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3, ఏప్రిల్ 2022, ఆదివారం

8pm NEWSFEED


Russian Forces Destroy Oil Refinery In Ukraine’s Odessa

Posted: 03 Apr 2022 04:28 AM PDT

Russian jets and warships struck an oil refinery and fuel storage in the Ukrainian port of Odessa on Sunday morning, a Defense Ministry spokesperson said.

“High-precision strikes launched this morning from sea and air destroyed an oil refinery and three fuel and lubricant depots near the city of Odessa, which supplied Ukrainian troops in the Mykolaiv region,” Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov told a news briefing.

Russian air defenses downed two Ukrainian drones near the villages of Shchurivka and Kudryashivka on the outskirts of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and further east. A total of 51 Ukrainian military assets were destroyed overnight.

Pakistan Army Denies Role Dissolution Of National Assembly

Posted: 03 Apr 2022 04:11 AM PDT

Islamabad [Pakistan]: The Pakistan Army has denied its role in the events that led to the dissolution of the country’s National Assembly today and the rejection of the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan.


“Absolutely not,” Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar said when asked if the military had a role to play in the events that led to the dissolution of the National Assembly.

The DG ISPR’s comments on the ongoing political situation came shortly after President Arif Alvi approved the dissolution of the National Assembly on the advice of Prime Minister Imran Khan.


In his televised address to the nation, Imran Khan sought to take the Opposition by surprise by stating that he has advised President Arif Alvi to dissolve the National Assembly on a day when he was slated to face the no-confidence motion.


“I have written to the President to dissolve the assemblies. There should be elections in a democratic way. I call upon the people of Pakistan to prepare for elections,” PM Khan said in his address to the nation.


Imran Khan further congratulated every Pakistani on the Speaker’s decision and said, “The no-confidence motion was a foreign conspiracy against us. The nation should decide who should govern them… not the corrupt people who conspire with foreign powers… Prepare for elections. You will decide.”


Earlier, it was reported that Imran Khan had offered to dissolve the Assembly on the condition of the withdrawal of the no-confidence motion.


Khan had said that he was given three options ahead of the no-trust vote by the “establishment” — resignation, holding early elections or facing the no-confidence motion.


The military establishment however had denied the claim and said that it did not bring the Opposition’s options, and rather it was the federal Government that telephoned the top brass while asking for a meeting to discuss the ongoing political scenario, The News International reported.


The Chief of Pakistan Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the Directive General (DG) of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) had met Pakistan PM on Wednesday at the request of the ruling government, according to The News International citing sources.


Imran Khan has seemingly lost support both in the Lower House of the legislature and the backing of the all-powerful Pakistan Army.


Imran Khan received a massive blow when the PTI “lost the majority” in the National Assembly after losing its key ally in the coalition Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P). The MQM on Wednesday announced that it had struck a deal with the opposition Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and would support the no-trust vote in the 342-member National Assembly.

ICC Women’s World Cup: Australia Crowned Champions After Beating England In Final

Posted: 03 Apr 2022 02:34 AM PDT

Australia are crowned the champions of the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup after beating England by 71 runs here at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Sunday.

The bowlers did a splendid job for Australia to bowl England out for 285 after Alyssa Healy’s sensational 170 had helped them to a score of 356/5 to win the World Cup for the record-extending 7th time. Megan Schutt gave Australia the perfect start in their defence of 357 in the Final. Bowling an absolute peach of a delivery, the inswinger was too good for Danni Wyatt, as she was bowled for just 4. Schutt struck again, trapping Beaumont plumb in front of the stumps to get her prized scalp for 27 as England found themselves reeling at 38/2.

Skipper Heather Knight joined by Nat Sciver, stitched together a 48-run partnership, steering England out of troubled waters. Alana King then worked her magic again in the 15th over of the innings as Heather Knight was lbw in the sixth delivery, walking back for 26. Amy Jones was next to fall for 20.

Sciver would bring up her fifty, but England had a mountain to climb in the remainder of their innings. Wickets kept falling for the English team as Sciver kept on fighting, bringing up her second century of the 2022 World Cup against the same opponent. She would be brilliantly supported by Charlie Dean, as the pair embarked on a 65-run stand.

Dean’s knock of 21 would finally end as Ash Gardner as a misguided reverse-sweep was caught at short third by Jess Jonassen.

Australia’s moment of glory finally arrived in the 44th over, as Anya Shrubsole holed out to Jess Jonassen off the bowling of Ash Gardner, Meg Lanning’s troops erupting in joy. It was a brilliant knock by Nat Sciver, who remained unbeaten at 148, to register the third-highest ever score in a 50-over World Cup final.

Earlier, a brilliant display of batting by Alyssa Healy, Rachael Haynes and Beth Mooney gave Australia an upper hand over England in the first innings of the summit clash of the ongoing ICC Women’s ODI World Cup,

Healy played a brilliant knock of 170 while Haynes and Mooney scored 68 and 62 runs, respectively, to take Australia’s total to 356/5 in the first innings.

Healy not only compiled her own highest ODI score in smashing 170 from just 138 deliveries against England but also registered the biggest score by a man or woman in a World Cup decider.

Brief scores: Australia (Alyssa Healy 170, Rachael Haynes 68; Anya Shrubsole 3/46) vs England 285/10 (Nat Sciver 148*, Tammy Beaumont 27; Jess Jonassen 3-57).

Pakistan President Dissolves National Assembly, Elections In 90-Day

Posted: 03 Apr 2022 02:21 AM PDT

Pakistan President Arif Alvi has dissolved the National Assembly on the proposal of Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday, with the elections likely to be held in the next 90 days.

Earlier, Imran Khan surprised the Opposition to announce in his televised address to the nation that he has advised President Arif Alvi to dissolve all the Assemblies. Official notification to dissolve the National Assembly has also been issued by the Pakistani President.

The fast-paced development came shortly after National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri, who was chairing today’s session, dismissed the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government, terming it a contradiction of Article 5 of the Constitution.

“I have written to the President to dissolve the Assemblies. There should be elections in a democratic way. I call upon the people of Pakistan to prepare for elections,” Imran Khan said in his address to the nation.

“I congratulate every Pakistani on the Speaker’s decision. The no-confidence motion was a foreign conspiracy against us. Pakistan should decide who should govern them,” Khan added.

Pakistan Prime Minister had said that he was given three options ahead of the no-trust vote by the “establishment” — resignation, holding early elections or facing the no-confidence motion.

The military establishment however had denied the claim and said that it did not bring the Opposition’s options, and rather it was the federal Government that telephoned the top brass while asking for a meeting to discuss the ongoing political scenario, The News International reported.

The Chief of Pakistan Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the Directive General (DG) of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) had met Pakistan PM on Wednesday at the request of the ruling government, according to The News International citing sources.

Imran Khan has seemingly lost support both in the lower House of the legislature and the backing of the all-powerful Pakistan Army.

Imran Khan received a massive blow when the PTI “lost the majority” in the National Assembly after losing its key ally in the coalition Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P). The MQM on Wednesday announced that it had struck a deal with the opposition Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and would support the no-trust vote in the 342-member National Assembly.

No Impact On Efficacy And Safety Of Covaxin: Bharat Biotech After WHO Suspension

Posted: 03 Apr 2022 02:09 AM PDT

Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech on Sunday issued a clarification that there is “no impact on efficacy and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine COVAXIN” after the World Health Organisation suspended it from its Covax facility. “For the millions who have received COVAXIN, the vaccine certificates issued still stand valid as there is no impact on efficacy and safety of the vaccine,” read the statement issued by Bharat Biotech on suspension from WHO.

The vaccine manufacturer has further said that the company is slowing down the production of Covaxin for facility optimization.

“For the coming period the company will focus on pending facility maintenance, process and facility optimization activities,” the statement read.

“As all existing facilities were repurposed for the manufacture of COVAXIN, with continuous production during the past year, to meet the public health emergency of COVID-19, these upgrades were due. Certain highly sophisticated equipment which was required to enhance the process stringency was unavailable during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has to be stressed that the quality of COVAXIN was never compromised at any point in time,” it added.

The company also mentioned that they are working to further improvements and upgrades to ensure that the production of COVAXIN continues to meet the increasing global regulatory requirements.

“Notwithstanding this excellent safety and efficacy record, Bharat Biotech is diligently working to further improvements and upgrades to ensure that the production of COVAXIN continues to meet ever-increasing global regulatory requirements. Since patient safety is the primary consideration for any new vaccine, there can be no compromises in meeting operational excellence objectives,” it said.

The Bharat Biotech’s COVID-19 vaccine, COVAXIN has been suspended by World Health Organisation (WHO) from its Covax facility, announced the UN health body on Saturday attributing it to deficiencies in manufacturing practices.

“WHO confirms the suspension of supply of COVAXIN produced by Bharat (Biotech), through UN procurement agencies and recommending to countries that received the vaccine to take actions as appropriate,” reads the WHO in a statement.

However, the UN body clarified that there will be no issues related to the safety and efficacy of a vaccine.

“The risk assessment to date does not indicate a change in the risk-benefit ratio. The data available to WHO, indicate the vaccine is effective and no safety concern exists. For continuation of vaccination with alternative sources of COVID19 vaccines countries should refer to the respective SAGE recommendation,” it read.

On inspection by WHO, Bharat biotech said, “During the recent WHO post-EUL inspection, Bharat Biotech agreed with the WHO team on the scope of the planned improvement activities and indicated that they will be executed as soon as practical.”

“It does not indicate a change in the risk-benefit ratio (for COVAXIN) and the data, available to WHO, indicates the vaccine is effective and no safety concern exists,” it said.

This suspension has been done after the WHO post-emergency use listing inspection that was conducted between March 14-22. After the suspension, there will be an interruption of supply of Covaxin production for export.

Pakistan: Opposition Threatens A Sit-In Protest In National Assembly

Posted: 03 Apr 2022 01:40 AM PDT

Islamabad (Pakistan): The Opposition front in Pakistan will stage a sit-in protest at the national assembly till the no-trust vote against the Imran Khan government is held, Pakistan Peoples’ Party leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said today.

Taking to Twitter after the Deputy Speaker of Pakistan’s national assembly, Qasim Suri, rejected the no-trust vote on grounds of national security, Mr Bhutto Zardari tweeted, “Government has violated constitution. did not allow voting on no confidence motion. The united opposition is not leaving parliament. Our lawyers are on their way to Supreme Court. We call on ALL institutions to protect, uphold, defend & implement the constitution of Pakistan.”

Earlier, in a major twist in the Pakistan Political crisis, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly rejected the no-trust vote.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan, while addressing the Nation congratulated the people of Pakistan on the speaker’s decision.

Also Read: No-Trust Motion Rejected By Deputy Speaker, Imran Advises President To Dissolve Assembly:

https://www.8pmnews.com/no-trust-motion-rejected-by-deputy-speaker-imran-advises-president-to-dissolve-assembly/

Blast In Afghanistan Kabul’s Market

Posted: 03 Apr 2022 01:28 AM PDT

Kabul [Afghanistan]): An explosion occurred in Afghanistan’s Kabul on Sunday morning, media reported citing locals.


According to the eyewitnesses, the blast took place in Kabul’s money change market. Two money exchangers have confirmed the casualties due to the blast, Tolo News reported today.


“An explosion occurred in Sarai Shahzada in Kabul on Sunday,” Tolo News said in a Tweet.


In the past month, at least 22 cases of violence against journalists were recorded under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.


The information on mistreatment of media was shared by the Afghanistan Federation of Journalists and Media (AFJM) on Wednesday, reported Tolo News.


Speaking at a press conference in Kabul, AFJM member Ali Azghar Akbarzada expressed concern over the status of the media in Afghanistan and said that within the same period eight media organizations have halted operations due to economic challenges.


“There have been 22 cases of violence against journalists in March. One case is the insulting of journalists. The rest of the cases include short-term detentions,” he said.

Nepal PM Offers Prayers At Kashi Vishwanath Temple In Varanasi

Posted: 03 Apr 2022 01:23 AM PDT

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): After offering prayers at Kaal Bhairav temple, Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife Arzu Deuba accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath went to Kashi Vishwanath temple and offered prayers on Sunday.


Deuba arrived in India on Friday on a three-day visit. It is his first such visit abroad after assuming office in July 2021.

Today on the last day of his official visit he came to Varanasi to offer prayer at the famous Kaal Bhairav temple and Kashi Vishwanath temple. At Kashi Vishwanath temple, Deuba was welcomed by applying ’tilak’.


The streets of Varanasi were seen decked up with Deuba’s posters and hoardings. Children could be seen standing with the national flags of both countries (India and Nepal).


Earlier today, Deuba along with his wife offered prayers at Kaal Bhairav temple and was welcomed as per the Indian ritual, with conch, damru and “bel patra” garland.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was already in Varanasi before the Nepal Prime Minister’s arrival.


A day earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Deuba met and held delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.


The two Prime Ministers jointly launched multiple projects which are likely to boost connectivity between the two countries while they expressed hope that the key initiatives being taken by them would take India-Nepal relations to new heights.


Both PMs first inaugurated a 35-km long cross-border rail link from Jayanagar in Bihar to Kurtha in Nepal and also a passenger train service built under India’s Grant Assistance in a joint address at Hyderabad House. Deuba is on a three-day India visit.


Deuba met Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda at the party headquarters on Friday and discussed strengthening the ties between the Nepali Congress and the BJP.


After meeting BJP President, Nepal PM met the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla in Delhi.


The Nepal PM was also accompanied by Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka, Energy and Water Resources Minister Pampha Bhusal and Health Minister Mahendra Rai Yadav during the meeting.

No-Trust Motion Rejected By Deputy Speaker, Imran Advises President To Dissolve Assembly

Posted: 03 Apr 2022 12:54 AM PDT

Islamabad (Pakistan): The no-trust motion against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been dismissed by the Deputy Speaker who cited a security threat.

Mr Khan, who asked his supporters to hit the streets ahead of the no-trust vote, congratulated the Nation of the Deputy Speaker’s decision.

“I congratulate every Pakistani on the Speaker’s decision. The no-trust motion was a foreign conspiracy against us. Pakistan should decide who should govern them,” Imran Khan.

He further said, “I have written to the President to dissolve the assemblies. There should be elections in a democratic way. I call upon the people to Pakistan to prepare for elections.”

This is a developing story, more details are awaited.

RSS Chief Hopes For Early Return Of Kashmiri Pandits In The Valley

Posted: 03 Apr 2022 12:43 AM PDT

Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir): Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday expressed hope that the Kashmiri Pandits who were displaced from their homes in the 1990s after the onset of terrorism will soon return back to their houses in the Kashmir valley.


“I have a feeling that the day is very near when the Kashmiri Pandits will come back to their homes and I wish that day comes soon,” said Bhagwat while addressing the Kashmiri Hindu community via video conference on the last day of the Navreh celebrations here.

Bhagwat said that the Vivek Agnihotri directed ‘The Kashmir Files’ has revealed the true picture of the Kashmiri Pandits and their exodus in the 1990s from the Kashmir valley.


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 has sharply polarised the political spectrum in the country.


“Today, every Indian knows about the truth of the exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits. This is the time that Kashmiri Pandits have to go back to their own homes in a way that they are never uprooted again in future,” the RSS chief added.


The RSS chief also said that the Kashmiri Pandits should take a resolve to return to their homeland, so the situation will change soon.


He said, “Some are in support of this movie, some are calling it half-truth… But the common people of this nation are of the opinion that by presenting this harsh truth to the world, this film has not only presented the pain of displaced Kashmiris but shaken us as well.”


He further said that nobody can force the Kashmiri Pandits to leave, and if anybody tries to do it, then he will have to face the consequences.


Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra (SSK), Jammu, organised a three-day programme, beginning April 1 and will conclude today, to celebrate the ‘Tyaag and Shaurya Divas’, urging the ‘Kashmiri Samaj’ to take a pledge to return to their homeland on the auspicious occasion of Navreh.


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


The SSK has been celebrating the ‘Navreh, Tyaag and Shaurya Divas’ with the community members and school children for several years while also organising seminars, essay writing and quiz competitions to highlight the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits.


This coincides with the first day of the Chaitra (spring) Navratras. Kashmiri Pandits dedicate the Navreh festival to their Goddess Sharika and pay homage to her during the festival. 

COVID Cases Decline Further; 1,096 New Infections In Last 24 hrs

Posted: 03 Apr 2022 12:33 AM PDT

New Delhi [India]: As the declining trend of COVID-19 cases in the country continues, India on Sunday reported 1,096 new infections in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry.


With this, the active caseload of the virus in India stands at 13,013, constituting 0.03 per cent of the country’s total positive cases. “There has been a sustained fall in the weekly and daily positivity rates too,” the Ministry said in a press release.


The weekly positivity rate in the country currently stands at 0.23 per cent, while the daily positivity rate was reported to be 0.24 per cent.


As many as 1,447 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative tally of recovered patients since the beginning of the pandemic to 4,24,93,773.


Meanwhile, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 184.66 crore (1,84,66,86,260) as per provisional reports till 7 am today.


This has been achieved through 2,21,24,040 sessions, the Ministry said.


COVID-19 vaccination for the age group 12-14 years commenced on March 16.


So far, more than 1.85 crore (1,85,44,700) adolescents have been administered the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.


In the last 24 hours, a total of 4,65,904 COVID-19 tests were conducted across the country. India has so far conducted over 79.07 crore (79,07,64,883) cumulative tests.

Pak No Trust Vote: Members start Arriving In Parliament

Posted: 03 Apr 2022 12:27 AM PDT

Islamabad (Pakistan): Opposition members of the National Assembly have started to arrive at Parliament House ahead of the no-trust vote against the Imran Khan govt.

Security personnel have been deployed near Pakistan’s National Assembly and Section 144 has been imposed in Islamabad.

After weeks of political mudslinging, name-calling, and claims of an international conspiracy, Imran Khan is set to face the no-trust vote on Sunday in Pakistan's National Assembly.


As Pakistan PM readies himself to face the "last ball", it is clear that Imran Khan has seemingly lost support both in the lower house of the legislature and the backing of the all-powerful Pakistan army.

Imran Khan received a massive blow when the PTI "lost the majority" in the National Assembly after losing its key ally in the coalition Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P).

Also read: Pakistan PM Imran Khan To Face No-Confidence Vote Today

Ahead of the deceive no-trust vote against Imran Khan on Sunday, Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Bajwa indicated that Pakistan is ready to talk with India to resolve all outstanding issues, including the Kashmir issue.

Also Read :Ahead Of No-Confidence Vote, Gen. Bajwa Indicates Pak Ready For Talks With India.

No Pakistan premier has ever completed a full term and he is the third one to face the no-trust vote.

Govt Rejects Humiliation Claims Of Chirag Paswan Over Official Bungalow

Posted: 02 Apr 2022 11:57 PM PDT

New Delhi [India]: With the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) party chief Chirag Paswan claiming humiliation over eviction from the 12, Janpath bungalow, the government has claimed that the action has been taken as per the rules while sufficient time was given to the occupants to vacate the place.


Official sources said that the Ram Vilas Paswan family was eligible to stay at the bungalow for a month after the demise of the former union minister.

Sources further said that the family could have stayed for another month by paying rent as per the rules.


“The general pool bungalow, 12, Janpath (Type -VIII) was allotted to Ram Vilas Paswan on March 14, 1990, in his capacity as the then Minister of Labour and Welfare. He continued to occupy the bungalow over the years in various capacities,” said sources.


In the Narendra Modi Cabinet, Ram Vilas Paswan was Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and passed away after a prolonged illness on October 8, 2020.


“As per the official rules, the family was eligible to retain the bungalow till November 7, 2020, on a rent-free furnished basis and for another one month on payment of normal rent and payment of water and electricity charges,” stated the sources.


The sources in the government also stated that Chirag Paswan did not respond to the notices sent for vacating the bungalow. The LJP chief incidentally wanted to stay in the house till his father’s first death anniversary.


“Eviction proceedings were initiated against the family members of the former Union Minister on January 6, 2021,” sources said.


As per the UD Ministry sources, the estate officer passed the eviction order on July 14, 2021. Subsequently, the eviction team was sent five times to the bungalow.


“The dates on which eviction teams were sent to 12, Janpath bungalow were August 5, 2021, September 1, 2021, February 7, 2022, February 22, 2022, and March 15, 2022. Finally, the team carried out the evacuation on March 30, 2022,” added the sources.


Type VIII bungalows are generally allocated to Union Ministers. This bungalow was to be allocated to Ministers in the Modi government, who took oath on July 7 last year, including a few of them, who still continue to live out of flats given to them as MPs, sources said.


As per sources, the bungalow was first offered by the government to Chirag Paswan’s uncle and Union minister Pashupati Paras, who declined the offer.


Later this bungalow was allotted to Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.


Notably, the Jamui MP Chirag Paswan had been allotted a ‘Type VII Duplex Bungalow No. 23, North Avenue’ in August 2019. However, he continued to live at 12, Janpath.

The Union Government continues to maintain a policy of not allowing people to stay beyond the prescribed limits.


Leaders like Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley, once they ceased to be Union ministers in the Modi government, had vacated the official accommodations within the prescribed period.

In fact, within days of being made the Vice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu too vacated his house which was allocated to him as the Union Minister on APJ Abdul Kalam Road.


It is relevant to note that Former Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank will also be vacating the official house from Safdarjung Road, which will be given to Union Minister for aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Sources said that Nishank too will have to vacate the official accommodation latest by Sunday, or else the eviction action may be taken against him on Monday.


Earlier Chirag Paswan said, “I am saddened by the way the house was vacated. I never said that I want to occupy 12, Janpath forever. My family respects the law. We were ready to vacate the house, but why were we humiliated like this?”
“People of Bihar are seeing all these things,” he added.


Coming out in support of Chirag Paswan, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for evicting the family members of the LJP founder from the 12, Janpath bungalow. 

Will Smith’s Career At Stake Post-Oscars Slap Controversy?

Posted: 02 Apr 2022 11:47 PM PDT

Even after repenting and apologising for his actions at the recently held 94th Academy Awards ceremony, it seems like Will Smith’s career has come to a halt.

The Hollywood Reporter recently informed that at least a couple of films signed by him as the lead actor, which were supposed to be in the works, have, for the time being, been suspended. Recently streaming giant Netflix put a hold on Smith’s upcoming thriller film ‘Fast and Loose’ which was announced in July last year.

A few reports obtained by the outlet also revealed that another streaming giant Sony has also hit the pause on Smith’s much-awaited project ‘Bad Boys 4’.

Weeks before the 2022 Oscars ceremony, director David Leitch reportedly also pulled away from the project, electing to move to the Ryan Gosling vehicle ‘Fall Guy’ for Universal, and now the streaming giant has decided to pull away from the film, Variety reported.

The Hollywood Reporter says other projects of Will may also be put on ice, which presumably could be his other Netflix movies including ‘The Council’ and ‘Bright 2.’

Speaking of his Sony projects, it was recently reported that Smith had apparently received 40 pages of the script for the ‘Bad Boys’ sequel.

As per the reports obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, there are other Sony-tied films of his either as a producer or actor that might get halted.

These projects include sequels to ‘Hancock’ and ‘Karate Kid’.

Fans are also awaiting the release of Smith’s forthcoming Apple project ‘Emancipation’, whose release date has not been revealed yet.

In the movie, Smith plays a runaway slave from a Louisiana plantation, portraying the man who infamously posed for a photo in which he shows off the many scars on his back.

The action thriller film directed by Antoine Fuqua is written by William N Collage.
‘Emancipation’ was touted to have earned Will Smith another Oscar for this phenomenal performance.

For the unversed, Smith on Friday (local time) announced that he has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, days after he slapped comedian Chris Rock onstage at the Oscars.

As per TMZ, this resignation would mean he cannot vote for others, but can still be nominated and even attend future Oscars ceremonies.

Smith had previously apologised to the academy and to Rock. A few minutes after the incident, Smith was announced Best Actor at the Oscars.

Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock onstage after he got miffed at the latter’s joke directed at his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

The 94th Academy Awards took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Imran Khan Incites Youth To Protest Against Foreign Conspiracy

Posted: 02 Apr 2022 11:37 PM PDT

Hours before the crucial vote on the no-confidence motion against Pakistan Prime minister Imran Khan, the ruling party has doubled up efforts to gain support from the public as Pakistan PM called the youth of the country to protest for two days against the “foreign conspiracy” to oust him.

He said that this conspiracy was hatched against his government as Pakistan’s National Assembly is going to vote against him on a no-confidence motion on Sunday, Geo TV reported. While responding to a live Question and Answer session with the people on Saturday, Imran Khan said, “…I want you to protest for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan.”

Pakistan PM said that the “conspiracy” against his government was proved as the politicians were being “traded out in the open” and also trying to throw the elected government just because “they don’t like it.”

He further said that the country will “have no future” if the situation doesn’t change. He also advised the youth to hold a “peaceful” protest. “This is your right.”

PM Imran Khan mentioned the US and Iraq incident where the US attacked Iraq under the false pretext of having weapons of mass destruction. He said that after that attack, two million people came out on the streets and protested against it and asked the youth to follow it, according to Geo TV.

“When the nation stands with the truth, it becomes the biggest fear of traitors (Opposition) and those who have sold their conscience,” the prime minister said.
PM Imran Khan said he wanted history to remember the “traitors” as they were “conspiring” with foreign powers. He said even the National Security Committee (NSC) had seen the letter.

Pakistan PM further said that when he will be ousted, the Leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif would assume power, reported Geo TV.

“…till the time we do not hold peaceful protests against such foreign powers, we cannot see real change,” the prime minister said, claiming that Pakistan never had an independent foreign policy except for the time when former Pakistan Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was in power, he said.

This is not the first time when PM Imran Khan asked people to protest, whenever there is a no-confidence motion is scheduled, Pakistan PM calls the public to come and support him. Like on March 27, he called 1 lakh people to support him and addressed the public rally at Islamabad’s Parade ground.

The no-confidence motion against Imran Khan was submitted by opposition parties on March 8 after the PPP’s long march in Islamabad.

India Extends Credit, Fuel, Food To Bail Sri Lanka Out Of Economic Crisis

Posted: 02 Apr 2022 11:24 PM PDT

Sri Lanka is reeling under a deep economic crisis as the country’s foreign reserves have been depleted and the Rajapaksa government is struggling to pay for the import of fuel.

As a result, there is an acute power shortage in the country and violent protests are being reported. The government has declared an emergency and a countrywide 36-hour curfew has been imposed due to the protest on Sunday as of now around 600 protesters have been arrested. In these difficult times, India has come forward to bail the island nation out of the crisis. India has responded to urgent requests from Sri Lanka with promptness.

“Since January this year, support from India to Sri Lanka exceeds USD 2.5 billion. A fuel line of credit of USD 500 million was signed in February. Four consignments totaling over 150,000 tons of jet aviation fuel, diesel and petrol have since arrived beginning in March. Five more consignments are to follow till May. Another line of credit of USD 1 billion for food, medicine and essential items was signed last month,” Gopal Baglay India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka told ANI.

“The first consignment of rice from India is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka shortly under this credit facility,” Bagley added

Besides, the Reserve Bank of India has extended a currency swap of USD 400 million and deferred payments owed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka under the Asian Clearance Union worth several hundred million dollars.

Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka said: “These facilities, negotiated and concluded within a matter of weeks, have proved to be the lifeline for the people of Sri Lanka at a time when financing of imports by Sri Lanka is difficult due to the balance of payment situation.”

“India’s prompt assistance for the people of Sri Lanka at this hour has been appreciated by all sections of the Sri Lankan society” the Indian high commissioner to Sri Lanka added.

India on Saturday delivered 40,000 MT of diesel to Sri Lanka to help ease the power crisis in the island country which is witnessing acute power cuts.

A part of the US 500 million oil line of credit (LoC) extended by India to Sri Lanka, this is the fourth consignment of fuel delivered from India to Sri Lanka under the LoC. Further, India has supplied around 200,000 MT of fuel to the island nation over the last 50 days.

Sri Lanka’s economy has been in a free fall since the COVID-19 pandemic due to the crash of the tourism sector. 

ED Files Charge Sheet Against Ex-Punjab CM Channi’s Nephew In Sand Mining Case

Posted: 02 Apr 2022 10:36 PM PDT

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a charge sheet against the nephew of former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi in an illegal sand mining case.

The agency also named one more person in the charge sheet filed on March 31 under money laundering charges in the court of Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) judge, Rupinderjit Chahal, in Punjab. The court has fixed April 6 as the next date of hearing in the case.

The federal agency has charged Sections 3 (offence of money laundering), 4 (punishment for money laundering), 44 (offences triable by special courts) and 45 (offences to be cognisable and non-bailable), of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 against Channi’s nephew Bhupinder Singh alias Honey and his associate Kudratdeep Singh.

Honey was arrested on the intervening night of February 3 and 4 by the ED, and as per rules, the agency had to file a chargesheet against him within 60 days.
The ED had on January 18, days before the Punjab Assembly elections, conducted raids against Honey and others at 10 locations.

ED has also seized more than Rs 10 crore, Gold worth above 21 lakh and a Rolex watch worth Rs 12 lakh from the residential premises of alleged land mafia Honey, and others in connection with an alleged illegal sand mining case.

The ED had declared the recoveries after it concluded its two-day raid conducted at the business and residential premises of the accused persons and their associates in over a dozen places in Mohali, Ludhiana, Rupnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib and Pathankot.
The federal agency had also raided the premises of the accused persons and their associates including Kudratdeep Singh, the owner of Pinjore Royalty Company, and his partners and shareholders Kanwarmahip Singh, Manpreet Singh, Sunil Kumar Joshi, Jagveer Inder Singh on January 18 and 19.

The raids were also conducted at the premises of Randeep Singh, the owner of Providers Overseas Consultants Pvt Ltd and its other Directors and shareholders including Bhupinder Singh and Sandeep Kumar.

The places searched then included Honey’s Homeland Heights Society residence in Mohali’s Sector-70.

ED initiated a money-laundering investigation on the basis of an FIR registered at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar Police Station under sections 379, 420, 465, 467, 468 and 471 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 21(1) and 4(1) of Mines and Minerals (Regulation of Development) Act, 1957 in March 2018.

In the FIR, it was mentioned that a team comprising of officials of the Mining Department, Civil Administration and Police Department made a surprise check on March 7, 2018, on the basis of a complaint received at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar Police Station regarding illegal sand mining.

Consequently, it was found that several mines were being excavated by various machines and mining was being carried out beyond the designated area.

Accordingly, several tippers and trucks, Porcelain machines and JCB Machines were captured and seized by the investigating team.

“The seized tipper and trucks were also found to be overloaded with sand. The seized weighment slips having office stamps had actually not been issued by the concerned office and were forged,” ED had said.

Subsequently, the ED had also informed, that the mining operation at the Malikpur mining site was stopped and also the approval of weighment slips was stopped by the team.

As per the FIR, apart from Malikpur, illegal mining activities were also carried out at Burjtahl Das, Barsal, Lalewal, Mandala and Khosa.

On the basis of information available, the ED said, the investigation was initiated against all the accused mine owners and their associates in order to ascertain the money laundering activities undertaken by them for laundering their proceeds of crime.

The ED suspects that black money was invested in getting a contract for the sand mine. The company floated, sources say, is of very small scale and unlikely to get a contract worth crores.

Honey’s partner Kudratdeep Singh of Ludhiana and 25 others are already booked by Punjab Police in its FIR registered in 2018. When the ED questioned Kudratdeep Singh it came to the fore that the main facilitator was Honey. 

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