase their products.

The initiative to strengthen SHGs by allotting space at AAI Airports will provide huge visibility to these small groups and will prepare them to promote/market their products to the wider spectrum, reaching out to the larger population.

Card-Less Cash Withdrawal To Be Made Available At All ATMs: RBI

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 12:23 AM PDT

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday proposed to make card-less cash withdrawal facility available across all banks and automated teller machine (ATM) networks using unified payments interface (UPI).

“At present, the facility of card-less cash withdrawal through ATMs is limited only to a few banks. It is now proposed to make card-less cash withdrawal facility available across all banks and ATM networks using the UPI,” RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said in his first monetary policy statement for the financial year 2022-23. Under the card-less cash withdrawal facility, a customer is not required to use his/her debit or credit cards while withdrawing cash from ATMs.

“In addition to enhancing the ease of transactions, the absence of the need for a physical card for such transactions would help prevent frauds such as card skimming, card cloning, etc,” he said.

Prices Of Fruits, Veggies Surge Following Fuel Price Hike

Posted: 08 Apr 2022 12:13 AM PDT

The prices of essential commodities, including fruits and vegetables in different parts of the country have been rising, burning a hole in the pocket of the common man.

The hike in the price of fruits and vegetables comes as the country is witnessing a surge in fuel prices, including Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). In Gujarat’s Surat, the price of lemon has gone up to Rs 300 per kilogram due to increased demand and shortage in supply.

This demand for lemon has been rising amid the nationwide celebration of Chaitra Navratri and Ramzan, during this scorching summer.

“The price of lemon has also increased extensively due to the damage to lemon plants during cyclone last year in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat,” said a vegetable wholesaler in Surat.

In Uttarakhand, the prices of almost all vegetables have increased, with lemons being sold at Rs 200-250 per kg and bitter gourd at Rs 30-35 per kg in the mandi .

“The regular increase in fuel prices directly impacts the vendors and buyers. The prices of the fruits and vegetables have gone up,” said a vegetable vendor in a mandi in Uttarakhand.

Amid rising prices, the vendors are afraid of potential losses. They hold the increase in transportation cost as one of the reasons for higher rates of fruits and vegetables.

“The transportation of vegetables and fruits now costs around Rs 6,000 (which was earlier Rs 3,000), so to compensate for that, we have to sell fruits and vegetables at higher prices,” said a vendor.

In Puducherry, the prices of watermelon have surged by Rs 50.
The price of tomatoes, chillies, radish, pumpkin, and gourd in Bihar witnessed a jump last week, with the traders saying that the hike in fuel prices was behind this surge.
The country has been witnessing a rise in the prices of petrol, diesel, and CNG. Petrol in the national capital cost Rs 105.41, whereas, in Mumbai, it has surpassed the mark of Rs 120 on Wednesday.

RBI Cuts Real GDP Growth Projection To 7.2 PC For FY 23

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 11:07 PM PDT

While maintaining an accommodative stance, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday cut the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth projection for the current Financial Year 2022-23 to 7.2 per cent, against the earlier projection of 7.8 per cent.

The inflation forecast has also been hiked from 4.5 per cent to 5.7 per cent for the FY 2022-23. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, in his Monetary Policy Statement, said, “Real GDP growth for the year 2022-23 is now projected at 7.2 per cent; with Quarter 1 of FY 2022-23 at 16.2 per cent, Quarter 2 at 6.2 per cent, Quarter 3 at 4.1 per cent and Quarter 4 at 4 per cent.”

The inflation, projected at 5.7 per cent in 2022-23, is seen averaging 6.3 per cent in Q1, 5 per cent in Q2, 5.4 per cent in Q3 and 5.1 per cent in Q4.

“Given the excessive volatility in global crude oil prices since late February, and the extreme uncertainty over the evolving geopolitical tensions, any projection of growth and inflation is fraught with risk and is largely contingent upon future oil and commodity price developments,” the RBI Governor said while informing the change in the projection.

The projections were revised assuming that crude oil would be in the Indian basket at USD 100 per barrel during the year 2020-23.

Meanwhile, as per the Second Advance Estimates released by the National Statistics Office on February 28, the Real GDP rose by 8.9 per cent in 2021-22.

“Private consumption and fixed investment, however, remain subdued with these two components being only 1.2 per cent and 2 per cent respectively, above their pre-pandemic levels,” Das said.

Other than keeping the interest rate unchanged at 4 per cent, the Reserve Bank has decided to restore the width of liquidity adjustment facilities, i.e. LAF corridor to 50 basis points – the position that prevailed before the pandemic. This has been done to “ensure liquidity”.

Das also informed that the Foreign exchange reserves of India are at a very comfortable level.

RBI Keeps Repo, Reverse Repo Rates Unchanged For 11th Time In Row

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 10:59 PM PDT

Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee on Friday voted to keep the benchmark repo and reverse repo rates unchanged for the 11th consecutive time.

“MPC voted unanimously to leave the repo rate unchanged at 4 per cent. MPC also voted unanimously to keep the stance accommodative,” RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said in his Monetary Policy Statement. The repo rate is the interest rate at which the RBI lends short-term funds to banks.

The reverse repo rate, the interest rate at which the RBI borrows from banks, remains unchanged at 3.35 per cent.

Notably, the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate have remained unchanged at 4.25 per cent, Das informed.

“We are confronted with new but humongous challenges. Shortage in key commodities, fractures in international financial architecture and fear of de-globalisation. Extreme volatility characterises commodity and financial markets,” the RBI Governor said while mentioning that the global economy is witnessing “tectonic shifts” with the commencement of the war in Europe, followed by sanctions and escalating geopolitical tensions.

“While the pandemic quickly morphed from a health crisis to one of life and livelihood, conflict in Europe has the potential to derail the global economy. Caught in the cross-currents of multiple headwinds, our approach needs to be cautious but proactive in mitigating the adverse impact on India’s growth, inflation and financial conditions,” he said.

Keeping the approach ” cautious, but proactive”, Das said that the RBI is emphasizing on three different aspects which will place India in a position that would enable it to deal with the merging crisis and challenges.

The first, as the RBI Governor listed, was a significant improvement in the external sector. “Second, Foreign Exchange Reserves which are at very comfortable levels. Third, substantial strengthening of the financial sector,” Das said.

This is the 11th consecutive policy review when the RBI has decided to maintain a status quo on key policy rates. The central bank has not changed repo and reverse repo rates since May 2020.

Das said the Monetary Policy Committee has also decided to maintain an accommodative policy stance. 

PM Modi Invites Citizens To Share ‘Inspiring Life Journeys’ For ‘Mann Ki Baat’

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 10:47 PM PDT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday invited people to share their thoughts on themes and issues that matter to them for the upcoming episode of Mann ki Baat, said a press release by the Prime Minister’s Office.

As per the PMO, the ideas can be shared through applications including MyGov, Namo App, or by dialling the number 1800-11-7800 to record the message. The 88th episode of Mann Ki Baat will take place on April 24, 2022, stated the press release.

Inviting people to share inspiring stories, the Prime Minister tweeted, “Through Mann Ki Baat, we celebrate the extraordinary feats of grassroots level change-makers. Do you know of such inspiring life journeys? Share them for this month’s programme on the 24th. Write on MyGov, NaMo App or dial 1800-11-7800 to record a message.”

‘Mann ki Baat’ is a radio programme, aired on All India Radio on the last Sunday of every month, through which Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with the nation. 

Russia Admits ‘Significant’ Troop Losses In Ukraine Conflict

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 09:57 PM PDT

Russia on Thursday has admitted to suffering significant losses on the battlefield as a result of the conflict with Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov briefly admitted that Russia had suffered a “significant” loss of its troops in Ukraine, calling the casualties “a huge tragedy” for the country in an interview with Sky News. “We have significant losses of troops. It’s a huge tragedy for us,” said Peskov while replying to Russian losses.

When asked about the Russian President ending up in a war crimes case, he said, “No, he is not. We don’t see any possibility for it.”

In the latest move by the international community, Russia has been suspended from the Human Rights Council (HRC) in response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in the General Assembly of the United Nations.

The UN General Assembly suspended Russia from the Human Rights Council in a 93-24 vote, with 58 countries abstaining.

Meanwhile, the European Union will commit a further 500 million euros (USD 543 million) in military support to Ukraine, European Commission President Charles Michel announced Thursday.

The pledge takes the EU’s military aid to Ukraine to a total of 1.5 billion euros (USD 1.63 billion) since Russia launched its invasion on February 24, he said in a tweet.
“Thanks and support to @JosepBorrellF for your proposal to top up the #EuropeanPeaceFacility with a further EUR500M. Once swiftly approved this will bring to 1.5 billion the EU support already provided for military equipment for #Ukraine. @ZelenskyyUa,” tweeted Michel.

The European Peace Facility, created in 2021, is an emergency fund of 5.69 billion euros that allows the EU to quickly finance military operations and “preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security,” according to the EU.

Moreover, The Kyiv Independent reported on Friday that the Sumy region is completely free of Russian forces.

Sumy Oblast Governor Dmytro Zhyvytsky announced on Facebook that the region is clear of Russia’s forces, but that explosions may still be heard as rescue service workers dispose of ammunition left by the Russian military.

3 Crore ‘Pucca’ Houses Constructed Under Awas Yojana- PM Modi

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 09:44 PM PDT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced the completion of 3 crore ‘pucca’ houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for the poor and said that the houses have also become the “symbol of women empowerment”.

“We have made an important step in our resolve to provide pucca house to every poor of the country. The construction of more than three crore houses has been possible only with the participation of the people. These houses with basic facilities have also become a symbol of women’s empowerment today,” tweeted PM Modi in Hindi.

Under the PM Awas Yojana (rural), the construction of 2.52 crore houses has been finished. For this, the amount of Rs 1.95 lakh crore was sanctioned.

As many as 58 lakh houses have been constructed under the PM Awas Yojana (urban) so far. An amount of Rs 1.18 lakh crore was sanctioned for the purpose.
Every house comes with basic facilities including the gas connection under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, water connection and electricity.

Delhi Capitals Skipper Rishabh Pant Fined For Slow Over-rate

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 08:04 PM PDT

Delhi Capitals have been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate against Lucknow Super Giants here at the DY Patil Stadium on Thursday.

As it was the team’s first offence of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences so Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant was fined Rs 12 lakh. It turned out to be a disappointing day for Delhi Capitals as they lost the match to Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets and their skipper Rishabh Pant faced a hefty fine of Rs 12 lakh.

Earlier, Nitish Rana from Kolkata Knight Riders has been reprimanded and fined 10 per cent of his match-fee for breaching the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Code of Conduct during his team’s match against Mumbai Indians at Pune.
Rana admitted to the Level 1 offence of the IPL Code of Conduct and accepted the sanction.

While Jasprit Bumrah from Mumbai Indians has been reprimanded for breaching the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Code of Conduct during his team’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Pune.

Bumrah admitted to the Level 1 offence of the IPL Code of Conduct and accepted the sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding.

We Were 10-15 Runs Short, Says DC’s Rishabh Pant After Loss To LSG

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 07:59 PM PDT

After facing defeat against Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets, Delhi Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant said they were 10-15 runs short and can’t complain about the loss.

A brilliant 80-run knock by Quinton de Kock and quick 10 runs by Ayush Badoni, guided Lucknow Super Giants to victory by 6 wickets in a last-over thriller against Delhi Capitals at Dr DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai on Thursday. “When the dew is like that you can’t be complaining, as a batting unit we were 10-15 short. At the end Avesh and Holder pulled it back, credit to them. We were talking about giving 100 per cent till the last ball of the 40th over, no matter what happens [on his chat to the team before the start of the second innings]. The powerplay was fine, we didn’t get any wicket, our spin attack did well in the middle overs but in the end we were 10-15 short,” said Rishabh Pant in a post-match presentation.

Also Read: Brilliant 80 Runs By Quinton De Kock Help LSG In Defeating DC

Chasing 150, Lucknow had an amazing start as the openers, KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock took their side across the 50-run mark in just 7 overs. The duo stitched a brilliant partnership of 70 runs and provided Lucknow with great momentum.

Delhi Capitals finally took a sigh of relief when Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Rahul, who got caught by Prithvi Shaw, after scoring 24 runs, with the team’s total at 73/1 in the 10th over. De Kock was then joined by Evin Lewis and they kept the scoreboard moving for Lucknow.

De Kock scored his half-century in 36 balls, which put Delhi under heavy pressure. It was Lalit Yadav, who dismissed Lewis in the 13th over after he scored 5 runs. Deepak Hooda came to the crease to join De Kock, who anchored the innings and kept on thrashing Delhi bowlers at regular intervals.

Kuldeep Yadav struck again and finally ended the reign of de Kock, who departed after playing a blistering knock of 80 runs off 52 balls, with the team’s total at 122/3 in the 16th over. Hooda was then joined by Krunal Pandya.

Delhi finally saw a ray of hope when Shardul Thakur conceded only 5 runs in the 18th over and brought his side back into the game. But it was Krunal Pandya, who sent a ball for a six and scored 14 runs in the 19th over, which was bowled by Mustafizur Rahman.

Shardul once again came as a saviour for his side and removed Hooda on the first delivery of the final over. Later, Ayush Badoni came to the crease and scored 10 runs off 3 balls and took his side to the victory by 6 wickets and two balls to spare.

‘Hey Hey Rise Up’: Pink Floyd Releases Song In Support Of Ukraine

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 07:51 PM PDT

British rock band Pink Floyd has released a song in support of Ukraine, under the group’s banner, ‘Hey Hey Rise Up’.

The newly released song features vocals by Ukrainian singer Andriy Khlyvniuk from his video singing a folk song in the capital city of Kyiv, which became the unofficial anthem amid the Ukraine-Russia war. Reportedly, the proceeds of the song will go for humanitarian relief.

The lead vocalist of the song is not David Gilmour but rather a Ukrainian singer, whose cappella vocals from an Instagram post shot in Kyiv’s Sofiyskaya Square have been set to music by the veteran band.

“We, like so many, have been feeling the fury and the frustration of this vile act of an independent, peaceful democratic country being invaded and having its people murdered by one of the world’s major powers,” Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour tweeted.

The music for the new song was recorded on March 30 by longtime members Gilmour and Nick Mason, along with longtime bass player Guy Pratt and keyboardist Nitin Sawhney, Variety reported.

The vocalist grafted into the new Pink Floyd track is Andriy Khlyvnyuk of the Ukrainian band Boombox.

They have been taken from an Instagram video he posted five weeks ago in which he sings a World War I-era Ukrainian protest song, ‘The Red Viburnum In The Meadow’, which has seen a revival as a cry against the Russian war upon Ukraine.

The final line of the song translates as “Hey hey, rise up and rejoice.”

As per Variety, a music video is on the way as well, also shot on March 30, directed by Mat Whitecross while the players were still assembled for the recording session.

Russia Suspended From Human Rights Council By UNGA

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 07:25 PM PDT

UN General Assembly suspended Russia from Human Rights Council. Voting on the same was held today in which 93 countries voted in favour of the draft resolution, 24 countries voted against it while 58 countries abstained from voting.

India again chose to abstain from voting on the draft resolution to suspend Russia from UNHRC over Ukraine at the UNGA.

India’s Permanent Representative to UN, TS Tirumurti speaking on the matter at the UNGA while talking of the Bucha civilian killings said, “Recent reports of civilian killings in Bucha are deeply disturbing. We have unequivocally condemned these killings and support the call for an independent investigation.”

He further emphasised on the far reaching effects of the war saying, “Impact of the crisis has also been felt beyond the region with increasing food & energy costs, especially for many developing countries. It’s in our collective interest to work constructively, both inside UN & outside, towards seeking an early resolution to the conflict.”

TS Tirumurti pointed out that the situation at ground was worsening and said, “We continue to remain deeply concerned at the worsening situation and reiterate our call for end to all hostilities. When innocent human lives are at stake, diplomacy must prevail as the only viable option.”

CM Jagan Reddy ‘Happily’ Welcomes Resignation Of All 24 Andhra Cabinet Ministers

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 07:20 PM PDT

Andhra Pradesh Minister Perni Venkataramaiah on Friday said that Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy “happily” welcomed the resignation of his cabinet as the YSRCP chief is all set to strengthen the party’s functions by ascending key responsibilities and prepare the leaders for upcoming 2024 Assembly elections in the state.

After finishing the final Cabinet meeting today afternoon, all 24 Cabinet Ministers have submitted their resignation letters to Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy at Andhra Pradesh Secretariat on Thursday. The new ministers will take oath on April 11, sources said. “The decision of cabinet reshuffle taken by CM Jagan Mohan Reddy is happily accepted and welcomed by the ministers,” the minister told media persons after the meeting.

He also informed that the Andhra Pradesh cabinet has approved various schemes for the development of the state in the meeting held earlier today.

“The cabinet approved to pay Rs 1,259 crore, as part of the implementation of Navratnas, Zero interest plan funds to be released on April 22. It has also approved the setting up of Revenue Divisions in Pulivendula with 7 zones and 8 zones in the Kotha Peta of East Godavari district and the formation of 12 police sub-divisions and 16 police circles as part of the redistricting,” Venkataramaiah stated.

In addition, the cabinet has decided to continue the time limit and reservations of the Zilla Parishads and to sanction 12 new posts in the Agricultural Polytechnic College set up at Punganur in the Chittoor district including 1 teaching post, 5 teaching posts and 7 non-teaching posts, he added.

Further, the Andhra Pradesh minister informed that the cabinet approved the AP Millet Mission Policy to promote small grain crops from 2022-23 to 2026-27, the sanction of one Assistant General Manager and two Office Subordinates posts in State Education and Welfare infrastructure and development, he said.

Continuing the list of development schemes, Venkataramaiah said that the cabinet also approved the setting up of Ekalavya schools in different parts of the state, allotment of 82 acres in Kolimigundla, Kurnool District and 84 acres for Industrial Parks in Muthukur, Nellore District.

Bracing up for the 2024 Assembly elections in the state, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is all set for the Cabinet to rejig with as many as 19 ministers are likely to be dropped.

The Chief Minister is likely to induct new Ministers into the state Cabinet in a matter of few days, with anticipations running that the swearing-in could even take place on April 9.

Sources said that only four of the incumbent Ministers may retain their positions. The Chief Minister, sources said, will submit the final list of new Ministers to Governor Biswabhushan Harichandran before April 9.

Reddy on Wednesday, handed over the final list of the 19 Ministers being dropped from the Cabinet to the Governor, sources added.

In the current cabinet, there are five deputy CMs. Reddy is likely to have five new Deputy Chief Ministers as part of his strategy to strike a caste balance in the state. Currently, the five Deputy CMs represent Scheduled caste, Scheduled Tribe, Backward Caste, minority and Kapu communities.

Also, there are 11 Ministers from upper castes, including four from the Reddy community, seven from OBC, five from SC, and one each from ST and Muslim communities. With the State Assembly elections scheduled in 2024 in Andhra Pradesh, this rejig holds importance. 

LeT Terrorist Associate Held In J-K’s Baramulla

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 07:16 PM PDT

Baramulla (Jammu and Kashmir): Security forces on Thursday arrested a terrorist associate of the terror outfit of Lashkar-e -Toiba at Dolipora Kreeri area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district in the union territory.


“On Thursday, joint forces of Baramulla Police, Army 29 RR and 2nd BN SSB received specific information through reliable sources regarding the movement of militants in the general area of Dolipora Kreeri. Reacting to the information joint parties of Baramulla Police, Army 29 RR and 2nd Bn SSB established an MVCP at Dolipora Morh,” an official statement read.

The statement further read that one suspicious person, who was coming towards Dolipora, upon seeing the MVCP party tried to flee from the spot was apprehended after a brief chase.


The accused has been identified as Iqbal Mir.


During the search operation, arms and ammunition were recovered from his possession including one AK magazine, 20 live rounds of AK, 2 UBGL grenades, and 2 detonators, according to the statement.


The preliminary investigation revealed that he is a close associate of an active terrorist Hilal Sheikh, affiliated with the banned terrorist organisation LeT and he is also in contact with a Pakistani terrorist Usman.


A case under sections against him under relevant sections of the law. 

Punjab CM Asks Police Commissioners, SSPs To Launch War Against Gangsters

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 07:12 PM PDT

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday asked the Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police to play a frontal role in the war against gangsters by personally conducting operations and interrogations.

In a letter addressed to the CPs and SSPs of the state, CM said that the best leaders lead by example adding that Punjab Police has a gallant tradition of professionalism and service to the nation. CM expressed his confidence in the police force and said, “The police would rise to the occasion and make a concerted drive to eradicate the menace of ‘gangsterism’ in the state and these valiant officers as leaders of the force would play important roles.”

Referring to the law and order review meeting held on April 5, Bhagwant Mann outlined his government’s topmost focus to maintain law and order, apart from the eradication of corruption and welfare measures taken for the police force.

Earlier, on April 5 he had announced the constitution of the Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF) to eradicate gangsterism from the state. On this, CM said that the constitution of the AGTF would not reduce the responsibility and role of CPs and SSPs heading the Police Commissionerates and Districts, as both are responsible to control crime and maintain law and order in their jurisdictions.

“You will be personally held responsible for any breach of law and order in your jurisdiction as you are accountable under the law,” asserted the Chief Minister.
While the AGTF would focus on intelligence-based operations and play a coordinating role, CM expects the CPs and SSPS to launch a major thrust against gangsters by briefing the police officers under them, conducting analysis of crime data, and identifying absconding gangsters and conducting anti-gangster operations.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has also taken administrative measures towards strengthening law and order machinery across the state by posting ADGP Special Crimes and Economic Offences Wing Promod Ban as ADGP of Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF), AIG Organised Crime Control Unit (OCCU) Gurmeet Singh Chauhan as AIG AGTF and CP Ludhiana Gurpreet Singh Bhullar as DIG AGTF besides DSP Kharar Bikramjit Singh Brar has been given additional charge of DSP AGTF.

Standing Order (SO) for the functioning of AGTF laying down its role, functions and responsibilities as short term measures have already been taken. Towards punitive measures, the Police department has sought immediate analysis of 18 out of the total 19 murders that have recently taken place. The task of identification and suspension of police officials who have been negligent in handling investigations of recent murders has been assigned to the AGTF team.

Myanmar’s Govt Warns China Against Engagement With Junta

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 07:10 PM PDT

Naypyidaw [Myanmar]: Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) has warned China’s government that its engagement with the country’s military junta could seriously damage Beijing’s international reputation.


This comes after China’s foreign minister Wang Yi pledged Beijing’s support for the military. The NUG issued the warning in a statement after Wang Yi met with Wunna Maung Lwin, the junta’s foreign minister, in Tunxi, east China’s Anhui Province on April 1.


“The National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar condemns in the strongest possible terms the use of the title ‘Minister of Foreign Affairs’ by Wunna Maung Lwin, who is an agent of the illegitimate military council formed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces following a military Coup perpetrated on February 1, 2021,” the NUG’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.


The NUG further observed that any such invitations to Wunna Maung Lwin or other agents of the illegitimate military council to represent Myanmar in any capacity are seen by the Myanmar people as deeply disrespectful and offensive.


During the meeting between Chinese FM and his Myanmar counterpart, Wang Yi said Beijing “has always placed Myanmar in an important position in its neighbourly diplomacy” and wants to forge a China-Myanmar community with “a shared future.”


Wang said China is ready to work with Myanmar to deepen exchanges and cooperation in all areas to achieve the goal of building a China-Myanmar community with a shared future.


He called on the two sides to accelerate the construction of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), better carry out major landmark projects, and deepen solidarity in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.


According to The Diplomat magazine, it is unlikely that Beijing will heed the NUG’s pleas. The report added geography imposes limits on how far the NUG can and will go in proscribing China’s engagement with the military junta that overthrew the civilian government in February 2021. 

2 Killed, 8 Injured In Shooting In Tel Aviv

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 07:01 PM PDT

Tel Aviv [Islrael]: At least two people were killed and eight others injured in a shooting Tel Aviv on Thursday night, the latest attack in recent weeks.


Ten people were rushed to the nearby Ichilov Hospital with gunshot wounds, two of whom were later declared dead, The Times of Israel reported.

The police spokesperson Eli Levi said the shooting in Tel Aviv was “a terror attack” that took place at “several locations” on Dizengoff Street.


This street is one of the busiest streets in Tel Aviv that is dotted with cafes and bars.
“It has been a very difficult night. I send my condolences to the families of those who were murdered and I pray for the complete recovery of the wounded,” Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said in a statement.


“Security forces are in pursuit of the terrorist who carried out the murderous rampage tonight in Tel Aviv. Wherever the terrorist is – we will get to him. And everyone who helped him indirectly or directly – will pay a price,” he added.


According to the police, a shooter was still at large and hundreds of policemen including border police forces were launching a massive manhunt across the city.


Levi asked the residents of Tel Aviv to “stay home, lock the door, and avoid standing on the porch.”


The Israel police described the suspect as possibly a thin person wearing a black shirt and black shorts. Police said the man was likely armed with a pistol.


They also released a picture of a man and asked the public for help identifying him.


Last week, a gunman opened fire in the Israeli city of Bnei Brak, killing five people.

Prior to that, terror attacks occurred in Be’er Sheva and Hadera, leaving a total death toll of 11 people. 

Congress Condemns Al-Qaeda’s Remarks On Hijab Row

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 06:59 PM PDT

All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary Ajay Maken on Thursday condemned Al-Qaeda’s remarks on the Hijab row saying that the banned terrorist organisation has no business commenting on internal affairs of India.

Maken also hit out at Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra and said that he along with Al Qaeda are “polarising” the country’s atmosphere. “We condemn the statement of Al-Qaeda (on hijab row). It’s a banned terrorist organisation that has no business commenting on the internal affairs of India. We also condemn the statement of Karnataka HM as both he and Al-Qaeda are polarising the atmosphere of the country,” said the AICC general secretary while addressing a press conference here.

Ayman al-Zawahiri, the chief of terror outfit Al-Qaeda praised Muskaan Khan, the girl who confronted a mob that heckled her for wearing a hijab earlier this year in the video statement.

During the protests in Karnataka over the Hijab row, Muskaan was heckled by a group of students wearing saffron shawls. The group shouted ‘Jai Sri Ram’ slogans to which the girl retorted by shouting ‘Allah hu Akbar’.

The Karnataka High Court upheld the hijab ban and dismissed various petitions challenging a ban on hijab in education institutions. It said that wearing a hijab “is not an essential religious practice of Islam”.

China Urges US To Cancel Nancy Pelosi’s Trip To Taiwan

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 06:54 PM PDT

Washington [US]: The Chinese embassy in the United States on Thursday reiterated Beijing’s opposition to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan.


In a statement issued by the embassy, a Chinese spokesperson said on Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan. “In the past few days, Chinese Ambassador Qin Gang and the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. have lodged stern representations with the U.S. Congress and government on U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s reported visit to Taiwan, and stated China’s solemn position, urging the U.S. side to abide by the one-China principle and the stipulations in the three Sino-U.S. Joint Communiques, and to cancel Speaker Pelosi’s plan to visit Taiwan,” said an embassy spokesperson.


These remarks were issued in response to media queries on the postponement of Pelosi’s upcoming trip to Asia – during which she was supposed to visit Taiwan, Xinhua News Agency reported.


Pelosi was scheduled to arrive in Taiwan on Sunday, in a show of support for Taipei amid concerns over cross-strait relations following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
US House Speaker, who was scheduled to visit Taiwan, tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.


Pelosi, according to media reports, will now not travel.


“After testing negative this week, Speaker Pelosi received a positive test result for COVID-19 and is currently asymptomatic,” Pelosi’s Spokesperson said in a statement.


“The Speaker is fully vaccinated and boosted and is thankful for the robust protection the vaccine has provided. The Speaker will quarantine consistent with CDC guidance, and encourages everyone to get vaccinated, boosted and test regularly,” the statement added.

Rights Group Welcomes Pak SC’s Decision To Restore Parliament

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 06:51 PM PDT

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HCRP) has welcomed the unanimous court judgment restoring the country’s national assembly and calling for the vote of no confidence to be held against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the rights commission said this decision by Pakistan Supreme Court will have a long-term effect in terms of strengthening constitutional democracy. “HRCP welcomes the unanimous Supreme Court judgment restoring the national assembly and calling for the vote of no confidence to be held. It was critical for the court not to compromise on any aspect of respect for, and compliance with, the Constitution,” the HRCP said in a statement.

“Equally, we urge all political actors, and especially the restored federal government, to renew their commitment to democratic values and to put the needs and rights of ordinary citizens before narrow political interests,” they added.

Pakistan’s Opposition leaders celebrated the decision announced by the country’s apex court to nullify the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly, a decision that is being regarded as a huge setback for Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Pakistan’s apex court set aside all the subsequent steps taken after the rejection of the no-confidence vote and reinstated the National Assembly, as well as declaring that the cabinet stand was restored.

The top court further ruled that the National Assembly session on the no-confidence motion must be held at 10:30 AM on April 9 and must not be adjourned until a vote on the motion.

“…the prime minister (Imran Khan) did not have the right to advise the president to dissolve the assembly […] all the decisions made till date have been nullified,” the top court’s ruling said.

Leader of Opposition in Pakistan’s National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif said the top court’s decision was in line with the expectations of the masses.

“The Constitution has been saved and Pakistan has been saved through this decision […] the court has upheld its independence and respect,” Sharif told media persons.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the court verdict is the victory of the opposition but the victory of Pakistan.

“…This is the victory of the constitution and democracy. Because of this victory, we will move towards the restoration of democracy, restoration of media freedom and empowerment of the people,” Bilawal told media person. Separately, the PPP chairman tweeted: “Democracy is the best revenge! Jiya Bhutto! Jiya Awam! Pakistan Zindabad.”

Last Sunday, Pakistan President Arif Alvi dissolved the country’s parliament at the request of Imran Khan. He made the proposal minutes after parliament’s deputy speaker, Qasim Suri, rejected a motion of no confidence in Khan as unconstitutional.
The decision on the no-confidence vote was challenged by opposition parties in court.

Registration For Amarnath Yatra 2022 To Begin From April 11

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 06:45 PM PDT

Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir): After the suspension for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Amarnath Yatra 2022 is set to commence on June 30 and will conclude on August 11, said Nitishwar Kumar, CEO, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board on Thursday. Kumar also informed that the registration for Amarnath Yatra will begin on April 11 this year.

“Amarnath Yatra 2022 will start on June 30 and will conclude on August 11. The registration for Amarnath Yatra will start on April 11. The pilgrims can also register online through the website and mobile app of the Shrine Board,” the board official said.


He said that a Yatri Niwas has been made in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir which can accommodate 3000 pilgrims. The board is expecting an average footfall of more than three lakh pilgrims in the shrine this year.


“Registration for Amarnath Yatra will start on April 11 in 446 Branches of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, PNB Bank, Yes Bank and 100 branches of SBI Bank across the country. We’re expecting more than three lakh pilgrims. In Ramban, a Yatri Niwas has been made which can accommodate 3000 pilgrims,” he stated.


He further added, “RFID will be given to pilgrims by which the Shrine board can track the pilgrims. The insurance coverage period for pony handlers increased to one year. The insurance cover for pilgrims increased from Rs 3 lakh to 5 lakh this year.”


Out of all Hindu deities, Lord Shiva is worshipped not only by Indians but also by people of other countries. To get closer to their revered God, who appears on this earth in the unique form of an ice Lingam, millions of devotees trek through the daunting mountains to Shri Amarnathji Shrine in South Kashmir every year in the summer months to pay their obeisance.


The Amarnath Yatra could not be held in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even in 2019, the yatra was suspended a few days before August 5, when the Centre abrogated Article 370 and revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, dividing the state into two union territories.

Imran Khan Summons Restored Pak Cabinet’s Session On Friday, To Also Address Nation

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 06:36 PM PDT

Shortly after the Pakistan Supreme Court restored the National Assembly after it declared the government’s decision to dissolve the assembly, Prime Minister Imran Khan called a cabinet meeting on Friday and announced plans to address the nation today.

“I have called a cabinet mtg tomorrow as well as our parliament party mtg; & tomorrow evening I will address the nation. My message to our nation is I have always & will continue to fight for Pak till the last ball,” Imran Khan tweeted.

Pakistan’s apex court set aside all the subsequent steps taken after the rejection of the no-confidence vote and reinstated the National Assembly, as well as declaring that the Prime Minister and Federal Ministers, Ministers of State, Advisers, etc, stand restored to their respective offices as on April 3.

“The Speaker is under a duty to summon and hold a sitting of the Assembly in the present Session, and shall do so immediately and in any case not later than 10:30 a.m. on Saturday 09.04.2022, to conduct the business of the House as per the Orders of the Day that had been issued for 03.04.2022 and in terms as stated in, and required by, Article 95 of the Constitution read with Rule 37 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly Rules, 2007 (“Rules”),” the Supreme Court verdict read.

The top court further ruled that the National Assembly session on the no-confidence motion must be held at 10:30 AM on April 9 (Saturday) and must not be adjourned until a vote on the motion.

“The Speaker shall not, in exercise of his powers under clause (3) Article 54 of the Constitution, prorogue the Assembly and bring the Session to an end,” the ruling read.

It also said that if Imran Khan is removed as a result of the no-confidence motion, the new leader of the house should be elected in the same session.

The Opposition leaders and people celebrated the decision to nullify the government’s actions from April 3 to date.

The top court restored the National Assembly after it declared the government’s decision to dissolve the assembly and NA Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri’s ruling against the Constitution.

“…the prime minister did not have the right to advise the president to dissolve the assembly […] all the decisions made till date have been nullified,” the top court’s ruling said.

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif said the Pakistan SC’s decision was in line with the expectations of the masses.

“An epoch-making day! Mubarak to all who supported, defended & campaigned for the supremacy of the Constitution. Today, politics of lies, deceit & allegations has been buried. People of Pakistan have won! God bless Pakistan,” the leader tweeted. (

IPL 2022: LSG skipper KL Rahul praises bowlers for ‘brilliant’ performance in powerplay against DC

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 06:26 PM PDT

After a thrilling win against Delhi Capitals by six wickets, Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul lauded his team’s powerplay bowling and said it was a complete team effort and everyone stepped up brilliant in the match.

A brilliant 80-run knock by Quinton de Kock and quick 10 runs by Ayush Badoni, guided Lucknow Super Giants to a victory by 6 wickets in a last-over thriller against Delhi Capitals, here at Dr DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai on Thursday. “I think we were brilliant (with the ball). In the powerplay, we obviously need to go back and work on. But that’s how powerplays go sometimes. We assessed things well after that and bowled better. Obviously, would have loved the bowlers to assess things a bit earlier, but it was nice to see them discuss the lines, lengths and pace to bowl after the powerplay,” said Rahul in a post-match presentation.

“That was the honest reason actually (on him saying at the toss that he had no idea why he opted to bowl). Can’t make up a reason everytime. You don’t know what to expect of the pitch. Early on in the competition when the pitches are fresh, teams might want to bowl first. Once the tournament goes on and the pitches grip a bit, teams might want to bat. He (Badoni) has held his nerve everytime he has gone into bat and he’s delivered for us under pressure. Great learning for him, important for him to keep working hard and stay humble. Been a complete team effort so far. The way everyone has stepped up has been brilliant,” he added.

Chasing 150, Lucknow had an amazing start as the openers, KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock took their side across the 50-run mark in just 7 overs. The duo stitched a brilliant partnership of 70 runs and provided Lucknow with great momentum.

Delhi Capitals finally took a sigh of relief when Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Rahul, who got caught by Prithvi Shaw, after scoring 24 runs, with the team’s total at 73/1 in the 10th over. De Kock was then joined by Evin Lewis and kept the scoreboard moving for Lucknow.

De Kock scored his half-century in 36 balls, which put Delhi under heavy pressure. It was then Lalit Yadav, who dismissed Lewis in the 13th over after he scored 5 runs. Deepak Hooda came to the crease to join De Kock, who anchored the innings and kept on thrashing Delhi bowlers at regular intervals.

Kuldeep Yadav struck back again and finally ended the reign of de Kock, who departed after playing a blistering knock of 80 runs off 52 balls, with the team’s total at 122/3 in the 16th over. Hooda was then joined by Krunal Pandya.

Delhi finally saw a ray of hope when Shardul Thakur conceded only 5 runs in the 18th over and brought his side back into the game. But it was Krunal Pandya, who sent a ball for a six and scored 14 runs in the 19th over, which was bowled by Mustafizur Rahman.

Shardul once again came as a saviour for his side and removed Hooda on the first delivery of the final over. Later, Ayush Badoni came to the crease and scored 10 runs off 3 balls and took his side to the victory by 6 wickets and two balls to spare.

Brilliant 80 Runs By Quinton De Kock Help LSG In Defeating DC

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 06:16 PM PDT

Brilliant 80-run knock by Quinton de Kock and quick 10 runs by Ayush Badoni, guided Lucknow Super Giants to a victory by 6 wickets in a last-over thriller against Delhi Capitals, here at Dr DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai on Thursday.

Chasing 150, Lucknow had an amazing start as the openers, KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock took their side across the 50-run mark in just 7 overs. The duo stitched a brilliant partnership of 70 runs and provided Lucknow with great momentum. Delhi Capitals finally took a sigh of relief when Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Rahul, who got caught by Prithvi Shaw, after scoring 24 runs, with the team’s total at 73/1 in the 10th over. De Kock was then joined by Evin Lewis and kept the scoreboard moving for Lucknow.

De Kock scored his half-century in 36 balls, which put Delhi under heavy pressure. It was then Lalit Yadav, who dismissed Lewis in the 13th over after he scored 5 runs. Deepak Hooda came to the crease to join De Kock, who anchored the innings and kept on thrashing Delhi bowlers at regular intervals.

Kuldeep Yadav struck back again and finally ended the reign of de Kock, who departed after playing a blistering knock of 80 runs off 52 balls, with the team’s total at 122/3 in the 16th over. Hooda was then joined by Krunal Pandya.

Delhi finally saw a ray of hope when Shardul Thakur conceded only 5 runs in the 18th over and brought his side back into the game. But it was Krunal Pandya, who sent a ball for a six and scored 14 runs in the 19th over, which was bowled by Mustafizur Rahman.

Shardul once again came as a saviour for his side and removed Hooda on the first delivery of the final over. Later, Ayush Badoni came to the crease and scored 10 runs off 3 balls and took his side to the victory by 6 wickets and two balls to spare.

Earlier, a brilliant knock of 61 runs by Prithvi Shaw and the 75-run partnership of skipper Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan provided Delhi Capital with a respectable total of 149/3.

For Lucknow, Ravi Bishnoi scalped two wickets, while Krishnappa Gowtham settled with one wicket to his name.

Brief score: Delhi Capitals 149/3 (Rishabh Pant 39*, Sarfaraz Khan 36*; Ravi Bishnoi 2-22) vs Lucknow Super Giants 155/4 (Quinton de Kock 80, KL Rahul 24; Kuldeep Yadav 2/31).

Imran Loses SC Battle, Faces No-Trust Vote On Saturday

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 09:09 AM PDT

Imran Khan today Lost the SC Battle and will face No-Trust Vote On Saturday. A larger bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan declared the deputy speaker's ruling unconstitutional in a unanimous judgment.

Supreme Court said the prime minister was bound by Constitution, therefore, he could not advise the president to dissolve assemblies. The court has scheduled the No-trust motion at 10AM on Saturday (9th April).

The court sets aside the ruling and the steps taken after it including the dissolution of the National Assembly.

The five-member larger bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel, and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, were hearing the arguments.

Pak Supreme Court had resumed hearing on Thursday on the case related to the constitutionality of the steps taken by the National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri for the dismissal of the no-confidence of motion filed against Prime Minister Imran Khan and subsequent dissolution of the National Assembly.


The top court had taken a suo motu cognizance of the current political situation in the country.

Amid Unrest, Sri Lankans Protest Outside Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Residence

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 09:05 AM PDT

Amid the ongoing unrest in the island nation following the economic crisis, several people on Wednesday protested outside the residence of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Anti-government protests continue to take place in the island nation, demanding solutions to the current economic crisis.

Meanwhile, the 66th convention and exhibition of Travel Agent Association India (TAAI) which was supposed to be held in Sri Lanka from April 19 to April 22 has been postponed due to ongoing economic turmoil in Sri Lanka.

The island nation is presently facing a foreign exchange shortage which has led to a food, fuel, power and gas shortage and has sought the assistance of friendly countries for economic assistance. Sri Lanka’s currency has been also devalued by almost SLR 90 against the US dollar since March 8.

The economy of the island country that has been in a free-fall since the onset of the COVID pandemic is now in the throes of a spiralling crisis, with shortages of medicines and food and long power cuts.

Further, an emergency health situation has been declared in Sri Lanka from Tuesday because of the severe drug shortage in the country.

This decision was announced after an emergency general committee meeting of the country’s Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) to discuss the imposition of the emergency law and the severe drug shortage, the Daily Mirror reported. 

Air India Suspends Non-Stop Flights To Russia

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 08:28 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Air India has suspended its twice-weekly Delhi-Moscow non-stop flight with effect from April 1, 2022. Now there is no direct connectivity between India and Russia, sources said.


“Dear fellow citizens. Please note that Air India has stopped selling tickets on the Delhi Moscow-Delhi route. The prospects for the resumption of flights remain uncertain at the moment,” Russian Embassy in India said in a Facebook post.

According to the Air India office, funds for previously purchased tickets for canceled flights can be returned to passengers in full.


In connection with the abolition by the Government of India restrictions on international air traffic, it is possible to freely use transit routes to Russia through Tashkent, Istanbul, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and other available destinations, it said. 

CISF Personnel Help Woman Deliver Baby At Delhi’s Metro Station

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 08:22 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: A pregnant woman delivered a baby at the metro station of the national capital on Thursday. A CISF personnel present there helped her to deliver the baby at the platform.


“At around 3.25 pm, a lady passenger, while waiting for the metro at platform no 3 of the Anand Vihar Metro Station, developed labour pain. The CISF personnel deployed there informed about the matter to the shift in charge. A lady constable of the force, Anamika Kumari, was immediately sent to the spot to help the woman deliver the baby,” said an official of the force. Later, the lady and her newborn baby were taken to a hospital after the arrival of the ambulance.


The family of the woman expressed their gratitude to CISF personnel profusely for their prompt response and needful assistance during the critical time. 

Tata Group Launches All-In-One ‘Super App’ Tata Neu

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 07:30 AM PDT

Mumbai (Maharashtra): After many delays, Tata Group on Thursday launched the all-in-one ‘super app’ Tata Neu to the general users that will have all in-house brands of the group including Croma, Westside, AirAsia India, Taj, BigBasket in one digital platform.


“It is a Neu day today! Tata Digital, the youngest member of the Tata family, brings you Tata Neu today,” said Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran. “Tata Neu is an exciting platform that gathers all our brands into one powerful app. Combining our traditional consumer-first approach with the modern ethos of technology, it is an all-new way to discover the wonderful world of Tata,” Chandrasekaran said in a LinkedIn post.


As Tata Neu app goes live today, it makes me proud to see so many of our trusted and loved brands Air Asia, BigBasket, Croma, IHCL, Qmin, Starbucks, Tata 1Mg, Tata CLiQ, Tata Play, Westside on the Tata Neu platform already, and Vistara, Air India, Titan, Tanishq, Tata Motors soon to join, he said.


Super app Tata Neu will compete with the digital and e-commerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart and Reliance Jio Platforms.


“What’s new? Tata Neu! Say hello to the superhero of apps,” Tata Group tweeted. Super App Tata Neu “brings together all our brands you know and love under our first ever super app.”


The Super App Tata Neu had been in the testing phase for the past several months. Before its launch for the general users on Thursday, its access was limited to Tata Group employees.

Described as a ‘super-app’, and in the pipeline since at least mid-2020, it is “a unified platform that connects several brands across the Tata universe like never before.”

PM Meets Sonia, Farooq, Mulayam On Budget Session Conclusion

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 07:22 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah and other opposition leaders in the chamber of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after Budget Session conclusion on Thursday.


Speaker Om Birla, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi were also present during the meeting.


“After the Lok Sabha was adjourned, we urged the leaders of all the parties that collective efforts are needed to enhance the dignity of the House and to raise the level of discussion and dialogue. Hope all the parties will actively cooperate,” tweeted Om Birla.

Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned sine die a day before the schedule, marking the Budget Session Conclusion, during which the two Houses passed key legislations, including the Bill to unify the municipal corporations in the national capital.

The second part of the Budget Session began on March 14 while the sittings were to conclude on April 8.


Key Bills were passed in the Parliament during the second part of the session, including the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022, Delhi Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 among others.


On the last day of the session, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla acknowledged the participation of every member of the House and said that the ongoing session was “going well with everyone’s support”.


“In this session, productivity has been 129 per cent, with everybody’s participation…Productivity till the 8th session has been 106 per cent. Compared to the previous experiences, the ongoing session went well with everyone’s support,” Birla said.


Hoping that all Vidhan Mandal (legislature-related) proceedings will be brought on one platform by 2023, Birla said that the information would be available on the basis of meta-data after the Budget Session Conclusion.


“By 2023, we are hoping that all Vidhan Mandal (legislature-related) proceedings will be brought on one platform. Information will be available on the basis of meta-data… work underway for the same,” he said.


Meanwhile, missing the 100 per cent productivity landmark by only 10 minutes, the Rajya Sabha clocked 99.80 per cent business during the Budget session that concluded on Thursday, setting a record for the third-best performing session during the last 14 sessions since the Monsoon Session (243rd Session) of 2017.


The Upper House spent 37.50 per cent of the functional time on debates, 23 per cent on Bills, while passing 11 of them, besides the introduction of one, an official statement from the Rajya Sabha stated.


“As against the scheduled sitting time of 127 hours 54 minutes, the House functioned for 127 hours 44 minutes. The productivity of the House would have been 100 per cent but for the loss of these 10 minutes. While the functional time of 9 hours 26 minutes was lost due to disruptions and forced adjournments, the House gained 9 hours 16 minutes with Members sitting beyond the scheduled hours,” said the statement.

Elections Not Possible Before October: Pakistan Election Commission

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 07:10 AM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has said that general elections are not possible before October this year as it needs seven months to ensure “free, fair, and transparent polls” in the country, local media reported.


According to ECP Spokesperson, the commission, in its letter to Pakistan Arif Alvi, has contended that it requires four months to complete the delimitation in addition to organising general elections in 90 days, Radio Pakistan reported. The ECP stated that keeping these reasons in view, elections are only possible in October this year.


ECP had said on Tuesday that it was prepared to hold general elections within three months, rejecting the reports which claimed that holding the electoral exercise was not possible in 90 days.


The political turmoil in the country turned into a constitutional crisis after Pakistan President Arif Alvi dissolved the National Assembly after Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri rejected the no-trust vote against the Imran Khan-led government on Sunday last.


Pakistan opposition parties on Wednesday said that the rejection of the no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan government by the National Assembly Deputy Speaker is an “attack on Parliament”.

NIA Raids 11 Places In Jammu And Kashmir

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 07:02 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: The NIA (National Investigation Agency) on Thursday carried out searches at 11 places in Jammu and Kashmir in connection with the Lashkar-e-Taiba / The Resistance Front (TRF) case linked to radicalisation and recruitment of youths in the Union Territory.


The agency sleuths also conducted searches at the residence of Basit Ahmad Dar against whom a bounty of Rs 10 lakh has been declared. Dar’s residence is situated in Kulgam of Jammu and Kashmir. The places raided include six in Srinagar, two in Baramulla and one each in Avantipora, Budgam and Kulgam.


In February, the NIA had also conducted raids at various places in Jammu and Kashmir regarding LeT’s attempt to spread its network by “radicalising, motivating and recruiting youths of J&K.”


The NIA earlier had said that the LeT commanders Sajjad Gul, Salim Rehmani alias Abu Saad and Saifullah Sajid Jutt wanted “to incept violent activities in Jammu and Kashmir and rest of India.”


“The case relates to activities of The Resistance Front (TRF), a frontal outfit of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its self-styled commander Sajjad Gul who has been actively radicalising, motivating and recruiting youth of J&K to affect violent activities,” reads the official statement.


“He, along with his other associate commanders of LeT based in Pakistan, has been recruiting individuals (Over Ground Workers) to do reconnaissance of pre-determined targets, coordinating and transporting weapons to support LeT and TRF,” it added.
During the searches conducted today, various incriminating materials such as digital devices, SIM cards, digital storage devices, documents etc. have been seized.

Entire Andhra Pradesh Cabinet Resigns Ahead Of Reshuffle

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 05:41 AM PDT

Ahead of the Cabinet reshuffle, all Ministers of the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet have resigned with immediate effect.

After finishing the final Cabinet meeting today afternoon, all 24 Cabinet Ministers have submitted their resignation letters to Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy at Andhra Pradesh Secretariat on Thursday. The new Ministers will take oath on April 11, sources said.

Bracing up for the 2024 Assembly elections in the state, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is all set for the Cabinet rejig with as many as 19 Ministers are likely to be dropped.

The Chief Minister is likely to induct new Ministers into the state Cabinet in a matter of few days, with anticipations running that the swearing-in could even take place on April 9.

Sources said that only four of the incumbent Ministers may retain their positions. The Chief Minister, sources said, will submit the final list of new Ministers to Governor Biswabhushan Harichandran before April 9.

Reddy on Wednesday, handed over the final list of the 19 Ministers being dropped from the Cabinet to the Governor, sources added.

In the current cabinet, there are five deputy CMs. Reddy is likely to have five new Deputy Chief Ministers as part of his strategy to strike a caste balance in the state. Currently, the five Deputy CMs represent Scheduled caste, Scheduled Tribe, Backward Caste, minority and Kapu communities.

Also, there are 11 Ministers from upper castes, including four from the Reddy community, seven from OBC, five from SC, and one each from ST and Muslim communities. With the State Assembly elections scheduled in 2024 in Andhra Pradesh, this rejig holds importance.

Reddy, midway during his term after assuming the CM office, had indicated that he would reorganize the Cabinet. The rejig was scheduled to take place last December, but it was postponed due to COVID-19. Last month, Reddy had stated that the Cabinet reorganisation will take place after Ugadi, the Telugu New Year, which was on April 2.

Security Tightened Outside Pakistan SC, Chief Justice To Deliver Verdict Over Deputy Speaker’s Ruling Today

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 05:36 AM PDT

Amid tightened security outside Pakistan Supreme Court, Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial after noting that the deputy speaker’s ruling to dismiss the no-trust motion against Imran Khan was a violation of Article 95, said that the verdict will be delivered at 7:30 pm on Thursday.

The remark by the Chief Justice came during the hearing of the National Assembly proceedings case, as the apex court resumed deliberation over the case for the fifth consecutive day today. As the time of the verdict inches closer, the security has been tightened outside Pakistan Supreme Court. When asked about the possible court verdict, the lawyers outside the court said that nothing can be commented on as the matter is Sub Judice in the court. One of the lawyers said that the supreme court will give its decision by interpreting Article 5 adding that the decision by the top court will be in favour of the nation.

The apex court’s five-member larger bench — headed by Justice Bandial and comprising Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Aijazul Ahsan, Justice Mazhar Alam, and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel — is hearing the case.

At the outset of the hearing, Barrister Ali Zafar, representing President Arif Alvi, came to the rostrum and assured the court of completing his arguments within 10 minutes.
The CJP had taken suo motu notice of the constitutional crisis that was triggered after Suri disallowed voting on the motion on April 3, deeming it “unconstitutional” — a move that the Opposition said was a blatant violation of the Constitution.

The judge maintained in a written judgment issued during Sunday’s hearing that his fellow judges had approached him and had expressed concern over the situation.
“Any orders and actions that Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi regarding the dissolution of the National Assembly shall be subject to the order of this court,” CJP Bandial had said taking the notice on Sunday.

Earlier, the SC restrained state institutions from taking any extra-constitutional steps and directed them to act strictly in accordance with the Constitution, besides asking all political forces of the country to remain peaceful.

The joint Opposition has also prepared a petition to cancel the ruling of the deputy speakers under which the National Assembly session was adjourned for an indefinite period as Suri cancelled the voting on the no-confidence motion, terming it “unconstitutional”.

According to the petition prepared by the joint Opposition, the speaker should be directed to convene the session today as “the deputy speaker cannot adjourn the session as it is unconstitutional.”

Furthermore, the Opposition has filed a petition against President Arif Alvi, PM Imran Khan, Speaker NA Asad Qaiser, and Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri for violating the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has also filed a petition in the Supreme Court on the constitutional crisis.

The constitutional petition filed by SCBA states that voting of no-confidence motion was a must, and the speaker cannot cancel the voting by a ruling. 

Sri Lanka’s Healthcare Sector Witnesses Major Downfall Amid Shortage Of Essential Medicines

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 05:26 AM PDT

Reeling from the economic crisis, the healthcare sector of Sri Lanka is also under stress as it is witnessing a major downfall due to a sudden rise in the prices of essential medicines that have been hiked upto 29 per cent after being prescribed by the government.

The doctors and the healthcare staff from the country’s premier healthcare institute on Wednesday came out on the street to protect against the government’s policies.

Speaking to ANI, Dr Chamal Sanjeewa, President, Medical and Civil Rights professional Association of Doctors, said, “There is a shortage of drugs and essential drugs in the hospitals. There is no fuel for the doctors to travel to the workplace, they have to stand in long queues at fuel refilling stations.”

He added that there is a shortage of most of the anaesthetic drugs used in the surgery. “Hypertension and life-saving medicines are also short. The pharmacists don’t have drugs. And antibiotics drugs are missing. In the coming days, we will face a big problem, we are not protesting for salary, we are protesting for life,” he said.

Another doctor Hiran Karasingha said that unfortunately, the situation is getting worse in the country. “The poor people are coming to the government hospitals, however, no medical supplies are available,” he said.

Supporting the claims of the doctors, Shalintha Rodrigoa, a pharmacist working in the biggest pharma store in Colombo known as “Union Pharmacy” told the ANI team that many of the drugs come from India, however, there is a shortage of these drugs imported from India as well.

He further said that they have increased the prices of the medicines by 29 per cent as said by the government, however, many life-saving drugs including cancer medicines are also missing from the stores.

Rodrigoa added that there is a dearth of even common drugs like paracetamol and panadol in the medical stores.

Notably, Sri Lanka is facing an unprecedented medicines supply shortage while people have hit the street against the government to protest the ongoing economic crisis.
The island nation is presently facing a foreign exchange shortage which has led to a food, fuel, power and gas shortage and has sought the assistance of friendly countries for economic assistance. Sri Lanka’s currency has been also devalued by almost SLR 90 against the US dollar since March 8.

The economy of the island country that has been in a free-fall since the onset of the COVID pandemic is now in the throes of a spiralling crisis, with shortages of medicines and food and long power cuts.

Further, an emergency health situation has been declared in Sri Lanka from Tuesday because of the severe drug shortage in the country.

This decision was announced after an emergency general committee meeting of the country’s Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) to discuss the imposition of the emergency law and the severe drug shortage, the Daily Mirror reported.

Reverse Migration During COVID Impacted Real Estate Projects: Govt

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 04:31 AM PDT

Real estate projects across the country were adversely impacted due to the reverse migration of construction workers during COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, Union Minister of State for Housing & Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishore said on Thursday.

In view of the situation created by the pandemic COVID-19 reverse migration of labourers, including construction workers, to their native places and break in supply chains of construction material, construction activities of real estate projects across the country were adversely impacted, the minister said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. “However, exact details of the quantum of job loss and financial loss in the Real Estate Sector are not maintained centrally by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA),” the minister added.

The minister informed the lower house of the parliament that the government has taken a number of steps to support the real estate sector.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs had issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories (UTs) and their Regulatory Authorities for extension of completion date or revised/extended completion date for all real estate projects registered under Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 [RERA] for a period of 6 months, and further extension of 3 months, if the situation so demands.

Further, MoHUA recommended to the State Governments and UT Administrations to consider reduction in stamp duty rates on transaction of sale/purchase of immovable property for a specific period of time to encourage the home buyers and sellers to expedite their transactions. Many States/UTs responded positively by reducing the rates of stamp duty on transactions involving sale/purchase of immovable property.

In order to give relief to homebuyers, developers and other borrowers, the Reserve Bank of India permitted lending institutions to grant a total moratorium of 6 (3+3) months on payments falling due between 1st March, 2020 to 31st August 2020, Kishore said.

Moreover, infusion of Rs 75,000 crore for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) and Rs 18,000 crore additional outlay for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban have also helped in the revival of construction and realty sector, he said. 

Ten States Get Additional Rs 28,204 Crore For Power Sector Reforms

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 04:24 AM PDT

The central government granted additional borrowing permission of Rs 28,204 crore to 10 states for undertaking the stipulated reforms in the power sector during the financial year ended March 31, Union Finance Ministry said on Thursday.

The Ministry of Finance, based on the recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission, had decided to grant additional borrowing space of upto 0.5 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) to the states every year for a four year period from 2021-22 to 2024-25 based on reforms undertaken by the states in the power sector. This was announced by the Finance Minister in the Budget speech of 2021-22.

“The objectives of granting financial incentives as additional borrowing permissions for taking up reforms in the power sector are to improve the operational and economic efficiency of the sector, and promote a sustained increase in paid electricity consumption,” the ministry said.

In order to avail additional borrowing space linked to Power sector reforms, the State governments had to undertake a set of mandatory reforms and also meet stipulated performance benchmarks.

The reforms to be carried out by the states include the progressive assumption of responsibility for losses of public sector power distribution companies (DISCOMs) by the State Government, transparency in the reporting of financial affairs of power sector including payment of subsidies and recording of liabilities of Governments to DISCOMs and of DISCOMs to others; timely rendition of financial and energy accounts and timely audit; and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

The Ministry of Power is the nodal ministry for the assessment of the performance of states and determining their eligibility for granting additional borrowing permission.
In the financial year 2022-23 too, the states can avail the facility of additional borrowing linked to reforms in the power sector. An amount of Rs 1,22,551 crore will be available as an incentive to states for undertaking these reforms in 2022-23.

States who could not complete the reform process in 2021-22 may also avail the benefit of additional borrowing earmarked for 2022-23, if they carry out the reforms in the current financial year, the Finance Ministry said. 

Delhi HC Grants Interim Protection To Spicejet Promoter Ajay Singh In Cheating Case

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 04:17 AM PDT

The Delhi High Court on Thursday granted interim protection to Ajay Singh, Promoter and Managing Director Spicejet in an alleged cheating case and directed him to join the investigation.

The bench of Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta on Thursday while granting interim protection to Ajay Singh also said no coercive action against Ajay Singh will be taken, till the matter is examined by this court. Court also directed him to join the investigation in this regard. The court listed the matter for May 24, for further hearing. Appearing for petitioner Ajay Singh, Senior Siddharth Luthra submitted that the petitioner has been cooperating with the investigation and ex-facie no offence is made out against him. The FIR clearly amounts to an abuse of the criminal machinery to pre-maturely enforce a commercial contract. The FIR has been registered for the offence of cheating in a case that is entirely based on a civil and commercial dispute arising out of a Share Purchase Agreement dated July 9, 2018, to which the Complainant/ Informant and the Petitioner herein are parties.

Luthra also submitted that the Complainant/ Informant is blatantly abusing criminal machinery to enforce an erroneous interpretation of the Closing Date of the transactions stated in the Share Purchase Agreement dated July 9, 2018. The FIR is a blatant attempt to tarnish the Petitioner’s sterling reputation in society and disrupt the smooth workings of the Airline Company, he added.

Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa appeared for the complainant in the matter and strongly opposed the anticipatory bail plea and submitted that, Ajay Singh has cheated the complaints by handing over invalid Transaction Slips in 2018 which were expired in 2016. He’s also taking a false plea of not transferring the shares due to ongoing arbitration proceedings, where no stay or embargo is given. His plea is fraudulent & dishonest. He has pledged the same shares to bank & took loans during the subsistence of the Arbitration Proceedings.

Trial court of Delhi last week had declined the anticipatory bail and said, considering the gravity of the offence and the aforementioned ratiocination held, this Court does not find sufficient ground to grant the relief sought in the application filed by the accused applicant and same is accordingly, dismissed.

Court noted that “success in such interrogation would elude if the accused knows that he is protected by the order of the Court,” reads the order. Earlier on March 9, the same court had granted interim protection to the accused in the matter. According to the Delhi Police, the present case was registered at Hauz Khas Police Station with the directions of the court under section 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), on the complaint of Preeti Nanda, wife of Sanjiv Nanda wherein it was alleged by her that Singh defrauded her. The complainant alleged that there was a share-purchase agreement between him and the accused and she paid Rs 10 lakh for 10 lakh shares of SpiceJet. These shares, however, were not transferred leading to the filing of the police complaint against Singh. The complainant submitted that it was subsequently found that the delivery instruction slip was invalid and outdated.

Delhi Police while opposing the anticipatory bail plea stated that Investigation revealed that there are four other cases that have also been registered against Ajay Singh which shows his conduct. Delhi police also earlier said, the investigation is at a very crucial stage and still very much pending in this case as the accused/ applicant can manage the witnesses in the case and can also tamper with the evidence.

Russian Embassy Calls ‘Massacre’ In Bucha False Flag Operation Perpetrated By Kyiv

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 04:02 AM PDT

Russia denied carrying out a “massacre” in Bucha, a suburb of Kyiv in Ukraine, adding that there is evidence that it was in fact a “cynical false flag operation perpetrated by Kyiv itself”.

Russian Embassy in India added that the country firmly stands for bringing to justice those involved in this “outrageous war crime act”. In its statement, the Embassy wrote, “Russia firmly stands for bringing to justice those involved in this outrageous war crime act. The main challenge is to ensure a genuinely independent and unbiased investigation.”

“Regrettably there have been so far widespread hollow allegations against Moscow while there’s evidence that it was in fact a cynical false flag operation, perpetrated by Kiev itself. It is vitally important to take this evidence into account as we seek justice,” it added.

Moreover, the Embassy also compared the “heinous attack” in Bucha with the crimes during World War II.

“The heinous crimes in Bucha bring back the nightmares of the Nazi crimes during the Second World War. It raised revulsion and condemnation in Russia and India and globally,” the Embassy noted in its statement.

Reports have said that more than 300 people have been killed and the total number of casualties was likely to increase as the whole city is being checked.

Hundreds of civilian residents were found dead on the streets in Bucha, besides their homes, and in mass graves. Ukraine accused Russia of the Bucha massacre. However, Russia has denied the allegations and said that it was Ukrainian propaganda.

The United States, along with the G7 nations and European Union (EU), has imposed severe and immediate economic costs on Russia for its “atrocities in Ukraine, including in Bucha”.

IndAus ECTA To Create 10 Lakh Jobs In Next 4-5 Years: Piyush Goyal

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 03:41 AM PDT

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) will create around 10 lakh jobs in the next 4-5 years.

Talking with ANI, Goyal said, “Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) between India and Australia will help us create about 10 lakh jobs in the next 4-5 years, but won’t be surprised if it exceeds further. Indian students will get work visas to work in Australia. The newly signed trade pact with Australia is expected to take bilateral trade from the existing USD 27 billion to nearly USD 45-50 billion in the next five years and the government expects one million jobs to be created in India in the next four to five years.

Both countries inked the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) on April 2.

ECTA is the first trade agreement of India with a developed country after more than a decade and provides for an institutional mechanism to improve trade between the two countries.

Union Commerce Minister further stated that the trade deal with Australia will open new avenues for India.

“A trade deal with Australia will open the doors to the developed world, help us reach new markets,” said Goyal.

He said that the deal was made after ten years and was the first free trade agreement of India with the developed world.

“We have finally made a free trade agreement with a developed nation after ten years. It’s also an important milestone in our journey because now Indian industry is prepared to compete with the rest of the world from a position of strength, is now much more self-confident than ever before,” said Goyal.

He also informed that India made the highest ever export in its history this year which is USD 418 billion.

“Quality conscious, our pricing is very competitive, our overreach all over the world has increased. We have the highest ever export in Indian history this year which is USD 418 billion. This shows that India is now ready to engage with the world from a position of strength,” said Goyal. 

Pakistani Rupee Continues Downward Slide, US Dollar Climbs Over 189-Mark

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 03:05 AM PDT

The Pakistani rupee continued its free fall, selling at above Rs 189 against the US dollar on Thursday.

The recent round of depreciation emerged as the political crisis deepened in the country. Meanwhile, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) remained silent over the current exchange rate situation, reported Geo News. The Pakistani rupee lost more than 10 per cent since March 4 in the wake of the deepening political crisis in the country.

The local currency was trading at Rs 189 in the interbank market, down Rs 2.87 from Wednesday’s close of Rs 186.13, reported Geo News.
The rupee has continued a non-stop downward streak for the 17th successive working day, except on March 24 when it closed flat compared to the previous day’s closing.

The investors are worried about the political situation and economy, adding pressure on the central bank to rescue the falling currency.

In times of currency depreciation, traders’ guidance triggers panic buying in the market. They convince importers to buy more in a short period to make their payments so this unnecessary demand creates a shortage of dollars in the market.

At the same time, they advise exporters to not sell dollars and hoard them in anticipation of further depreciation, which weakens the greenback supplies, reported Geo News. 

RS Clocks 99.80 PC Productivity In Budget Session, 3rd Best Since 2017

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 02:34 AM PDT

Missing the 100 per cent productivity landmark by only 10 minutes, the Rajya Sabha clocked 99.80 per cent business during the Budget session that concluded on Thursday, setting a record for the third-best performing session during the last 14 sessions since the Monsoon Session (243rd Session) of 2017.

The Upper House spent 37.50 per cent of the functional time on debates, 23 per cent on Bills, while passing 11 of them, besides the introduction of one, an official statement from the Rajya Sabha stated. “As against the scheduled sitting time of 127 hours 54 minutes, the House functioned for 127 hours 44 minutes. The productivity of the House would have been 100 per cent but for the loss of these 10 minutes.

While the functional time of 9 hours 26 minutes was lost due to disruptions and forced adjournments, the House gained 9 hours 16 minutes with Members sitting beyond the scheduled hours,” said the statement.

“The productivity of the House of 99.80 per cent during this Budget Session is the third-best since the Monsoon Session of 2017. Productivity of 100 per cent or more was recorded during the Monsoon Session (249th) of 2019 and the Monsoon Session (252nd) of 2020,” added the Rajya Sabha secretariat.

As against the scheduled 29 sittings, the Rajya Sabha held 27 sittings, including 10, during the first part of the Budget Session and 17 during the second part that concluded on Thursday, said the statement, adding “two sittings were accounted for the Holi and Ram Navami holidays.”

This Budget session had begun on a positive note without disruptions and forced adjournments during the first 12 full sittings, which was the best in the last three years, it said, mentioning “the House witnessed forced adjournments on six days, all during the second part of the session”.

The Rajya Sabha members, the statement said, sat beyond the scheduled hours on 11 days. “In all, 21 of the 27 sittings were free of forced adjournments,” it added.
The Members discussed four ministries of Railways, Development of North-Eastern Region, Tribal Affairs and Labour and Employment for a total time of 22 hours 34 minutes, said the statement.

“Of the total functional time, 37 per cent was spent on debates on Motion of Thanks to the President for his address to both the Houses of the Parliament, Union Budget for 2022-23 while 23 per cent of the time was spent on the Bills and 10 per cent on raising issues of public importance through Zero Hour and Special Mentions,” added the secretariat.

During the Budget Session, Rajya Sabha passed 11 Bills, including the six Appropriation and Finance Bills that were returned. One Bill, the Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Amendment Bill, 2022 was introduced in the House on Thursday.

The statement further mentioned that 135 Starred Questions, accounting for 37.50 per cent of the total 360 listed were orally answered in the House and members raised issues of public importance through 248 Zero Hour and 168 Special Mentions.

“During the second part of the Budget Session, the eight Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committees of Rajya Sabha held a total of 16 meetings for a total duration of 19 hours 30 minutes. The average attendance in these meetings has been 50.10 per cent with the Committees on Home Affairs, Education and Health and Family Welfare reporting average attendance of over 60 per cent. The average duration of these 16 meetings has been one hour and 13 minutes. These Committees submitted 36 Reports during the second part of the Session including 30 on the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments,” said the statement.

EU Monitoring Human Rights Violations In POK, Gilgit Baltistan

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 02:14 AM PDT

Brussels [Belgium]: The European Union on Wednesday (local time) said that it is monitoring the human rights violations in POK and Gilgit Baltistan.


Replying to Jamil Maqsood’s letter of February 22, Central Secretary, Committee on Foreign Affairs, United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP), Deren Derya, Deputy Head of Division European Union said that the EU is following the situation closely.

Maqsood had expressed his concerns regarding the human rights situation in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and in Gilgit Baltistan.


The letter was based on a written statement, which was provided by the Centre for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy to UN Human Rights Council.

The statement described serious human rights violations in both regions.


“The EU is following the situation closely. We believe in a peaceful and mutually agreed political solution between India and Pakistan, which respects the interests of the Kashmiri population in PoK,” wrote Derya.


In accordance with the report’s recommendations, both sides are obliged to protect life, liberty and property of all citizens.

Human rights violations and abuses require an impartial, independent, prompt and transparent investigation, in accordance with international law.


The EU insisted that all international obligations have to be preserved.

Lastly, during the 7th EU-Pakistan Political Dialogue and the 6th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue in December 2021, we have conveyed our concerns regarding the situation in the region to the leadership of Pakistan and will continue to do so, said Derya.


Taking note of recent positive developments, such as the reaffirmation of the 2003 ceasefire understanding in February 2021 and related statements expressing readiness from both India and Pakistan to resolve outstanding matters through dialogue, she said, “We hope this positive momentum to be capitalised upon, thus creating a new dynamic in Pakistan-India relations.”


However, she informed Maqsood that the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrell Fontelles will not be able to meet him due to other professional obligations.

Pakistan Issues 2,200 Visas To Sikh Pilgrims From India

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 02:05 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Pakistan has issued 2200 visas to Indian pilgrims for attending Baisakhi celebrations to be held in various Sikh shrines in Pakistan from April 12- 21.


“During their visit to Pakistan, the pilgrims would, inter alia, go to Panja Sahib, Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib. They would enter Pakistan on April 12 and would return to India on April 21, 2022,” a statement from the High Commission of Pakistan stated on Tuesday.

The annual festival of Baisakhi is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from April 12-21 and according to the High Commission the latest visas to Indian pilgrims was issued in addition to the visas to Sikhs residing in other countries.


“On the eve of Baisakhi celebrations, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued over 2200 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to participate in the annual festival scheduled to be held in Pakistan from 12-21 April 2022,” Pakistan High Commission India said in a tweet.


The High Commission for Pakistan in India stated the issuance of visas is covered under the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974.


“Every year, a large number of Sikh Yatrees (passengers) from India visit Pakistan to observe various religious festivals/occasions. The visas issued from New Delhi are in addition to the visas granted to Sikh pilgrims participating in these events from other countries,” the statement said.


The statement further reads, “The issuance of pilgrimage visas to religious pilgrims by the High Commission is in line with the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to fully implement the Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines between the two countries.”


Aftab Hasan Khan, Charge’d Affaires of Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi extended his felicitations to the pilgrims and wished for their rewarding and fulfilling yatra. In his message, he said, “Pakistan takes immense pride in preserving sacred religious places and providing necessary facilitation to the visiting pilgrims.” 

Sensex Falls 202 Points; HDFC, RIL, Titan Slump

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 01:51 AM PDT

The Indian equities markets benchmark Sensex fell 202 points on Thursday dragged by heavy selling pressure in HDFC, Reliance Industries and Titan.

The 30 stock S&P BSE Sensex was trading 202.9 points or 0.34 per cent down at 59,407.51 points at 12.02 pm, against its previous day’s close at 59,610.41 points. Earlier, the Sensex opened in the negative at 59,402.61 points and slumped to a low of 59,120.06 points in the intra-day.

This is the third straight day of loss in the benchmark index. The Sensex had lost 566.09 points or 0.94 per cent on Wednesday.

HDFC and HDFC Bank fell sharply for the third straight day after the announcement of merger deals. HDFC fell 1.82 per cent to Rs 2490.25. HDFC Bank was trading 1.06 per cent down at Rs 1534.35.

The share price of HDFC Bank and HDFC had surged by around 10 per cent on Monday shortly after the merger deals were announced. However, in the last three days, these stocks have lost a major part of the gains made on the day when merger deals were announced.

The broader Nifty 50 of the National Stock Exchange was trading 51 points or 0.29 per cent down at 17,756.65 points.

The Nifty had lost 149.75 points or 0.83 per cent on Wednesday.
Titan slumped 2.37 per cent to Rs 2481. Wipro slipped 1.52 per cent to Rs 584.55. L&T slumped 1.24 per cent to Rs 1829.

The index heavyweight Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) was trading 1.16 per cent down at Rs 2588.85. TCS fell 1.01 per cent to Rs 3718.05.

Axis Bank surged 2.63 per cent to Rs 793.95. ICICI Bank rose 1.90 per cent to Rs 754.85. NTPC, IndusInd Bank, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and State Bank of India were among the major Sensex gainers.

‘Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness’: New Promo Released

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 01:35 AM PDT

Marvel has unveiled an intriguing new promo for the much-anticipated ‘Doctor Strange’ sequel — ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’.

The one-minute-long clip includes new footage of Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff having nightmares about the kids she no longer has. “I’ve been dreaming,” says Benedict Cumberbatch’s Dr Stephen Strange in the clip. “Every night the same dream.”

Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff chimes in, “Every morning the same nightmare,” over shots of her reuniting with her two children before they disappear in her arms.
As per The Hollywood Reporter, the sequel also stars Benedict Wong as Wong, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Baron Mordo and Marvel newcomer Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez.

As the clip continues, Wong tells Dr Strange that the fate of the multiverse is in their hands, while Mordo warns, “Careful, Stephen. This path exacts a heavy toll.”


‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ picks up after the events of ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ and sees Dr Strange open a rift in the multiverse while trying to help Tom Holland’s Peter Parker.

The sequel wrapped production in spring 2021, but in November, Marvel and Disney announced that it would resume filming over the course of six weeks in Los Angeles. Insiders previously told The Hollywood Reporter the new shoot would include both additional photography and reshoots.

“Like everything with Marvel, it comes in fresh, pretty much, most mornings,” Cumberbatch said about the reshoots at the time. “It’s really exciting, and the film is shaping up to be something special.”

‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ hits theatres on May 6, 2022. 

US Threatens Sanctions On China If It Supports Russia’s War In Ukraine

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 01:06 AM PDT

Washington [US]: The US on Wednesday (local time) threatened sanctions on China if it supported Russia’s war in Ukraine.


The US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman at a hearing on “Restoring American Leadership in the Indo-Pacific”, told the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee that sanctions imposed on Russia over its war in Ukraine should give China a “good understanding” of the consequences it could face if it provides material support to Moscow and that Beijing eyeing Taiwan should “take away the right lessons” from the sanctions imposed on Russia.

Introducing the proceedings, Congressman Gregory Meeks, the Chairman lambasted China for using military aggression in the Indo-Pacific region and for failing to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. US Threatens Sanctions On China If It Supported Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.


He said, “Russia’s pre-meditated and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine demonstrates its disdain for the rules-based international order, and China has woefully abdicated its self-proclaimed role as a responsible stakeholder by failing to condemn Russia’s illegal war and in the Indo-pacific, China routinely coarse our friends and allies, uses military aggression to gain upper hand in broader maritime and territorial disputes.

It steals technology and bends the rules to protect its domestic industries. It commits human rights abuses on a grand scale through genocide in Xinjiang, destruction of Hong Kong’s autonomy or its surveillance and repression of citizens throughout the mainland.”


He urged US partners and allies to counter Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) aggression and preserve a free, open Indo-Pacific.


Deputy Secretary of State Sherman further said that the US is deeply concerned about the growing strategic alignment between Russia and PRC as represented in their February 4 statement.


Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin before the Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony issued a joint statement that voiced Russia’s support for China’s stance that democratically-governed Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and opposition to any form of independence for the island.


“We have expressed those concerns directly to PRC as have our allies and partners. A strong and coordinated response from the international community, including nations in the Indo-Pacific to Russia’s flagrant violation of international law and principles like sovereignty and territorial integrity, sends a strong signal that such actions will not go ignored,” said Sherman.


Answering Meeks’s question regarding the Biden administration’s assessment on whether China actively supported Russia and its invasion of Ukraine and US earlier warned President Xi of the consequences if China is found to be materially supporting Russia’s war effort, Sherman said that the sanctions imposed on Russia imply that what sort of action will come for Xi if help extended to Russia.


“President Biden has been very direct with President Xi. One only has to look at the range of sanctions to be announced today against Putin, against the Russian economy, against individuals who are enablers, against elites, oligarchs, export controls, designations, sanctions, that are not only from the US. But, in unprecedented fashion coordination with our allies and partners, not just in Europe but throughout the world gives President Xi, I think a pretty good understanding of what might come his way should he in fact support Putin in any material fashion. This is a very serious matter,” said Sherman.


She also said that the US was quite concerned over the joint manifesto of Russia and China that was signed before the Beijing Olympics.


“It increased the concern about what this partnership was about. PRC had said publicly that this is a partnership and not an alliance as part of Xi Jinping trying to distance himself some way from what President Putin had done with his premeditated, unjust and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine,” said Sherman.


The hearing chaired by Meeks was attended by the full committee parity in person and virtually. 

Korea Open: Sindhu Enters quarters, Kidambi Defeats Misha Zilberman

Posted: 07 Apr 2022 12:53 AM PDT

Suncheon [South Korea]: The third-seed PV Sindhu on Thursday stormed into the quarter-finals of the Korea Open Badminton Championships 2022 after defeating Japan’s Aya Ohori here at the Palma Stadium.


The two-time Olympic medallist Indian defeated world No. 26 Aya Ohori from Japan 21-15, 21-10 in the second round of her women’s singles event. PV Sindhu took 37 minutes to notch up her 12th win in as many games against Ohori. Sindhu will now be up against Busanan Ongbamrungphan in the quarter-finals of Korea Open.


PV Sindhu who is seventh in the badminton world rankings began the match, not on a great note but kept her nose ahead with an 11-9 lead at the first break. The Indian shuttler then shifted the gears to pocket the first game with ease.


Sindhu was trailing 8-4 in the second game but won four points on the trot to level the score and then went up 11-9 at the second break. The Indian then dramatically changed the momentum after the resumption by winning 10 straight points to seal the match and sailed into the quarter-finals of the BWF Super 500 event.


Later, the former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth defeated Misha Zilberman of Israel by 21-18, 21-6. The world championship silver medallist Indian had to work hard in the first game but eventually managed to win 21-18 in the Korea open.


However, the Indian shifted gears in the second game, cruising to a massive 12-0 lead before Misha Zilberman could open his account. Srikanth shrugged off the challenge effortlessly to wrap up the match in 33 minutes.

With Another Hike Of Rs 2.5, CNG Prices Zoom By Rs 9.10/kg In 6 Days

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 11:15 PM PDT

With another hike of Rs 2.5 per kilogram on Thursday, the price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has zoomed by Rs 9.10 per kg in the last six days.

Notably, the CNG prices were increased by the same amount yesterday also. With today’s hike, CNG in Delhi would now cost Rs 69.11 per kg, while in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad it would cost Rs 71.67 a kg.

In Muzaffarnagar, Meerut and Shamli, the CNG will now be available at Rs 76.34 per kg, while in Gurugram it is priced at Rs 77.44 per kg. CNG costs the highest in Kanpur, Hamirpur and Fatehpur where it is priced at Rs 80.90 per kg.

Meanwhile, after a hike of Rs 10 in the price of petrol and diesel over the last 16 days, the fuel rates were not increased on Thursday.

Petrol in the national capital crossed the Rs 105 mark yesterday, whereas, in Mumbai, it has surpassed Rs 120.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday defended the Central government over the issue of fuel price hike, comparing it with that of other countries, saying that India has merely seen a change of “only five per cent”.

“Fuel prices hiked in India are 1/10th of the change of prices in other countries. Comparing gasoline (petrol) prices between April 2021 and March 2022, the prices in the United States of America (USA) have increased by 51 per cent, Canada by 52 per cent, Germany by 55 per cent, the United Kingdom (UK) by 55 per cent, France by 50 per cent, Spain 58 per cent but in India only 5 per cent,” said Puri in Lok Sabha.

However, the Opposition has been stepping up pressure on the government with demand for the rollback of the fuel price hike.

Pak Supreme Court Resumes Hearing On No-Trust Vote Rejection

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 11:09 PM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]: Pak SC resumes hearing on Thursday on the case related to the constitutionality of the steps taken by the National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri for the dismissal of the no-confidence of motion filed against Prime Minister Imran Khan and subsequent dissolution of the National Assembly.


The top court had taken a suo motu cognizance of the current political situation in the country.

A five-member larger bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel, and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, is hearing the arguments on the question of the legality of the decision of the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, according to Dawn.


Today, Pak Supreme Court on resuming the hearing is expected to hear the arguments of Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Jawed Khan and Naeem Bukhari, the counsel for National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser.


During yesterday’s hearing, CJP Bandilal observed that Article 69 of the Pakistan Constitution bars interference in parliamentary proceedings, but whatever happened on April 3 was unprecedented.


“The no-confidence resolution which had a constitutional backing and liable to be succeeded was scuttled at the last minute,” the CJP said, adding that if “we permit such a deviation” then the situation would become the same as Advocate Salahuddin Ahmed had referred to on Tuesday, Dawn newspaper reported.


Representing the Sindh High Court Bar Association, Advocate Ahmed recalled the 1933 incident when the speaker of the then German assembly, even though called the members of the communist party, traitors, still allowed the voting on a constitutional amendment that gave Adolf Hitler and his cabinet with unlimited powers to bring any law without formal approval of German parliament.


Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) counsel Babar Awan began his contentions and said “The case in the court is not of basic human rights, it is a must for all citizens to remain loyal to the state.”


However, the CJP asked the counsel to furnish the minutes of the National Security Council meeting held over “foreign conspiracy” in Pakistan and further asked for the material on basis of which the deputy speaker exercised powers, according to ARY news.


“The diplomat sent the message of the national security council of another country to three persons. The message was given to the Head of Mission, Deputy Head of Mission and Defence Attache via the embassy. The letter arrived on March 07 after a meeting of our diplomats abroad,” the media outlet quoted Awan, who refused to disclose details of the letter under the official secret act.


On Sunday, Pakistani President Arif Alvi dissolved the Pakistani parliament following Imran Khan’s advice. Imran Khan made the proposal minutes after parliament’s deputy speaker rejected a motion of no confidence in him as “unconstitutional.” 

J-K: Encounter Underway In Haripora Area Of Shopian District

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 10:57 PM PDT

Shopian (Jammu and Kashmir): The encounter underway in Haripora Area of Shopian District of Jammu and Kashmir. The encounter started last night and is still underway.


“Encounter breaks out between security forces and terrorists in the Haripora area of Shopian district,” said Kashmir Zone Police. Further details are awaited.


Meanwhile, two terrorists belonging to different proscribed organisations have been killed in two separate encounters with security forces in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.


In a joint operation launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, multiple joint mobile vehicle check posts were established in the general area of Awantipura in Pulwama based on the specific inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area. 

Former Haryana Congress Leader Nirmal Singh Joins AAP Today

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 10:57 PM PDT

Chandigarh (Haryana): Former Haryana Congress leader Nirmal Singh, who had previously been a minister in the state, to join the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the national capital on Thursday afternoon.


He had also founded Haryana Democratic Front. Singh will meet Kejriwal at his residence along with his daughter Chitra Sarwara before joining the party.


The former minister will take the membership of the AAP during a press conference with Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia at the AAP headquarters.


Singh was also a two-time minister in the Haryana government.


Singh is a four-time MLA. He had won the Naggal Assembly constituency in 1982, 1991, 1996 and 2005.


Notably, following the huge victory of the AAP in the Assembly elections in Punjab recently, there has been a flurry of leaders joining the party. The AAP is looking to expand in states like Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.


Earlier on Monday, former Congress Haryana party chief Ashok Tanwar joined the AAP in the national capital in the presence of party national convener Arvind Kejriwal.

India, Australia To Start Dual Degree Programme For Students: Piyush Goyal

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 10:50 PM PDT

Sydney [Australia]: Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that education will act as a bridge between India and Australia, highlighting that both countries will soon be starting dual degree programmes for students.

Goyal and Dan Tehan, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment of Australia said they are working on a dual degree programme under the trade agreement with an aim to enhance collaboration between universities of both countries.


Union Commerce Minister Goyal who was in the University of New South Wales (NSW) in Sydney, said, “I invite the University of New South Wales to expand its footprints in India and enable students on both sides to gain.”


Goyal is in Australia for a three-day visit after inking India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).


Goyal said that both sides are working on a dual degree programme and the move would help in recognising each other’s degrees, and course contents.


“A lot of the good work that researchers come out with does not get that kind of scale and opportunity to operationalise and therefore the partnership between the two countries can truly transform the lives of Australia and India,” Goyal said while addressing students at the University of NSW, Sydney.


He added, “I believe that such partnerships are important for the world as we increase our strategic engagements between Australia and India. Education will act as a bridge between the two countries, it has always been an important element of our partnership.”


Under the dual degree programme between the countries, students would be allowed to study the course for a few years in one country and a few years in another country India, subject to certain norms.


Australian Minister Tehan said if you are an Indian student or Australian student, you will be able to do one or two years of your degree in Australia and one-two year in India and with this collaboration between universities will grow.


Tehan said, “It is absolutely vital that we educate Indian students in Australia and also use that as a basis to grow education relationships between two nations. I want to see Australian students flocking to India to get educated.”


“We are working on a dual degree where you do part of your degree in Australia and part of your degree in India, you can mix and match. It will be a wonderful opportunity,” he added.


The dual degree programme will help bring quality education to more and more Indians, and get more exposure, experience, new skill sets and knowledge, Goyal has said.


Indian students at the University also expressed hope that trade deals will provide more opportunities for them in jobs.


Naveen, an Indian student said that the collaboration between the two countries will create opportunities for both nations.


“In terms of the deal, I think, its more collaboration between two countries, and how opportunities can be explored from both ends– be it start-ups, energy sector or other sectors as well. I think it depends upon how we explore different sectors within those two countries. There is a lot to find and do as well. I think Australia has its own resources, which can be used in India. With COVID opening a lot of doors, it’s great we are looking forward to a new future,” said Naveen.


Talking about the increase in the timeline of visas that has been extended to three years, Naveen said, “As far as my expectations are concerned, I want to stay here longer which has been done as the timeline of the visa has been extended up till three years which is great. That gives us a lot of opportunities in finding the job we like. It also gives us time to stay here and explore the culture, and opportunity.”


Another student, Shreya said that the IndAus Agreement is expected to bring a lot of business to India.


“I expect this deal to bring a lot of business to India. It has increased the working rights of the students. It will give us a lot of exposure and will get to work in a different environment here in Australia. We will be able to get back the expertise to India,” said Shreya.


Talking about the difficulties in getting jobs in Australia, she said, “It depends on a degree which you are pursuing. A lot of companies have restrictions on employing citizens only with permanent residence, so it gets a little difficult, but it’s just a process we have to go through it. Eventually, your hard work pays off.”


Goyal and Tehan also paid tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the University campus.


ECTA is the first trade agreement of India with a developed country after more than a decade and provides for an institutional mechanism to improve trade between the two countries.


Australia is the 17th largest trading partner of India and India is Australia’s 9th largest trading partner. The ECTA is expected to almost double the bilateral trade from USD 27.5 bn (2021) to about USD 45 to USD 50 Billion in the next 5 years.

ECTA is expected to create new employment opportunities, raise living standards and enhance the overall welfare of the people of both countries. Additional employment generation is expected to be 10 lakhs within the next 5 years. 

Vegan Diet Can Ease Arthritis Pain – Study

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 10:48 PM PDT

A new study has found that a low-fat vegan diet, without calorie restrictions, improves joint pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The participants of the study have also experienced weight loss and improved cholesterol levels.

The study was published in the journal, ‘American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine’. “A plant-based diet could be the prescription to alleviate joint pain for millions of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis,” said Neal Barnard, MD, lead author of the study and president of the Physicians Committee.

“And all of the side effects, including weight loss and lower cholesterol, are only beneficial,” she added.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common autoimmune disease that typically causes joint pain, swelling, and eventually permanent joint damage.

At the outset of the Physicians Committee’s study, participants were asked to use a visual analog scale (VAS) to rate the severity of their worst joint pain in the preceding two weeks, from “no pain” to “pain as bad as it could possibly be.”

Each participant’s Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28) was also calculated based on tender joints, swollen joints, and C-reactive protein values, which indicate inflammation in the body. DAS28 increases with rheumatoid arthritis severity.

During the study, 44 adults previously diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis were assigned to one of two groups for 16 weeks. The first group followed a vegan diet for four weeks, with the elimination of additional foods for three weeks, then reintroduction of the eliminated foods individually over nine weeks.

No meals were provided, and participants handled their own food preparation and purchases, with guidance from the research team. The second group followed an unrestricted diet but was asked to take a daily placebo capsule, which had no effect on the study. Then the groups switched diets for 16 weeks.

During the vegan phase of the study, DAS28 decreased 2 points on average, indicating a greater reduction in joint pain, compared to a decrease of 0.3 points in the placebo phase. The average number of swollen joints decreased from 7.0 to 3.3 in the vegan phase, while that number actually increased from 4.7 to 5 in the placebo phase. For those who completed the study, VAS ratings also improved significantly in the vegan phase, compared with the placebo phase.

The vegan diet also led to greater decreases in DAS28 in a sub-analysis that excluded individuals who increased medications during the study and another subanalysis limited to participants making no medication changes.

In addition to reductions in pain and swelling, body weight decreased by about 14 pounds on average on the vegan diet, compared with a gain of about 2 pounds on the placebo diet. There were also greater reductions in total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol during the vegan phase.

Study Finds Sex Influences Emotional Expression In Voices, Faces

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 10:39 PM PDT

A new study, led by the University of Essex, has found that faces and voices are more likely to be judged as male when they are angry, and as female when they are happy.

The study was published in the journal, ‘Emotion’. The study also found that how we understand the emotional expression of a face or voice is heavily influenced by perceived sex, and vice versa. Dr Sebastian Korb, from the Department of Psychology, hoped the research will be expanded and could help make us more aware of our built-in biases.

He said, “This study shows how important it is not to rely too much on your first impressions, as they can easily be wrong.”

“Next time you find yourself attributing happiness or sadness to a woman be aware of your bias and possible misinterpretation,” he added.

“Interestingly there wasn’t a gender divide in the way the perceived sex of a face affected emotional judgements — but women were slightly more sensitive to subtle changes in emotion overall,” he concluded.

The research used 121 avatar faces and 121 human voices created by modifying the emotional expression in degrees from happy to angry, and the sex on a sliding scale from male to female.

A total of 256 participants in three studies were shown the mock-ups or played the voices and asked to judge emotions and whether someone was male or female.
When comparing the size of the effects, it was found for both faces and voices that emotion influenced the perception of sex more than the other way around.
It is thought this may be due to an unconscious activation of the amygdala — an important emotion centre in the brain.

This almond-shaped cluster of neurons located deep in the brain allows us to rapidly detect and react to threats, such as an angry attacker but is not involved in determining a person’s sex.

It was also speculated that being biased to perceive males as angry is an evolutionary advantage as it prepares for a fight or flight response.

India Reports 1,033 New COVID-19 Cases In 24 Hours

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 10:19 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: India reported 1033 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Thursday.


With the new cases, the active caseload stands at 11,639 which accounts for 0.03 per cent of the country’s total positive cases.

Meanwhile, 1,222 patients recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours taking the total recoveries to 4,24,98,789.


The current recovery rate is at 98.76 per cent and the daily positivity rate is at 0.21 per cent.


With 4,82,039 tests conducted in the last 24 hours 79.25 crore COVID tests have been conducted in the country so far.


A total of 185.20 crore vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive.

I Am More Surprised, It Just Came Off, Says Pat Cummins

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 10:15 PM PDT

Pat Cummins’ superlative knock of 56 runs from 15 balls against Mumbai Indians played here at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Wednesday took everyone by surprise and the man who did the unthinkable was also surprised after making the match a one-sided contest in favour of Kolkata Knight Riders.

“I am more surprised. It just came off. I was not trying to overthink. That’s really satisfying, ” said Pat Cummins in the post-match presentation ceremony. Cummins smashed the joint-fastest fifty in the history of Indian Premier League (IPL) in just 14 balls and equalled the record of KL Rahul, who achieved the same milestone in 2018 against the Delhi Capitals. The Australian took two wickets with the ball and planned his attack with the bat to perfection hitting Daniel Sams for 35 runs in an over and his blistering performance helped him earn the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

“The ball seems to fly here. So just hitting on the shorter side. I am sure it sends a message, ” said Pat Cummins.

Kolkata Knight Riders have got off to the best possible start winning three matches out of three and the team is excelling in all three departments of the game.

“We were lucky to keep the core of the squad like last year. Happy with how it came out. Overall pretty happy, ” said Pat Cummins.

The two-time champions KKR will look to continue its winning streak when they take on Delhi Capitals on Sunday.

Academy Meeting On Sanctions Against Will Smith Preponed

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 10:12 PM PDT

Washington [US]: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President David Rubin has announced that the board is moving up the meeting date to quickly address the possible sanctions against Will Smith who slapped comedian Chris Rock on live TV during the Oscars ceremony last month.


According to Deadline, the scheduled April 18 meeting would now take place April 8 at 9 am PT, 10 days prior to the pre-decided date.

David Rubin wrote in a letter to the Board of Governors on the possible sanctions against Will Smith saying “it in the best interest of all involved for this to be handled in a timely fashion,” according to the outlet.


“The April 18 date was set in accordance with California law and our Standards of Conduct because our agenda included possible suspension or expulsion of Mr Smith from membership,” Rubin wrote in the letter obtained by Deadline.


“We were required to provide Mr Smith notice 15 days prior to the board meeting at which such action might be taken, and also give him the opportunity to provide the board a written statement no less than five days prior to that meeting,” the statement further noted.


For the unversed, while presenting the best documentary feature award at the 2022 Oscars, Chris Rock made a joke about Will Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head.


Rock said he couldn’t wait to see Pinkett Smith, who has alopecia areata, star in ‘G.I. Jane 2’ which led Smith to go up on stage and slap Rock. Smith returned to his seat and shouted, “Keep my wife’s name out of your fu**ing mouth!”


A few minutes after the incident, Smith was announced Best Actor at the 94th Academy Awards. While accepting his first-ever Oscar for best actor (leading role) in ‘King Richard’, Smith apologised to the Academy and fellow nominees but did not mention Rock.


However, after receiving backlash for his disorderly behaviour, Smith issued an apology to Chris Rock and Academy on his social media handle.


On March 29, there was a short virtual meeting between Smith, Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson, that was initiated by Smith.


A few hours later, Smith announced his resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, claiming he “will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct.”


Academy on their part stated that they “have received and accepted” Smith’s immediate resignation from the organisation.


As per Deadline, it remains unclear what sanctions are in the offing with Smith already having resigned.

Belt And Road Initiative Promises Falling part in Nepal

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 08:37 PM PDT

Kathmandu [Nepal]: The superfluous promises made by China to make infrastructure projects in Nepal under ‘Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI)’ are falling apart.


Falling for the assurances, Nepal even risked its historic relations with India for Chinese assistance in various fields, reported The Singapore Post. Nepal had signed up for China-led BRI in 2017, aiming to become a middle-income country by 2030.

However, the promises after five years are falling apart, one by one.


The superfluous promises included improving the institutional capacity of the Himalayan nation to enable its transition from being a land-locked to a ‘land-linked’ one.


Moreover, Beijing’s sole interest in advancing hefty loans to Nepal is becoming clearer due to ever-increasing Chinese preconditions for starting various infrastructure projects.


These strangulating terms have led to a general feeling of being let down by Beijing, particularly due to delays in project funding and implementation, reported The Singapore Post.


Analysts examining various Chinese proposals of recent years have started marking Nepal as the next Chinese debt trap target after Sri Lanka.


Chinese designs for securing the status of a sole development partner for Nepal were exposed by its brazen targeting of the United States sponsored Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) programme for Nepal.


The agreement had to go through months of persistent opposition tacitly encouraged by Beijing. Finally, ignoring the motivated campaign, the Nepalese Parliament endorsed the MCC on February 27, 2022.


The unease between the two countries over the BRI progress was visible during a recent visit (March 25-27) of Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi to Nepal. Notably, no Belt and Road Initiatives related discussion took place during the visit while Nepalese authorities made their preference for only “soft or concessional loan” explicit, reported The Singapore Post.


The Chinese desire of promoting its vicious debt cycle is evident in its ignoring or suspending several capacity building and knowledge sharing agreements with Nepal under Belt and Road Initiatives.


In December 2018, China had offered technical know-how help to Nepal in the form of the China-Nepal Agricultural Technology Cooperation Agreement. A visit by the Chinese technical team to the Northern areas of Nepal in 2019 had followed the signing of the agreement.


However, the advent of the COVID pandemic the next year created several roadblocks for joint activities. Citing the significant disruption and wastage of time, Nepal requested China for an extension in the duration of the programme to one year.


Meanwhile, dismissing Nepalese concerns, Beijing forwarded a termination notice for the programme. The development is disheartening for Nepalese researchers who had been working against all odds for two years for the betterment of poor farmers.


The notice served no purpose other than bringing to fore the Chinese desire of blocking the development of its smaller neighbours except for engulfing them in its rapidly spreading debt trap, reported The Singapore Post. 


The notice served no purpose other than bringing to fore the Chinese desire of blocking the development of its smaller neighbours except for engulfing them in its rapidly spreading debt trap, reported The Singapore Post. 

Foreign Envoys Showed Interest In Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme: Nadda

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 08:31 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: The delivery mechanism of the welfare schemes of the Central government, particularly the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), and the electoral wins of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the recent polls topped the interests of the envoys of the 13 countries when they called on the party chief J P Nadda on Wednesday.


The envoys met the BJP chief at the party’s headquarters in the national capital as part of the “Know BJP” outreach of the party. The Direct Benefit Transfer scheme is seen to be the principal delivery mechanism of the Central government to take the benefits of the various welfare schemes to the targeted people.


The envoys in their interaction with Nadda also sought to know about the BJP’s ways of selecting candidates for the elections.


The BJP’s foreign cell incharge, Vijay Chauthaiwale, said that the envoys were briefed about the party’s ideology and structure.


Chauthaiwale said the “Know BJP” aims to apprise the envoys about India’s policies, and the party’s organisation, besides establishing a bridge with these countries through the regular exchange of ideas.


The envoys were also given an overview of the BJP’s history.


While the envoys showed interest in the BJP’s poll victory in four out of the five states where the Assembly elections were held, they also sought to know about the party’s strategy in regions where it doesn’t have significant footprints, including Tamil Nadu.


Chauthaiwale welcomed the foreign diplomats at the BJP headquarters. The national vice president of the BJP Baijayant Jai Panda, while delivering the inaugural speech, briefed the envoys about the party’s ideology and its expansion over the years.

A short film on the journey of the BJP, including its earlier avatar the Bharatiya Jan Sangh (BJS), from 1951 till date was shown to the envoys.


During the three-hour stay of the Heads of the Missions of the 13 countries at the BJP headquarters, Chauthaiwale said that 50 per cent of the time was spent in the question and answer session with Nadda.


Envoys from 12 counties — France, Romania, Bangladesh, Portugal, Switzerland, Poland, Singapore, Slovakia, Italy, Hungary, Vietnam, Norway, besides the head of the European Union — visited the BJP headquarters as part of the “Know BJP” initiative.

World Health Day: Affordable Healthcare Ensured ‘Significant’ Savings- PM Modi

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 08:25 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: In a message on the occasion of World Health Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the government’s focus on affordable healthcare has ensured significant savings for the poor and middle class while Ayush network is being strengthened to further boost overall wellness of the people.


The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the healthcare workers for keeping the “planet protected” while extending greetings on the occasion of World Health Day.

The Prime Minister also stated that the government is working tirelessly to improve and extend the health infrastructure in the country.


PM Modi in a tweet message said: “Greetings on World Health Day. May everyone be blessed with good health and wellness. Today is also a day to express gratitude to all those associated with the health sector. It is their hard work that has kept our planet protected.”


Lauding the Centre’s ‘Ayushman Bharat’ scheme, PM Modi said that the government is focusing on quality and affordable healthcare.


“The Government of India is working tirelessly to augment India’s health infrastructure. The focus is on ensuring good quality and affordable healthcare for our citizens. It makes every Indian proud that our nation is home to the world’s largest healthcare scheme, Ayushman Bharat,” he said in another tweet.


Further, the Prime Minister said that he feels “very happy” when interacting with the beneficiaries of schemes such as ‘PM Jan Aushadhi’.


“Our focus on affordable healthcare has ensured significant savings for the poor and middle class. At the same time we are strengthening our Ayush network to further boost overall wellness,” he added.


He also mentioned the Centre’s initiative of allowing to study medicine in local languages and the infrastructure change in the medical education sector over the last eight years.


“In the last eight years, the medical education sector has undergone rapid transformations. Several new medical colleges have come up. Our Government’s efforts to enable the study of medicine in local languages will give wings to the aspirations of countless youngsters,” PM Modi said in another tweet. 

Man Arrested For Duping 250 Job Aspirants In Lucknow

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 08:18 PM PDT

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh): The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) on Wednesday arrested a man for duping 250 job aspirants in Lucknow on the pretext of getting them admitted in the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) by allegedly posing as an IPS/IAS officer.


According to STF, the accused has been identified as Prateek Mishra, who was arrested near PICUP Bhawan in the Vibhuti Khand police station area. STF recovered a fake IPS ID card, appointment letters and documents related to the recruitment. 

Northeast Delhi Violence: Court Frames Charges Against 6 Accused Of Rioting

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 08:03 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: A Delhi court has framed charges against six persons accused of vandalisation and arson in Khajuri Khas and Bhajanpura areas during the northeast Delhi violence on February 24, 2020.


Additional Session Judge Virender Bhatt of Karkardooma District Court framed charges against Sarfaraz, Firoz, Ikram, Mustaqeem, Gulfam alias Zubair and Saddam alias Ikrar under sections relating to rioting, unlawful assembly, arson, injuring public and police persons and other sections. On the other hand, the court has discharged four accused persons namely Gulfam, Javed, Anas and Shoaib Alam of all charges.


The Court said, “There is no sufficient material on record to frame charges against these four accused and they are liable to be discharged.”


The FIR was registered on the statement of Head Constable Anil Kumar, who along with other staff was on duty in the area of Khajuri Khas and Bhajanpura on that day to control the riots and maintain law and order.


Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) submitted that the three accused namely Mustaqueem, Sarfaraz and Ikram were arrested from the spot itself and were later on identified as rioters by several police witnesses.


The SPP further submitted that the remaining seven accused were also arrested and implicated in this case after they had been properly identified as rioters by the police as well as public witnesses.


He also pointed out that all the accused can also be seen in the video footage of riotous incidents taking an active part in vandalisation and arson at the spot in question.


On the other hand, the counsels for some of the accused persons submitted that they have been falsely implicated in this case and there is no legally admissible evidence against them.


This case pertains to Northeast Delhi violence in February 2020. In this violence, 53 people died and hundreds were injured. 

Andhra Pradesh: Thief Gets Stuck In Hole After Looting Temple, Held

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 07:56 PM PDT

Srikakulam (Andhra Pradesh): A thief got stuck in a wall hole while escaping with nine grams of silver which he stole from the Jami Ellama temple in Srikakulam district, said a police official on Wednesday.


A robbery case has been registered against the accused under Kanchili police station limits in the Srikakulam district. “A thief identified as Papa Rao stole nine grams of silver from the Jami Ellama temple in Srikakulam district. He made a hole in the wall of the temple premises and entered inside the temple. The thief got stuck into the hole while going back. The thief was caught red-handed and has been taken into custody,” said Senior Inspector Chiranjeevi, Kanchili Police Station.


Yellama, the temple owner said that the thief was seen throwing the nose ring of the goddess and other silver ornaments out of the hole.


“These types of incidents never happened before. The thief entered through a hole. He came inside but couldn’t go out, he was seen throwing the nose ring of the goddess and other silver ornaments out,” the temple owner said. 

IPL: KKR Skipper Shreyas Iyer Lauds Pat Cummins For ‘Extraordinary’ Performance Against MI

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 07:50 PM PDT

Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Shreyas Iyer heaped praise on Pat Cummins for “extraordinary” performance and said he can’t believe the way he batted after KKR defeated Mumbai Indians by five wickets here at MCA stadium, Pune on Wednesday.

Also Read: Pat Cummins' 14-Balls Fifty Helps KKR Defeat MI By Five Wickets

Cummins scored a half-century in just 14 balls and registered the joint-fastest fifty in IPL history. Apart from Cummins, Venkatesh Iyer also played an anchored inning of 50 runs off 41 balls, to provide KKR with a victory in just 16 overs. “Extraordinary! I couldn’t believe the way he (Cummins) was hitting the ball. Because yesterday in the nets, he was getting bowled now and then. I was batting in the nets beside him then. During the timeout, the plan was for Venky to drop anchor and tell Pat to just swing at everything because that’s what he was doing before too,” said Shreyas Iyer in a post-match presentation.

Also Read: KKR's Pat Cummins Smashes Joint-Fastest Fifty In IPL History

“When I went in to bat, I told him to just time the ball because he was overhitting the ball a bit. We have to take responsibility as top-order batters. All of us have the ability to hit the ball long. In the powerplay in both innings, the pitch was quite the same. After the powerplay, it got a lot easier I guess,” he added.
Opener Venkatesh Iyer was joined by skipper Shreyas Iyer, who also departed after getting caught by Tilak Varma on Daniel Sams’ delivery, with the team’s total at 35/2 in the sixth over. Sam Billings came to the crease and provide a little momentum with Venkatesh to KKR.

Billings then fell prey to Murugan Ashwin’s spell and departed after a brief stint of 17 runs off 12 balls, in the 10th over with KKR’s score at 67/3. Venkatesh, who was firmly standing on one end, was then joined by Nitish Rana.

KKR lost another wicket in the form of Nitish in the 12th over, as he got dismissed by Murugan Ashwin for just 8 runs. Andre Russell also departed after scoring 11 runs, with the team’s total at 83/4 in the 14th over.

Russell’s dismissal invited Pat Cummins to the crease, who then changed the entire face of the match. He thrashed the MI bowlers at every corner of the ground and played a knock of 56 runs off 15 balls to bring KKR home with a five-wicket victory, in just 16 overs.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan Working To Make Bhopal Cleanest City

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 07:49 PM PDT

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday said that efforts will have to be made with the cooperation of citizens to make Bhopal cleanest city.


“All necessary efforts will be made for the overall development of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Nagar (Kolar Road). Many facilities have been developed in this area, but all steps will be taken to expand other necessary facilities in this area,” the chief minister said in a bid to make Bhopal cleanest city.

He also said that continuous efforts will have to be made to make Bhopal a metro city, hi-tech city, clean city and industrial city.


“Bhopal’s pride day will be celebrated on June 1. On this day in 1949, the princely state of Bhopal was merged with the Indian Union, so this day cannot be forgotten,” Chouhan said.


Chouhan further informed that many people had sacrificed their lives by joining the merger movement in Raisen and Sehore districts.


“Boras Ghat situated on the banks of Narmada in the Raisen district was also the martyrdom site of the merger movement. With the remembrance of the martyrs, the glory day of Bhopal will be celebrated with great pomp,” he added.


His remarks came after performing Bhoomi-Poojan for Gobar-Dhan Plant along with the inauguration of the newly constructed bridge at Dr Shyamprasad Mukherjee Nagar yesterday.


Chief Minister Chouhan also inaugurated six sewage treatment plants in Amrit Mission.

KKR’s Pat Cummins Smashes Joint-Fastest Fifty In IPL History

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 07:43 PM PDT

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Pat Cummins on Wednesday smashed the joint-fastest fifty in the history of Indian Premier League (IPL).

Cummins achieved this feat during the clash against Mumbai Indians on Wednesday, at the MCA Stadium, Pune. The pacer scored a blistering half-century in just 14 balls and equalled the record of KL Rahul, who achieved the same milestone in 2018 against the Delhi Capitals. The destructive half-century by Cummins helped KKR in defeating MI by five wickets. Apart from Cummins, Venkatesh Iyer also played anchored innings of 50 runs off 41 balls, to help KKR in chasing the target of 162 in just 16 overs.

Also Read: Pat Cummins' 14-Balls Fifty Helps KKR Defeat MI By Five Wickets

Earlier, a crucial 83-run partnership by Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma helped MI reach 161/4. For KKR, Cummins scalped two wickets, whereas Varun Chakaravarthy and Umesh Yadav took one wicket each.

With this win, KKR registered their third win of IPL 2022. On the other hand, MI are yet to open their account on the points tally, as they suffered their fourth consecutive loss.

Murli Manohar Joshi Slams Oppn Over ‘The Kashmir Files’

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 07:42 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Murli Manohar Joshi on Wednesday hit out at the Opposition for accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of spreading propaganda through ‘The Kashmir Files’ movie.


He alleged that several political parties which are now in the Opposition did not raise their voices against the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990. Joshi also informed that he was an “eyewitness” during the Kashmir violence.


“I was an eyewitness when Kashmir violence took place. I went to Kashmir with Madhya Pradesh leaders Kedarnath Sahni and Arif Baig. We prepared a report on the situation of Kashmir and sent it to former PM Rajiv Gandhi,” Murli Manohar Joshi stated.


He said that the team had met victims of violence in Kashmir and accused the regime at that time of doing nothing.


“We also used to wonder what the government was doing to rescue them. It is wrong that people are levelling allegations against the BJP over the movie,” the former minister added.


He said that people still remain ignorant of such historical incidents which led to impartial knowledge of the past.


“Why the genocide that took place during Sohrabji’s time is not being presented to people? What Hitler has done is also not shown to people. The Ukraine crisis is being presented to people. Such incidents take place every day,” Joshi added.


The former minister asserted that people should learn lessons from historical events with the assurance of avoiding repeating such incidents in the future.


The Vivek-Agnihotri directed ‘The Kashmir Files’, which was released in theatres on March 11, stars Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumaar and others.


The film shows the plight of Kashmiri Pandits who had to flee the valley in the 1990s to escape the militancy.

Jammu & Kashmir: Historical Mughal Road to Reopen Soon

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 07:35 PM PDT

Rajouri (Jammu and Kashmir): As the snow clearance operation ended on Wednesday, Jammu and Kashmir’s historical Mughal road, which was closed since January first week due to heavy snowfall, is set to reopen soon in Jammu and Kashmir.


“We have completed the snow clearance operation much before time. We have cleared both the lanes till 33 kilometres on the road, however, a single lane has been cleared till 7 kilometres on Mughal road. Many types of equipment were used in this operation like a plough, snow cutter, etc,” Riyaz Ahmed Choudhary, Engineer PWD Mughal Road said on the possibility of Mughal Road reopening.

With heavy snowfalls in the high altitudes, the Mughal road, which connects Rajouri and Poonch districts with the Kashmir valley, was closed.


Choudhary said the department is continuing the snow clearance operation of Mughal road which has a total length of 88 kilometres. “We expect the road to reopen within a week after the surface clearing work is completed,” the PWD Engineer said.

The snow clearance operation had started on a massive scale in March 2022 under the Mechanical and PWD Mughal Road wing with the latest heavy machinery. 

Situation In Sri Lanka Will Become Disastrous If Unaddressed: Sanath Jayasuriya

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 07:27 PM PDT

Colombo [Sri Lanka]: As the countrywide protests continue over the severe economic crisis, former Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya has come forward to extend support to the people in the island nation, who are raising their voices against the government.


In a conversation, Jayasuriya has called the country’s situation “unfortunate” and said the people of this country are going through this for a few months now and it has come to a breakpoint.

“The people can’t survive like this. This is why the people started to protest because there are fuel shortages, gas shortages, and electricity is not there for 10-12 hours sometimes. It is been really hard for the people of this country. That’s why people have started to come out and protest,” Jayasuriya said.


The former cricketer cautioned if the situation is not addressed properly “it will be a disaster.” Jayasuriya said that he feels a lot of pain when his own people protest against their own government.


“I would like to say do protest peacefully, don’t do violently. It’s the protest by genuine people who come out and tell the government that they are suffering,” he said.


People in the island nation including Sanath Jayasuriya are holding the present government responsible for the economic crisis.


“At the moment, the responsibility goes to the present government. Sri Lankan people had a lot of faith and trust. From last, three to four months have been not the best time for what is the present government has done. Unfortunately, all of this the people are blaming the present government,” he said.


Jayasuriya, who himself has witnessed the worsening situation in the country, said Sri Lankan people are facing trouble in getting essential commodities for daily use.


Answering a question about the ongoing struggles of people due to the economic crisis, he said, “We don’t want to see these things happening. There are 3-4 kilometres of vehicles queueing for diesel, gas and for milk powder. …It’s really sad and people are hurt at the moment.”


“So that is why did the people have come out for their rights…. That’s why I said earlier if the situation is not addressing it properly, there will be a disaster,” he said.


The Sri Lankan rupee is fast depreciating against the dollar and foreign debt is mounting. The Sri Lankan government’s income has also taken a big hit due to a drop in tourism that has given rise to gas and fuel shortages, leading to massive power cuts.

UN Extends Support To Afghanistan’s Embattled Media

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 07:21 PM PDT

Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Mette Knudsen met with media representatives of Afghanistan on Wednesday and extended support to Afghanistan’s embattled media sector and journalists.

Knudsen urged the Taliban to start a dialogue with the media in the country and end draconian measures launched against them. “UN’s support to Afghanistan’s embattled media sector and journalists stressed today as @metknu met @ArianaNews _@pajhwok @Shamshadnetwork @TOLOnews@1TVNewsAFeditors. Taliban urged to start a dialogue with media, end draconian measures and Protect Journalists from threats and violence,” the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) tweeted.
The Human Rights Watch (HRW) last month said that the Taliban have intensified attacks on media in the country.

“It’s so hard to report from Afghanistan anymore,” a journalist in the eastern province of Nangarhar said. “Anything can happen, you could be arrested, beaten, tortured or even killed, just for a report or a program,” said Fereshta Abbasi, Afghanistan researcher at HRW.

In a report, Abbasi said, on March 28, security officers from the Taliban’s General Directorate of Intelligence raided the offices of four radio stations in the southern city of Kandahar for violating a ban on music and detained six journalists.

All were released only after they promised they would never broadcast music again. “I want to leave this job,” one said. “Being a journalist has always been my dream job but not anymore,” according to the report.

On the same day, Taliban authorities banned outlets in Afghanistan from broadcasting international news programs, including Voice of America and the BBC, in Dari, Pashto, and Uzbek languages. This new restriction is the latest Taliban measure to limit access to independent information, HRW reported.

According to the journalists, Taliban intelligence officials hold regular meetings with the media to inform them of any new rules. In some cases, journalists have reported that they have been harassed, beaten, and arbitrarily detained without explanation.

US Envoy To India ‘Incredibly Important’ Diplomatic Position: White House

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 06:57 PM PDT

The United States on Wednesday acknowledged that US envoy to India is an ‘incredibly important’ position, which the White House is looking to fill amid the growing uncertainty about the fate of President Biden’s nominee Eric Garcetti.

The nomination of Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti to become US ambassador seems to be in trouble as Republicans have sought to put the matter on hold owing to a pending probe regarding the sexual harassment of his adviser. When asked how does a lack of an ambassador in New Delhi affect US’ ability to pressure India not to work with Russia, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the preference is always to have a confirmed ambassador on the ground.

Psaki said the US envoy to India is “an incredibly important diplomatic position.”
“We have a range of ways to communicate and engage and obviously — our deputy national security advisor (Daleep Singh) is an example of that — but clearly our preference would be to have a confirmed ambassador,” she added.

This comes as media reports say Eric Garcetti doesn’t currently have enough votes to be confirmed as ambassador to India.

There is a growing concern within the Democratic Party about the fate of Eric Garcetti to serve as ambassador to India, which is resisting the Biden administration’s efforts to get tougher on Russia.

Biden may pull Garcetti’s nomination and find another candidate who can be seated as his envoy to India, Axios reported.

According to a document obtained by Politico, Republican Senator Charles Grassley asked Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to seek a delay of the nomination until the probe is concluded.

“The United States owes it to the Republic of India to send them a qualified Ambassador that will represent the values of the United States,” Grassley had said in the documents sent to McConnell to notify the Senate.

“Mayor Garcetti may very well be fully qualified, but at this time, the Senate needs to look into these allegations further,” he had added. 

India-Australia ECTA Will Boost Wine Industry, Benefit Grape Farmers: ISWAI

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 06:57 PM PDT

India Australia Economic Co-operation Trade Agreement (ECTA) will scale and grow the wine industry and benefit grape farmers in the country, said Nita Kapoor, Chief Executive Officer, The International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI) on Wednesday.

ISWAI is a representative body of the national and international premium spirits and wine brands in India. India Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement was signed on April 2. In an interview, Kapoor said, “Our Indian wine industry will get support in the area of harvesting, crop cultivation, good quality wines, best practices, tracking and tracing and consistency of quality.”

This is the start of the India-Australia trade relationship. India has given the commitment to reduction for wines from Australia. The applicable duties for wines above USD 5/750 ML bottle will be reduced from 150 per cent to 100 per cent and after every year it will be reduced by 5 per cent for the next 10 years. Whereas, Australia has given complete tariff elimination for wines from India from the date of entry into force of this agreement.

“As India will rationalise the custom duty on wine, Investment from Australia will start coming. Australian wines are the best in the world. Australian wine companies can collaborate with Indian wineries in many areas. This is a first start in the right direction,” she said.

On the question, whether the agreement would reduce the rates of Australian wines once it comes into force, the CEO said that the reduction in price is less likely.

“I don’t think that duty reduction is going to make much price difference as the wines imported from Australia, Italy, United States of European Countries are priced over and above USD 5/750ML or more. This is not going to make the rate of imported wines cheaper. This will reduce the price but not that much which is talked about and discussed,” she said.

“Duty has not been reduced drastically and both the minimum threshold price USD 5-15/750 ML bottle and USD 15/750 ML bottle are not going to make much difference price-wise. As far as a commercial advantage is concerned, this will take time,” Kapoor added.

The CEO further said that there is a need to scale up the market of wine in India.
“Our members like Pernod Ricard, makers of Jacob Creek Wine, and Moet Hennessy are studying the agreement. Until we dont get a volume threshold through import that is commercially viable and investment-friendly we will try to engage both countries through knowledge and services. We need to scale up the market of wine in India. India is the only country in the world which has dominance in brown spirits,” she said.

“Indians like whisky and beer more than wine. The wine market has started growing now. Today if we talk about the Alcohol beverage industry, wine has a market of only one per cent.

As per the India-Australia ECTA, both countries will strengthen bilateral cooperation on the trade of wines including customs procedures, regulatory requirements, certification and testing procedures,” Kapoor added.

This is the first trade agreement with a developed economy after more than a decade. This agreement will be signalling for other developed countries’ agreements such as the UK, Canada and the EU, with whom India is currently negotiating for FTA.

Evidence Doesn’t Suggest Presence Of XE COVID Variant In India, Says Health Ministry

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 06:44 PM PDT

The Union Health Ministry on Wednesday said that the present evidence does not suggest the presence of XE variant of COVID denying media reports that claimed that a case of the new mutant was reported in Mumbai.

“Hours after report of detection of XE variant of Coronavirus in Mumbai, @MoHFW_INDIA has said present evidence does not suggest the presence of the new variant,” PIB Maharashtra said in a tweet.

It referred to the Health Ministry clarification on the reported case of COVID XE Variant in Mumbai.

The Health Ministry said FastQ files in respect of the sample, which is being said to be #XEVariant were analysed in detail by genomic experts of INSACOG who have inferred that the genomic constitution of this variant does not correlate with the genomic picture of ‘XE’ variant”.

The ministry said the individual who had tested positive for #XEVariant is a fully vaccinated 50-year-old woman with no comorbidity and asymptomatic.

“She had come from South Africa on February 10 and had no prior travel history. On arrival, she had tested negative for the virus,” it said.

Greater Mumbai Municipal Corporation had said earlier in the day that one out of the 230 samples had tested positive for the XE variant in Mumbai under the COVID genome sequencing.

The World Health Organisation had recently said that a new COVID mutant ‘XE’ has been found in the UK and noted that it may be more transmissible than the BA.2 sublineage of COVID-19. However, the virologists in India have said that it is not clear that the variant is strong enough to cause another COVID wave in the country even as they advised to exercise caution and follow COVID-appropriate behaviour.

XE is recombinant of Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 sublineages of COVID-19.

“The XE recombinant (BA.1-BA.2), was first detected in the United Kingdom on January 19 and >600 sequences have been reported and confirmed since,” the WHO had said.

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin urges PM Modi to withdraw CUET for admission in all central university

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 06:09 PM PDT

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw the “regressive and undesirable” rule which necessitates Common University Admission Test (CUET) for Under Graduate programme in all Central Universities.

“There is no doubt that this CUET, similar to NEET will side-line the diverse school education systems across the country, grossly undermine the relevance of overall development-oriented long-form learning in schools and make students rely upon coaching centres for improving their entrance examination scores,” reads the letter sent by CM Stalin to PM Modi. He further flagged the concern that since the CUET exam is based on the NCERT syllabus it will put students who have studied in the state boards and belong to the marginalised family in a disadvantageous position.

“I wish to reiterate that any entrance examination that is based on NCERT syllabus will not provide an equal opportunity to all students who have studied in varied State Board syllabi across the country. In most States, State Board syllabus students constitute more than 80 per cent of the total student population and these students invariably hail from the marginalised sections. Hence an NCERT syllabus based entrance examination would place this deserving majority in a disadvantageous position in securing admission in Central Universities,” the letter reads.

He further added that the CUET exam will lead to a drastic reduction of students from Tamil Nadu to Central Universities due to the said factors.

The University Grant Commission (UGC) on Wednesday directed the Central Universities to use only Common University Admission Test (CUET) for admission in Under Graduate (UG) programmes.

The application procedure for CUET 2022 will begin today.
As per the official information bulletin, the three-and-a-half-hour computer-based entrance test will only have multiple-choice questions based on the content of class 12 NCERT textbooks. CUET will essentially have three parts. Students will be marked negatively for incorrect answers.

The CUET 2022 exam is scheduled to take place in the first and second week of July 2022. However, no set date has been announced by the NTA yet. The date will soon be declared on the official CUET website — cuet.samarth.ac.in — or NTA website — nta.ac.in.

Pat Cummins’ 14-Balls Fifty Helps KKR Defeat MI By Five Wickets

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 05:56 PM PDT

A destructive half-century by Pat Cummins helped Kolkata Knight Riders defeat Mumbai Indians by five wickets at MCA Stadium here on Wednesday.

Cummins scored a half-century in just 14 balls and registered the joint-fastest fifty in IPL history. Apart from Cummins, Venkatesh Iyer also played anchored innings of 50 runs off 41 balls, to help KKR emerge victorious in just 16 overs. Chasing 162, KKR had a pathetic start as they lost an early wicket of opener Ajinkya Rahane in the fifth over. He got caught by Daniel Sams on Tymal Mills’ delivery, with only 16 runs on the board.

Opener Venkatesh Iyer was joined by skipper Shreyas Iyer, who also departed after getting caught by Tilak Varma on Daniel Sams’ delivery, with the team’s total at 35/2 in the sixth over. Sam Billings came to the crease with Venkatesh and provided a little momentum to KKR.

Billings then fell prey to Murugan Ashwin’s spell and departed after a brief stint of 17 runs off 12 balls, in the 10th over with KKR’s score at 67/3. Venkatesh, who was firmly standing on one end, was then joined by Nitish Rana.

KKR lost another wicket in the form of Nitish in the 12th over as he got dismissed by Murugan Ashwin for just 8 runs. Andre Russell also departed after scoring 11 runs, with the team’s total at 83/4 in the 14th over.

Russell’s dismissal led Pat Cummins to the crease, who then changed the entire face of the match. He thrashed the MI bowlers to every corner of the ground and played a knock of 56 runs off 15 balls to take KKR home with a five-wicket victory, in just 16 overs.

Earlier, a crucial 83-run partnership by Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma helped Mumbai Indians reach 161/4. For KKR, Cummins scalped two wickets, whereas Varun Chakaravarthy and Umesh Yadav took one wicket each.

With this win, KKR registered their third win of IPL 2022. On the other hand, MI are yet to open their account on the points tally, as they suffered their fourth consecutive loss.

J-K: Terrorists’ hideout Busted In Reasi

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 09:15 AM PDT

Reasi (Jammu and Kashmir): Jammu and Kashmir police claimed to have busted a terrorist’s hideout in a forest area here on Wednesday.


Acting on a tip-off, Reasi Police conducted a search operation with the Indian Army and busted a terrorist’s hideout in the general area of Kot Budhan Forest of Mahore.

“In a joint cordon-and-search operation launched by Reasi Police and Indian Army, a terrorist’s hideout was busted in General Area Kot Budhan Forest of Mahore and recovered explosive, ammunition and other items,” said an official statement.


It further mentioned that on information about the presence of a hideout, a search operation was conducted for three days in which, the hideout was busted.


The police recovered one live Grenade, four rounds of AK-47, one fired cartridge of AK-47, two damaged syringes, one lighter, one pair of scissors, six utensils, one torch, two blankets, two clothes and a cash of Rs 1,400 from the hideout.


The Mahore police have registered a case under sections 120B, 121, 121A, 122, 123 of the Indian Penal Code, sections 7, 15 of The Arms Act, 1959, sections 3, 4 of The Explosive Substances Act, 1908 and sections 13, 18, 23, 39 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.


Further investigation into the case is underway. 

New Delhi Stn, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus To Redeveloped Under Hybrid Model

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 09:06 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: With the aim to provide enhanced facilities, New Delhi Railway Station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai will be redeveloped under Hybrid model under Built-Operate-Transfer scheme, said Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday.


For the redevelopment under hybrid model of Railway stations, the Ministry of Railways has formulated various developmental schemes like Model, Modern and Adarsh Station Schemes for upgradation or augmentation of stations on Indian Railways. In a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed that New Delhi Railway Station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus are identified for development under the Hybrid Built-Operate-Transfer model of Public-Private Partnership (PPP).


He also informed in his reply that 1,253 railway stations over Indian Railways have been identified for development under Adarsh Station Scheme. Out of these, 1,213 railway stations have been developed and the remaining 40 stations are targeted for development in the financial year 2022-23.


In his reply, the Minister stated that presently, railway stations are upgraded under Adarsh Station Scheme based on identified need of providing enhanced passenger amenities.


Vaishnaw further said that a new scheme of major upgradation of railway stations has been initiated. The facilities envisaged in this scheme include rebuilding, improvement or augmentation of station building, congestion-free non-conflicting entry/exit to the station premises, segregation of arrival/departure of passengers, adequate concourse without overcrowding, integration of both sides of the city wherever feasible, user-friendly signages, well illuminated circulating area and sufficient provision for drop off, pick up and parking, etc.


All facilities of Divyangjans among other facilities as per requirement and feasibility will be provided. So far 41 stations have been identified for major upgradation under this scheme.


Two railway stations, Rani Kamlapati and Gandhinagar were developed and commissioned on November 15, 2021, and July 16, 2021, respectively. One more station, Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal, Bengaluru is ready for commissioning, Vaishnaw added in his reply. 

Pak Opposition Leader Rejects Proposed Name For Caretaker Prime Minister

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 08:53 AM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]: Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday rejected former chief justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed’s name for the post of caretaker prime minister, local media reported.


Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday had nominated former chief justice, Gulzar Ahmed, as the caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan. Sharif, in a letter written to President Arif Alvi, said that the process of naming an interim prime minister or government is unconstitutional as National Assembly’s ruling on the no-confidence motion is already challenged in Supreme Court, ARY News reported.


He added that every step of the president or prime minister will be subject to the apex court ruling.


Earlier, President Alvi had written to both PM and Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif seeking their nominees for the post of interim PM. However, Sharif claimed that he had not received “any letter” from President Alvi regarding the appointment of caretaker prime minister.


On Sunday, Pakistani President Arif Alvi dissolved the Pakistan Parliament following Imran Khan’s advice. Imran Khan made the proposal minutes after parliament’s deputy speaker rejected a motion of no confidence in him as “unconstitutional.”


Pakistan media and opposition parties criticised this decision saying that it violated all rules governing proceedings in the House.


Meanwhile, Imran Khan will continue as the Prime Minister until the caretaker Prime Minister is appointed, said the President as the SC is looking into the matter of National Assembly dissolution. 

Criminal Procedure Bill Passed, Will Help Increase Conviction Rate

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 08:41 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: The Parliament on Wednesday passed a bill that seeks to make the investigation of crime more expeditious and increase conviction rate.


The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022, bill was passed by Rajya Sabha on Wednesday after a reply by Home Minister Amit Shah.

The bill was passed by Lok Sabha on April 4. Amit Shah said the purpose of the bill is to decrease the crime rate, increase the rate of conviction of criminals and boost the security of the country.


The Minister said the bill will not compromise the privacy of any individual and that the rules of the Act will be notified after proper scrutiny.


“Our law is ‘bachha’ (nothing) in terms of strictness as compared to other nations. There are more stringent laws in countries like South Africa, UK, Australia, Canada and the US, which is why their conviction rate is better,” he said.


Shah said the Bill is about safeguarding the “human rights of the victims of crimes, and not just criminals.”


“We do not have the intention of misusing the provisions of the Bill. It is meant to keep our police ahead of criminals. Next-generation crimes cannot be tackled with old techniques; we have to try to take the criminal justice system to the next era,” he said.


He sought to allay apprehensions voiced by the opposition about the possible misuse of the new legislation.


“Best technology will be used for safeguarding data and there will be the training of manpower,” Shah said.


The bill provides for legal sanction for taking appropriate body measurements (finger impressions, palm-print and foot-print impressions, photographs, iris and retina scan, physical, and biological samples) of persons who are required to give such measurements to “make the investigation of crime more efficient and expeditious”.


It also seeks to empower the National Crime Records Bureau to collect, store and preserve the record of measurements and for sharing, dissemination, destruction and disposal of records. It also empowers a magistrate to direct any person to give measurements and empowers police or prison officers to take measurements of any person who resists or refuses to give measurements.


A total of 17 members participated in the debate on the Bill. Some opposition members termed the bill “unconstitutional” and that it should be sent to the select committee.

J-K: Two Terrorists Killed In 2 Separate Encounters With Security Forces In Pulwama

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 08:21 AM PDT

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): Two terrorists belonging to different proscribed organisations have been killed in two separate encounters with security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.


In a joint operation launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, multiple joint mobile vehicle check posts were established in the general area of Awantipura in Pulwama based on the specific inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area.

“At around 6:45 am, the security forces were fired indiscriminately upon by the terrorists at a checkpoint at village Arigam, South Tral, to which they swiftly retaliated and neutralised one terrorist. The second terrorist was engaged at another checkpoint at around 8:40 am and was neutralised after a brief gunfight,” reads the official statement of the Indian Army.


The neutralised terrorist was identified as Shafat Muzafar Sofi resident of Batagund, who had joined proscribed terror tanzeem AGuH on October 8, 2021.


Meanwhile, the second terrorist was a member of the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) since August 21, 2021. He has been identified as Umar Nabi Teli resident of Lodu, Awantipura.


Warlike stores have been recovered from the encounter area.

Arjuna Ranatunga Lauds PM Modi For Helping Lanka

Posted: 06 Apr 2022 08:10 AM PDT

Colombo [Sri Lanka]: Former Sri Lanka cricketer and Minister Arjuna Ranatunga on Wednesday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for helping Sri Lanka amid its ongoing economic crisis.


Sri Lanka is battling a severe economic crisis with food and fuel scarcity affecting a large number of the people in the island nation.

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

“PM Modi was very generous to give the grant to start Jaffna International Airport. India has been an elder brother to us. I am glad that they are monitoring the situation rather than giving money to Sri Lanka.

They are looking at our needs like petrol and medicines and I am sure that these are things we will be lacking in a couple of months. India has been helping us in a big way,” Arjuna Ranatunga told the media.


“My major worry is that I don’t want a blood bath. I am very scared and don’t want people to start another war, which we suffered for years. Some of the politicians in the government are trying to show that the disease was created by Tamils and Muslims and by doing this they are trying to divide the country,” he added.


Regarding the ongoing protests in the country, Ranatunga justified the actions of the general public and said that the government did not handle the COVID-19 pandemic properly.


“The general public came out to ask for very basic things such as rice, petrol, food, etc. I don’t agree with the violence that is happening, it should not happen. But the country has gone into a major mess in the last two years. The government can give the excuse that it is COVID but other countries also went through that. These people did not handle things properly and were overconfident that they can get away with anything they do. They even got rid of their court cases and that’s the reason why people came on the road,” said the former cricketer.


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


On Sunday, 26 Sri Lankan Cabinet Ministers resigned en masse from their positions amid rising public anger against the government over the economic crisis. All 26 of them signed a general letter, Daily Mirror reported. 

వినోదం - తాజా - Google వార్తలు

లోడ్ అవుతోంది...