News Arena Network

Shyna Gupta

On Sunday, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah called on the Centre to launch an investigation into the recent twin terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and urged Pakistan to cease its support for terrorism in the region.
&nbsp;
Abdullah, the former chief minister, stated that if the Centre does not initiate a probe into the two violent incidents, his party would seek the involvement of an international committee to identify those responsible for the attacks.
&nbsp;
The attacks occurred on Saturday night, resulting in the death of Aijaz Sheikh, a former sarpanch associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in Shopian, and injuring a tourist couple from Rajasthan in Anantnag.
&nbsp;
During an election rally in Mendhar, Poonch district, Abdullah questioned the effectiveness of the abrogation of Article 370 in curbing terrorism. "I have been repeatedly saying that those in Delhi are misleading the people by claiming that Article 370 was responsible for terrorism. How many years have passed since its abrogation? Has terrorism stopped?&rdquo; he asked reporters.
&nbsp;
Abdullah emphasized the need for justice in Sheikh's murder, describing him as an innocent former BJP sarpanch who had the right to live in a free country where any party can promote its ideology. He called for an investigation to identify those behind the killing and the attack on tourists in Anantnag.
&nbsp;
"If the Centre does not conduct a probe, we should invite an international committee to investigate who is responsible for such attacks," he reiterated.
&nbsp;
Addressing the broader issue of regional peace, Abdullah urged Pakistan to end its support for terrorism, suggesting that once terror activities cease, both nations could engage in dialogue to resolve their issues.
&nbsp;
Responding to Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari's claim that Shah&rsquo;s visit aimed to benefit NC and PDP before the parliamentary elections' fifth and sixth phases, Abdullah dismissed the assertion, refusing to discuss the party or its claims.
&nbsp;
He pointedly questioned the origins of militancy in the region, hinting at separatist-turned-mainstream politician Sajad Lone without naming him. "Who brought the gun here (in J-K) and who raised a party that imported arms from across the border to target our innocent people and workers? Who received money from Pakistan and distributed it here?" he asked.
&nbsp;
Abdullah concluded by highlighting his long-standing warnings in Parliament about these issues, noting that the same individuals now stand with the BJP.

Jammu

Farooq Abdullah urges international investigation into twin Kashmir terror attacks

Ansh Mavani

In a recent appearance at a media agency, Sam Stevenson, assistant editor at UK's Daily Express, shed light on what he perceives as prevailing misconceptions about India in Europe and the West.
&nbsp;
Stevenson expressed concern over the negative narratives being circulated about India in the media, attributing them to biassed reporting.
&nbsp;
During his visit to India, Stevenson emphasised the importance of firsthand experiences in understanding the country's reality. He encouraged people to visit India, interact with locals, and witness the diversity and inclusivity firsthand, challenging the simplistic narratives perpetuated by the media.
&nbsp;
Stevenson also called for a shift towards highlighting India's successes and potential, advocating for a more positive portrayal of the country. He urged the media to move away from negative narratives and instead focus on telling the true stories of India's progress and development.
&nbsp;
Addressing concerns about religious dynamics in India, Stevenson highlighted the country's acceptance of all cultures and religions. He disputed claims of religious divisions, citing his observations of communal harmony at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign rallies.
&nbsp;
Stevenson underscored the responsibility of the media in presenting a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of India. He called for an end to India bashing and urged for a more informed and nuanced understanding of the country's complexities.
&nbsp;
Stevenson reaffirmed his commitment to journalistic integrity and factual reporting, vowing to challenge existing narratives and bring forth the reality of India's pluralistic society to the forefront of British media coverage.

New Delhi

UK Editor commits to cover truth amidst 'media bias' against India

Ayesha Banerjee

All eyes will be on Saran, which is among five constituencies in Bihar voting in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 20 as sitting BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy takes on INDIA bloc's RJD represented by party supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav&rsquo;s daughter Rohini Acharya this time round.
&nbsp;
Acharya, 47, a doctor by qualification, made news when she donated a kidney to her ailing father.&nbsp;
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She had moved to Singapore after marriage with her computer engineer husband, raising their two children instead of opting for a career. Now she is entering the political arena determined to win the seat her father held once.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;Rudy, 62, had made his debut in Lok Sabha in 1996 after winning the Chhapra seat, as Saran was known before the 2008 delimitation. Yadav won the seat in 2004 in a contest marred by large-scale electoral violence that had necessitated a repoll in the entire constituency.
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Five years later, after an embarrassing defeat in Pataliputra, Yadav retained Saran, holding it till &nbsp;2013, when conviction in a fodder scam case led to his disqualification and debarment from contesting polls.
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In 2014, Rudy defeated Yadav&rsquo;s wife Rabri Devi and five years later he got the better of Yadav&rsquo;s elder son Tej Pratap Yadav's father-in-law Chandrika Roy.
&nbsp;
So much so, Rudy also joked recently that his &ldquo;name could enter record books for winning against the maximum number of members of one family."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Acharya is the sixth member of her family, and fourth among her siblings to enter politics, but she has demonstrated that she has what it takes to be a popular leader. Her courageous decision to donate a kidney to her father and her readiness to take to social media to support her family during any political crises back home has won her countless admirers.
&nbsp;
There is a lot of curiosity in villages where she goes, with everyone eager to get a glimpse of Lalu&rsquo;s &lsquo;laadli&rsquo; as she is called, who did not hesitate to risk her life to save her father.
&nbsp;
In public speeches, she has mentioned &ldquo;sacrifices,&rdquo; saying there is nothing she won&rsquo;t be willing to do for her country and state.
&nbsp;
Locals welcomed her in Saran when she arrived to win back for her father's party the seat from where he had begun his political journey as a young MP in 1977, riding high on the Janata Party wave.
&nbsp;
In chaste Bhojpuri, she launched her speech with, "Raua sab ke gor laagatani (I prostrate before you all)," invoking the memory of legendary poet Bhikhari Thakur.
&nbsp;
Despite being in the company of RJD's two biggest crowd pullers, her father and younger brother Tejashwi Yadav, Acharya confidently took on her adversary as she compared her father&rsquo;s track record against his.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;My father got a rail wheel plant set up in Saran while he was the railway minister. The current MP (Rudy) had been the Union minister for skill development. He should tell us what he did for the youth here during his tenure," Acharya said, amid cheers from the crowds. &nbsp;
&nbsp;
She also said Rudy, who holds a commercial pilot's licence, would be "hawa hawai," from the constituency once he was elected.
&nbsp;
The BJP seems to have realised that its challenger here is no pushover, a reason why it ran a high-profile campaign in the constituency.
&nbsp;
The filing of nomination papers was followed, immediately, by a rally of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in an obvious bid to galvanize Rajput voters.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
On paper, both parties look equally well-placed.
&nbsp;
For Rudy it has been a see-saw battle. Though in 2019 he won by a comfortable margin of just under 95,000 votes, a year later, in the Vidhan Sabha polls, the RJD clawed back, grabbing four of the six assembly segments falling in the Lok Sabha constituency.
 Other constituencies set for polls on Monday are Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur and Hajipur.

Patna

Post

Bihar’s Saran could spring a surprise as BJP’s Rudy takes on Lalu’s daughter Rohini

Palak Chouhan

Polling in the fifth and final phase of general elections in Maharashtra is set to take place in 13 Lok Sabha constituencies, including six in Mumbai, on Monday. Over 2.46 crore eligible voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots, deciding the fate of 264 candidates contesting across various constituencies. Voting will be conducted from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. across 24,553 polling centres.
&nbsp;
Key contenders include Union ministers Piyush Goyal (Mumbai North), Bharati Pawar (Dindori), and Kapil Patil (Bhiwandi), along with BJP lawyer Ujjwal Nikam (Mumbai North Central). Shiv Sena&rsquo;s Shrikant Shinde (Kalyan) and city Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad (Mumbai North Central) are also prominent candidates.
&nbsp;
The main contest is between the ruling Mahayuti, comprising the Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP, and the opposition alliance of the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP). Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, where 10 of these 13 seats are located, form a significant part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, one of the most urbanised pockets in the country.
&nbsp;
Altogether, 2,46,69,544 persons are eligible to cast their votes, including 1,31,38,526 men, 1,15,28,278 women, and 2,740 from the third gender.
&nbsp;
The Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has fielded candidates in Mumbai South, Mumbai North West, and Mumbai South Central seats, while the ruling BJP has candidates in Mumbai North, Mumbai North Central, and Mumbai North East constituencies.
&nbsp;
The opposition Shiv Sena (UBT), led by former CM Uddhav Thackeray, has candidates in Mumbai South, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North East, and Mumbai North West as part of a seat-sharing deal with its Maha Vikas Aghadi partners NCP (SP) and Congress.
&nbsp;
Congress candidates are contesting in Mumbai North Central and Mumbai North.
&nbsp;
Thane and Kalyan, where the rival Senas are competing, are prestige battles for CM Shinde as they fall under his political turf. CM Shinde's close aide Naresh Mhaske and his son Shrikant Shinde are the Shiv Sena nominees in Thane and Kalyan, respectively.
&nbsp;
The contest is between the BJP and Sena (UBT) in Palghar, while the BJP and NCP (SP) are the main contenders in the textile manufacturing hub of Bhiwandi.
&nbsp;
Dhule is witnessing a BJP versus Congress fight. In Dindori, it is the BJP versus the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), while CM Shinde&rsquo;s Shiv Sena and Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) are facing off in Nashik.
&nbsp;
Mumbai police will deploy nearly 30,000 security personnel to ensure smooth voting in the city. Five officers in the rank of Additional Commissioner of Police, 25 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), and 77 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) will lead various teams during the election day.
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Nearly 5,000 policemen, 6,200 home guards, and 36 units of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) will also be brought from outside for the voting day.
&nbsp;
Out of Maharashtra's total 48 Lok Sabha seats, polling in 35 seats was conducted in previous phases. The votes cast will be counted on June 4.

Mumbai

Polling in 13 LS seats in Maharashtra on May 20; Mumbai’s 6 constituencies hold key to state's future

Neha Singh

A Trinamool Congress worker has been detained for allegedly molesting a minor girl in West Bengal&rsquo;s Sandeshkhali area, police said.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">According to the complaint lodged by the girl&rsquo;s mother, the accused &ldquo;somehow&rdquo; entered their house on Friday night and molested the minor.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The riverine Sandeshkhali area &mdash; situated on the borders of the Sundarbans, about 100 km from Kolkata &mdash; had been on the boil in February with protests over allegations of sexual abuse and land grab against now-arrested TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh and his supporters.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The girl, a Class-8 student, managed to escape and started shouting for help as family members and neighbours came out, police said, quoting the complaint.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">An officer of Basirhat Police District said the accused, around 20-years-old, is being questioned.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">A medical test has been conducted on the girl, he said, adding that its report is awaited. 
&nbsp;

Sandeshkhali

Sandeshkhali TMC leader allegedly molests minor

In the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, slated for May 20, the electoral battleground spans across 49 seats, spread over six States and two Union Territories, hosting pivotal contests that could reshape the political landscape of India.
&nbsp;
Raebareli, a bastion of the Congress party, witnesses Rahul Gandhi, also contesting from Wayanad, facing off against BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh. The constituency, deeply entrenched in Congress history, saw an emotional appeal from Sonia Gandhi, urging voters to extend their support to Rahul as they did to her.
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Amethi, synonymous with the Gandhi family, braces for a face-off between Congress loyalist Kishori Lal Sharma and BJP's Smriti Irani. Sharma underscores the developmental legacy of the Gandhis, while Irani emphasises her leadership credentials.
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In Lucknow, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh seeks reelection against Samajwadi Party's Ravidas Mehrotra, aiming to continue the city's progress initiated by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
&nbsp;
Mumbai North gears up for a fierce battle between Union Minister Piyush Goyal and Congress' Bhushan Patil. Goyal expresses confidence in BJP's governance track record, while Patil highlights his deep-rooted local connections.
&nbsp;
In Mumbai North Central, BJP introduces 26/11 prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam against Congress' Varsha Gaikwad, underscoring his commitment to national interests and legal expertise.
&nbsp;
Kaiserganj's electoral landscape witnesses Brij Bhushan Singh's son, Karan Bhushan Singh, seeking to continue the family's political legacy amidst controversy, facing off against opponents from Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party.
&nbsp;
Hajipur, a stronghold of LJP, sees Chirag Paswan vying to carry forward his father's political legacy, contesting against RJD's Shiv Chandra Ram.
Saran hosts a high-stakes battle between RJD's Rohini Acharya and BJP's Rajiv Pratap Rudy, with Rudy dismissing Opposition's claims of electoral&nbsp;uncertainty in Bihar.
&nbsp;
In Baramulla, former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah squares off against Sajad Lone and Mir Mohammad Fayaz, amidst heightened political tensions in the region.
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With each seat representing unique political dynamics and historical legacies, the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 holds immense significance, shaping the contours of India's political future.

Political heavyweights clash in phase 5 elections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condemned West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee&rsquo;s remarks against Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha and said threats are being issued against these socio-religious organisations to &ldquo;appease&rdquo; one&rsquo;s vote bank.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Addressing a rally in Purulia, Modi said the TMC has crossed the limits of decency by stooping so low that it is &ldquo;spreading canards against ISKCON, Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha&rdquo;.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;The TMC has gone beyond its limits by spreading canards against ISKCON, Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha. West Bengal Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee) is threatening them. They are threatening them just to appease their vote bank,&rdquo; he said.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Addressing an election rally in Goghat under the Arambagh Lok Sabha constituency, Banerjee had claimed, &ldquo;Some monks of Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha are working under the influence of BJP leaders in Delhi. Those who are looking after temples are doing great spiritual jobs, but everyone is not doing so. This is not done. We respect the monks.&rdquo;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
The prime minister hit out at the &ldquo;corrupt INDIA bloc, including the TMC&rdquo;, saying, &ldquo;It is Modi&rsquo;s guarantee that no corrupt persons will be spared. After the new government is formed on June 4, corrupt people will spend their lives in jail. After the Lok Sabha poll results, the action against them will intensify,&rdquo; he added.

West Bengal

PM Modi pans Mamata to promote vote-bank politics

Matua Mahasangha maelstrom: Family feud fuels powerplay in Bengal's Bongaon

Seeking a second term in Sultanpur, BJP leader Maneka Gandhi on Sunday emphasised her focus on local issues and predicted a larger victory margin this time.
&nbsp;
The former Union minister refrained from commenting on the BJP's decision to deny a poll ticket to her son, Varun Gandhi, from Pilibhit. She mentioned that Varun would soon campaign for her in Sultanpur.
&nbsp;
In an interview with PTI,the eight-time MP stated her primary concern is the problems of her constituency, avoiding remarks on the BJP's intent to eliminate the Congress presence in Rae Bareli.
&nbsp;
"I have no comments to make. I am concerned about problems in my own constituency and among the among the people here," Gandhi told PTI when asked about the BJP's promise to defeat the Gandhi family in Rae Bareli.
&nbsp;
Amethi and Rae Bareli are neighbouring districts. Rahul Gandhi is contesting Rae Bareli, while Gandhi family loyalist K.L. Sharma faces Smriti Irani in Amethi.
&nbsp;
Maneka Gandhi, who won Sultanpur in 2019 by a margin of 14,000 votes, confidently stated, "This time my victory margin will be bigger."
&nbsp;
She also noted that while the local population appreciates the upcoming grand Ram temple in Ayodhya, it is "not an issue in the polls here."
&nbsp;
Gandhi is contesting against the SP's Ram Bhual Nishad, with the BSP fielding Udraj Verma, an OBC candidate.
&nbsp;
When asked if she anticipates a ministerial role if the BJP forms the government again, she replied, "It is not in my hands. It is the prerogative of the PM."
&nbsp;
&nbsp;The BJP is counting on support from around two lakh Nishad (fishermen community) voters, with their leader Sanjay Nishad serving as a minister in Uttar Pradesh.
&nbsp;
Sultanpur will go to the polls in the sixth phase on May 25.

Lucknow

Maneka Gandhi predicts bigger win in Sultanpur, steers clear of BJP's Rae Bareli strategy

DELHI In light of concerns regarding the use of banned calcium carbide, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has alerted fruit traders to ensure strict compliance with the prohibition on its use for artificial ripening, especially during mango season.
&nbsp;
The FSSAI has also advised the Food Safety Departments of States and Union Territories to remain vigilant and take stringent action against individuals engaging in these unlawful practices as per existing laws.
&nbsp;
The national food regulator has approved the use of ethylene gas as a safer alternative for fruit ripening. &ldquo;Ethylene gas can be used at concentrations up to 100 ppm, depending upon the crop, variety, and maturity,&rdquo; said the FSSAI. &ldquo;Ethylene, a naturally occurring hormone in fruits, regulates the ripening process by initiating and controlling a series of chemical and biochemical activities.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Calcium carbide releases acetylene gas, which contains harmful traces of arsenic and phosphorus. These substances can cause serious health issues such as dizziness, frequent thirst, irritation, weakness, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and skin ulcers.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;There are chances that calcium carbide may come into direct contact with fruits during application and leave residues of arsenic and phosphorus on fruits,&rdquo; the food regulator stated.
&nbsp;
The FSSAI further urged consumers to report any observed use of calcium carbide or any improper use of ripening agents to the concerned State Commissioners of Food Safety for action against violators.

FSSAI warns fruit traders against using calcium carbide for fruit ripening

BJP has launched &lsquo;operation jhaadu&rsquo; (broom) to send Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders to jail, AAP National Convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged on Sunday.
 Kejriwal&rsquo;s remarks have come during a protest march by AAP workers towards the BJP office in New Delhi, where police presence has been strengthened.
&nbsp;
Addressing AAP workers and leaders at the party office on Sunday Kejriwal accused PM Modi and his party for starting operation jhadoo (broom, which also happens to be AAP's election symbol) so that AAP could not pose a challenge to the ruling party.
&nbsp;
More AAP leaders will be arrested and in the coming days the party's bank accounts would be frozen, he said.
&nbsp;
Kejriwal had earlier called for the protest march against the arrest of his aide Bibhav Kumar for allegedly assaulting his own party&rsquo;s Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal.&nbsp;
 News agencies reported the DCP Delhi Central Harsha Vardhan Mandava as saying that preventive arrangements had been made at DDU Marg to maintain law and order.
 Section 144 had also been imposed on DDU Marg with no permissions granted for any kind of protests there, he said.
 Bibhav Kumar, who was arrested on Saturday was produced before the Tis Hazari Court, which remanded him in police custody for five days.

‘Operation jhaadu’ BJP ploy to send our leaders to jail, says Kejriwal

As rains lashed many parts of Kerala, authorities on Sunday urged people, particularly those living in hilly and coastal areas, to exercise vigil.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The Meteorological Department has issued red alerts for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki districts for Sunday and Monday, and sounded orange alerts for four other districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam, for these days.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The Met office predicted thunderstorms with moderate rainfall and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 km/h at one or two places in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala till 1 pm on Sunday.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The Idukki District Collector has ordered a ban on night travel through the hilly areas of the district from Sunday until the red and orange alerts are withdrawn.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;Strict instructions have been issued to the District Superintendent of Police, Sub Divisional Magistrates, Regional Transport Officers, and Tehsildars to implement the ban effectively,&rdquo; an official statement said.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Mining activities have been banned in Ernakulam and Kottayam districts in view of the forecast for heavy rain.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The southern district of Thiruvananthapuram experienced heavy rains on Saturday night, leading to waterlogging in the city and its suburbs, affecting normal life.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Visuals aired by news channels showed that houses and shops were flooded in some parts.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Due to the non-completion of the Smart City Road, waterlogging has worsened in many places.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">In some areas, canals crisscrossing the capital city and its suburbs overflowed.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The affected people alleged that the lack of pre-monsoon cleaning of canals and drainage systems was the reason for the waterlogging in the capital city and its suburbs. 
&nbsp;

Thiruvananthapuram

Heavy rains prompt warnings, travel bans in many Kerala districts

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claimed on Sunday that leaders from both the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not support Eknath Shinde for the chief minister's post in 2019.
&nbsp;
Speaking to reporters, Raut stated that senior NCP leaders, including Ajit Pawar, Dilip Walse Patil, and Sunil Tatkare, opposed Shinde's candidature, citing they will not work under a junior and inexperienced person like him.
&nbsp;
"Congress and the NCP said they had several senior leaders, and the alliance leader should be someone who is experienced, senior, and can take everyone along," said Raut, a Rajya Sabha member.
&nbsp;
Raut further claimed that before the Shiv Sena (then undivided under Uddhav Thackeray) allied with Congress and the NCP to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, BJP leaders such as Devendra Fadnavis, Girish Mahajan, and Sudhir Mungantiwar also expressed their reluctance to support Shinde as the chief minister.
&nbsp;
"Shinde was already named as the leader of the Shiv Sena legislature party, but the BJP said they would not like Shinde as CM of the alliance," Raut asserted. "Shinde was appointed leader of the legislature party, and he could have been the CM candidate. But no one wanted him," he added.
&nbsp;
Raut mentioned that NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi advocated for a leader who had the support of all three parties in the Maha Vikas Aghadi.
&nbsp;
Following the 2019 state assembly elections, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena broke ties with the BJP and joined forces with the NCP and Congress to form the government. In 2022, Shinde led a rebellion against the Sena leadership, resulting in a split within the party. Subsequently, he formed a government with the BJP.
&nbsp;
Last year, Ajit Pawar and eight other NCP MLAs joined Shinde's government, causing a division within the NCP, which was founded by Sharad Pawar.

Sanjay Raut claims NCP, BJP leaders opposed Eknath Shinde as Maharashtra CM in 2019

It was &ldquo;a night to remember&rdquo;, said actor Kiara Advani, who was honoured at the Women In Cinema Gala, which was held alongside the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Advani was one of the six women to be felicitated at the dinner, hosted by the Red Sea International Film Festival and Vanity Fair Europe on Saturday on the sidelines of the ongoing extravaganza in France.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">For the event, she opted for an off-shoulder pink and black gown with a bow on the back and black lace gloves. She tied her hair in a high bun, and completed her look with an ornate neckpiece and a ring.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The Satyaprem Ki Katha actor shared a series of photos on her Instagram page on Sunday.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;A night to remember&rdquo;, Advani captioned her post.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">According to Red Sea International Film Festival&rsquo;s X page, the Women In Cinema Gala honoured six women who are &ldquo;fiercely redefining what is possible for future generations of female storytellers&rdquo;.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Besides Advani, the honourees were Saudi Arabian singer-actor Aseel Omran, Saudi Arabian actor Adhwa Fahad, Senegalese director-screenwriter Ramata-Toulaye Sy, Thai actor-model Sarocha Chankimha aka Freen, and Egyptian actor-model Salma Abu Deif.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The Cannes Film Festival will conclude on May 25. 
&nbsp;

Cannes

Kiara Advani expresses gratitude for being honoured at Cannes 2024

India&rsquo;s storyteller through the decades Ruskin Bond turns 90 today, May 19.
 You will find him most days at his picturesque home Ivy Cottage in the quiet cantonment town of Landour, at a short distance from Mussoorie.
&nbsp;
His childlike enthusiasm is evident as he discusses life, old age, writing, food and everything in between.
&nbsp;
"Ninety-nine per cent of writers are forgotten in the long run. We are writing for posterity but nobody remembers us afterwards... I am happy if my family remembers me and a few readers get some pleasure out of my writing but it is very easy for a writer to disappear, to go out of print,&rdquo; Bond told PTI in a rare interview at his home, often breaking into laughter at his own answers.
&nbsp;
At 90, Bond continues to be a voracious reader with his nose either in the books or newspapers... quite literally, due to his poor eyesight.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The ace raconteur makes light of his celebrity status and of being India&rsquo;s favourite children&rsquo;s author with more than 500 titles, including short stories, essays and novellas, since his debut novel, The Room on the Roof, in 1956.
&nbsp;
"They say 'old soldiers never die, they simply fade away'. Even old writers never die, they simply go out of print," Bond laughed.
&nbsp;
His latest book, Hold On To Your Dreams, published by Penguin Random House India (PRHI), offers a unique glimpse into Bond's personal space and everyday life -- memories of his boyhood, his friends, lost love, moments of joy, anguish, triumphs and tragedies.
&nbsp;
He became a writer almost by accident. His first two ambitions, and he failed miserably at both, were to become an actor or a tap dancer.
&nbsp;
"I wanted to be an actor, that never happened. I wanted to be a tap dancer, never had the figure for it. Then I realised I could write. I was a great bookworm. I grew up on books. Then I thought this is the best thing to do. Nothing better than a book, then why not write a few. Join the brigade of authors, so I did."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He fits the typical definition of a bookworm. "Books, I finish two-three of them a week easily. I read biographies, history, if it is interesting, crime thrillers for entertainment, and read classics... I have a fairly wide range of interest in books."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
A newspaper addict, also, he gets "irritated when I don't get my newspaper early in the day. I read four newspapers a day."
&nbsp;
Born to British parents Edith Clarke and Aubrey Bond in 1934 in Kasauli, Bond was only four years old when his mother separated from his father and married an Indian.
&nbsp;
Though Bond's custody was handed to his father, he soon relocated to his grandmother's house in Dehradun when his father died after being diagnosed with jaundice.
&nbsp;
Bond grew up in Jamnagar, Shimla, New Delhi, and Dehradun. He finally made Landour his home in 1963.
&nbsp;
The quiet mountain town has for years been attracting fans hoping to have a glimpse of the star author sipping tea at the famous Chaar Dukaan, a string of four shops somewhere on a winding road, or grab a fleeting look at him through the window of his bright yellow room.
&nbsp;
In fact, when Bond's grandson Sidharth created his Instagram account, which in no time amassed over two lakh followers,Bond jokingly said, "I hope they all don't turn up here together one day".
&nbsp;
"Lots of people come, knocking at the door, ringing the bell, wanting to meet me. Now, how can I spend all day meeting them? Still, I meet people sometimes when I can," said Bond.
&nbsp;
Till the Covid pandemic in 2020, Bond was a regular at book signing sessions in Mussoori&rsquo;s Cambridge Book Depot. Those visits have become infrequent but Bond fans still enquire at the shop about when he might come next.
&nbsp;
Bond has received numerous awards and honours, including Sahitya Akademi Award for English writing in 1992, the Padma Shri in 1999, the Padma Bhushan in 2014 and the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in 2021.
&nbsp;
Having lived all his life in India, barring the four years that he spent in the Channel Islands and London, Bond, who has always identified himself as an Indian and nothing else, admits that even now some people take him for a foreigner in the country.
&nbsp;
Ever the storyteller, he recalls with humour a visit to Odisha's Konark Sun temple.
&nbsp;
"They wanted to charge me extra because they said I was a foreigner. They charge extra from foreigners for entry. I said 'I am not a foreigner, I am an Indian', but then to avoid an argument I paid extra. And behind me came a sardar ji, he had a British passport but they let him in. He wasn't charged extra because he didn't look like a foreigner," he laughed.
&nbsp;
Bond said he leads a happy and content life and doesn't think twice in indulging in things he likes, be it slurping his favourite strawberry milk shakes or going on short drives with his grandchildren.
&nbsp;
Bond also scrupulously follows his doctor's advice. He gave up on his favourite tipple vodka but isn&rsquo;t a teetotaller and "chota, chota whiskey pegs" is his current favourite.
&nbsp;
"The doctor tells me to cut down on salt as well. But I can't give up pickle. This morning only I had haldi pickle on bread toast. Very nice," said Bond, whose favourite all time delicacy is Kashmiri style 'mutton kofta curry.'
&nbsp;

Dehradun

Happy 90th birthday, India's storyteller Ruskin Bond

Former sarpanch Aijaz Ahmed Sheikh was killed in Shopian&rsquo;s Heerapora and a couple from Jaipur were injured in an attack in Anantnag&rsquo;s Pahalgam late on Saturday night even as Kashmir is set for Lok Sabha elections in Baramulla and Anantnag-Rajouri consituencies on May 20 and 25, respectively.
 Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh, who was a BJP member, died in hospital after terrorists fired at him in Heerapora village in Shopian district at 10.30 pm.&nbsp;
 The couple from Rajasthan was injured in a separate incident in Anantnag.
&nbsp;
Sheikh was moved to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;
 Tourists Tabriz and his wife Farha were also injured when terrorists fired at them in the Yannar area of Anantnag district.&nbsp;
 Kashmir Zone Police tweeted on X, "Terrorists fired upon and injured a lady, Farha, a resident of Jaipur, and her spouse, Tabrez, at Yannar, Anantnag. The injured were evacuated to the hospital for treatment. The area was cordoned off."
 Baramulla will vote on May 20 in the fifth round of polls and Anantnag-Rajouri constituency on May 25.
&nbsp;
The BJP, National Conference and People&rsquo;s Democratic Party have condemned the incident.

Srinagar

Sarpanch killed, Jaipur couple injured in J&K terror attacks

The streets of Bengaluru transformed into a sea of jubilation as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured their berth in the playoffs of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.
&nbsp;
The city erupted in joyous celebration after Virat Kohli and his men staged a remarkable comeback to clinch victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday, 18th May.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Aaarrr Ceeee Beeee ❤️👏 6️⃣ in a row for Royal Challengers Bengaluru ❤️ They make a thumping entry into the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> 2024 Playoffs 👊 Scorecard ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/7RQR7B2jpC">https://t.co/7RQR7B2jpC</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvCSK</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCBTweets</a> <a href="https://t.co/otq5KjUMXy">pic.twitter.com/otq5KjUMXy</a>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1791905628216344616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
RCB's journey to the playoffs was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, marked by adversity and resilience.
&nbsp;
After enduring a tough start to the season with seven losses in their first eight games, the team orchestrated a stunning turnaround, clinching six consecutive victories to secure a coveted playoff spot.
&nbsp;
With the stakes high and the tension palpable, RCB delivered a performance for the ages, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final ball.
&nbsp;
As the clock struck midnight, the streets of Bengaluru came alive with celebrations. RCB loyalists poured out onto the roads, their faces adorned with smiles of triumph.
&nbsp;
When it finally appeared, cheers erupted into the night sky as fans showered the players with adulation and congratulations for their heroic feat on the field.
&nbsp;
The climax of the match against CSK epitomized the epitome of sportsmanship and determination. In a nail-biting finale, RCB needed to defend 35 runs in the final over to secure their playoff berth.
&nbsp;
It was a daunting task, but young sensation Yash Dayal rose to the occasion, delivering a masterful performance and conceding just 7 runs to seal the deal.
&nbsp;
With RCB's entry into the playoffs confirmed, the stage is set for an exhilarating climax to the IPL 2024 season.
&nbsp;
Alongside RCB, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have already booked their spots in the final four.&nbsp;

Bengaluru

Midnight madness: Bengaluru erupts in celebration for RCB

Tycoon Elon Musk arrived on the Indonesian island of Bali on Sunday ahead of the planned launch of SpaceX's Starlink internet service.
&nbsp;
The Indonesian government hopes this initiative will boost internet penetration and improve health services in remote areas of the vast archipelago.
&nbsp;
Chief Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan welcomed Musk at Bali's airport, announcing on Instagram that they would discuss key collaborations, including the Starlink inauguration. Providing equal internet access across Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy with over 270 million people spanning three time zones, would enable remote areas to enjoy the same high-speed internet as urban centers, he said.
&nbsp;
Musk, the billionaire head of SpaceX and Tesla, will launch Starlink alongside Indonesian President Joko Widodo at a community health center in Denpasar, Bali's capital, on Sunday afternoon.
&nbsp;
The satellite unit of SpaceX has already secured a permit to operate in Indonesia, as confirmed by Communications Minister Budi Arie Setiadi. Starlink has received authorization to function as an internet service provider for retail consumers and has been granted a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) permit.
&nbsp;
Indonesia is the third Southeast Asian country where Starlink will operate, following Malaysia and the Philippines. Starlink has also been extensively used in Ukraine by the military, hospitals, businesses, and aid organizations.
&nbsp;
Recently, Ukraine requested SpaceX to prevent Russia from using Starlink terminals for communications in occupied areas.

Jakarta

Starlink to boost Internet access in Indonesia; Musk arrives in Bali

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is aiming to transition 80% of India's major ports to the landlord model by the end of this decade, according to Secretary TK Ramachandran.
&nbsp;
This model involves private players taking over operational aspects while the port authority acts as a regulator and landlord, with the goal of increasing efficiency and reducing logistics costs.
&nbsp;
Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2024, Ramachandran highlighted that Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) is the first major port in India to achieve 100% landlord status, with all berths operated under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.
&nbsp;
The PPP model is recognized as an effective tool for attracting investment in the port sector.
&nbsp;
"We have 12 major ports, and we have a huge capacity. We want to shift to an 80% landlord model by the end of this decade," Ramachandran stated.
&nbsp;
He outlined four key pillars that the ministry is focusing on to improve the cost and ease of doing business: developing port-based industrial clusters, investing in the maritime sector, ensuring successful PPPs, and promoting multi-modal transportation.
&nbsp;
Ramachandran also noted significant progress in India's waterways infrastructure. "Ten years ago, India had five national waterways. Now, the country has 111 waterways. We have reformed the Major Ports Act and the Inland Vessels Act. We have made changes to the model concession agreements (MCAs) to make them more private sector-friendly, banking-friendly, and investment-friendly," he added.

Major ports to shift to landlord model by 2030: Shipping ministry

Several viral videos captured a giant meteorite crossing the skies of Spain and Portugal, creating a sensation on the internet. While there has been no official confirmation regarding the meteorite, numerous social media users shared images and videos showing the sky illuminated by a bright blue light due to the meteorite's passage.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
JUST IN: Meteor spotted in the skies over Spain and Portugal. This is insane. Early reports claim that the blue flash could be seen darting through the night sky for hundreds of kilometers. At the moment, it has not been confirmed if it hit the Earth&rsquo;s surface however some&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/PNMs2CDkW9">pic.twitter.com/PNMs2CDkW9</a>
&mdash; Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) <a href="https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/1791997578097389807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
As the visuals spread online, social media platforms were flooded with various reactions. Many users expressed their amazement, while others were left in awe of the celestial event.
&nbsp;
"Wow, this was impressive, so bright! From the color, it seems to be made of magnesium," commented one user on Reddit.
&nbsp;
"Here&rsquo;s where I&rsquo;m weirded out. The person filming it probably missed actually seeing it. I thank you for your service," wrote another user.
"That green glow is consistent with meteorites," observed another commenter.
&nbsp;
One user on X (formerly Twitter) shared videos of the meteorite, writing, "UNREAL!! MASSIVE Meteor sighting over Portugal! To see a streak like this is a once-in-a-lifetime event! No word on whether it hit Earth and became a meteorite! Also seen for hundreds of miles! Wow."
&nbsp;
The event, capturing the imagination of many, has sparked widespread interest and discussion about the rare and spectacular occurence.

Spain

Meteorite lights up skies over Spain and Portugal, goes viral

An Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Kochi made an emergency landing at Bengaluru after a fire was noticed in one of the engines, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) reported on Sunday.
&nbsp;
According to Air India Express, all passengers and crew were evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported. The fire was detected minutes after takeoff.
&nbsp;
Crew members alerted Air Traffic Control, leading to the declaration of a full-scale emergency. The flight, IX 1132, landed safely at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru at 11:12 PM on May 18, 2024. The fire was extinguished shortly after landing.
&nbsp;
A BIAL spokesperson confirmed that all 179 passengers and six crew members were evacuated without injury. An Air India Express spokesperson stated that suspected flames from the right engine prompted the flight to return and make a precautionary landing.
&nbsp;
Ground services corroborated the presence of flames, necessitating the evacuation.
&nbsp;
"The crew successfully evacuated all guests without injury. We regret the inconvenience caused and are arranging alternative transportation for passengers to reach their destination as soon as possible," the airline stated.
&nbsp;
Air India Express also announced a thorough investigation with regulatory authorities to determine the cause of the incident.

Air India Express flight makes emergency landing in Bengaluru due to engine fire

A special court for MPs and MLAs has issued an arrest warrant against JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna in a sexual assault case. The warrant, issued on Saturday, pertains to a case in which Prajwal's father, Holenarasipura MLA H D Revanna, is also an accused.
&nbsp;
Prajwal, son of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, had previously spent seven days in jail and was on bail following a four-day police custody for allegedly kidnapping a woman. He is now implicated in three sexual assault cases filed by three different women.
&nbsp;
Interpol has issued a blue corner notice against Prajwal, who remains at large. The situation escalated after numerous explicit videos allegedly showing Prajwal sexually assaulting women were made public.
&nbsp;
In response, the Karnataka government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate Prajwal's alleged crimes against women, following recommendations from Karnataka State Commission for Women chairperson Nagalakshmi Chowdhary.

Special court orders arrest of Prajwal Revanna

The fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections is poised to be a significant chapter in India's democratic narrative, with electoral battles unfolding across various states and union territories.
&nbsp;
This phase, scheduled for May 20, encompasses 49 constituencies spread across six states and two union territories, each with its unique political dynamics and contests.
&nbsp;
One of the focal points of this phase is the state of Uttar Pradesh, where traditional strongholds like Amethi and Raebareli are under the spotlight. Raebareli, long represented by Congress matriarch Sonia Gandhi, sees her son Rahul Gandhi stepping into the electoral arena, facing off against opponents determined to challenge the Congress's dominance.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Amethi, once considered a bastion of the Gandhi family, witnessed a seismic shift in the last election when BJP's Smriti Irani unseated Rahul Gandhi. The battle for these constituencies symbolises the larger struggle for political supremacy in the state.
&nbsp;
Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai, presents another arena of intense electoral competition. Union Minister Piyush Goyal's candidacy adds a layer of significance to the contests in Mumbai, where the outcomes will not only shape the political landscape of the city but also influence the power dynamics within the Shiv Sena.
&nbsp;
In Ladakh, a vast and strategically vital constituency, the electoral landscape is marked by nuanced local issues and geopolitical considerations. The candidacy of independent aspirants, alongside contenders from established parties like the BJP and Congress, underscores the region's unique electoral dynamics.
&nbsp;
Bihar's Hajipur constituency carries the legacy of former Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, with his son Chirag Paswan seeking to uphold the family's political heritage.
&nbsp;
The electoral battle here reflects not only the aspirations of the local electorate but also broader narratives of identity and representation.
&nbsp;
In Odisha, where simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha polls are underway, key constituencies like Bargarh and Sundargarh witness spirited contests, with candidates vying for the electorate's mandate amidst diverse socio-economic and political considerations.
&nbsp;
West Bengal, a state witnessing a political churn in recent years, remains a crucial battleground for parties like the BJP and Trinamool Congress.
&nbsp;
Constituencies like Bangaon and Barrackpur exemplify the intense electoral tussle playing out, with each party seeking to consolidate its electoral gains and expand its footprint.
&nbsp;
Uttar Pradesh, with its vast electoral significance, sees high-stakes contests in constituencies like Mohanlalganj and Lucknow. Leaders like Union Minister Rajnath Singh and Congress scion Rahul Gandhi are among the prominent contenders, each aiming to sway the electorate with their vision and promises.
&nbsp;
In Jammu and Kashmir, the first Lok Sabha election post the abrogation of Article 370, constituencies like Baramulla and Ladakh witness contests infused with regional identity and geopolitical ramifications. The electoral outcomes here will not only shape the region's political trajectory but also resonate nationally.
&nbsp;
The fifth phase of polling embodies the diverse tapestry of India's electoral democracy, with constituencies across the country casting their votes to determine the nation's future course of governance and representation.

Electoral spotlight on political dynasties in Phase 5

Riya Bishnoi

National BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda today said 'Lotus' will bloom with a resounding majority on all four seats of Devbhoomi Himachal Pradesh.
 Addressing election rallies in his home state in Nurpur, Chamba and Solan in Himachal Pradesh, Nadda said Narendra Modi will become the Prime Minister for the third consecutive time with 400 seats.
 He said the Congress government in Himachal was prioritizing its own interests and had nothing in the name of state interest. He said the Sukhu government allocated the disaster relief funds from the central government among its favourites and that the Congress government even failed to construct the rural roads for which the Modi government provided budget.
 Nadda highlighted that INDI alliance leader Arvind Kejriwal protested during the Nirbhaya case, yet a female MP from his own party was assaulted at his residence. Such leaders are not fit to remain in power.&nbsp;
 He emphasised that the Constitution of India clearly states that there will be no reservations based on religion in India, yet the Congress is attempting to implement religion-based reservations.&nbsp;"The Congress is trying to deprive dalits, backward classes and tribals of their rights to allocate them to a specific community."&nbsp;
 Nadda stated that the Congress party was not only anti-Ram and anti-Sanatan but also anti-national. "They have even given a Lok Sabha ticket to an individual who chanted "Tukde-Tukde" slogans calling for the country's division,"&nbsp;
 He asserted that INDI alliance was a union of dynastic parties without any regard for the public. "While Prime Minister Narendra Modi preaches "Bhrashtachar Hatao" they advocate "Bhrashtachari Bachao"."
&nbsp;
He said a decade ago, the nation was governed by a weak administration. "Terrorist attacks were common and the then Prime Minister would send dossiers to Pakistan. The previous government would engage in dialogue with terrorist leaders by inviting them to the Prime Minister's Office,".&nbsp;

Shimla

'Lotus' will bloom on all four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal: Nadda

The campaign for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha election came to a close on May 18. In this phase, 49 seats, including the notable constituencies of Amethi and Raebareli, are set to vote on May 20.
&nbsp;
Throughout the campaign, both the BJP and the INDIA bloc engaged in intense rhetoric. Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted the Congress, alleging that the previous UPA government had proposed allocating 15% of the budget to Muslims.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge promised to increase the allocation of free grains for the poor from 5 kg to 10 kg if his party comes to power.
&nbsp;
During his campaign in Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Modi warned that the Congress and Samajwadi Party would obstruct the construction of the Ram temple if elected, leading to a complaint lodged by the Congress with the Election Commission.
&nbsp;
Out of the 49 seats up for grabs, the BJP won 32 in the 2019 elections, with the Congress securing only Raebareli. This time, the BJP is contesting in 40 seats, while the Congress is vying for 18 seats, leaving the rest to its allies.
&nbsp;
This phase features 695 candidates, including 82 women, competing for seats. Notable candidates include Rahul Gandhi from Raebareli, Smrti Irani from Amethi, Rajnath Singh from Lucknow, Piyush Goyal from Mumbai-North, Omar Abdullah from Baramulla, and Rohini Acharya from Saran.
&nbsp;
Uttar Pradesh, with 14 seats voting in this phase, holds significant sway in parliamentary elections. Congress strongholds Raebareli and Amethi are among the contested seats. Additionally, Faizabad, which includes Ayodhya, a key area for BJP's Hindutva politics, will also vote.
&nbsp;
In Rae Bareli, Sonia Gandhi campaigned for Rahul Gandhi, expressing confidence in his capabilities. Meanwhile, in Amethi, Priyanka Gandhi lent her support to K.L. Sharma, who is challenging Smriti Irani.
&nbsp;
In Delhi, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal faced controversy as his aide, Bibhav Kumar, was arrested following an assault allegation by AAP MP Swati Maliwal.
&nbsp;
All seats in Mumbai will also see polling in this phase. Mamata Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress stirred debate within the INDIA bloc by stating her party would only offer outside support if the group forms the government.
&nbsp;
With the conclusion of the fifth phase, voting in 25 states and Union Territories will be complete. The next phases are scheduled for May 25 and June 1, with vote counting set for June 4.

Campaigning for 5th phase of Lok Sabha ends, voting on 20th

Amarpreet Kaur

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday openly challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the AAP supremo along with the other party leaders will go to the BJP headquarters on May 19 'so that the prime minister can send anyone he wants to jail'.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The BJP is saying they will send AAP MP Raghav Chadha and Delhi ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj to jail too, he claimed at a press briefing hours after his aide Bibhav Kumar&nbsp;was arrested&nbsp;in connection with the alleged assault on his party's parliamentarian Swati Maliwal.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Kejriwal, who is also the AAP national convener, however, asserted that&nbsp;his party could not be crushed&nbsp;by sending its leaders to jail.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "playing the game" of sending AAP leaders such as Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, and Sanjay Singh to jail, he said, "I&nbsp;along&nbsp;with my MLAs and&nbsp;MPs&nbsp;would go to the BJP office at noon tomorrow so that the prime minister can send anyone he wants to jail."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"The AAP is an idea. For as many AAP leaders you jail, the country would produce leaders a hundred times more," Kejriwal said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He claimed that the AAP's "fault" was that its government in Delhi built good schools, set up Mohalla Clinics, provided free treatment, and ensured free round-the-clock power supply in the city&nbsp;which&nbsp;the BJP could not do.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Kejriwal,&nbsp;who&nbsp;was&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;in a money laundering case linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam, has been granted interim bail till June 1 by the Supreme Court to campaign in the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He will have to surrender and&nbsp;go back&nbsp;to jail on June 2, a day after the last phase of polling in the general elections.

Kejriwal's challenge to PM Modi: Will go to BJP office, PM can send anyone to jail

Deepan

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was directly dealing with a hawala operator to pump slush funds into the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) unit to contest the 2022 Goa state assembly election.
&nbsp;
The alleged slush fund was part of kickbacks Kejriwal had received from the South group to tweak Delhi liquor policy.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigating a Delhi liquor scam worth over Rs 100 Crore made a partial disclosure of the alleged association of Kejriwal with&nbsp;hawala&nbsp;operator.
&nbsp;
Authoritative&nbsp;sources confided that the agency had long placed the hawala operator on surveillance when it detected Kejriwal purportedly chatting with him to coordinate cash transfer to Goa through hawala channels.
&nbsp;
The ED which filed a chargesheet against Kejriwal and his party&nbsp; the AAP &mdash; on Friday has claimed that the said lengthy chat is among many clinching evidence that the agency possesses against Kejriwal and his party.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Physical and electronic identity of persons (Kejriwal and Hawala operator) involved in chat are well established. There is no ambiguity about the issue (fund transfer) they are talking about. The conversation establishes what they are&nbsp;planning and how they want to execute that plan. Hence if someone (Kejriwal) claims unawareness about the scam, denying any kind of involvement, this chat is evidence,&rdquo; well-placed sources said.
&nbsp;
As per the ED&nbsp;out of Rs 100 Crore in bribes Rs 45 crore was funneled to the AAP to fund the campaign for the 2022 Goa Assembly elections and Kejriwal was directly dealing&nbsp;Hawala&nbsp;transfer.

Kejriwal directly connived with Hawala operator for fund transfer, claims ED

In a potential shake-up to its smartphone offerings, Apple is rumoured to unveil the iPhone 17 Slim, anticipated to debut as the most expensive variant in the tech giant's 2025 lineup, a recent report suggests.
&nbsp;
Traditionally, Apple has maintained a consistent roster of four models, including the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, indications point towards the introduction of a new 'Slim' iteration, possibly supplanting or supplementing existing models.
&nbsp;
As per insights from The Information (via GSMArena), Apple's purported plan includes integrating the iPhone 17 Slim into its forthcoming smartphone catalogue for 2025.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This development comes amid the anticipation surrounding the imminent release of the iPhone 16 series, projected to hit the market in the latter half of 2024.
&nbsp;
Details regarding the displacement of existing models by the iPhone 17 Slim remain speculative, with uncertainties looming over the fate of the 'Plus' variant, reminiscent of the fate that befell the iPhone 13 Mini, Apple's diminutive offering launched in 2021.
&nbsp;
Sources, cited anonymously, intimate that the iPhone 17 Slim is poised to command the highest price point within Apple's lineup, potentially surpassing the previously esteemed iPhone 17 Pro Max.
&nbsp;
Recent trends in Apple's product launches hint at a potential design overhaul for the iPhone 17 Slim, featuring a centred rear camera module and an aluminium chassis, diverging from the iterative design trajectory maintained since the advent of the iPhone X in 2017.
&nbsp;
Furthermore, reports suggest Apple's endeavour to diminish the size of the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 17 series, is&nbsp;indicative of the company's relentless pursuit of innovation and refinement in its flagship offerings.
&nbsp;
Notably, the iPhone 17 Slim is purported to boast a spacious 6.6-inch display, outstripping the dimensions of its counterparts, the iPhone 17 (6.1 inches) and iPhone 17 Pro (6.3 inches), while falling short of the expansive screen of the iPhone 17 Pro Max (6.9 inches).

Apple's 'Slim' iPhone rumoured to be most expensive ever

The news was shared by even Elon Musk via a post on X, which states, "All core systems are now on&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://x.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://X.com</a>."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
With this, officially, the legacy of Twitter ends.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Musk finally acquired the new brand domain, which is now live and accessible on the internet for everyone.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Despite, Musk purchased Twitter and changed its name to 'X', many people around the globe still call it Twitter.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
All core systems are now on <a href="https://t.co/bOUOek5Cvy">https://t.co/bOUOek5Cvy</a> <a href="https://t.co/cwWu3h2vzr">pic.twitter.com/cwWu3h2vzr</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1791351500217754008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
For now, on X, you can make video or audio calls, write long posts, and access the AI chatbot Grok, though the latter is available exclusively for premium users.

San Francisco

Bidding official farewell to Twitter, X.com is now live

As the third phase of Assembly elections approaches in Odisha, a significant revelation surfaces: 126 candidates vying for seats in the state assembly are 'crorepatis'.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Sanatan Mahakud, contesting from the Champua segment under the BJD banner, leads the wealth chart with assets worth Rs 227.67 crore.
&nbsp;
On May 25, constituents from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Puri, and Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituencies, along with 42 assembly seats under these segments, will cast their votes.
&nbsp;
The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Odisha Election Watch have meticulously scrutinised the self-sworn affidavits of 381 out of 383 candidates contesting for the 42 MLA seats in Odisha.
&nbsp;
According to the report, a staggering 33% of the candidates, totalling 126, are 'crorepatis' in the third phase of the assembly polls.
&nbsp;
Following Mahakud, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, an independent candidate from Ghasipura, claims the second spot with family assets amounting to Rs 122.86 crore.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Pratyusha Rajeshwari Singh, BJP's candidate from Nayagarh Assembly segment, secures the third position, declaring combined movable and immovable assets worth Rs 120.56 crore.
&nbsp;
The report underscores the prominence of financial prowess in elections, noting that major political parties frequently nominate affluent candidates.
&nbsp;
Of the major parties, 36 out of 42 BJD candidates, 29 from Congress, 28 from BJP, and four from AAP boast assets exceeding Rs 1 crore.
&nbsp;
On average, each candidate contesting in the Odisha Assembly elections 2024 (phase-III) possesses assets valued at Rs 3.47 crore.
&nbsp;
Despite the affluence prevalent among candidates, some outliers emerge with meagre assets.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Kailash Chandra Nayak from Samruddha Odisha, contesting from Baramba MLA segment, declares assets of Rs 1,000, followed by independent candidate Sukanta Ghadai from Brahmagiri and CPI (ML) Red Star nominee Gopinath Nayak from Bhubaneswar North, both with assets amounting to Rs 2,000.
&nbsp;
Out of the 381 candidates analysed, 100 face criminal charges, with 86 accused of serious criminal offences.
&nbsp;
Among the major parties, BJP leads with 23 candidates facing serious criminal cases, followed by one CPI(M) candidate, 13 from Congress, and 12 from BJD.
&nbsp;
Educational qualifications also vary among the candidates, with 155 holding qualifications ranging from 5th to 12th standard, 210 being graduates or above, 12 holding diplomas, and two declaring themselves as literate. Two candidates admit to being illiterate.

Bhubaneswar

126 'Crorepati' hopefuls to compete in 3rd phase of Odisha assembly polls

Former Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, former Prime Minister&nbsp;Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani, and former Union Minister Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi have utilised the home voting facility, according to the Delhi poll body.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
On Thursday, the office of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)&nbsp;of Delhi&nbsp;launched the home voting facility for elderly voters and persons with disabilities (PwDs), which will be available until May 24.
&nbsp;
According to the data shared by the office, 1409 voters cast their ballots from the comfort of their homes across all seven parliamentary constituencies in Delhi on Friday,&nbsp;which was&nbsp;the second day of the facility&nbsp;being started.
&nbsp;
The West Delhi constituency reported the highest number of home votes, with 348 voters participating. Among them, 299 were elderly&nbsp;individuals.&nbsp;&nbsp;With the&nbsp;completion of the second day, a total of&nbsp;2,956 voters have exercised their right to vote from home, the CEO's office said.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh and former&nbsp;Union minister Dr Murli Manohar Joshi successfully cast their&nbsp;votes on May 17 from their home availing home voting facility in the New Delhi parliamentary constituency," the office said.
&nbsp;
Former vice president Mohammad Hamid Ansari cast his vote on Thursday, it added.
&nbsp;
Former deputy prime minister LK Advani cast his vote on Saturday, sources said. &nbsp; On the first day, 1,482 voters exercised their franchise from home. A total of 5,406 voters across Delhi elderly individuals and PwDs have filled out Form 12D to avail of the home voting facility in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
&nbsp;
This initiative ensures these voters can participate in the electoral process with ease and dignity, eliminating the need to visit polling stations. Delhi will go to polls on May 25.&nbsp;

Political leaders cast vote via home voting facility

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has ignited a firestorm by alleging that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been displaying the Chinese constitution at his rallies, instead of the Indian one.
&nbsp;
Sarma, a prominent figure in the BJP, asserted that the book exhibited by Gandhi bears a red cover resembling the original Chinese constitution, in stark contrast to the blue cover of the authentic Indian constitution.
&nbsp;
"Rahul is displaying a red Chinese constitution to the people attending his meetings," Sarma remarked, sparking a flurry of debate and speculation on social media.
&nbsp;
In response to Sarma's claim, several social media users have countered, suggesting that the red-bound book is merely a coat pocket edition of the Indian Constitution, often presented to top Indian dignitaries including the President and the Union Home Minister.
&nbsp;
Sarma further emphasised the significance of the Indian constitution's Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly regarding the enactment of a Uniform Civil Code, which he alleged Gandhi opposes.
&nbsp;
"The Indian constitution, in blue, includes a chapter called the Directive Principles of State Policy, which makes it a sacred duty to enact a Uniform Civil Code in our country; Rahul is now opposing this," Sarma added, intensifying the controversy.
&nbsp;
Accompanying his allegations were photographs depicting Gandhi holding the red-bound book, as well as signing an agreement with Chinese delegates during a visit to the Beijing Olympics, with Sonia Gandhi standing alongside her son.
&nbsp;
This is not the first time Sarma has questioned the book displayed by Gandhi. 
&nbsp;
He previously took to social media to scrutinise the authenticity of the book, comparing it to the original Indian constitution, characterised by its blue cover.

Guwahati

Sarma accuses Rahul of displaying Chinese constitution at rallies

Manan Tandon

Indian cinema has consistently made its mark at the Cannes Film Festival, whether through the films being screened or the inclusion of Bollywood celebrities on the juries over the years. Additionally, Bollywood stars have often graced the iconic red carpet in stunning outfits that regularly make the Best Dressed lists worldwide.
&nbsp;
The 77th Cannes Film Festival will feature numerous Indian celebrities and online influencers walking the red carpet, each representing the country in their unique way. Notably, this year&rsquo;s festival marks an unprecedented number of Indian films premiering at the event, with many competing for prestigious awards.
&nbsp;
1. All We Imagine As Light
<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/screenshot-20240518-at-50613pmpng_1716032210090.png" width="1247" height="840">
<figcaption>(Photo Courtesy: IMDb)</figcaption>
</figure>
Directed by Payal Kapadia, "All We Imagine As Light" has been nominated for the Palme d&rsquo;Or at the Cannes Film Festival. This drama, set in Mumbai, centers around Pratibha, a nurse whose life is thrown into turmoil by an unexpected gift from her estranged husband. Meanwhile, her roommate Anu struggles to find a private place in the city to be intimate with her boyfriend. Their quest for space leads them on a journey where they eventually discover a place to fulfill their desires. The film, an Indo-French co-production, stars Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha and will be screened at the festival on May 23.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
2. Santosh
<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/screenshot-20240518-at-51235pmpng_1716032562816.png" width="934" height="1168">
<figcaption>(Photo Courtesy: IMDb)</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
Directed and written by Sandhya Suri, "Santosh" has been nominated for the Un Certain Regard Award. Set in rural North India, the film follows Santosh, a young widow who inherits her late husband&rsquo;s job as a police constable through a government scheme. Her life takes a dramatic turn when the body of a raped and murdered girl is discovered. Santosh becomes involved in the investigation, working under the guidance of Inspector Sharma, a charismatic feminist.
&nbsp;
3. Sunflowers Were The First Ones to Know
<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/screenshot-20240518-at-51323pmpng_1716032614693.png" width="622" height="934">
<figcaption>(Photo Courtesy: IMDb)</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
"Sunflowers Were The Best Ones To Know," a film created by four students from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, has been selected for the competition in the La Cinef section. Directed by Chidanand S. Naik, this 16-minute short film tells the story of an elderly woman who steals the village rooster, causing chaos in the community. To retrieve the rooster, a prophecy must be invoked, leading to the exile of the old lady&rsquo;s family.
&nbsp;
4. Manthan
<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/screenshot-20240518-at-51405pmpng_1716032655836.png" width="672" height="908">
<figcaption>(Photo Courtesy: IMDb)</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
The 1976 Hindi film "The Churning," a classic by Shyam Benegal, has been restored and is set to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival. The story, co-written by Verghese Kurien and Shyam Benegal, follows Dr. Rao, a young veterinary surgeon who initiates a pioneering milk cooperative movement in a village. The film stars Girish Karnad, Naseeruddin Shah, Amrish Puri, and Smita Patil in the lead roles.
&nbsp;
5. Sister Midnight
<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/screenshot-20240518-at-51431pmpng_1716032681294.png" width="692" height="290">
<figcaption>(Photo Courtesy: Pinterest)</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
Written and directed by Karan Kandhari, "Sister Midnight" tells the story of an arranged marriage that descends into darkness. The wife, portrayed by Radhika Apte, grapples with the challenges of married life in Mumbai, ultimately transforming into a ruthless, feral force driven by her desire for revenge. This dramatic comedy is scheduled to be screened on May 19.
&nbsp;
6. The Shameless
<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/screenshot-20240518-at-51505pmpng_1716032714844.png" width="818" height="1168">
<figcaption>(Photo Courtesy: IMDb)</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
Konstantin Bojanov&rsquo;s romantic crime thriller has been selected for the Un Certain Regard category. The film follows an Indian sex worker who confronts her past on a pilgrimage, challenging the age-old traditions that have kept her in sex work. Her forbidden love affair with Renuka becomes her path to freedom. The cast includes Indian and Nepali actors Auroshikha Dey, Omara, Anasuya Sengupta, and Mita Vashisht.
&nbsp;
7. In the Retreat
<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/screenshot-20240518-at-51538pmpng_1716032747418.png" width="932" height="700">
<figcaption>(Photo Courtesy: IMDb)</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
"In the Retreat," directed by Maisam Ali, has been selected for the Cannes Film Festival&rsquo;s Sidebar Programme ACID (Association for the Diffusion of Independent Cinema). The film follows a nomad from Ladakh, played by Harish Khanna, who returns home after many years. It explores themes of identity, belonging, and home, highlighting the diversity of Ladakh.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

77th Cannes Film Festival: 7 Indian films set to premiere and shine on the global stage

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a red alert for select districts in Kerala, with Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki bracing for heavy rainfall on May 19 and 20.
&nbsp;
Additionally, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam have been put on orange alert during the same period.
&nbsp;
On May 21, nine districts are on orange alert, indicating potential rainfall levels akin to a red alert in some areas.
&nbsp;
IMD also forecasts thunderstorms with lightning and strong winds across Kerala from May 19 to 22.
&nbsp;
For Saturday,&nbsp;Pathanamthitta, Idukki, and Malappuram districts are under an orange alert. 
&nbsp;
A red alert signifies heavy to extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm within 24 hours, while an orange alert indicates very heavy rainfall ranging from 6 cm to 20 cm.
&nbsp;
The IMD's prior prediction of very heavy rainfall from May 18 to 20 attributes the phenomenon to the anticipated presence of robust westerly and southwesterly winds in the region.

IMD issues red alert for heavy rains in Kerala

Addressing constituents alongside Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Rae Bareli MP Sonia Gandhi expressed her faith in the electorate, urging them to extend the same affection to her son Rahul as they did to her.
&nbsp;
On the eve of the conclusion of campaigning for the fifth phase of elections, Amethi and Rae Bareli witnessed fervent canvassing.
&nbsp;
Akhilesh Yadav, accompanied by Sonia and Priyanka, lent his support to Rahul's campaign in Rae Bareli and also rallied for Congress candidate K L Sharma in Amethi.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Your love never left me alone. I am entrusting my son to you. The way you considered me as your own, now you have to see Rahul as your own. He will not disappoint you,&rdquo; Sonia assured her constituents.
&nbsp;
Reflecting on her three-decade-long service to Rae Bareli, Sonia hailed it as the "biggest asset" of her life and highlighted her family's enduring connection to the constituency, spanning a century.
&nbsp;
Akhilesh Yadav rallied voters and party workers from both SP and Congress, urging them to secure a "record victory" for Rahul.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He accused BJP's Rae Bareli candidate, Dinesh Pratap Singh, of ties to the land mafia.
&nbsp;
Taking a swipe at BJP's tactics, Akhilesh called upon Rae Bareli residents to wield their votes as a "bulldozer" against the BJP and SP MLA Manoj Pandey, who defected to the party on Friday.
&nbsp;
Akhilesh also remarked on reports of another defection, alluding to "our second traitor."
&nbsp;
Earlier in the day, campaigning for Congress candidate Sharma in Amethi, Akhilesh lamented the loss of respect Amethi has suffered due to BJP's actions.
&nbsp;
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, AICC General Secretary, emphasized the solidarity between SP and Congress, likening their workers to a unified army.
&nbsp;
In his address in Rae Bareli, Rahul Gandhi asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;has&nbsp;sensed defeat in the elections, declaring, &ldquo;Goodbye ho gayi Narendra Modi ki.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Rahul reiterated Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's pledge, promising not just 10 kg of ration but also "dal and oil" to voters.
&nbsp;
Recalling his earliest visits to Amethi with his father, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Rahul pledged to represent not only Rae Bareli but also Amethi as its MP.

Rae Bareli

Sonia passes baton to Rahul in Rae Bareli, says 'He won't disappoint'

Sahara Group has criticised the upcoming series titled&nbsp;"Scam 2010 - The Subrata Roy Saga",&nbsp;calling it an&nbsp;"abusive and grossly condemnable act"&nbsp;and said it is contemplating&nbsp;"suitable legal action"&nbsp;against the makers.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The series, dubbed as a&nbsp;"dust-to-diamonds story of maverick businessman Subrata Roy",&nbsp;is the third chapter of filmmaker Hansal&nbsp;Mehta's&nbsp;smash hit series&nbsp;&ldquo;Scam&rdquo;&nbsp;for streaming service Sony LIV after&nbsp;&ldquo;Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story&rdquo;&nbsp;and&nbsp;"Scam 2003: The Telgi Story".&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The latest installment&nbsp;was announced by the director on Thursday. In a statement, Sahara India said the&nbsp;"aggrieved members"&nbsp;are seeking advice to take&nbsp;"suitable legal action against the producer, director, and all those&nbsp;who are&nbsp;involved"&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;making&nbsp;of&nbsp;the show.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"An abusive and grossly condemnable act has been demonstrated by the makers of&nbsp;'Scam'&nbsp;to achieve cheap and wide&nbsp;publicity,&nbsp;by announcing to&nbsp;unveil,&nbsp;'Scam 2010: The Subrata Roy Saga'.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Sahara India Pariwar condemns such acts of all the individuals and parties involved and shall resist their offending behaviour. In this regard, the aggrieved members are seeking advice to take suitable legal action against the producer, director, and all&nbsp;involved in making the illegal portrayal,"&nbsp;the statement said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The group said the dispute between SEBI and Sahara is still pending before the Supreme Court&nbsp;and&nbsp;"any attempt to influence the proceedings of the said case shall attract contempt of Court, besides such acts amount to criminality".&nbsp;
&nbsp;
It claimed Sahara India Pariwar has never&nbsp;been involved&nbsp;in any chit fund activity&nbsp;and&nbsp;even&nbsp;the Sahara-SEBI issue was a dispute on the&nbsp;Sebi's&nbsp;jurisdiction on certain bonds issued by the group.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Based on the book&nbsp;&ldquo;Sahara: The Untold Story by Tamal Bandyopadhyay&rdquo;,&nbsp;the series will be produced by Applause&nbsp;Entertainment,&nbsp;in association with Studio Next, and helmed by Mehta.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
According to the makers,&nbsp;"Scam 2010"&nbsp;will delve into the depths of one of&nbsp;India&rsquo;s&nbsp;most storied financial scandals.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"In the early 2000s, Roy was caught in a whirlwind of accusations ranging from chit-fund manipulations to fake investors, ultimately leading to his arrest in 2014. With approximately Rs 25,000 crore still lying unclaimed with government authorities, the repercussions of the scam continue to reverberate even today,"&nbsp;they said in a press release.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In its statement, the group said in the garb of a right of free speech and expression, no one&nbsp;can&nbsp;be allowed to&nbsp;"undermine the goodwill and reputation of a person, who is not available to defend himself".&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"The use of the word&nbsp;'scam'&nbsp;in the title of the so-called web series and linking it to Sahara seems prima-facie&nbsp;defamatory,&nbsp;and tends to lower the image and reputation of Saharasri Ji and Sahara India Pariwar,"&nbsp;it read.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Roy, who passed away in November 2023 at the age of 75 after battling a prolonged illness, faced multiple regulatory and legal battles in connection with his group firms that&nbsp;were accused&nbsp;of circumventing regulations with Ponzi schemes, allegations his group always denied.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In 2011, capital markets regulator Sebi ordered two Sahara Group firms -Sahara India Real Estate Corporation Ltd (SIREL) and Sahara Housing Investment Corporation Ltd (SHICL) - to refund the money raised from nearly&nbsp;3&nbsp;crore investors through certain bonds known as Optionally Fully Convertible Bonds (OFCDs).&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This order came after the regulator ruled that the funds&nbsp;were raised&nbsp;by the two firms&nbsp;in violation of&nbsp;its rules and regulations.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
After a long process of appeals and cross-appeals, the Supreme Court on August 31, 2012&nbsp;upheld&nbsp;Sebi's&nbsp;directions&nbsp;asking&nbsp;the two firms to refund the money collected from investors with 15 per cent interest.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Sahara&nbsp;was eventually asked&nbsp;to deposit an estimated ₹24,000 crore with Sebi for further refund to investors, though&nbsp;the group has been maintaining that it had already refunded more than 95 per cent of investors directly.

'Scam 2010' in trouble after Sahara Group opposes series

In a vibrant push to raise voting awareness, a cyclothon&nbsp;was organised in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, on Saturday.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The event aimed to highlight the significance of voting and motivate residents to exercise their democratic rights.
&nbsp;
Organised under the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme, the Election Commission&rsquo;s key voter awareness initiative, the&nbsp;cyclothon&nbsp;was flagged off by Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena from the deputy commissioner's (DC) office.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Saxena also launched the "Fit Voter, Creator of the Country's Destiny" programme.
&nbsp;
The cyclists commenced their journey from the DC office complex, traversing key landmarks such as Gandhi Chowk, Bhota Chowk, Bypass Road, Nalti Chowk, Government ITI, and Nadaun Chowk, before returning to the starting point.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
A large number of youths participated, effectively spreading the message of voting through their energetic presence.
&nbsp;
Chief Secretary Saxena expressed optimism about the impact of SVEEP in Hamirpur.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He conveyed confidence that the district's voters would turn out in record numbers for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&ldquo;The enthusiasm displayed today is promising. It signifies a heightened awareness and commitment among the youth,&rdquo; Saxena noted.
&nbsp;
In conjunction with the&nbsp;cyclothon, Saxena convened a meeting with senior district officials to review the preparations for the Lok Sabha elections and the assembly by-polls scheduled for June 1.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Discussions included the deployment of officers, employees, police, and security forces for polling duties.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Assurance was given that all 532 polling stations in the district are equipped with essential amenities such as electricity, water, toilets, and ramps.

Cyclothon in HP's Hamirpur promotes voting awareness

Large swathes of northwest India are facing a relentless heatwave that is expected to persist for another five days, posing a significant health risk and disrupting daily life.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The scorching temperatures, which have already broken records this season, are forecast to impact Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh the most.
&nbsp;
On Friday, weather stations recorded alarming highs, with Najafgarh in west Delhi reaching a staggering 47.4 degrees Celsius, the hottest in the country so far this year.
&nbsp;
This brutal heat comes as India grapples with general elections, raising concerns about a rise in heat-related illnesses amongst voters and campaign workers exposed to the sun for extended periods.
&nbsp;
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stark warning, classifying the situation as a "severe heatwave" in the northwest plains for the coming week.
&nbsp;
Eastern and central India can also expect scorching conditions, with a heatwave predicted for the next three days.
&nbsp;
The IMD has implemented a colour-coded warning system to highlight the health risks. Red alerts have been issued for Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and west Rajasthan, indicating an urgent need for "extreme care for vulnerable people" such as children, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
&nbsp;
Orange alerts signifying "high health concerns" are in place for east Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
&nbsp;
Climate experts warn that human-induced climate change is a major factor behind the increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves. "Climate Central," a US-based climate science group, estimates that over 543 million people in India will endure at least one day of extreme heat during the period between May 18th and 21st.
&nbsp;
"This intense heat is much more likely due to human-caused climate change," said Andrew Pershing, Vice President for Science at Climate Central. "The high overnight temperatures make this event particularly alarming."
&nbsp;
Heatwaves pose a serious threat to life, with the elderly and young children especially vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
&nbsp;
The World Health Organisation estimates that heatwaves claimed over 166,000 lives globally between 1998 and 2017.
&nbsp;
The scorching temperatures also have a detrimental impact on economies.
&nbsp;
Extreme heat reduces productivity levels, even for those working indoors.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Children's learning abilities are also hampered in sweltering classrooms.
&nbsp;
A 2022 study revealed that extreme heat resulted in a staggering USD 2.1 trillion equivalent loss in global labour productivity in 2017.
&nbsp;
The severity of the current heatwave is evident in the recent temperature records.
&nbsp;
On Friday, Najafgarh in Delhi and Sirsa in Haryana recorded highs of 47.4 degrees Celsius and 47.1 degrees Celsius respectively.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Previously, the hottest temperature recorded this season was 47.2 degrees Celsius in Kalaikunda, West Bengal, on April 30th.
&nbsp;
The IMD defines a heatwave as a situation where the maximum temperature at a weather station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius in the plains, 37 degrees Celsius in coastal areas, and 30 degrees Celsius in hilly regions, with a departure from normal exceeding 4.5 degrees Celsius.
&nbsp;
A severe heatwave is declared when the departure from normal temperature climbs above 6.4 degrees Celsius.
&nbsp;
This scorching spell follows a record-breaking April that saw exceptionally high temperatures across eastern, northeastern and southern India.
&nbsp;
Government agencies issued health warnings, and some states were forced to suspend in-person classes to safeguard students.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Alarmingly, at least two heatstroke-related deaths were reported in Kerala during this period.
&nbsp;
A recent study by the World Weather Attribution group highlighted the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves due to climate change.
&nbsp;
The group suggests that similar heatwaves, previously occurring once every 30 years, are now 45 times more likely.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The scientists emphasised that these climate-intensified heatwaves pose a significant threat to vulnerable populations across Asia.
&nbsp;
The IMD had previously cautioned about the possibility of extreme heat impacting India throughout the April-June period, coinciding with the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections that culminate on June 1st.&nbsp; However, extreme heat conditions often occur during the pre-monsoon season (March to May) over India.&nbsp;Exposure to such conditions can induce dehydration, exhaustion, nausea, heat stroke and may&nbsp;lead to death in severe cases. In general, senior citizens are more vulnerable to extreme&nbsp;temperatures and should take more precautions.&nbsp;

Heatwave to bake north India for five more days

India's premier men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty entered the final of the Thailand Open badminton tournament on Saturday. The Indian duo won an easy straight-game defeating Lu Ming-Che and Tang Kai-Wei of Chinese Taipei.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Asian Games gold medallists Satwik and Chirag needed just 35 minutes to beat their opponents 21-11 21-12 in the semifinal match of the Super 500 tournament.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In the final on Sunday, the world number three Indian duo, the top seeds in this tournament, will be up against the Chinese pair of Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi&nbsp;who&nbsp;defeated Kim Gi Jung and Kim Sa Rang of South Korea 21-19 21-18 in the other semifinal on Saturday.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In the women's doubles, the fourth-seeded Indian pair of Tanisha Carsto and Ashwini Ponnappa will face top seeds Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai of Thailand in the semifinals later on Saturday.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Indians had on Friday beaten the South Korean duo of Lee Yu Lim and Shen Seung Chan 21-15 21-23 21-19 in the quarterfinals.

India's Satwik-Chirag enters Thailand Open tournament finals

Shweta Sengar

Delhi has inaugurated an advanced therapy centre for children with special needs called Umeed Niketan at an IAF facility.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Neeta Chaudhari, president of the Air Force Family Welfare Association, visited the Base Repair Depot, Air Force Palam and inaugurated the centre.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Umeed Niketan aims to create a nurturing environment where children with special needs can develop life skills through tailored recreational activities.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The centre offers programs such as sensory exploration, speech therapy, adaptive sports, and interactive immersive experiences to promote the physical, emotional, and social well-being of special children.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
It will cater to nearly 55 specially-abled children with the help of a dedicated team of trained special educators.
&nbsp;

Delhi gets advanced therapy centre for children with special needs

The majority of the Indian cricket team players will leave for New York on May 25 while the remaining team will head for the World Cup only after the May 26 IPL final.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Earlier, the members of teams failing to qualify for the play-offs were supposed to leave for New York on May 21, two days after the final league game of the IPL on May 19&nbsp;but&nbsp;it has since&nbsp;been learned&nbsp;that there has been some change in plans and now the first batch will leave on May 25.
&nbsp;
"The likes of skipper Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel are some of the players along with support staff who&nbsp;are expected&nbsp;to leave on May 25," a BCCI source told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
&nbsp;
"Earlier, the&nbsp;departure date for the first batch was May 21&nbsp;but&nbsp;since India is playing only one warm-up game (vs Bangladesh on June 1), the players will get to spend some extra days at home," the source added.
&nbsp;
Only those players who are part of the IPL final will stay back and&nbsp;will&nbsp;leave for New York on May 27.
&nbsp;
This&nbsp;will also give adequate time to the squad to reduce jet lag and have at least three to four quality net sessions before the Bangladesh warm-up game.
&nbsp;
India will open their campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York, followed by the marquee clash against Pakistan on June 9.
&nbsp;
India squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Hardik Pandya (Vice Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj.

Indian men's team all set to head to NYC for T20 WC

ISRO Chairman S Somanath on Saturday advocated for setting up libraries in temples, stating that such an initiative would help attract youngsters to places of worship.
&nbsp;
Speaking after receiving an award instituted by the Sree Udiyannoor Devi Temple, Somanath said temples should not only be places where elderly people come for nama japa (chanting the name of God), but they should also become places for "transforming society."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He urged temple&nbsp;managements&nbsp;to work towards attracting youngsters to temples.
&nbsp;
"I expected youngsters in large numbers at this award presentation ceremony, but somehow their numbers are considerably low. Temple&nbsp;managements&nbsp;should work towards attracting them to the temples. Why not set up libraries in temples?" he asked after receiving the award from former ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair.
&nbsp;
He said that such an initiative would help attract youth to temples where they could read, discuss various issues in the evenings, and develop their careers.
&nbsp;
"If the temple managements work in that direction, it would bring big changes," Somanath said.
&nbsp;
Former Chief Secretary K Jayakumar and V K Prasanth MLA were among the dignitaries who attended the function.

ISRO head advocates for temple libraries

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's aide, Bibhav Kumar, was arrested on Saturday in connection with the alleged assault on AAP MP Swati Maliwal. The party claimed that she was "blackmailed" by the BJP as she faced a corruption case.
&nbsp;
A senior police officer stated that Kumar was picked up from the chief minister's residence by a Delhi Police team a day after Maliwal recorded her statement before a magistrate at the Tis Hazari court.
&nbsp;
Maliwal alleged that the CM's aide attacked her with full force, slapping her in the face and kicking her in the chest and abdomen on May 13 when she had gone to meet the chief minister.
&nbsp;
The senior police officer also mentioned that Kumar was arrested on Saturday from the chief minister's residence, stating that he had gone there in the morning to meet Kejriwal.
&nbsp;
The officer said, "He will be produced before a court, and police will seek his custody for further interrogation."
&nbsp;
Police have stated that they have taken statements from at least ten individuals, including security personnel and other staff at the chief minister's residence, who were present during the alleged assault on May 13.
&nbsp;
Earlier in the day, Bibhav Kumar wrote to the police, expressing his willingness to cooperate in their investigation and asking them to consider his complaint against Maliwal.
&nbsp;
On Friday, Kumar filed a police complaint, alleging that Maliwal breached the security of the CM's residence on May 13 to gain unauthorized entry and create a disturbance there. He also alleged that when he tried to stop her, she hurled abuses at him.
&nbsp;
Senior AAP leader Atishi addressed a press conference and stated that if the Delhi Police is impartial, it should also register an FIR on Kumar's complaint.
&nbsp;
In an interview with PTI Videos, Atishi claimed that the former DCW chief faces arrest in an illegal recruitment case and that the BJP "blackmailed" her into joining a "conspiracy" against Kejriwal.
&nbsp;
Atishi, a Delhi government cabinet minister, alleged that Maliwal went to the chief minister's official residence on Monday without an appointment.
&nbsp;
"Why did she barge in? Why did she land at the chief minister's residence without an appointment? Arvind Kejriwal was busy that day and did not meet her. If he had met her that day, the allegations against Bibhav Kumar could have been levelled against him," Atishi said.
&nbsp;
She said Maliwal was made the face of this "conspiracy" by the BJP.
&nbsp;
"The BJP has a pattern. First they file cases and then threaten to send leaders to jail. Swati Maliwal is facing charges in an illegal recruitment case registered by the Anti-Corruption Branch. An FIR has been registered in the case and it is at a stage where she could be arrested.
&nbsp;
"The BJP blackmailed Maliwal and made her the face of this conspiracy," the AAP leader charged.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, another purported video of Maliwal from the day of the incident surfaced online.
&nbsp;
In a video, a female security personnel is seen holding Maliwal by her arm while escorting her out of Kejriwal's residence. As they exit the main gate, Maliwal frees her arm from the security personnel's grip.
&nbsp;
Maliwal's medical examination was conducted at AIIMS on Friday. According to the medico-legal certificate (MLC), she has "bruises over proximal left leg dorsal aspect of approximately 3x2 cm in size and on the right cheek elbow below the right eye of approximately 2x2 cm in size." Meanwhile, the BJP accused AAP leaders of tarnishing Maliwal's image by circulating "edited" videos.
&nbsp;
Maliwal also criticised her party for dismissing her assault allegations against Bibhav Kumar as baseless. She said that the AAP has given in under "goon's pressure" and is now questioning her character.
&nbsp;
Maliwal said the AAP made a "U-turn" two days after accepting that Kumar had "misbehaved" with her.&nbsp;

Bibhav Kumar arrested; AAP alleges BJP blackmail tactics in corruption case

The political skirmish between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) intensified on Saturday as the Delhi BJP alleged that AAP leaders are disseminating doctored videos to discredit their own party member, Swati Maliwal.
&nbsp;
The controversy erupted after AAP MP Maliwal, accused Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, of assaulting her at the CM's residence.
&nbsp;
This accusation led to Kumar&rsquo;s arrest earlier in the day.
&nbsp;
Virendra Sachdeva, the Delhi BJP president, voiced his regret over what he described as the circulation of "edited" videos on social media since Friday.
&nbsp;
He claimed these videos aim to malign Maliwal, who has been a prominent figure within the AAP.
&nbsp;
Two videos from the day of the incident surfaced on social media. One depicted Maliwal in a heated exchange with security personnel, while the other showed her exiting the CM&rsquo;s residence in Civil Lines. Here are the videos:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
First video from mobile phone in Swati Maliwal case shows the Rajya Sabha MP abusing and threatening the staff of Delhi CM when &lsquo;requested&rsquo; rather politely to leave by Bibhav Kumar . In interest of fairness and justice to both sides, entire CCTV video must be put in public&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/snGZ9Oc5QX">https://t.co/snGZ9Oc5QX</a>
&mdash; Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) <a href="https://twitter.com/sardesairajdeep/status/1791389227139334247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
स्वाति मालीवाल के आरोपों की असलियत उजागर कर रहा है ये वीडियो 👇🏻 <a href="https://t.co/dBkH5YhKdD">pic.twitter.com/dBkH5YhKdD</a>
&mdash; AAP (@AamAadmiParty) <a href="https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty/status/1791699116097208347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
"Now that the entire Aam Aadmi Party is tarnishing the image of Swati Maliwal, it's time Kejriwal comes forward and speaks on the matter," Sachdeva demanded.
&nbsp;
He asserted that the release of these videos is a deliberate effort by the AAP to frame Maliwal in a negative light, alleging her involvement in a BJP conspiracy against Kejriwal amidst the ongoing elections.
&nbsp;
In a counterclaim, the AAP accused Maliwal of fabricating the assault story to aid the BJP's political maneuvering.
&nbsp;
Sachdeva responded by suggesting that the Delhi Police should seize the full CCTV footage from the CM's residence to uncover the truth.
&nbsp;
"This isn't the first instance of the AAP defaming its women leaders," Sachdeva noted, pointing out past controversies involving Kiran Bedi, Shazia Ilmi, and Richa Pandey, all of whom have since parted ways with the AAP.

BJP: AAP using doctored videos to discredit Maliwal

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives after a moving bus caught fire in Nuh district. He assured that the injured would receive the best possible treatment.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
According to police, at least nine people were burnt alive and 15 others injured in the fire, which occurred near Tauru in Haryana's Nuh district early Saturday morning.
&nbsp;
Saini also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident. In a post on X, he said&nbsp;that the&nbsp;injured are&nbsp;being treated&nbsp;at the government medical college at Nalhar in the district.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He also said the government is making arrangements for the best possible treatment of the injured.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Former chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The incident occurred around 2 am on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway. The bus was carrying around 60 people, all residents of Punjab, who were returning from the pilgrim towns of Mathura and Vrindavan. All of them are relatives, police said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The cause of the fire is yet to&nbsp;be ascertained&nbsp;and&nbsp;a probe is underway, a police official said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
A resident said that after noticing the fire, some people chased the bus on a motorcycle and asked the driver to stop. The locals also informed the police and the fire department.

Chandigarh

Haryana CM assures best treatment to injured in bus fire

Vats Ambardar

Ever since the entry of radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh into the electoral fray, from the predominantly panthic constituency of Khadoor Sahib, it is the mainstream Shiromani Akali Dal-Badal (SAD-B) that is the most annoyed, and apparently worried as well.
&nbsp;
The reason is obvious. Amritpal will definitely cut into the vote share of the SAD-B. Given its predominantly panthic composition, Khadoor Sahib was considered to be the SAD-B bastion till 2019, when the Congress candidate Jasbir Singh Dimpa defeated the SAD-B candidate Bibi Jagir Kaur by a margin of over one lakh votes.
The main reason for SAD-B&rsquo;s loss was the division in panthic votes. Besides Bibi Jagir Kaur, there was Paramjit Kaur Khalra, the wife of the late Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist who went missing under mysterious circumstances during militancy in Punjab.
&nbsp;
While Bibi Jagir Kaur got about 3.19 lakh votes, Ms Khalra, contesting on the ticket of the now defunct Punjab Ekta Party then headed by Sukhpal Singh Khaira, got about 2.14 lakh votes. Congress&rsquo; Dimpa got about 4.59 lakh votes, thus straightway benefitting from the division of the panthic votes.
&nbsp;
This time around, Amritpal is expected to get many more votes than Ms Khalra. Given his popularity, particularly among the youth, he may well end up victorious from here. And nobody will be having any problem, except the SAD-B as it sees its base eroding and going to the radicals.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Amritpal heads an organisation &lsquo;Waris Punjab De&rsquo; (WPD) which was founded by Deep Sidhu, who died in a road accident. Till then Amritpal was never thought to be a potential radical leader. He was already settled in Dubai where he was in the transport business. But he was already a familiar face on social media platforms, preaching and supporting radicalism. After Deep Sidhu&rsquo;s tragic death in a road accident, he returned to India, rather all of a sudden, to head the WPD organisation. Since he was already a familiar face on social media, he instantly caught the imagination of the youth.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Amritpal assumed the role of a self-appointed preacher trying to wean away the youth from drugs and also preaching for baptising them, called &lsquo;Amrit Sanchar&rsquo;. He has been copying the late popular militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale, often referred to as &lsquo;Sant Ji&rsquo; (Saint).&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Although Amirtpal&rsquo;s ideas are rebellious, he remained vague and evasive about his position on Khalistan. Currently, he is in Dibrugarh jail in Assam and has been arrested under National Security Act (NSA). He filed his nomination papers in absentia and was represented by his mother under due permission from the election authorities.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The SAD-B has more reasons to worry. It is fast losing traction among its traditional panthic base. This happened after the sacrilege incident preceded by the &ldquo;pardon&rdquo; to Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh for alleged blasphemy of trying to copy the Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. In fact, SAD-B&rsquo;s base is eroding very fast. Whether it has touched its nadir or not will be established after the results of the current General Elections are declared on June 4.
&nbsp;
In the last assembly elections held in March 2022, the SAD-B came down to just three seats in a house of 117 members. It was the party&rsquo;s worst-ever performance. Later in the Sangrur parliamentary byelection, the party candidate fared equally worse. Although it had fielded a radical face, the sister of Balwant Singh Rajoana from Sangrur, she came a poor fifth in a five-cornered contest, even behind the BJP.
&nbsp;
The election was won by Simranjit Singh Mann of the Shiromani Akali Dal-Amritsar, one of the radical Akali outfits. Mann publicly proclaims support for a separate Sikh state of Khalistan.&nbsp; In Jalandhar parliamentary by-election the Akali candidate came a distant third, while the BJP came fourth, with not much gap between the two parties.
The SAD-B is faced with a double challenge from within and outside. It parted ways with the BJP precisely to consolidate the &lsquo;panthic&rsquo; vote base.
&nbsp;
But that seems a far cry as radicals like Amritpal are cutting into its support base. It is not just Amritpal in Khadoor Sahib and Simrajnjit Singh Mann in Sangrur, the SAD-B faces a challenge in its family borough of Bathinda, where Simranjit Singh Mann has fielded Lakha Sidhana, a staunch proponent of Punjabi sub-nationalism. In Khadoor Sahib, Simranjit Singh Mann&rsquo;s party withdrew its candidate in favour of Amritpal.
&nbsp;
On the face of it, the rise and strengthening of the radicals and extremists like Mann and Amritpal is not good for the state. A moderate and patriotic organisation like the Shiromani Akali Dal-Badal should always be preferred and promoted. You never know, when the radicals get out of hand even if they may seem to be perfectly &ldquo;under control&rdquo;, as is usually alleged.
&nbsp;
However, there is a silver lining in the entire issue. The very fact that Amritpal has decided to participate in electoral politics and to establish his acceptability and credibility through elections, is also encouraging. His participation in the election process should come as a pleasing surprise for the government.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
At least Amritpal has accepted the sovereignty of the country and that of its parliament. Anyone, even if he may be a radical like Amritpal or Simranjit Singh Mann is always better, while accepting and acknowledging the parliamentary democracy than defying it. That is why it is not bad news for the government, while it may, rather shall, be very bad news for the traditional Akalis as they are fast losing base to the radicals.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
A moderate Akali Dal is always preferable and must be protected, patronised, encouraged and supported, rather than letting any radical hijack the panthic politics. Recent history must serve as a lesson that radicalism does not take much time to turn into extremism.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
On their part, the Akalis will also need to introspect and look within as to why they are losing their base, not just to the radicals, but to other mainstream parties like the AAP and the Congress. Punjabis, by nature and by tradition do not support extremism and radicalism. Because they are rebellious by nature, they may sometimes end up supporting radicalism, if they do not find a convincing and appealing alternative in the moderate mainstream parties.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Who is afraid of Amritpal Singh?

Nepal has recently joined Singapore and Hong Kong in banning the sale and import of certain spice-mix products manufactured by Indian brands over alleged quality concerns.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Himalayan nation has banned four spice-mix products by MDH and Everest due to suspected ethylene oxide (EtO) contamination.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The banned products include Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Mixed Masala Powder, Mixed Masala Curry Powder by MDH, and Fish Curry Masala by Everest.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The ban was implemented by the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control in Nepal.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;As residue contents of ethylene oxide are found to be exceeding the prescribed limit in these four products, the import and sale of these products are banned within the country as per Article 19 of the Food Regulation 2027 B.S.,&rdquo; the department said in a notice issued on Friday.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Our serious attention has been drawn towards media reports about the sale of these sub-standard products in the market, and they are harmful for consumption,&rdquo; it said.
&nbsp;
The food quality control watchdog has urged importers and traders to recall products from the market. Last month, Singapore and Hong Kong stopped selling some spices produced by MDH and Everest due to suspected elevated levels of ETO linked with cancer.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated steps to examine the quality of powdered spices from various brands in the country.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Federation of Indian Spice Stakeholders (FISS) stated that India's spice export may decline by nearly 40% in FY25 if the issue of ethylene oxide contamination in spices meant for exports is not addressed.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
India is among the world&rsquo;s leading spice producers, exporting over 200 spices and value-added products to some 180 countries. According to the Spices Board of India, the total value of these exports was USD 4 billion in 2021-22.

Kathmandu

Nepal bans MDH, Everest spice mixes over quality & cancer-related concerns

Even after witnessing renewed enthusiasm among the voters and the prevailing peaceful environment in the Kashmir Valley, tight security measures have been put in place for the upcoming Baramulla LS constituency, which is heading for polls on May 20, officials said.
&nbsp;
Security has been beefed up across all districts of North Kashmir to ensure peaceful polling.
&nbsp;
Although acknowledging the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in north Kashmir, officials said precautionary security measures empower voters to exercise their franchise freely and without fear.
&nbsp;
After the delimitation exercise, the Baramulla LS constituency incorporates segments of Kupwara, Bandipora, and select assembly segments of the Budgam district.
&nbsp;
Security review sessions were held in Kupwara and Sopore, presided over by Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
&nbsp;
At the same time, political commentators anticipate a larger turnout, maybe exceeding the 38% voter turnout achieved on May 13 in Srinagar since 1989.
The Baramulla LS seat is shaping up to be a hotly contested race with the involvement of incarcerated ex-MLA Er. Rasheed. Omar Abdullah and Sajad Gani Lone are also in the fray.
&nbsp;
Extensive campaigning is underway for the seat, with the NC's senior leadership seeking votes for statehood and opposing the idea of the existence of the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir.
&nbsp;
Lone, on the other hand, is determined to overthrow the dynastic rule, as he repeatedly states wherever he travels to campaign.
&nbsp;
While Er. Rasheed's son Abrar campaigns for youths imprisoned under the PSA and UAPA.
&nbsp;
Confident of his victory, Lone said, "We fought this election differently, broadened our reach, and addressed the main concerns of the Baramulla constituency.
&nbsp;
Our demonstrations and meetings have been effective, and our emblem 'Apple' corresponds with Baramulla, where a major section of the population is engaged with horticulture."
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah, while campaigning for the seat, said, "I am confident that people will vote for me, and I assure them that I will raise their voice in the parliament; he has reiterated this at several past meetings." While he refers to Lone as a BJP proxy in the valley.
&nbsp;
The Baramulla LS seat has 18 lakh registered voters who will go to the polls on May 20 to decide the fate of the 22 contenders in the race.

Baramulla set for a hot contest under tight security measures

Finally&nbsp;speaking&nbsp;on the sexual charges put against his grandson MP Prajwal Revanna, H D Deve Gowda - JD(S) leader who also served as the 11th prime minister of&nbsp;India&nbsp;says that he has 'no objection' to suitable action being taken against Prajwal if he is found guilty of the alleged charges.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Although,&nbsp;Gowda referred the charges were "created",&nbsp;but refrained from commenting further, as the matter was subjudice.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Addressing reporters, Gowda, on his birthday, stated, "I don't want to comment on things that are&nbsp;going on&nbsp;in the court regarding Revanna. Prajwal Revanna has gone abroad, regarding that Kumaraswamy (Gowda's other son and state JD(S) chief) has&nbsp;on&nbsp;behalf of our&nbsp;family&nbsp;said the government must take action by the law of the land."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"There are several people connected to this (sexual abuse cases), I&nbsp;don't want to take anyone's names. Kumaraswamy has said that for those&nbsp;who are&nbsp;involved in this matter,&nbsp;action should be taken&nbsp;against all of them, and the affected women should get justice and compensation."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"There is no objection from us for taking action against Prajwal.&nbsp;But people have come to know (facts) about the allegations made against&nbsp;Revanna,&nbsp;and how the case has&nbsp;been created. In one&nbsp;case&nbsp;he has got the bail, in&nbsp;another case, there is a judgment day after tomorrow, I&nbsp;don't want to comment on it," he added, concurring with Kumaraswamy's statement that if found&nbsp;guilty&nbsp;no one should be spared.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Gowda had recently announced his decision not to celebrate his birthday and had requested his well-wishers and party workers to wish him from wherever they are.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Prajwal (33) is facing charges of multiple instances of sexually abusing women. The scandal has raised a political storm&nbsp;with&nbsp;the ruling Congress and BJP-JD(S) engaged in a slugfest. He reportedly left for Germany on April 27 and is still at large. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice has been issued against&nbsp;him,&nbsp;to bring him back.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He was the BJP-JD(S) alliance's joint candidate from the Hassan Lok Sabha segment, which went to polls on April 26.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Asked whether there was a conspiracy to defame and scuttle his family politically, Gowda said, "It is true, overall what all has happened, several people are involved, I won't take names. Kumaraswamy will say on what action to be taken."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Responding to a query on BJP leader and advocate G Devaraje Gowda's allegations that Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar is behind the circulation of a pen drive containing explicit videos involving Prajwal Revanna, Gowda said Kumaraswamy will respond to all of this.
&nbsp;
"We have seen in the media as to what Devaraje Gowda has said. Kumaraswamy has been reacting to all this actively as the party's state President, he&nbsp;will speak, but I won't at this point. I had campaigned for Lok Sabha polls, on&nbsp;June 4&nbsp;after&nbsp;Lok Sabha polls results&nbsp;are announced, I will meet you (media)," he added.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Gowda for legal action against grandson if sexual abuse allegations prove true

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has announced that the Maitri Setu bridge and the Agartala-Akhaura rail link are set to become operational shortly. These projects are expected to enhance trade and travel between the two nations, fostering stronger bilateral relations.
&nbsp;
The Maitri Setu, constructed over the Feni River, connects South Tripura&rsquo;s Sabroom with Ramgarh in Bangladesh.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
It was inaugurated on March 9, 2021, by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Similarly, the Agartala-Nischintapur section of the Agartala-Akhaura rail link was inaugurated on November 1, 2023.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
However, despite these inaugurations, both projects have yet to become operational.
&nbsp;
Addressing the media on Friday, Chief Minister Saha expressed optimism about the imminent activation of these crucial infrastructure projects.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&ldquo;The election is almost over, and a new government will be formed. Under the leadership of PM Modi, who has always emphasized the Act East Policy and provided us with the HIRA (Highway, I-way, Railway, Airway) model, the Maitri Setu will become operational soon,&rdquo; Saha stated.
&nbsp;
He further mentioned that the trial run for the Agartala-Akhaura railway link has been&nbsp;successfully&nbsp;completed. &ldquo;The trial in the Agartala-Akhaura railway link has already been completed, and it will also be made operational soon,&rdquo; Saha said, adding that the enhanced connectivity is attracting numerous investors to Tripura.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/655d169aee268png_1716017462275.png" width="670" height="444">
&nbsp;
&ldquo;The future of Tripura is bright. After the rail connectivity is established, we will be able to reach Kolkata in a short period,&rdquo; he added.
&nbsp;
General Manager of East Central Railway and Member Infrastructure of Railway Board Anil Kumar Khandelwal inspected the Nischintapur railyard on May 15 to review the ongoing work.
&nbsp;
Khandelwal confirmed that the construction work on the Agartala-Akhaura railway project is nearly complete. &ldquo;The construction work in the Agartala-Akhaura railway project has almost been completed. Now, the train service will be made operational after discussions between both sides,&rdquo; he said.
&nbsp;
Debasish Nandi, Manager of the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) in Agartala, stated on Saturday that all necessary arrangements for the Maitri Setu, including immigration facilities at Sabroom Land Custom Station (LCS), are in place.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&ldquo;We are ready to open the Maitri Setu by introducing passenger movement in the first phase. All necessary facilities, including immigration, have been put in place at Sabroom Land Custom Station (LCS). The goods movement can be flagged off later. The final date for the beginning of passenger movement will be decided by Delhi and Dhaka,&rdquo; Nandi said.
&nbsp;
Earlier, on Wednesday, Khandelwal indicated that passenger and goods train services would soon commence on the newly built international railway route. He also mentioned that the electrification of the railway line from Dharmanagar to Sabroom via Agartala is expected to be completed within this year.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;The entire stretch of the railway network from Agartala station to Nischintapur station on the Indian side to Gangasagar station, the first station on the Bangladesh side, is completely ready for both passenger and goods train operations,&rdquo; Khandelwal noted.
&nbsp;
This development follows a decade-long wait since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bangladesh to establish the first Indo-Bangla international railway service between Akhaura and Agartala.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The first goods train successfully conducted a trial run in October 2023, entering Nischintapur from Bangladesh, marking a historic milestone in bilateral railway connectivity.

Agartala

Tripura’s new links with Bangladesh to open soon: CM Manik Saha

AAP leader Atishi on Saturday accused the BJP of blackmailing party MP Swati Maliwal to implicate Chief Minister Arvind&nbsp;Kejriwal&rsquo;s&nbsp;aide, Bibhav Kumar, in an assault case.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Atishi, who also serves as a cabinet minister in the Delhi government, asserted that Maliwal, under the threat of arrest in an ongoing illegal recruitment case, was driven into participating in a conspiracy against Kejriwal.
&nbsp;
At a press conference, Atishi questioned the motives behind&nbsp;Maliwal's&nbsp;visit to the Chief&nbsp;Minister&rsquo;s&nbsp;residence without prior notice.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;"Why did she barge inside? Why did she land&nbsp;up&nbsp;at the Chief&nbsp;Minister's&nbsp;residence without an appointment? Arvind Kejriwal was busy that day and did not meet her. If he had met her, the allegations against Bibhav Kumar could have&nbsp;been directed&nbsp;at him,"&nbsp;she claimed.
&nbsp;
She said Maliwal was made the face of this&nbsp;"conspiracy"&nbsp;by the BJP, pointing to a pattern of&nbsp;behaviour&nbsp;she attributes to the opposition party.
&nbsp;
"The BJP has a pattern. First, they file cases and then threaten to send leaders to jail. Swati Maliwal is facing charges in an illegal recruitment case registered by the Anti-Corruption Branch. An FIR has&nbsp;been lodged, and it is at a stage where she could&nbsp;be arrested. The BJP blackmailed Maliwal and made her the face of this conspiracy,"&nbsp;Atishi charged.
&nbsp;
Swati Maliwal has accused Bibhav Kumar of assaulting her at&nbsp;Kejriwal's&nbsp;residence, alleging that he slapped and kicked her in the chest and abdomen.&nbsp;These charges have been vehemently denied by the party as&nbsp;"baseless."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Delhi Police registered an FIR on Thursday naming Kumar as an accused.
&nbsp;
Atishi called for impartiality from the Delhi Police, urging them to&nbsp;also&nbsp;file an FIR based on&nbsp;Kumar's&nbsp;complaint against Maliwal.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Will the Delhi Police register a case of trespassing, breach of security, and obstructing a government servant from discharging his duty against her? If the Delhi Police is impartial, it should act on&nbsp;Bibhav's&nbsp;complaint with the same diligence as it did on&nbsp;Maliwal's,"&nbsp;she said.
&nbsp;
Atishi also demanded&nbsp;an examination of&nbsp;Maliwal's&nbsp;call records to determine any communication with BJP leaders.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Her call records should be looked into&nbsp;and analysed to see which BJP leaders she was in touch with,"&nbsp;she added.
&nbsp;
Amid these allegations, another video surfaced online&nbsp;purportedly&nbsp;showing the incident. In the footage, a female security personnel&nbsp;is seen&nbsp;holding Maliwal by the arm while escorting her out of&nbsp;Kejriwal's&nbsp;residence. As they exit through the main gate, Maliwal appears to free her arm from the security&nbsp;personnel's&nbsp;grip.
&nbsp;
As part of the ongoing investigation, the Delhi Police took Maliwal to&nbsp;Kejriwal&rsquo;s&nbsp;residence on Friday to recreate the crime scene.&nbsp;Her statement was recorded&nbsp;before a magistrate at the Tis Hazari court.

AAP alleges BJP 'blackmail' in Maliwal's assault claim

As Ladakh votes to elect its MP for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, safeguards under the sixth schedule, statehood and employment are the key issues in the two distant districts of the constituency that is the largest in the country in terms of area.
&nbsp;
Spread over more than 59,000 square kilometres -- around 40 times the size of Delhi -- the two districts of Leh and Kargil are divided by geography and religion. Buddhist-dominated Leh and Shia Muslim-majority Kargil have come together over four demands -- safeguards under the sixth schedule of the Constitution, statehood, reservation in jobs for locals and a separate public service commission and two Lok Sabha seats for the region.
&nbsp;
After the abrogation of Article 370, Ladakh, which shares its border with both Pakistan and China, was carved out as a Union Territory without legislature. While Leh welcomed the move initially, people in Kargil were unhappy about the split. However, soon the concerns over safeguards for land and jobs took over, and protests erupted.
&nbsp;
Padma Stanzin, a student leader from Leh, said employment is a major concern as not a single recruitment on a gazetted post has taken place since 2019.
"We were assured of better employment opportunities but that has failed. Some government recruitment has taken place, but all for class-4 posts," Stanzin told PTI.
&nbsp;
Similar concerns were raised by Nordon, a young woman from Leh who stressed that the sixth schedule is not just a political demand but that of the people.
"More than 90 per cent of the population here is tribal. Jobs are a major concern as Ladakh has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the country," she said.
&nbsp;
"Any party that promises to fulfil our demands will get our support," Nordon said.
&nbsp;
The two main political parties in Ladakh are the BJP, which has fielded Leh Autonomous Hill Development Council Chairman Tashi Gyalson in the election, and the Congress, which has picked the Leader of Opposition in the council, Tsering Namgyal, as its candidate. The third candidate is Mohammad Haneefa Jan from Kargil, popularly known as Haji Haneefa, who is contesting the polls as an independent after quitting the National Conference.
&nbsp;
In its manifesto, the Congress has promised safeguards under the sixth schedule, while Haneefa has mentioned all four demands. The BJP's manifesto is silent on the sixth schedule and statehood, but Gyalson and other leaders of the party, during their campaign, have assured the locals that the talks will continue.
Locals say there is anger against the BJP for not keeping its word on the sixth schedule, which was promised in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls as well as during the Leh hill council polls in 2020.
"We were assured safeguards, but nothing has happened so far. That is why we are demanding the sixth schedule so that our interests can be protected. For that a rally was held on March 3 and then from March 6, Sonam Wangchuk sat on a fast," Stanzin said.
A sit-in protest that started in Leh on March 6 went on for 66 days and was suspended ahead of the election. Renowned educationist and social reformer Sonam Wangchuk had led the protest.
Mehdi Shah from Turtuk, one of the remotest villages of India, says there is fear over losing the cultural identity as well as damage to the environment.
"There is a fear of losing our cultural identity and the fragile ecosystem being damaged if rampant development takes place. That is why the demand for the sixth schedule has become the main issue in this election," he said.
Haji Riyaz Ahmed, a septuagenarian who runs a shop in the Leh market, agrees that employment and livelihood are a major concern.
"Earlier, one could get a job after graduation. Now, even with a PhD, people are unable to get jobs. The employment that comes in the tourist season is temporary. Even in this market, there are only a few shops that belong to Ladakhis," he said.
He stressed that the focus should be on promoting cottage industry centred around local products like apricots, Leh berry and Pashmina. He also countered the Leh versus Kargil narrative and said the voters are focused on their demands for preserving their culture and environment.
More than 200 kilometres away in Kargil, people voice similar concerns. While they say the Union Territory status was the demand of Leh, the four-point demand is now the key issue.
Haji Mohammad Qasim says Article 370 is not an issue for them, but they want someone from Kargil to represent them this time.
"Article 370 is not an issue. This time people want someone from Kargil to represent the constituency. Had the Congress fielded someone from here, we would have supported him. Now, we have an independent candidate and we are united in backing him," he said.
Fayaz Hojazi said employment and education opportunities are the main concern, along with the sixth schedule and statehood.
He added that with most administrative departments and officials stationed in Leh, it is a problem for the locals. The journey from Kargil to Leh takes more than five hours and locals have to depend on private transport or taxis.
Mohammad Ishaq, a local journalist, said while the BJP is facing anti-incumbency, the other parties are banking on the fact that they have been backing the demands of the locals.
Ladakh has around 1.84 lakh voters, of whom around 96,000 are in Kargil district and more than 88,000 in Leh district. The constituency goes to polls on May 20
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

LS Polls: Ladakh demands Sixth schedule, statehood, employment

Softbank-backed OYO is set to refile its much-awaited IPO as the global travel tech player is close to finalising its refinancing plans to raise up to USD 450 million via sale of dollar bonds, sources said.
&nbsp;
JP Morgan is the likely lead banker for the refinancing through the sale of dollar bonds at an estimated interest rate of 9 to 10 per cent per annum, a source said.
&nbsp;
In preparation for the refinancing, OYO has already moved its application with markets regulator SEBI to withdraw its current draft red herring prospectus (DRHP). The company intends to refile an updated version of the DRHP, after the bond issuance.
&nbsp;
Oravel Stays Ltd, OYO's parent company, had in November prepaid a significant chunk of its debt amounting to Rs 1,620 crore through a buyback process. The buyback involved repurchasing 30 per cent of its outstanding Term Loan B of USD 660 million. The move brought down its outstanding loan amount to around USD 450 million.
&nbsp;
A source closely involved in the company's IPO plans told PTI, "The refinancing will result in material changes to OYO's financial statements. Hence as per existing regulations, it will need to revise its filings with the regulator".
&nbsp;
"Since the decision for refinancing is at an advanced stage, it doesn't make sense to continue pursuing IPO approval with the current financials. So it's prudent to withdraw the current application," he added.
&nbsp;
The refinancing will extend the repayment timeline to five years -- versus the repayment of the remaining TLB due in 2026 -- the source said.
&nbsp;
The bond issuance would significantly lower the current effective interest rate of 14 per cent on its existing USD 450 million Term Loan B (TLB) facility.
&nbsp;
"The refinancing is expected to result in annual interest savings of USD 8-10 million (Rs 66.4-83 crore) in the first year, after accounting for the costs associated with the bond issuance. The company anticipates annual savings of USD 15-17 million (Rs 124.5 -141.1 crore) thereafter, almost all of which would get added to its net profits. Post the debt refinancing, the company is open to contemplating an equity round, to reaffirm investor confidence before a public listing to fortify its financial strength," the source said.
&nbsp;
In September 2021, OYO had filed preliminary documents with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for a Rs 8,430 crore IPO.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The launching of the IPO was delayed due to the then volatile market conditions making the company prepare to settle for a lower valuation at around USD 4-6 billion instead of the USD 11 billion it was targeting initially.&nbsp;

OYO to refile IPO post refinancing: Sources

After making a stunning fashion statement on the red carpet in a custom-made Falguni Shane Peacock outfit, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is back with another striking look.
&nbsp;
The actress chose another custom-made creation by the designer duo to exude maximum glam. She wore a silver and pastel green gown adorned with tassels and all the right glitzy details.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
However, her second outfit failed to impress fans. Many called her gown "over the top" and "made of plastic."
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cannes2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cannes2024</a>: Aishwarya Rai wears custom Falguni Shane Peacock for the Cannes Film Festival premiere of "KInds of Kindness". For the Queen of Cannes this is another MAJORLY disappointing moment this year. I am ready to forget and move on. <a href="https://t.co/xOpJE3IWSZ">pic.twitter.com/xOpJE3IWSZ</a>
&mdash; Thomas James Monks (@thomasjmonks) <a href="https://twitter.com/thomasjmonks/status/1791574749312925894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
A user of X wrote - "I'm no fashion expert, but anyone can see Falguni Shane Peacock's gowns do nothing for Aishwarya Rai (or anyone else). These outlandish clothes look like recycled plastic garbage bags in the name of couture. A handloom saree could be a million times better than this plastic crap."
&nbsp;
Another user wrote - "I think Aishwarya Rai&rsquo;s styling team through the years have one agenda - to test if her beauty can transcend the worst clothes. We will do our absolute worst - and demonstrate that clothes don&rsquo;t maketh the woman."
&nbsp;
Some even called out the actress' stylists and suggested they "need to be fired."
&nbsp;
One user on X wrote - "Someone like Aishwarya Rai who is already a global star doesn't need one dress to prove something. It is a matter of 5 mins,and she gets a lots of engagement. But what makes me worried is why does she say yes to such gowns! Is everything fine? What is her objective!"
&nbsp;
Another post read - "I need her stylists to get for real you are styling aishwarya rai please."
&nbsp;
Despite the backlash, many others were all-in for opting for an age-defying dramatic outfit.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's dramatic Cannes outfit on Day 2 fails to impress

Equity benchmark indices climbed in early trade in a special trading session on Saturday, extending their rally to the third day running, amid fresh foreign fund inflows.
&nbsp;
The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 158.01 points to 74,075.04 in early trade. The NSE Nifty went up by 53.75 points to 22,519.85.
&nbsp;
Among the Sensex components, Power Grid, Nestle, Asian Paints, IndusInd Bank and Tata Steel were the major gainers.
JSW Steel and Axis Bank were the laggards.
&nbsp;
Wall Street ended mostly higher on Friday.
"The Dow Jones Industrial Average has hit 40,000 for the first time, buoyed by optimism from a softer-than-expected April inflation report, which has increased bets on a September rate cut by the Federal Reserve.
&nbsp;
"This positive sentiment extends to Indian markets, with the Nifty likely trading between 22,000-22,500, facing resistance at 22,500 and support at 22,000," Prashanth Tapse, Senior VP (Research), Mehta Equities Ltd, said.
&nbsp;
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) turned buyers on Friday after days of unabated outflows. They bought equities worth Rs 1,616.79 crore on Friday, according to exchange data.
&nbsp;
"Dow Jones closing in record territory above 40,000 will continue to provide global support for equity markets. A significant trend now is the FIIs turning buyers yesterday, and this takes away the pressure on the markets," said V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services.
&nbsp;
Global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed 0.85 per cent to USD 83.98 a barrel.
&nbsp;
The BSE benchmark climbed 253.31 points or 0.34 per cent to settle at 73,917.03 on Friday. The NSE Nifty advanced 62.25 points or 0.28 per cent to 22,466.10.
&nbsp;
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) on May 7 said it will conduct a special trading session in the equity and equity derivative segments on May 18 to check its preparedness to handle major disruption or failure at the primary site.
&nbsp;
The special live trading session will have an intra-day switchover from the Primary Site (PR) to the Disaster Recovery (DR) site.
&nbsp;
In a circular, the exchange said there will be two sessions -- the first from 9:15 am to 10 am from the PR, and the second from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm from the DR site.
&nbsp;
Earlier on March 2 (Saturday), the BSE and NSE conducted a special trading session in the equity and equity derivative segments.&nbsp;

Markets climb in special Saturday trading session

The Union Minister for Railways, Communications, and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, presented data showcasing the transformative changes in the Indian Railways during the past 10 years of the Modi government. He also highlighted the neglect of the railways during Congress-led regimes.
&nbsp;
Addressing the Viksit Bharat Ambassador event in Mumbai, the Union Minister detailed how the Railways, previously seen and treated as a 'milch cow' in previous regimes, witnessed all-round development under the Modi government.
&nbsp;
In his detailed presentation, which left the audience mesmerised, the Minister explained how the Railways added a huge tranche of networks and underwent wide-scale electrification and modernisation to the extent that developed economies find it tough to match steps with India.
&nbsp;
"Today, a 4 km rail track per day is being built in the country. In the last financial year alone, we built a 5,300 km rail network, which is equal to Switzerland's train network. In the past ten years, 31,000 km railway track was added, equal to Germany's entire network," the Union Minister told the Viksit Bharat Ambassadors.
&nbsp;
Under the Modi government, 44,000 km of railway networks were electrified in the past ten years, compared to 20,000 km in the past 60 years of Congress governance.
&nbsp;
"Today, we are heading towards 100 per cent electrification in the Indian Railways," he added.
&nbsp;
Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the Railways remained in despair despite being the biggest public carrier because of the previous government's neglect and ignorance.
&nbsp;
"Conversion from Meter gauge to broad gauge networks should have been initiated during 1950-60s, but that was taken up during NDA government," he said.
&nbsp;
The minister also discussed the renovation of railway stations and the production of modern trains within the Modi government.
&nbsp;
Over 300 railway stations are currently being redeveloped nationwide, with 120 stations in Maharashtra alone. The Shivaji Maharaj railway station is a prime example of this modernisation effort.
&nbsp;
He emphasised that projects such as the Vande Bharat and Bullet trains demonstrate the government's consistent and dedicated focus on developing the Railways as a key driver of the country's growth.

India's rail modernisation rivals Europe, adds 31,000-km track in 10 years

Police have apprehended a man from Port Blair in connection with the murder of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader in Baguiati, located on the northern outskirts of Kolkata.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Sanjeev Das, also known as Potla, was killed during a clash between two TMC factions on April 27.
&nbsp;
The accused,&nbsp;identified as&nbsp;Kapil Deb, was arrested from a lodge in Aberdeen Bazaar, Port Blair, on May 16.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This arrest&nbsp;was the result of&nbsp;a coordinated operation between the South Andaman Police and the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate.&nbsp;South&nbsp;Andaman's&nbsp;Superintendent of Police, Niharika Bhatt, confirmed the operation, stating,&nbsp;"The West Bengal Police shared information about the accused, and we immediately initiated a search.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
A team of officers from West Bengal also joined us, leading to Kapil&nbsp;Deb's&nbsp;arrest at a hotel in Aberdeen Bazaar."
&nbsp;
Investigations revealed that&nbsp;Kapil Deb,&nbsp;after committing the crime, fled to Port Blair by plane.&nbsp;"He was taken&nbsp;to West Bengal on a transit remand,"&nbsp;Bhatt added.&nbsp;"Kapil Deb&nbsp;is the owner of&nbsp;several hotels in New Town and its surrounding areas."
&nbsp;
The murder of Sanjeev Das occurred in the Arjunpur West Para area under the Baguiati police station jurisdiction on the night of April 27
&nbsp;
The confrontation escalated into a violent clash, with both factions engaging in brick-batting. Das sustained severe injuries during the altercation and was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
&nbsp;
So far, 18 people have&nbsp;been arrested&nbsp;in connection with the case, all based on a complaint lodged by the&nbsp;deceased's&nbsp;daughter, Payel Das.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The ongoing investigation&nbsp;has&nbsp;revealed that Das, who was involved in 11 cases&nbsp;including&nbsp;those&nbsp;related to the Arms Act, had been a contentious figure within the local political landscape.
&nbsp;
His family has accused local TMC workers loyal to a councillor of orchestrating the murder.&nbsp;

Port Blair

Accused in TMC leader’s murder arrested in Port Blair

The Amarnath Annual Yatra is scheduled to commence on June 29th. As part of its arrangements, M/s Bhutani International Pvt Ltd. was selected as the lowest bidder in the auction to ensure public convenience for the forthcoming Yatra.
&nbsp;
As per reliable sources quoted by the local media outlet, the alleged entity, M/s Bhutani International Pvt Ltd., which has been reportedly selected as the lowest bidder for the allotment of work worth Rs 3.5 crore, is currently blacklisted by a government body in the state of Maharashtra.
&nbsp;
Unaware of the status of the alleged firm, the tender allotment to a banned firm breaches eligibility criteria, which state that any bidder prohibited by the Central Government, any State Government, a statutory client, or a PSU in the previous five years is ineligible to submit a proposal either alone or through an associate.
&nbsp;
As a result, it raised certain eyebrows regarding the eligibility of the L1 bidder and their compliance with the technical criteria necessary for participation in this procurement.
&nbsp;
The technical bids were opened on April 26, 2024, while the bids were opened on May 17, 2024, with M/s Bhutani International Pvt Ltd. supposedly being the lowest bidder.
&nbsp;
However, reports claim that M/s Bhutani International Pvt Ltd, which qualified for the technical bid and has since been certified L1, is now banned by a government entity.
&nbsp;
The firm was allegedly found violating the terms and conditions of the contract to install public convenience places during the Sharadiya Navratri in Maharashtra in 2023.
&nbsp;
It was noted that said firm only installed fewer portable convenience places, including toilets and washrooms, throughout the Yatra season than the mentioned numbers, causing difficulty for pilgrims.
&nbsp;
Soon after, Bhutani International Pvt Ltd. was blacklisted by Tujapur Municipal Council, District Dharashiv, in Maharashtra, and was barred from submitting any tender to the Municipal Council for three years (until March 2027).
&nbsp;
Furthermore, despite repeated orders from the Municipal Council Office, Bhutani International ignored them, resulting in disciplinary action.
&nbsp;
When brought to the attention of Srinagar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr. Owais Ahmed, he said, "He will investigate the allegation and take appropriate action if the business, as mentioned earlier, is deemed technically unsuitable and banned."

Amarnath Yatra contract to banned firm prompts investigation

The Tripura state government has begun appointing officials to the State Level Empowered Committee and the District Level Committee to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019.
&nbsp;
In an official notification, R Reang, IAS, Director of the Directorate of Census Operations in Tripura, has instructed all district magistrates to nominate a Tripura Civil Service (TCS) officer as an invitee for the District Level Committee.
&nbsp;
This action is part of the broader effort to process citizenship applications under the amended law.
&nbsp;
The notification references a communication from RD Meena, Director (Citizenship) at the Ministry of Home Affairs, reads, "With reference to the subject cited above, I am to inform you that RD Meena, Director (Citizenship), Govt of India, MHA, Foreigners Division (Citizenship Wing), has intimated the Director of Census Operations of all States/UTs regarding the constitution of the District Level Committee in connection with the implementation of CAA, 2019 for processing citizenship applications under Section 6B of the Citizenship Act, 1955."
&nbsp;
"In this regard, you are requested to nominate one TCS officer who shall be an invitee of the District Level Committee for the purpose of processing citizenship applications under Section 6B of the Citizenship Act, 1955. The name of the said officer may kindly be sent to this directorate at the earliest," it said.
&nbsp;
In a parallel directive, S Debbarma, Undersecretary of the Tripura Government, reiterated the urgency of the nominations.
&nbsp;
In his communication to the District Magistrates, Debbarma emphasised the need for prompt action. He requested that the nominated officers' details be forwarded immediately for onward submission to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
&nbsp;
An anonymous official from the Tripura government confirmed that the appointment process is already underway, highlighting the administration's commitment to swiftly implementing the CAA.
&nbsp;
The Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 aims to provide citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

Tripura initiates process to grant citizenship under CAA

The iconic toy train of Matheran, a picturesque hill station about 100 km from Mumbai, is set to undergo a charming transformation.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Central Railway (CR) has announced that the beloved narrow-gauge train will soon feature a heritage steam engine look while continuing to run on diesel.
&nbsp;
Despite the new aesthetic, the train's operational engine will remain diesel-powered, ensuring reliability on the steep, winding tracks that offer breathtaking views of wooded ridges and valleys.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/matheranjpg_1716006111154.jpg" width="1500" height="800">
&nbsp;
The initiative aims to evoke the nostalgic charm of the past while maintaining modern efficiency.
&nbsp;
CR's chief public relations officer, Swapnil Nila, shared details of the ambitious project.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"A dedicated team of engineers and technicians have been working around the clock at our Parel workshop in Mumbai. They are crafting a steam engine hood and making necessary modifications to ensure the engine runs smoothly while preserving its new heritage appearance," Nila explained.
&nbsp;
The transformation process involves several technical steps, including the removal of the current engine hood, the creation and fitting of a new steam locomotive-like hood, and modifications to the diesel engine.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Additionally, a steam vapour and sound-producing system will be installed to enhance the authenticity of the steam engine experience.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The final touch involves painting the engine with the new hood and adding decorative stickers.
&nbsp;
Nila emphasised the broader impact of this initiative. "This makeover will not only enrich the tourist experience but also boost the local economy by attracting more visitors and creating employment opportunities," he said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The project is expected to be completed next month.
&nbsp;
The Neral-Matheran Light Railway, a cherished heritage mountain railway in India, has a storied history.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The construction of the two-foot gauge line began in 1904, and the first steam engine toy train service commenced in 1907, marking 116 years of operation this year.
&nbsp;
The 21-km journey from Neral to Matheran has long been a&nbsp;favorite, especially among children.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
However, services between Neral station at the foothills and Aman Lodge are suspended during the monsoon season, while shuttle services between Aman Lodge and Matheran continue year-round.
&nbsp;
In recent years, the CR has undertaken several infrastructural upgrades on the Neral-Matheran section to enhance safety and passenger comfort.
&nbsp;
These improvements, combined with the heritage steam engine look, are expected to revitalize interest in this historic route.

Iconic Matheran's toy train to sport heritage steam engine look

Missing actor Gurucharan Singh, known for his role as Roshan Singh Sodhi in the TV serial 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah', returned home on Friday after 24 days, officials said.
&nbsp;
According to a police officer, Singh had gone on a spiritual journey during which he visited several Gurudwaras and religious places in Punjab.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He returned home on Friday early morning, the police officer said, adding that his statement has been recorded before the magistrate and he is fine.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The 51-year-old actor was supposed to board a flight from here to Mumbai on April 22 evening but never reached his destination. His father, who lives in Palam, had informed the local police after his phone was found unreachable.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The police had registered an FIR of abduction.&nbsp;

Missing 'Tarak Mehta' actor Gurucharan found safe

The Supreme Court has asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to respond to an application demanding the disclosure of the absolute number of votes polled in the ongoing elections.
&nbsp;
A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud held a special hearing of the joint application filed by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Common Cause.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Their application argues that the Election Commission must disclose the number of votes polled on its website within 48 hours of polling to maintain voter confidence in the democratic process.
&nbsp;
The application seeks a direction to the ECI to upload scanned copies of Form 17C, which records the number of votes polled in a booth soon after the elections.
&nbsp;
It also pointed out that the voter turn-out data for the first two phases of the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections was published by the ECI on 30 April, "after 11 days of the first phase of polling held on 19th April and 4 days after the second phase of polling held on 26th April."
&nbsp;
The application stated that the final data released by the ECI in its press release on 30 April showed a sharp increase of about 5-6 per cent compared to the initial data on votes polled, which was released on the two days of polling.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The "inordinate delay" in releasing the absolute number of polled votes, along with the discrepancy in the data made public on 30 April, has raised concerns among the electorate about the integrity of elections. As mentioned in the ADR's application, these concerns must be addressed and put to rest.

Explain increase in voting percentage & disclose alsolute number of votes, SC to EC

Climate change is likely to negatively affect the health of people suffering from brain conditions such as migraine and Alzheimer's, new research published in The Lancet Neurology journal has found.
&nbsp;
Extreme temperatures, both low and high, and greater changes over the course of the day -- driven by climate change -- were shown to have an impact on brain diseases, explained lead researcher Sanjay Sisodiya from the University of College London's Institute of Neurology, UK.
&nbsp;
"Night-time temperatures may be particularly important as higher temperatures through the night can disrupt sleep. Poor sleep is known to aggravate a number of brain conditions," he said.
&nbsp;
The study, reviewing 332 papers published from around the world between 1968 and 2023, looked at 19 different nervous system conditions, including stroke, migraine, Alzheimer's, meningitis, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
&nbsp;
The researchers found an increased number of admissions, disabilities or deaths resulting from a stroke due to higher temperatures or heatwaves.
They also said that people having dementia are vulnerable to damage from extreme temperatures and extreme weather events such as floods and wildfires as cognitive impairment can limit their ability to adapt to environmental changes.
&nbsp;
The team also examined how climate change impacted several serious yet common psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.
Sisodiya said that climate anxiety was "an added, potentially weighty influence".
&nbsp;
"Many brain conditions are associated with a higher risk of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, and such multimorbidities can further complicate impacts of climate change and the adaptations necessary to preserve health," he said.
&nbsp;
With extreme weather events becoming more severe and global temperatures rising, the researchers acknowledged that people are being exposed to worsening environmental factors that may not have been severe enough to affect brain conditions in some of the earlier studies they reviewed as part of the analysis.
&nbsp;
Therefore, they said, it was important to ensure that research is up to date, and looks at not only the present state of climate change but also the future.
"This work is taking place against a worrying worsening of climatic conditions and it will need to remain agile and dynamic if it is to generate information that is of use to both individuals and organisations," said Sisodiya.
&nbsp;
Forward planning is made more challenging as few studies estimate the consequences for brain diseases under future climate scenarios, he said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

London

Climate change likely to impact people with brain conditions, study finds

The ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged assault on Swati Maliwal, AAP Rajya Sabha MP and former chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), took a new turn as Maliwal accused officials of tampering with CCTV footage at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In a post on the microblogging platform X on Friday evening, Maliwal claimed she had received information regarding the tampering of the surveillance cameras installed at the CM&rsquo;s house. She tagged the Delhi Police in her post, urging them to look into the matter.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"I have received information that now these people are tampering with the CCTV of the house," she&nbsp;maintained on her X post.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
मुझे सूचना मिली है कि अब ये लोग घर के CCTV से छेड़छाड़ करवा रहा है.. <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiPolice</a>
&mdash; Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) <a href="https://twitter.com/SwatiJaiHind/status/1791503083413090555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
Earlier on Friday evening, a Delhi Police team, led by Additional DCP Delhi North, along with officials from the Civil Lines Police Station and forensic experts, visited the Chief Minister's residence.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The visit aimed to recreate the scene of the alleged assault on Maliwal. She was also present during the investigation. The police team concluded their investigation and videography of the premises around 2:15 a.m. on Saturday.
&nbsp;
The visit to Kejriwal&rsquo;s residence followed a complaint filed by Bibhav Kumar, a close aide to the Chief Minister.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Kumar accused Maliwal of unauthorised entry, verbal abuse, and threats, suggesting a possible involvement of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the incident.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Kumar, whose service as Kejriwal&rsquo;s&nbsp;personal&nbsp;assistant was recently terminated by the Vigilance Department due to a pending criminal case, urged the authorities to take appropriate legal action against Maliwal and to investigate her potential links with BJP leaders.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This allegation comes amid the heightened political tensions of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
&nbsp;
Swati Maliwal&rsquo;s accusations against Bibhav Kumar include claims that he "slapped" her "at least seven to eight times" while she "continued screaming" and "brutally dragged" her while "kicking" her in her "chest, stomach, and pelvis area."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The incident reportedly took place on May 13 at Kejriwal&rsquo;s Civil Lines residence.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Following her complaint, the Delhi Police filed an FIR on Thursday, charging Kumar under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 308 (Attempt to commit culpable homicide), 341 (Punishment for wrongful restraint), 354B (Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 506 (Punishment for criminal intimidation), and 509 (Word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman).
&nbsp;
Amid the escalating row, AAP has seemingly shifted its stance. This marks the first time that AAP has taken a stand against Maliwal in the case, contradicting AAP MP Sanjay Singh's statement that Arvind Kejriwal has taken cognisance of the incident and has directed "strict action," adding that the party is "with Swati Maliwal."
&nbsp;
However, in a recent development, AAP leader Atishi suggested that Maliwal's visit to the CM's residence was 'part of a conspiracy'.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In response, Maliwal accused the party of character assassination and protecting a "Gunda" (hitman).&nbsp;
&nbsp;
She criticised the party for taking a "U-turn" and questioned the integrity of its newer members, referring to Atishi as "kal&nbsp;ke&nbsp;aaye neta" (leaders who joined the party yesterday).
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
पार्टी में कल के आए नेताओं से 20 साल पुरानी कार्यकर्ता को BJP का एजेंट बता दिया। दो दिन पहले पार्टी ने PC में सब सच क़बूल लिया था और आज U-Turn ये गुंडा पार्टी को धमका रहा है, मैं अरेस्ट हुआ तो सारे राज़ खोलूँगा। इसलिए ही लखनऊ से लेकर हर जगह शरण में घूम रहा है। आज उसके दबाव में&hellip;
&mdash; Swati Maliwal (@SwatiJaiHind) <a href="https://twitter.com/SwatiJaiHind/status/1791467669423600021?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
AAP further attacked Maliwal by releasing a purported video clip from the CM&rsquo;s residence on the day of the alleged assault.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The clip, shared by a news channel, showed Maliwal in a heated argument with security personnel at Kejriwal&rsquo;s residence. The party posted the video with the caption "Swati Maliwal ka sach" (Swati Maliwal&rsquo;s truth), indicating their disbelief in her allegations.

Maliwal claims CCTV evidence tampered at Kejriwal's residence

Eight people were burnt alive with over 20 sustaining injuries after a moving bus caught fire near Tauru in Haryana's Nuh district in the early hours of Saturday, the police officials stated.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The incident occurred around 2 am on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The bus was carrying around 60 people, all of whom were residents of Punjab and Chandigarh and were returning from Mathura-Vrindavan, police said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Locals noticed the fire, chased the bus, and asked the driver to stop. They also informed the police and the fire department.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Eight people were killed and more than 20 were injured in the fire.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The injured were rushed to the hospital, police said.
&nbsp;
This is a developing story...more details awaited.&nbsp;

Eight burnt alive in Haryana bus fire

In Himachal Pradesh, 37 candidates will be in the Lok Sabha elections fray for the&nbsp;4&nbsp;parliamentary constituencies of the state, meanwhile, 25 nominees will stand against each other in the fight for the assembly polls in six seats.
&nbsp;
The BJP, Congress, and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have fielded candidates from all four Lok Sabha seats&nbsp;but&nbsp;the&nbsp;main&nbsp;contest is between the ruling and the opposition parties.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Ten candidates are in the fray in Mandi, where actor Kangana Ranaut is taking on Vikramaditya Singh. Singh's mother&nbsp;Pratibha&nbsp;Singh&nbsp;is the outgoing MP from the seat.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In Kangra, which is also&nbsp;being&nbsp;contested&nbsp;by&nbsp;10&nbsp;candidates, senior Congress leader and former Union minister Anand Sharma is taking on the BJP's Rajiv Bharadwaj.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Congress has fielded Kasauli MLA Vinod Sultanpuri against incumbent MP Suresh Kashyap of the BJP in Shimla, where five candidates are in the fray.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In Hamirpur, Union Minister Anurag Thakur will look to defend his bastion against the Congress' Satpal Raizada.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
A total of 12 candidates are contesting for the seat. In the by-polls in Dharamsala and Lahaul &amp; Spiti, BJP rebels Rakesh Chowdhary and Ram Lal Markanda have entered the fray as Independent candidates.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The six assembly seats fell vacant after Congress MLAs who abstained from voting on the cut motion and finance bill (Budget) in the assembly&nbsp;were disqualified&nbsp;for defying a party whip to be present in the House and vote in favour of the government.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
All six Congress ex-MLAs later joined the BJP and were fielded by the saffron party from their former seats.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Sudhir Sharma will take on former mayor Devinder Jaggi of the Congress in Dharamsala&nbsp;while&nbsp;Ravi Thakur&nbsp;is facing&nbsp;Zila Parishad Chairperson Anuradha Rana of the grand old party in Lahaul &amp; Spiti.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Rajinder Rana is contesting from Sujanpur on a BJP ticket against the Congress' Ranjeet Singh. In the 2022 assembly elections, Singh - who contested on a BJP ticket - lost to Rana. He recently joined the Congress.
Devinder Kumar Bhutto, contesting on a BJP ticket from Kutlehar,&nbsp;is facing&nbsp;the Congress' Vivek Sharma.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Chaitanya Sharma&nbsp;is pitted&nbsp;against BJP rebel Rakesh Kalia, who is contesting on a Congress ticket in Gagret.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Inder Dutt Lakhanpal is in the fray for the BJP in Badsar against the Congress' Subhash Chand.

In Himachal, 37 nominees are in Lok Sabha fray

Kaziranga National Park, the UNESCO World Heritage site in Assam, will close its doors to tourists starting May 31, 2024, the Divisional Forest Officer of the Assam Wildlife Division announced on Friday.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This decision follows an earlier announcement that both Elephant and Jeep Safaris for the 2023-24 tourist season would be suspended from May 1 and May 16, respectively, due to adverse weather conditions and deteriorating road conditions within the park.
&nbsp;
Despite these initial closures, the Jeep Safari in Kaziranga was later extended until May 31, 2024, allowing tourists additional time to experience the park's natural beauty and diverse wildlife. However, the Elephant Safari remains closed for the current tourist season.
&nbsp;
Located in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, Kaziranga National Park is renowned for housing two-thirds of the world's Indian rhinoceros population. The park's significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site underscores its global importance for wildlife conservation.
&nbsp;
A census conducted in March 2018 by the Assam Forest Department and various wildlife NGOs revealed that Kaziranga's rhino population stood at 2,613.
&nbsp;
This includes 1,641 adult rhinos (comprising 642 males, 793 females, and 206 unsexed), 387 sub-adults (116 males, 149 females, and 122 unsexed), and 385 calves.
&nbsp;
In a related development, the Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve (ONPTR) also announced its closure to visitors from May 15 until further notice.
&nbsp;
closure includes the suspension of both jeep and elephant safaris. Orang National Park, situated on the northern banks of the Brahmaputra River, is known for its dense forests and diverse habitats.
&nbsp;
The park is home to 125 one-horned rhinos and 26 Royal Bengal Tigers, among other species.
&nbsp;
Orang National Park serves as a crucial sanctuary for the Royal Bengal Tiger and other species like the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros and the Asian elephant. The park's closure aims to ensure the safety and well-being of both wildlife and visitors amid challenging weather conditions.

Kaziranga to halt tourist activities by end of May

'PoK was, is and will remain ours', affirms the country's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday while hitting out at the opposition for raking up the China issue.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
During another poll rally later in the day in Lucknow, from where he is contesting, Singh said, "These elections are also to see who has raised the country's stature in the world."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Accusing the opposition parties of spreading confusion on the China issue, he said, "India has not lost anything. We will not let India lose anything. Talks are ongoing, we are confident that a solution will be found."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Addressing an election rally in Ballia's Sikandarpur in support of the BJP's Salempur candidate Ravindra Kushwaha, Singh also asserted, "Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) was ours, is ours and will remain ours."
&nbsp;
&nbsp;Elaborating on his statement during the Lucknow rally, Singh said, "I had said three years ago that we don't need to attack (anyone) to capture PoK. One day, people there will themselves demand to join India. You must have seen that such a situation has&nbsp;been created&nbsp;there&nbsp;today."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"I would like to appeal to international human rights bodies to see how people in PoK are&nbsp;being harassed," the defence minister added.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He was accompanied by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Singh claimed that after four phases of elections, political analysts not only in India but&nbsp;across the world&nbsp;believe that the BJP&nbsp;is going to&nbsp;form the government by winning more than 400 seats.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He also launched an attack on INDIA bloc partners AAP, Samajwadi Party, and the Congress and committed to implementing a uniform civil code.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"We will implement a uniform civil code, that&nbsp;is our commitment. We do not work against any religion. Everyone living in the country -- be it Hindus, Muslims, Christians, or Jews -- are our brothers. I am talking about a uniform civil code because it is one of the policy-making principles of the Constitution," he said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Attacking the opposition parties over claims that Modi is seeking 400 seats in the Lok Sabha so that the BJP can change the Constitution, Singh recalled the Emergency period under the Congress rule and said, "You strangled democracy and are blaming us. No one can end democracy."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"I want to tell political parties that&nbsp;politics should not be done&nbsp;just to form a government but to build a nation," he said in Lucknow. "I am asking for your votes not just to become an MP but because we want to build the nation and&nbsp;raise&nbsp;its stature in the world."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The defence minister accused the Samajwadi Party and the Congress of making whatever allegations came to their minds against the BJP.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"The bicycle's (the Samajwadi Party election symbol) chain has come off," he said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He also compared the Congress with dinosaurs and said the grand old party would become extinct.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"The condition of the Congress has become so weak that if after&nbsp;10&nbsp;years you say 'Congress',&nbsp;people will ask 'who Congress?' Just as dinosaurs became extinct from the face of the earth, the Congress will become extinct from India," Singh said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He also hit out at AAP supremo&nbsp;and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the alleged&nbsp;assault on party MP Swati Maliwal at his residence.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Talking about the development of Lucknow, Singh said, "I have done whatever was possible for the development of Lucknow&nbsp;and&nbsp;I can say that Lucknow has entered the world's top 10 cities in terms of development."&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Adityanath mentioned the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the development of the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi and said the nation has&nbsp;been secured&nbsp;in the&nbsp;10&nbsp;years under Modi.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He pointed to terror attacks during previous governments and criticised the opposition for "politics of appeasement".&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"I want to warn you about the people of the INDI alliance as they have set their eyes on your property," the chief minister said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Singh and Adityanath also appealed to the electorate to vote for OP Srivastav, the BJP candidate for the assembly by-poll in Lucknow East.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The seat became vacant following the death of incumbent MLA Ashutosh Tandon.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Polling in Lucknow will take place on May 20. Salempur goes to the polls in the last phase of the elections on June 1.&nbsp;

'PoK was, is and will remain ours', affirms Rajnath Singh

A dejected Hardik Pandya admitted that the poor quality of cricket played by Mumbai Indians cost them the 2024 IPL season&nbsp;which&nbsp;ended in their second last-place finish in three years.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The five-time champions had finished last in 2022 as well.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Pandya&nbsp;was brought back&nbsp;in the MI set-up amid much fanfare&nbsp;but&nbsp;the team only won four games out of 14 under his leadership.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"It's a professional world.&nbsp;Have&nbsp;to always come out&nbsp;and put our best foot forward.&nbsp;But yes,&nbsp;as a&nbsp;group&nbsp;we could not play quality&nbsp;cricket or smart cricket."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Too early to point out what went wrong. The whole season kind of went wrong. We can pass this game as another one (that went wrong)." LSG skipper KL Rahul, whose team also finished out of the play-off&nbsp;zone&nbsp;was equally disappointed.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Very disappointing. At the start of the season, I felt we had&nbsp;a very strong&nbsp;season and most bases covered. A couple of injuries happened&nbsp;but&nbsp;the guys who went away dented us a little bit," Rahul said with&nbsp;obvious&nbsp;reference to the country's fastest bowler&nbsp;Mayank&nbsp;Yadav.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"We didn't play well enough collectively and couldn't come together as much as we wanted to. Today was the kind of game we wanted to play more when the bowlers and batters both come together," he said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Rahul, who is not part of the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup, however, was non-committal on whether he would bat in the middle order in coming days.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Maybe, maybe not, there's not much T20 cricket coming up [for me] now," he said when asked if he will think of batting in the middle order.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"It depends on where I stand and what I need to do to get back in the team, I'll&nbsp;think about what the team needs," he added.&nbsp;

We didn't play quality cricket & it cost us whole IPL: Hardik

Hindus constitute one percent of the American population and are the third largest religion of the world, have gone unpresented in the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, in the absence of which the USCIRF has been producing biased, unscientific and one-sided reports on India and Hindus, the head of a top Indian diaspora think-tank body said Friday.
&nbsp;
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on Friday announced the appointment of three new members -- Maureen Ferguson, Vicky Hartzler, and Asif Mahmood &ndash; and reappointments of Stephen Schneck and Eric Ueland to its commission.
&nbsp;
The term of the previous commissioners -- Abraham Cooper, David Curry, Frederick Davie, Mohamed Magid, Nury Turkel and Frank Wolf &ndash; ended on May 14.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Congratulations to the appointed member of the USCIRF. Leaders have missed a historic opportunity to appoint representation for diversity and the balance in the commission, representation of one of the largest faiths. One in every six people on this earth come from Hindu religion. That is not represented on the commission, which is going to be big miss from the bringing the diversity and having a proper balance in the International Religious Freedom report,&rdquo; Khanderao Kand, chief of Policy and Strategy at Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) told PTI on Friday.
&nbsp;
The annual report of the USCIRF on international religious freedom, he said, is biased against India. &ldquo;What we observe in general as well as in this year is that this report is predictably biased against India. It is full of omission and commission. It presents some of the facts, but it does not provide all the facts. It hides many facts,&rdquo; Khanderao said.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;It (USCIRF report) actually does not contextualise. It does not give the historical facts or the trends. The report then fits to a certain narrative and that's why it is not factually complete, and it becomes a polemic. It is predictably anti-India. Unfortunately, it is recommending India to be a country of particular concern,&rdquo; he said, adding this is a strange recommendation for a country like India, which is the world's largest democracy.
&nbsp;
Right now, the world is witnessing the world's largest democratic exercises in India. It is strange to see the USCIRF is making such a recommendation to India, which is based on diversity and pluralism.
&nbsp;
Khanderao charged that the annual report of the USCIRF mostly caters towards &ldquo;certain&rdquo; religions and does not give all perspective.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;The report lacks transparency on how experts are selected or evidence is gathered. There is a lack of diversity and as a result of that, the report seems to be polemic and biased,&rdquo; he said, adding the FIIDS&rsquo; research has found that reports are connected with the vested interests of some of its staffers.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;This is unfortunate. If you bring the real experts on the board and diversity on the board, then the report would be a balanced one. But otherwise, we are seeing that it is coming up with a report that fits into their narrative. For example, India last year had zero Hindu Muslim riots. Actually, India is a country with a historically large number of riots. But the report is not talking about the positivity about that. There are a lot of elements which are wrongly presented. So, I think as a result of that the report is actually a biased one,&rdquo; he said.
&nbsp;
Urging the authorities to make the USCIRF a truly representative body in terms of religion, he said Hinduism or other religions like Buddhism needs to have some representation in the report. Secondly the report needs to be based on much more diversity from the viewpoints. The reports should be data driven and there should be transparency.
&nbsp;
In its annual report released early this month, the USCIRF recommended the State Department to designate 17 nations as Countries of Particular Concern (CPCs) based on their governments engaging in or tolerating particularly severe violations of the right to freedom of religion or belief.
&nbsp;
These include 12 that the State Department designated as CPCs in December 2023: Burma, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan&mdash;as well as five additional recommendations: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Nigeria, and Vietnam.
India has rejected the contents of the USCIRF report.
&nbsp;

New York

USCIRF reports biased sans Hindu representation, says diaspora body

Applauding the people of India for exercising their right to vote, the White House on Friday said there are not too many more vibrant democracies in the world than India.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Not too many more vibrant democracies in the world than India. And we applaud the Indian people for exercising, you know, their ability to vote, and to have a voice in their future government. And we wish them well throughout the process, of course,&rdquo; White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby told reporters at a news conference here.
&nbsp;
Kirby was responding to a question on the ongoing Indian elections, wherein over 969 million people are exercising their right to franchise at one million polling stations to elect 545 members of parliament from thousands of candidates representing as many as 2,660 registered political parties.
&nbsp;
Responding to another question, Kirby said the India-US relationship has strengthened under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in particular during the last three years of the Biden administration. &ldquo;Our relationship with India is extremely close and getting closer,&rdquo; he said.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;You saw it on a State visit (last visit). We launched all kinds of new initiatives, working on critical emerging technologies together, and bolstering and expanding the relevance of the Indo-Pacific quad, of course, which India is a part of. And then, just the people-to-people exchanges, and the military that we share with India,&rdquo; Kirby said.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;It's a very vibrant, very active partnership. We are grateful for Prime Minister Modi's leadership,&rdquo; said the White House official.
&nbsp;
When asked if President Joe Biden believes that India and Japan are xenophobic countries, he replied in the negative and said the president was recently making a broader point.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;I mean, the president was making a broader point here about the vibrancy of our own democracy, here in the United States, and how inclusive and participatory it is,&rdquo; Kirby said.&nbsp;

Washington D.C.

White house calls India 'vibrant democracy' days after Biden's 'Xenophobic' comment

In the race for Mumbai&rsquo;s North Central Lok Sabha seat, BJP&rsquo;s Ujjwal Nikam and Congress&rsquo; Varsha Gaikwad aim to sway the caste dynamics in their favour.
&nbsp;
Ujjwal Nikam, renowned as the special prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai attack case, steps into the electoral arena representing the BJP, while Varsha Gaikwad, the incumbent Dharavi MLA, contests for the Congress.
&nbsp;
Scheduled for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 20, Mumbai North Central constituency comprises six assembly segments, including Vile Parle, Chandivali, Kurla, Kalina, Vandre East, and Vandre West.
&nbsp;
With BJP, Congress, and Shiv Sena being the major players, the constituency has witnessed a diverse political spectrum over the years, from Congress&rsquo; Sharad Dighe to Shiv Sena&rsquo;s Manohar Joshi.
&nbsp;
Poonam Mahajan, daughter of late Pramod Mahajan, represented the seat twice, defeating Congress&rsquo; Priya Dutt in 2014 and 2019 by significant margins.
&nbsp;
Ujjwal Nikam, embracing his candidacy as a pivotal life choice, emphasises Prime Minister Modi&rsquo;s transformative vision for the nation and his commitment to upholding India&rsquo;s global stature.
&nbsp;
Varsha Gaikwad underscores the election as a crucial battle to safeguard India's constitutional values and its future, rallying for unified support to secure victory.
&nbsp;
The constituency reflects Mumbai&rsquo;s dichotomy, with affluent neighbourhoods juxtaposed against sprawling slums, highlighting the city's allure for migrants.
&nbsp;
Issues like traffic congestion, inadequate infrastructure, and pollution dominate local debates, with the ruling party highlighting initiatives like slum rehabilitation and metro rail projects as part of their agenda.
&nbsp;
Maharashtra, with its significant 48 Lok Sabha seats, plays a pivotal role in national politics. In the 2019 elections, BJP secured a majority of seats, with Shiv Sena and NCP also making substantial gains.
&nbsp;
Following the split within Shiv Sena in 2022, the Eknath Shinde faction aligned with the BJP, reshaping the political landscape in the state.
&nbsp;

Ujjwal Nikam, Varsha Gaikwad vie for Mumbai's North Central Lok Sabha seat

The Delhi Police has taken action following an alleged assault on Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar, registering a complaint filed by AAP councillor Chhaya Sharma.
&nbsp;
The incident occurred during a meeting at the AAP office in New Usmanpur, where Kumar was interacting with attendees after the gathering. A video of the incident, which has since gone viral, captured individuals garlanding Kumar before throwing ink at him and attempting to assault him.
&nbsp;
Sharma, who intervened, was also subjected to misbehaviour and threats. Legal measures are being pursued based on Sharma's complaint, with ongoing investigations into the matter.
&nbsp;
Kanhaiya Kumar, the Congress candidate for the North-East Delhi constituency in the Lok Sabha elections, finds himself in a contentious electoral battle against two-time BJP MP Manoj Tiwari.
&nbsp;
With Delhi's voting scheduled for May 25 across 7 Lok Sabha seats, the outcome holds significance for both parties. The incident has already sparked reactions, with Congress leader Abhishek Dutta condemning the attack and suggesting potential political repercussions for the BJP in the elections.
&nbsp;
He emphasised Kumar's candidacy, asserting confidence in his electoral prospects despite the assault.&nbsp;As the election fervour intensifies, incidents like these underscore the charged atmosphere surrounding political campaigns.
&nbsp;
The upcoming polls in Delhi are poised to be closely watched, with every development potentially influencing electoral outcomes.

Kanhaiya Kumar assaulted, Delhi Police initiates inquiry

Capacity building is an "important component" in India's defence and security engagement with the Maldives and "we will be happy to take it forward" if New Delhi receives a request from Male for training their pilots, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.
&nbsp;
Randhir Jaiswal, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, made the comment during his weekly briefing in response to a query over reports on issues related to operation of an aviation platform in the Maldives.
&nbsp;
Indian military personnel were stationed in the Maldives to operate two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft, used primarily for medical evacuations. The last batch of Indian military personnel were repatriated by May 10, according to the deadline set following an agreement between the two countries in February.
&nbsp;
The MEA spokesperson said, "Yes, capacity building is an important component in our defence and security engagement with the Maldives. We have in the past trained their personnel on the defence side and, if we receive a request for training of pilots, if this request is made, we will be happy to take it forward." The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and the overall bilateral ties, including in areas of defence and security, witnessed an upward trajectory under the previous government in Male.
&nbsp;
On a query on a fourth Indian national being arrested recently by Canadian authorities in connection with the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the MEA spokesperson said, "Yes, we have seen reports of the fourth person being arrested." "We have so far formally not (been) conveyed of it and so far we haven't received any consular access request," he said.
&nbsp;
A fourth Indian national was arrested by Canadian authorities in connection with the killing of Nijjar, a week after police arrested three Indians linked with the high-profile case that has strained India's relations with Canada.
&nbsp;
Nijjar (45) was killed outside Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, last June.
&nbsp;
On another query on Indian students facing some issues in Canada, Jaiswal said, "We have a large number of students who have gone to Canada to study ... The figure is significant".
&nbsp;
"About what you are referring (to) is that certain students are facing problems that we haven't come across as of now ... deportation ... I don't have an update on that. We are not aware of that. There may be one case here or one case there but that's about it. We don't see any major problem as far as the students in Canada...," he added.
&nbsp;
The MEA spokesperson was also asked about reports claiming that a ship carrying arms, which left India and headed to Israel, was "denied" a port of call in Spain.
&nbsp;
"Today, in the morning, we saw some reports which talked about a ship, a Danish-flagged ship which was taking some supplies to ... they had requested for a port call. We have seen the reports, we are looking into the matter, we will come back to you with more details as and when we have," the MEA spokesperson said.
&nbsp;
On a question on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, he said, "Our stand, our position on it (PoK and CPEC) is very clear. You know that it impacts India's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Our position on the region of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir is also very clear. This region, Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, is an integral part of India and it always has been and will always be so." The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is opposed by India as it is being laid through PoK.
&nbsp;
Asked if there will be any Indian delegation to Taipei and what India's expectations will be from the new government in Taiwan, he said that with Taiwan, "we have ongoing exchanges, in cultural field, in economic field, trade field, investment field, scientific field, and we will continue with these exchanges".
&nbsp;
On the recent visit of Special Envoy of the Russian President on Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov to India, Jaiswal said he met an Indian delegation led by Joint Secretary JP Singh, who looks after Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran in the Ministry of External Affairs.
&nbsp;
"They had bilateral consultations on Afghanistan. They discussed the situation that is there on ground. They also emphasised on the need to continue providing development assistance and humanitarian support to the people of Afghanistan. So this was the context. They had bilateral conversation, between the two," Jaiswal added.

Capacity building crucial for India's defence, security engagement with Maldives: MEA

Rohit Sharma saved his best for the last but that wasn&rsquo;t enough to stop another woeful chapter being added to Mumbai Indians' already nightmare of an IPL season, which ended in a last-place finish following a disappointing 18-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants, here on Friday.
&nbsp;
After Rohit smacked his way to a 38-ball 68 to set a strong platform in pursuit of 215, Mumbai&rsquo;s batters failed to keep the momentum going in the middle overs and finished at 196 for six in 20 overs to hand LSG a much-needed win.
&nbsp;
For LSG, who needed a victory over MI and other results over the weekend to go their way to make an improbable entry into the playoffs, reached the sixth spot but their net run rate only improved marginally to -0.667.
&nbsp;
Apart from Rohit&rsquo;s brilliance at the top, the young Naman Dhir gave a fine exhibition of his talent with a half-century but it came when all was lost and there was no pressure on him.
&nbsp;
Dhir struck five sixes and four fours in a late assault which only reduced the margin of defeat for his side to a large extent.
&nbsp;
This season, in all likelihood, marks the end of Rohit's 14-year journey with Mumbai Indians. It would also be interesting to see if likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah agree on retention or go back to the auction pool.
&nbsp;
Additionally, the move to bring in Hardik as skipper at the expense of a five-time champion captain Rohit proved to be a harakiri during a season where the new man only received boos wherever he went.
&nbsp;
Even on Friday, as Rohit's most entertaining knock of the season ended, the Wankhede crowd was ready to give their 'skipper' a standing ovation which turned into incessant hooting the moment the designated skipper entered the turf. The MI faithfuls time and again showed that Hardik Pandya was the captain but Rohit Sharma is their leader.
&nbsp;
While LSG, riding on Pooran's pulverising 75 off 29 balls got 214 for 6, MI never looked in the hunt once Rohit was dismissed.
Even though he endured a barren run in between season, Rohit ended as MI&rsquo;s third-highest run-getter.
&nbsp;
The defeat on Friday also confirmed Mumbai Indians&rsquo; last-place finish for the second time in last three editions, with the 2022 iteration being the first.
Coming off a torrid run of six outings wherein he could not impose himself the way he had at the start of this IPL, Rohit found a rhythm and the runs flowed finally for the MI veteran seamlessly.
&nbsp;
Before a short rain-forced interruption, Rohit hit Matt Henry for two sixes on the trot to make intentions clear and when the play resumed, he went after Mohsin Khan to hit two consecutive fours.
&nbsp;
The shot of the innings, however, was when Rohit danced down the track to hit Mohsin over his head to bang the sight-screen and bring up his fifty.
Rohit&rsquo;s innings eventually ended on 68 with 10 fours and three sixes &mdash; one that was punctuated with regular chants of &lsquo;Rohit&hellip; Rohit&rsquo; and a standing ovation when he trudged back to the pavilion.
&nbsp;
However, MI&rsquo;s rapid start came to a screeching halt with three wickets in quick succession.
&nbsp;
Dewald Brevis (23) tried to match Rohit in the scoring rate with a few boundaries of his own but shortly after hitting Naveen-ul-Haq over midwicket for a six, he failed to connect well on a full toss outside the off-stump.
&nbsp;
Krunal Pandya covered several yards with a hard sprint on his left to take a fine diving catch and bring LSG some respite, as MI had motored on scoring more than 10 runs an over.
&nbsp;
Suryakumar Yadav went for a slog but found Ravi Bishnoi&rsquo;s juggling act ending his innings for a four-ball duck, soon after which LSG took complete control.
Earlier, Pooran&rsquo;s whirlwind 75 off 29 balls covered for skipper KL Rahul&rsquo;s sedate 55, providing a much-needed impetus to Lucknow Super Giants' impressive total of 214 for 6.
&nbsp;
Struggling for momentum on what appeared to be a two-paced wicket at the start, LSG could only manage 69 for 3 at the halfway stage but Pooran&rsquo;s stunning knock made up for another shoddy powerplay effort by Rahul, who was unable to change his game.&nbsp;

Rohit's possible last dance for MI shines bright but LSG takes the cake

The Supreme Court has taken a significant step by issuing notice to the Centre concerning a plea that challenges the retention of the marital rape exception in the new criminal law, Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita.
&nbsp;
The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, has decided to tag the matter with a petition that challenges similar provisions under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and has listed it for hearing in July.
&nbsp;
The All India Democratic Women&rsquo;s Association (AIDWA) filed the plea, with Senior Advocate Karuna Nundy representing the petitioner. Previously, several petitions were filed in the Supreme Court questioning the constitutional validity of the exception to marital rape outlined in the IPC.
&nbsp;
One such petition contests a Karnataka High Court judgment that refused to dismiss the charge of rape against a man accused of raping and exploiting his wife as a sex slave.
&nbsp;
Another petition seeks to strike down Exception 2 to Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code, which shields husbands from criminal charges for non-consensual sexual intercourse with their wives in marital relationships. This petition was filed by activist Ruth Manorama through advocate on record Ruchira Goel.
&nbsp;
Exception 2 to Section 375 defines rape, stating that sexual intercourse by a man with his wife is not considered rape unless the wife is below 15 years of age.
&nbsp;
Previously, the All India Democratic Women&rsquo;s Association (AIDWA), among others, approached the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court&rsquo;s divided verdict on the issue of criminalizing marital rape.
&nbsp;
In a significant development, a two-judge bench of the Delhi High Court delivered a split verdict on May 12, 2022, concerning the criminalization of marital rape.
&nbsp;
Justice Rajiv Shakdher favoured criminalization, while Justice Hari Shankar disagreed, asserting that Exception 2 to Section 375 does not violate the Constitution as it is based on intelligible differences.

SC issues notice to Centre over marital rape exception

The second edition of the India, Australia, Indonesia Trilateral Maritime Security Workshop (TMSW) wrapped up after fruitful discussions on regional maritime security challenges and collaboration opportunities.
&nbsp;
Held from May 15 to 17 at INS Dronacharya, Kochi, India, the workshop delved into the theme "Indian Ocean Region: Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Regional Maritime Security," aiming to address ongoing challenges and foster cooperation among the three maritime neighbours.
&nbsp;
Under the auspices of Headquarters Southern Naval Command, the workshop saw active participation from delegates representing the three navies.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/image-1-55jpg_1715968655284.jpg" width="1500" height="800">
&nbsp;
RAdm Nirbhay Bapna, ACNS (FCI), helmed the proceedings, with Cmde Paul O&rsquo;Grady from the Royal Australian Navy, FAdm Heri Triwibowo from TNI (AL), and Cmde Manmeet S Khurana from the Indian Navy co-chairing.
&nbsp;
Discussions during the workshop covered a broad spectrum of topics, including Information Exchange mechanisms, Maritime Domain Awareness, illicit maritime activities, Maritime Law enforcement, capability enhancement, and capacity building.
&nbsp;
Emphasis was also placed on avenues for enhancing interoperability and cooperation among the participating navies.
&nbsp;
Guest speakers RAdm Upal Kundu, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Southern Naval Command, and RAdm Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Sea Training, shared insights during the workshop.
&nbsp;
Additionally, delegates from the Australian and Indonesian Navies had the opportunity to visit Indian Naval training facilities at Kochi and M/s Cochin Shipyard Limited.
&nbsp;
The workshop served as a platform for constructive dialogue and exchange of ideas, facilitating a deeper understanding of shared maritime security challenges and the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing them.
&nbsp;
Through such initiatives, the participating countries aim to strengthen regional security architecture and promote stability in the Indian Ocean Region.

India, Australia, Indonesia conduct maritime security workshop

The Supreme Court seeks a response from the Election Commission regarding the delay in publishing voter turnout data in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra granted the ECI one week to respond, scheduling the next hearing for May 24.
&nbsp;
An NGO, the Association for Democratic Reforms, filed an application alleging undue delay in the release of voter turnout data for the first two phases of polling. The application highlights a significant discrepancy between the initial turnout percentages and those later released by the Election Commission.
&nbsp;
The plea requests the Election Commission to promptly upload polling station-wise data after each phase of polling, along with constituency-wise figures of voter turnout.
&nbsp;
Additionally, it seeks the publication of candidate-wise results and the tabulation of votes polled in Form 17C Part-I and Part-II on the ECI website.
&nbsp;
According to the application, voter turnout data for the first two phases was published on April 30, 11 days after the first phase of polling on April 19 and four days after the second phase on April 26.
&nbsp;
It notes a substantial increase of approximately 6% in Phase I and 5.75% in Phase II compared to the initial percentages announced on polling day.
&nbsp;

SC seeks ECI's response on voter turnout data delay

The Capital City of Jharkhand, Ranchi, today reverberated with the slogans of &lsquo;Abki Baar 400 paar and Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar&rsquo; as people welcomed Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his Road Show.
&nbsp;
Shah did the 1.3 km long road show in the Chutia locality of Ranchi riding on a chariot from Indira Gandhi Chowk to Shishu Mandir.
&nbsp;
Ranchi Lok Sabha candidate and sitting MP Sanjay Seth, MLA CP Singh, Naveen Jaiswal, Samari Lal, former Deputy Mayor and Convenor Sanjeev Vijayvargiya along with others accompanied the Home Minister.
&nbsp;
More than 500 women in traditional attire escorted the chariot to welcome Amit Shah, while 200 people performed dance and music forms. Extensive arrangements for his security were made by the district administration, while 200 party workers were engaged in his security at their own level.
&nbsp;
During the 1.3 kilometer road show, a crowd of people gathered on both sides of the road. Everyone was eager to get a glimpse of Shah. With enthusiasm, people showered flowers on the Home Minister all the way. Shah also greeted the people by waving his hand and with flowers.
&nbsp;
Thousands of people lined up on both sides of the 1.5-km stretch, with flags, lotus symbols and cut-outs, to greet Shah amid tight security arrangements.
&nbsp;
Shah had earlier landed at the Birsa Munda Airport in a special helicopter from Odisha after holding a public rally there.
&nbsp;

Ranchi

Home Minister Amit Shah holds grand roadshow in Ranchi

The Supreme Court postponed the hearing on former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren's interim bail plea for election campaigning until May 21. Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta set the next hearing date for May 21.
&nbsp;
During the hearing, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) requested time to respond to the petition. The court directed the ED to submit a reply by the next hearing date. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, highlighted that Soren's arrest predates the elections.
&nbsp;
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Soren, emphasised the need for interim bail. He informed the court about the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, indicating the urgency of the matter. Sibal also stressed that there is insufficient evidence against Soren in the case.
&nbsp;
The Supreme Court stated that it would refrain from issuing any orders unless it is convinced based on prima facie evidence.
&nbsp;
Soren approached the apex court challenging the Jharkhand High Court's decision, which dismissed his plea contesting his arrest in a money laundering case. The Jharkhand High Court rejected Soren's plea on May 3, asserting that his arrest was justified.
&nbsp;
In his plea before the High Court, Soren argued that his arrest was unjustified and his detention was arbitrary and illegal. Through advocate Pragya Baghel, Soren sought interim bail while challenging the legality of his arrest.
&nbsp;
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren faced arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in January in connection with a land scam case, following a period of media speculation.
&nbsp;
The investigation revolves around the alleged fraudulent acquisition of land through the use of forged documents, involving substantial sums of money.

SC postpones Hemant Soren's interim bail plea hearing

An Air India flight bound for Bengaluru returned to Delhi shortly after takeoff on Friday because of a fire in its air conditioning unit, sources said.
&nbsp;
AI 807 made an emergency landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport at 6.38 pm aftera fire in its air conditioning unit. The aircraft took off from Delhi at 6pm with 175 passengers on board.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
No casualties were reported, sources said.
&nbsp;
The passengers flew to Bengaluru later on a separate flight.

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