News Arena Network

Ansh Mavani

France's far-right National Rally (RN), led by Marine Le Pen, emerged victorious in the first round of the country's parliamentary election, according to exit polls. The RN secured approximately 34% of the vote, surpassing its leftist and centrist competitors, including President Emmanuel Macron's Together alliance, which garnered between 20.5% and 23%. The New Popular Front (NFP), a coalition of left-wing parties, followed closely with around 29% of the vote, as indicated by multiple exit polls from Ipsos, Ifop, OpinionWay, and Elabe.
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Despite the RN's lead, the final outcome hinges on the upcoming run-off elections and the subsequent political negotiations. Traditionally, French politics has seen centre-right and centre-left parties forming alliances to prevent the RN from gaining power&mdash;a strategy known as the "republican front." However, the effectiveness of this approach is uncertain this time around.
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In French parliamentary elections, if no candidate secures over 50% of the vote in the first round, the top two contenders proceed to a run-off. Additionally, candidates with at least 12.5% of registered voters can also qualify for the second round. This election is likely to witness a record number of three-way run-offs, a scenario that typically benefits the RN more than simpler two-way contests.
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Following the first round, political manoeuvring commenced immediately. President Macron called upon voters to support candidates aligned with republican and democratic values, implicitly excluding those from the RN and the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party. Meanwhile, LFI leader Jean-Luc Melenchon announced that NFP would withdraw third-placed candidates to consolidate votes against the RN.
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Jordan Bardella, the 28-year-old president of RN, expressed readiness to become prime minister if his party secures an outright majority. However, both Macron and NFP have ruled out forming alliances with the RN, setting the stage for potential "cohabitation" scenarios&mdash;a situation where the president and prime minister come from opposing parties.
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The exit polls suggested RN might win the most seats in the National Assembly, with one pollster, Elabe, even projecting a potential absolute majority of 289 seats in the run-off. However, projections based on first-round results can be notoriously inaccurate.
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Voter turnout was notably high compared to previous parliamentary elections, reflecting intense political engagement following Macron's decision to call for early parliamentary elections after RN's success in the recent European Parliament elections. This move has injected significant uncertainty into French politics and triggered reactions across Europe, including financial market reactions.
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Once considered a political outcast, RN now stands closer to power than ever before. Marine Le Pen's efforts to rebrand the party, shifting focus from racism and antisemitism to economic issues and immigration concerns, seem to have resonated with voters disillusioned with Macron's policies and economic challenges.
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As of 1500 GMT, voter turnout was nearly 60%, a substantial increase from the previous parliamentary election's 39.42%, marking the highest comparable turnout since the 1986 legislative vote, according to Ipsos France's research director, Mathieu Gallard.

Paris

Macron faces challenge as Le Pen's RN leads French polls

Following a deadly roof collapse at Terminal 1 (T1) of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu has initiated a series of measures to ensure passenger safety and operational continuity. The incident, which occurred last Friday due to heavy rainfall, resulted in the death of a cab driver and injuries to several others.
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In response, Minister Naidu visited the Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC) to evaluate the situation and review passenger handling procedures. All departing flights have been redirected to Terminals 2 (T2) and 3 (T3) following the closure of T1.
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Naidu held a meeting with senior officials from various aviation bodies, including the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), and airline representatives.
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During the meeting, Naidu emphasised the necessity of maintaining the highest safety standards for passengers during this transition period. He reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to ensure a seamless travel experience for passengers.
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The DGCA has set up war rooms to facilitate close coordination between DIAL and the airlines, ensuring timely communication and addressing any challenges due to the increased passenger volume at T2 and T3.
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Naidu highlighted the critical need for effective communication and coordination to manage the situation efficiently. "The DGCA confirmed the activation of war rooms, facilitating close coordination between DIAL and the airlines," Naidu mentioned in a post on X. This coordination is expected to help mitigate any operational disruptions and enhance passenger experience.
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An FIR has been lodged by Delhi Police under sections related to death by negligence, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the roof collapse. Meanwhile, authorities continue debris removal and a full structural assessment of T1.
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The terminal remains closed until further notice.&nbsp;To prevent similar incidents in the future, Naidu announced the involvement of a special team from IIT Delhi&rsquo;s structural engineering department for an initial inspection. He also instructed airlines to avoid any abnormal surge in airfare.
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"We don&rsquo;t want a similar incident to happen again, so we have asked for inspection reports from all airports across the country within 2-5 days. Based on these reports, we will take necessary actions to prevent such incidents," Naidu stated.
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The minister&rsquo;s proactive measures reflect the government&rsquo;s commitment to ensuring passenger safety and maintaining smooth airport operations amidst the crisis.
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As authorities work diligently to restore normalcy, passengers are advised to stay updated on flight schedules and follow instructions provided by airport authorities and airlines.

New Delhi

Minister Naidu reviews IGI Airport after roof collapse

Shweta Sengar

Today, with the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, the first FIR was lodged against a street vendor for blocking a road close to the New Delhi Railway Station.
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The FIR was filed under Section 285 of the new criminal code that states, "Whoever, by doing any act, or by omitting to take order with any property in his possession or under his charge, causes danger, obstruction or injury to any person in any public way or public line of navigation, shall be punished with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.&rdquo;
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The police filed an FIR after a patrolling officer noticed a street vendor selling water bottles and gutkha on the road last night. The vendor's makeshift stall was blocking the road, and despite repeated requests to move it, he did not comply. As a result, the police officer decided to file an FIR.
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According to the FIR, the street vendor had placed his stall near a foot-over bridge close to New Delhi Railway Station late last night.
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"The man was selling water, bidi and cigarettes on the street and the obstruction was causing difficulty for the public. The sub-inspector asked the man several times to remove the stall from the road, but he did not comply. The sub-inspector asked several passers-by to join the probe, but they refused. Then the sub-inspector shot a video using the E-praman application," the FIR says.
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The individual has been identified as Pankaj Kumar, hailing from Patna in Bihar.
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Today, three new criminal laws have been implemented&mdash;the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. These will supersede the Indian Penal Code, the Indian Evidence Act, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, which date back to the colonial era.

1st FIR under new laws filed against Delhi vendor

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the results for the NEET UG 2024 retest on Monday, July 1. This retest was specifically organised for the 1,563 candidates who were initially awarded grace marks due to alleged time loss during the main exam conducted on May 5, 2024.
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Out of the 1,563 affected candidates, only 813 appeared for the retest. The retest was essential to ensure fairness and accuracy in the evaluation process, addressing concerns raised by the candidates regarding the initial exam.
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Following the retest, the NTA promptly displayed the provisional answer keys, scanned OMR sheets, and recorded responses of the participating candidates on June 28.
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This display allowed candidates to challenge any discrepancies they found in the provisional answer keys. The NTA took these challenges seriously, and after a thorough expert review, the final answer keys for the retest were published on the NTA website.
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The revision of ranks based on the retest results aims to provide a fair and accurate reflection of the candidates' performance. This step ensures that the candidates who experienced difficulties during the main exam are given a just evaluation. The NTA's efforts to address these issues reflect its commitment to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the examination process.
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Candidates can now check their revised ranks and scores on the official NTA website. The revised rankings are expected to have a significant impact on the admissions process for various medical and dental colleges across the country. It is crucial for candidates to stay updated with the latest information and follow the necessary steps for the next stages of the admission process.
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The NEET UG exam is a highly competitive and critical step for students aspiring to pursue medical and dental education in India. The retest and subsequent revision of ranks highlight the importance of a transparent and fair evaluation process.
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By addressing the concerns of the candidates and providing them with an opportunity to retake the exam, the NTA has demonstrated its dedication to upholding the standards of the examination system.
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As the revised ranks are released, candidates are advised to carefully review their scores and prepare for the upcoming counselling sessions. The revised ranks will play a crucial role in determining the candidates' admission prospects and their future academic paths. It is essential for candidates to stay informed and proactive in managing their application and admission procedures.

NEET UG retest results declared, ranks revised for all

Iran's Constitutional Council has validated the results of the first round of the country's 14th presidential election, allowing candidates to begin their campaigns for the run-off.
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Hadi Tahan Nazif, the council's spokesman, made the announcement during a televised interview with the state-run IRIB TV on Sunday. He confirmed that the council had reviewed and validated the election results after thorough investigations.
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No objections were raised by any of the four candidates within the legal timeframe for complaints. With the validation, election campaigns are set to continue until Thursday morning, 24 hours before the run-off.
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In the first round of voting, which began early on Friday and concluded at midnight after being extended three times, no candidate secured the majority required to declare a winner.
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As a result, the election proceeds to a run-off scheduled for July 5, featuring the top contenders from the first round. Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran's former Health Minister, who garnered over 42 percent of the votes, will face principlist Saeed Jalili, the former chief negotiator in the nuclear talks between Tehran and world powers, who received more than 38 percent of the votes.
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This snap presidential election, originally planned for 2025, was rescheduled following the unexpected death of former President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19.
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The sudden vacancy led to the advancement of the election to address the urgent need for new leadership. The run-off between Pezeshkian and Jalili is expected to be a closely watched contest, reflecting the nation's current political dynamics and future direction.

Tehran

Iran election results validated by Constitutional Council

Ayesha Banerjee

Perfume making dates back at least 3,000 years &ndash; to the time of Tapputi-belat-ekalle, who is considered the first chemist in history.
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What we know about her comes from inscriptions on fragments of clay tablets dating back to the Middle Assyrian period (1400&ndash;1000BC).
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The inscriptions tell us that Tapputi was in charge of &ldquo;overseeing the palace&rdquo; as the leader of a collective of female expert perfume makers in Mesopotamia (present day Iraq and Iran). These muraqqītu, experts in aromatics, prepared fragrances for the king and his royal family.
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The inscriptions, which are on display in the Vorderasiatisches Museum in Berlin, also show a detailed procedure for how Tapputi produced one of her perfumes. Tapputi and her team used aromatic and medicinal plants and flowers, that were commonly found at the time, to extract essential oils and fragrances.
 Perfumes can be floral, fruity, sweet, spicy, woody and much more. These attributes, or &ldquo;notes&rdquo;, are what we are drawn to when picking one to wear. The different chemical molecules that make up the perfume notes are known as volatile compounds.&nbsp;
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These are compounds that evaporate easily. When these molecules become a gas, they are detected by the sensory organs in your nose.
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Behind the sensations we get from our favourite perfume, there is a sophisticated process where art and chemistry are tightly interlaced.
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Tapputi&rsquo;s Ancient perfume recipes describe a series of techniques to extract and concentrate volatile scent compounds that are still foundational to several chemistry applications, such as the production of perfumes, cosmetics, medicines or supplements.
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Some of these extraction techniques involve heating. To prepare a decoction (the extraction of water-soluble substances from plants), for example, the raw material, such as leaves or roots, is boiled for a prolonged amount of time with a solvent such as water.
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The technique of infusion was also described. This is where the material to be extracted is soaked briefly in hot water, just like a tea.
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Other techniques rely on the extractive power of the solvent in which the raw material is soaked for a long time at room temperature &ndash; a process known as maceration.
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Tapputi&rsquo;s recipe also illustrated a sequence of heating and cooling down of the raw material, in a process that resembles what nowadays we would refer to as distillation.&nbsp;
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This method uses evaporation and condensation to separate the different volatile scent compounds from each other. This conversion from liquid to a gas state, and vice versa, is based on how easily, and at what temperature, the compounds evaporate.
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Finally, multiple steps of refinement via filtration were carried out, to obtain perfumes &ldquo;fit for a king&rdquo;.
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These very same techniques are still relevant in modern perfumery but have been optimised through the centuries and are now more efficient.
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Are all noses the same? If Tapputi had been born in modern times, she may have been a &ldquo;nose&rdquo;, the term for highly skilled fragrance artists, who master chemistry and creativity.
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&nbsp;Like in nature, many perfumes combine a large number of scent compounds. Making a perfume means assessing the interaction of many volatile compounds in a blend and their stability, alone and together, after bottling.
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These highly trained professionals can comfortably distinguish between notes with subtle differences and recreate them in their laboratory.
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The expertise of gifted noses also finds application in sensory analysis in the food, beverages and cosmetics industries, where they study how a product feels through their five senses.
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In the laboratory, chemists often rely on advanced instruments to try to understand the origin of the aroma of natural products. These instruments scan through the complex fragrance to separate and identify the hundreds of volatile molecules that, when combined, give the overall scent that our nose can smell.
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In our recent study, for example, we screened the aroma of some Irish honey samples, marketed as heather honey, to understand more of its botanical origin.&nbsp;
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Volatile compounds found in the honey mainly originate from the plants and flowers that the honeybees visited to collect the nectar that, through much processing, is converted into honey. We found all of the samples had aroma notes from several different plants.
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A new frontier of aroma research lies in the development of the &ldquo;e-noses&rdquo;. These are molecule-sensing electronic devices that mimic how our noses detect volatile compounds, providing a &ldquo;fingerprint&rdquo;, a screening of the characteristic aroma compounds of a sample.&nbsp;
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These e-noses could be important for other industries too. For example, in the diagnosis of disease (volatile molecule fingerprints may change with blood sugar levels), and for quality control for the food industry, where the volatile fingerprint of a food may change as it spoils.
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Modern perfume research is also exploring the important, but often overlooked, psychology of fragrance. They hold highly evocative power over humans. We are starting to understand why certain scents make you fancy a cup of tea, want to keep your nose in a book or feel festive.
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This seems to depend on the physical interconnection between our sense of smell and the parts of our brain linked to memories and emotions.
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This could explain why, in Tapputi&rsquo;s day, the fragrances were not only seen as cosmetics, but they also had a religious function. They were used as part of rituals and ceremonies and offered to the gods to bridge an invisible connection with them.
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If reading this has left you feeling curious about perfumery, you can try making a perfume inspired by Tapputi&rsquo;s fragrance.
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(By arrangement with PTI/The Conversation. The author of this article is Roberta Angioi, a Postdoctoral Researcher in Analytical Chemistry, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland).

Dublin

Post

Science of scents: From 3,000 years ago to now

India is set to enter a new era in its legal system with the enforcement of three new criminal laws on Monday, July 1. These laws, named the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, will replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively.
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The new laws aim to modernise India's justice system by incorporating several contemporary features. Among these are Zero FIR, which allows for the immediate filing of a First Information Report (FIR) regardless of jurisdiction, online police complaint registration, electronic summonses via SMS, and mandatory videography of crime scenes for all serious offences. These changes are expected to streamline legal processes and enhance the efficiency and transparency of law enforcement.
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Following the notification of these new criminal laws on December 25, 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) initiated extensive preparations to ensure their effective implementation and to raise awareness among all relevant stakeholders. This includes police, prison officials, prosecutors, judicial officers, forensic personnel, and the general public.
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To support these new laws, the existing Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) application underwent 23 functional updates. These updates are designed to align with the technological requirements of the new laws, including FIR filing and other key processes.
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States and Union Territories (UTs) received technical support to facilitate a smooth transition to the new system, with support teams and call centres established to provide continuous monitoring and assistance.
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In addition, the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is developing the CCTNS 2.0 application. This new version will incorporate secure cloud storage and features for crime scene videography and forensic evidence collection.
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To further support these efforts, the MHA launched a mobile and web application called the NCRB Compendium of Criminal Laws. This app is available on multiple platforms, including the NCRB, Ministry of Home Affairs, Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&amp;D), Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), and iGot websites, as well as on Google Play Store and iOS.
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Another significant development is the e-Sakshaya app, which enables the videography and photography of crime scenes and document onboarding. This app has been distributed to all police departments across states and Union Territories, and comprehensive testing has been completed.
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Similarly, the Nyayashruti App facilitates electronic judicial hearings and document onboarding and has been shared with all states/UTs and the e-Committee of the Supreme Court for court implementation. The e-Summon App facilitates the electronic service of court summonses.
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In line with the new laws, necessary updates were made to the CCTNS, e-Prison, e-Prosecution, and e-Forensic applications. These updates ensure that these systems are fully compatible with the new legal framework.
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To build capacity among various stakeholders, the MHA implemented comprehensive training initiatives. These included the development of several training modules and the conduct of over 250 training courses, webinars, and seminars, resulting in the training of a large number of officers and personnel.
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Control rooms with teams comprising law and police officers have been established to manage and address queries and challenges raised by field personnel during the implementation of the new laws.
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The MHA also carried out extensive publicity campaigns on social media to inform the public about the three new criminal laws. Ministries published advisories, press releases, and infographics on social media platforms. Additionally, dialogue workshops were held in state capitals, focusing on regional media to highlight the benefits of implementing the new laws.
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As India embarks on this new journey, the government remains committed to ensuring that these laws not only modernise the legal system but also make justice more accessible and efficient for all citizens.

India's legal system gets overhauled with new laws

Neither India nor Indian films are strangers to celebrated Sri Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage.&nbsp;
 His visits to India are so frequent that he calls it his second home.
 "In fact, I would say India launched me all those years ago. It is only after I was accepted in India that I found the courage to take my films to all those festivals in Europe," says Vithanage.
 Now, India is giving him yet another milestone in Paradise, released worldwide on June 28, including almost 100 theatres in India's big cities.
 Paradise is set in the backdrop of Sri Lanka's financial crisis of 2022, but told from the viewpoint of a Malayalee couple.&nbsp;
 Malayalam film stars Darshana Rajendran and Roshan Mathew play the lead.
 As he is known for, in Paradise too Vithanage uses the inner conflicts of his lead characters, as they are forced to shed their political apathy, to push forth the bigger narrative of social injustices.
 Paradise, produced by Newton Cinema, is already a force to reckon with in the festival circuit. Among others, it won the prestigious Kim Jiseok award at the Busan Film Festival last year.
 But the fact that the film will receive a wider audience is a great achievement for him, acknowledges Vithanage. He recalls the time when his wife, Damayanthi Fonseka, an actor, had to pawn her jewellery to produce his film.
 "I got lucky, though. All my films from 2008 were partly funded by Indian producers. So, for 32 years now, I have been able to make films, without having to think about an alternative career," said Vithanage.
 In fact, Vithanage pointed out, renowned Indian film technician, editor Sreekar Prasad, has been part of his film journey for 27 years. He is the editor of Paradise too.
 "He even produced Akasa Kusum in 2008. Later, filmmaker Rahul Roy produced a film With You, Without You and the docudrama Silence of the Court.
&nbsp; Mumbai-based Jar Pictures produced Gaadi: Children of the Sun. Now, Newton Cinema is 100 per cent behind Paradise, added Vithanage.
 Although he has been in and out of India, Kerala has always been a favourite, because it is very similar to Sri Lanka, said Vithanage.
 "So, it was kind of natural that I would gravitate towards Malayalees as my lead. When you weave a story, if you know about the people that you are talking about, it becomes easy to portray them," said Vithanage.
 Another recurring thing about Vithanage's films are his "strong women." Just as Paradise, which has people from and outside Sri Lanka, making him adjust his lens to accommodate both their points of view, even though he is a man, Vithanage said he tries to see where a woman might come from, looking at her beyond the male gaze.
 "In fact, in my films I am questioning the male gaze&hellip; In art, that should happen. The artists who have inspired me have done that. Leo Tolstoy has done that. Gabriel Garcia Marquez has done that. Fyodor Dostoevsky has done that. In real life, I may not be able to do that, but when I start to write, I try to understand human beings from a woman&rsquo;s point of view," said Vithanage.
 Although he has a niche audience within Sri Lanka, the scope within his country, admitted Vithanage, is very limited.
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"Yes, six million people had watched films in the 200 theatres of Sri Lanka last year, but the trending genre was comedy," added Vithanage.
 A far cry from what Vithanage makes. Naturally, his cinematic scope expanded to include people from outside Sri Lanka as well, said Vithanage.
 With time, he had mastered the art of telling his stories in a way that would appeal to even people who have no idea of what is happening in Sri Lanka, he added.
 But Vithanage said looking away from the issues plaguing his country had never been an option for him.
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"As a filmmaker, what is happening around me affects me and it is my responsibility to use the visual media as a tool to communicate that," added Vithanage.
 Perhaps, it is how he has learnt to package the macro into the micro that has earned him a place among the all-time greats, not just in Sri Lanka but also in South Asia.
 For instance, in his second film, Dark Night of the Soul, released in 1996, loosely based on Tolstoy's Resurrection, he alludes to the second uprising of the Naxalites that Sri Lanka witnessed in 1988/89.
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While the crux of the film is the moral struggle of the male protagonist and his betrayal, the hints about the inequalities of the society that peppers the narration is just about right to pique one&rsquo;s curiosity about the larger picture.
 "My views may be subjective. But I always believed in portraying the objective truth in my films, without distorting them," added Vithanage.
 When telling any truth, Vithanage is aware that censorship is inevitable.
 "Because politicians choose nationalism to drive their careers, they may not like any narrative other than theirs. So, censorship is real. Artists must fight against it," said Vithanage, recalling how he managed to release one of his banned films, Death on a Full Moon Day, after a year-long legal battle.
 Vithanage also said these kinds of difficulties are also a blessing in disguise for filmmakers, giving them opportunities to fine tune their craft.
 "For instance, the political atmosphere prevalent in Sri Lanka has made me tell my story in a more imaginative manner," he added.&nbsp;

Bengaluru

Paradise: From inner conflict to a greater war

Rajasthan has been experiencing heavy rainfall, with Churu recording the highest amount of rainfall on Sunday, as reported by the weather office. The Meteorological Department has forecasted continued heavy rains in parts of eastern Rajasthan and light to moderate rains in parts of western Rajasthan for the next four to five days.
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In the past 24 hours, various regions within the Bharatpur division have experienced heavy to very heavy rainfall. Additionally, light to moderate rainfall was recorded in parts of the Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, and Jaipur divisions. The spokesperson for the Jaipur Meteorological Centre noted that Ajmer and Udaipur also received light to moderate rainfall.
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Churu, in particular, recorded the highest rainfall at 51.4 mm from Sunday morning until 5:30 pm. Despite the rainfall, temperatures in the city remained high, with a maximum of 40.2 degrees Celsius.
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The Bharatpur region saw significant rainfall, with 12 cm recorded in Bari (Dholpur), 11 cm in Baseri, and 10 cm in Bharatpur city. Other areas such as Kumher, Deeg, Pahari, Roopbas, and Nagaur also received substantial rainfall, ranging from 5 to 9 cm.
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In other parts of Rajasthan, Dungarpur recorded 4.5 mm of rain, Jaipur recorded 3.7 mm, and Alwar recorded 1.6 mm of rainfall. The highest maximum temperature in the state was recorded in Sri Ganganagar at 41.3 degrees Celsius.
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Fatehpur and Bikaner also experienced high temperatures, recording 40.9 degrees Celsius and 40.5 degrees Celsius, respectively. Many other cities in Rajasthan saw maximum temperatures ranging between 32 and 40 degrees Celsius.
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The ongoing heavy rainfall has brought much-needed relief to some areas, but it has also caused a rise in humidity and temperatures in others. The forecasted rains for the next few days are expected to continue impacting various regions across Rajasthan, providing a mix of challenges and benefits to the residents.
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As the rains persist, it is crucial for residents to stay updated with weather reports and take necessary precautions to ensure safety. The Meteorological Department's continuous monitoring and updates will play a vital role in helping people prepare and respond to the changing weather conditions in the state.

Jaipur

Heavy rains in Rajasthan with Churu receiving most

The government has launched a new portal to combat drug abuse among children. This initiative is aimed at creating a robust monitoring system to prevent the sale of contraband around schools and to raise awareness among students and teachers.
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Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, introduced the "Prahari Portal" as part of the Joint Action Plan designed to involve various stakeholders in addressing the drug menace among youngsters.
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The portal is intended to create an effective system to monitor and prevent drug sales near schools and to educate students and teachers through Prahari Clubs.
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In conjunction with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), a national review and consultation meeting was organised.
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This event marked the beginning of the implementation of the Joint Action Plan aimed at preventing drug and substance abuse among children, aligning with the vision of a "Nasha Mukt Bharat" or drug-free India.
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The Joint Action Plan, titled "A War Against Drugs," aims to shift the focus towards preventing drug abuse among children. It calls for the involvement of all stakeholders, including agencies, duty bearers, officials, media, and parents, to protect children from drugs and substances.
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Rai praised the Joint Action Plan developed by NCPCR and NCB, highlighting the prime minister's commitment to a drug-free nation. He emphasised the importance of protecting the youth, who make up 59 percent of the population, as they are the future leaders of a developed India.
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In his address, Rai discussed the government's zero-tolerance policy towards drugs and terrorism. He mentioned the empowerment of the Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Assam Rifles to file FIRs against those involved in drug trafficking, as well as the comprehensive measures being taken to eradicate the drug trade.
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He also highlighted the significant role of the National Narcotics Coordination (NCORD), initiated in 2019, in combating drugs.&nbsp;Thirty District Magistrates were honoured for their exemplary implementation of the Joint Action Plan.
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Rai encouraged them to share their successful models and experiences with other districts to ensure effective nationwide action against drugs. He assured the ministry's full support for NCPCR's efforts in protecting children from drugs.
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NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanungo reiterated the commitment to safeguarding the youth. He emphasised that protecting children from drugs is crucial to realising the Prime Minister's vision of a developed India. Kanungo acknowledged the collaborative effort in developing the Joint Action Plan, which consolidates existing policies and effective laws to contribute to the mission for a Drug-Free India.
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Sachin Jain, Deputy Director of NCB, discussed the agency's role and efforts in protecting children from drugs. He stressed the need for joint efforts and the significance of Prahari Clubs as an effective body for safeguarding children from drug abuse.
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Representatives from 33 states and Union territories also shared the steps taken under the Joint Action Plan and their efforts to protect children from drugs.
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This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that children across the nation are protected from the dangers of drug abuse, aligning with the broader goal of a drug-free India.

Govt launches new portal to fight child drug abuse

Palak Chouhan

In Punjab, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party was widely believed and expected to win the maximum number of seats in the parliament because of the 300 units of free electricity it provides to consumers every month. It only won 3 of the 13 parliamentary seats in the state, despite the fact that thousands of households across the state, cutting across socio-economic status, are getting &lsquo;zero electricity bills&rsquo;.
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In the two-month billing cycle, it comes to 600 units of free electricity. With power costing about Rs 7 per unit in Punjab, up to 300 units a month comes to about Rs 2100 in subsidy every month to every household, irrespective of its social or economic status.
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Even if someone is a multimillionaire, if his or her monthly consumption is less than 300 units, there will be no electricity bill.&nbsp;The subsidy amount has been increasing from Rs 15,700 crores in the first financial year of the government (2022&ndash;23) to over Rs 20,477 crores in the current fiscal.
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This is the additional burden the state has to bear since the AAP government launched the free electricity scheme in July 2022, within four months of coming to power in Punjab. A large number of households across the state have been getting &ldquo;zero electricity bills."
&nbsp;
Some households have bifurcated the power connections, using various legal loopholes, thus increasing the number of people getting the power subsidy. Sometimes, as many as 90 percent of households were reported to have &ldquo;zero electricity bills." The maximum number of households usually get a &ldquo;zero electricity bill&rdquo; during the winters when there is low consumption of electricity.
&nbsp;
Punjab is not an exception where the freebies, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls 'rewris', have not worked in the general elections. Even in Delhi, where the AAP government is providing free electricity and water to the maximum number of people, it has not been able to open any accounts during the last three general elections since 2014.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
However, it has managed to win the Delhi assembly elections regularly since then, and that too with a sweeping majority. Akali stalwart Parkash Singh Badal made power free for the agriculture sector in Punjab after he took over as the Chief Minister in 1997. He was voted out in the 2002 assembly elections.
&nbsp;
Before him, Ms. Rajinder Kaur Bhattal had announced free power for farmers owning up to 7 acres of land. The Congress lost badly within a few months of announcing the subsidy.&nbsp;Congress, in its 2024 election manifesto, had, among other things, promised Rs 8500 monthly cash assistance to every family living &lsquo;below poverty line&rsquo; (BPL family) and a Rs 8500 monthly stipend for every fresh graduate and diploma holder.
&nbsp;
The Congress still could not reach the double-figure mark and was stuck at 99 seats.&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s statement that money will be deposited every month &ldquo;khata-khat, khata-khat...&rsquo; (immediately) in people&rsquo;s bank accounts did not seem to make much of an appeal anywhere.
&nbsp;
He had even announced the date of July 1, 2024, for the &ldquo;khata-khat&rdquo; deposits to start, while expecting to form the government on June 4. That did not happen, though, and he was saved from doing what was practically and economically impossible to do, and the country&rsquo;s economy was saved from being bled and crippled.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He, along with other Congress leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi, even used to quote examples of HP, Karnataka, and Telangana, claiming that their party had fulfilled all the guarantees it had made to people in those states.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In the states of Karnataka and Telangana, where the Congress stormed to power with the promise of certain "guarantees,"&nbsp; the party did not fare well in the general elections.&nbsp;In Karnataka, the Congress, according to its own estimates, was expected to win about 15-20 of the 28 seats in the state. It could win just nine seats despite having fulfilled guarantees like free bus travel for women and Rs 2000 in monthly cash assistance for women from socio-economically weaker backgrounds.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Despite bearing a huge financial burden of Rs 36,435 crores in 2023&ndash;24 and Rs 52,009 crores in the current fiscal, the party&rsquo;s performance in the general elections was far from its expectations. It is rightly believed that if the Congress had performed along expected lines in Karnataka and Telangana, the BJP-led NDA may have found it difficult to cross the halfway mark.
&nbsp;
In Telangana state, too, the Congress&rsquo; performance was below par, far below its expectations. Having won a landslide victory in the assembly elections last year, the Congress could win only 8 of the 17 parliamentary seats in the state, while the BJP also won 8 and AIMIM won one.&nbsp;The guarantees included Rs 2500 every month for every woman from a poor family, 200 units of free electricity, a gas cylinder for Rs 500, and free bus travel for women.
&nbsp;
While free bus travel and 200 units of free power have been started, the government is yet to start paying Rs 2500 every month to women under the Gruhalakshmi scheme. It has promised to fulfil this guarantee after the general&nbsp; elections. It may now delay the implementation of this scheme for the time being.
&nbsp;
The Congress government has also promised and implemented some similar populist schemes in Himachal Pradesh, like the &lsquo;Old Pension Scheme&rsquo; and free bus travel for women. Also, the Congress drew a blank, losing all four parliamentary constituencies to the BJP. However, it won four of the six assembly by-elections in the state. This proves that people are generally not convinced by the unrealistic promises or guarantees made at the time of elections.
&nbsp;
Besides, for the Congress at the national level, there was a tough, almost invincible rival in Narendra Modi that the populist guarantees didn&rsquo;t work.&nbsp;The political parties will be doing a great service to the nation if they start avoiding the 'rewri&rsquo; culture of freebies.
&nbsp;
Either it does not deliver any desired results, or the dividends are just short-term while the adverse economic and financial impact on the country or states is long-term. And the worst problem with the freebies is that once they are started, no political party can dare to reverse them, lest it end up writing its own epitaph and obituary.

Chandigarh

Freebies bleed economy, yield no dividends

Neha Singh

Two asteroids, one of them discovered earlier in June, passed by the Earth this week, a rare occurrence with serendipitous timing to commemorate the International Asteroid Day, according to space agencies around the world.
&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;">None of the asteroids posed any threat to the planet, they 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;">Explaining the footage taken by The Virtual Telescope Project, astrophysicist Gianluca Masi said that asteroid 2024 MK, with a diameter of around 200 metres, was at a distance of about three lakh kilometres when closest to the Earth&mdash; 77 per cent of the planet&rsquo;s distance from the Moon.
<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;">Masi, founder and director of the crowd-funded service provided by the Bellatrix Astronomical Observatory, Italy, was the commentator of a YouTube feed, streamed live at about 2:30 am June 30, IST. The asteroid was the closest to Earth about 10 hours before the feed went live, according to the commentator.
<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;It is a huge asteroid coming significantly close (to Earth) this time, but luckily for us, with no risks at all for our planet,&rdquo; Masi could be heard saying.
<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;But being so close and so large, this object has been very bright at the time of the close approach, so that if you were in the right part of the world, like the South-Western Americas, you could (see) this with a modest binoculars, my friends,&rdquo; Masi continued, deeming the asteroid fly-by as an &ldquo;exceptional&rdquo; one.
<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;">Further, hurtling at an average speed of nine metres per second, Masi said the celestial object was &ldquo;peculiar&rdquo;, in that it was moving &ldquo;pretty fast&rdquo; against the stars.
<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 fly-by is perfectly timed to coincide with International Asteroid Day on June 30. The day, also supported by the United Nations, marks the anniversary of the largest observed asteroid strike in recorded history in 1908, when an airburst above Tunguska in Siberia flattened more than 80 million trees.
<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;">Remnants from when the Solar System was formed, asteroids are often called 'minor planets'. There are thought to be about a billion of these irregular-shaped rocky objects orbiting the Sun.
<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 asteroid 2024 MK, which was discovered on June 16, 2024, highlights the need to continue improving our ability to detect potentially hazardous objects in our cosmic neighbourhood, said the ESA in a statement.
<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 second asteroid, named (415029) 2011 UL21, is the bigger of the two which approached Earth this week. Measuring 2.3 kilometres across, it is larger than 99 per cent of all known near-Earth objects (NEOs), according to the ESA.
<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 close approach of an asteroid this size happens on an average every 10 years, according to The Virtual Telescope Project.
<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;">At its closest to Earth, the asteroid 2011 UL21 was at about 66 lakh kilometres, 177 times the lunar distance&mdash; a &ldquo;truly safe encounter&rdquo;, according to Masi, the commentator for the YouTube livestream on June 27.
<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 asteroid is also among the top 10 biggest ones to have come within 75 lakh kilometres of Earth's distance since 1900, Masi 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;">There are an estimated 50 lakh NEOs out there larger than 20 metres&mdash; the threshold above which an impact could cause damage on the ground, the ESA 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;">As part of its planetary defence projects, the ESA is expected to launch the Hera mission in October 2024, the 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;">Hera is touted to perform a detailed post-impact survey of the asteroid Dimorphos, which was targeted by NASA&rsquo;s planetary defence mission on September 26, 2022.
<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;">Named 'Double Asteroid Redirection Test&rsquo;s (DART), the US space agency&rsquo;s mission was the first-ever to demonstrate deflecting an asteroid by striking it in a manner such that it was forced to change its motion in space.
<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;">DART had hit the moonlet Dimorphos, just about 160 metres in diameter, orbiting a larger 780-metre asteroid called Didymos, according to NASA&rsquo;s website.
<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;">Chrisphin Karthick, a scientist at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, and involved in the DART mission, had told PTI then that it &ldquo;certainly (was) a step towards&rdquo; preparing the world for a potential event in the future, such as the one believed to have led to the extinction of dinosaurs, some 66 million years ago.
<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;We are surrounded by several asteroids and comets that orbit our Sun. Very few of them are potentially hazardous to Earth. Hence, It is better to prepare our defenses to avoid such asteroids on a collision course with Earth in the future,&rdquo; Karthick had said. 
&nbsp;

Asteroids celebrate International Asteroid Day

Expressing shock over the killing of a party functionary and seeking immediate action to bring to justice the perpetrators of the crime, AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday slammed Chief Minister MK Stalin over law and order in the state.
&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;">It is an irony that Chief Minister Stalin is boasting of excellent law and order maintenance while people are always &lsquo;in fear&rsquo;, be it day or night, Palaniswami, the leader of opposition claimed.
<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;I have been pointing out often that law and order has completely deteriorated in Tamil Nadu under the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) regime. The truth is, no one, be it the general public, police personnel and those belonging to political parties are safe&rdquo; he alleged in a social media 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;
The former CM said he was shocked to learn that his party's office-bearer (district representative and former councillor) Pushpanathan of Vandipalayam area in Cuddalore district was hacked to death by a six-member gang. Conveying his condolences to the kin of his party worker, he demanded that Stalin take swift action and punish the guilty.
&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;">On Saturday, a police constable was assaulted by a suspect in Tiruchirappalli and he sustained injuries. 
&nbsp;

Chennai

AIADMK slams DMK on TN's law & order situation

The Karnataka government has requested the Centre to sanction supernumerary MBBS seats in government autonomous medical colleges under the Department of Medical Education from the academic year 2025-26 onwards in order to start NRI quota in medical colleges.
&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;">Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil said in a statement that he has written to the Chairman of the National Medical Commission (NMC) requesting sanction of 15 per cent NRI quota by creating 508 additional supernumerary MBBS seats for admission in 22 government medical colleges in the state.
<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;Supernumerary is nothing but creating additional seats over and above the annual sanctioned intake of UG-MBBS seats within the government medical colleges,&rdquo; the Minister said in a statement.
<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;">Justifying the proposal to have NRI quota in government medical colleges, Patil cited UGC guidelines for admission and supernumerary seats of international students in UG and PG programmes and National Education Policy 2020 that emphasised the intake of international students in Indian higher educational institutions for global outreach.
<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 minister also referred to the example of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Puducherry that provide seven to 15 per cent quota for NRI students in government medical colleges charging over USD 75,000 to USD 100,000 for five-year course whereas in Karnataka only private medical colleges are allowed to take NRI students who pay Rs 1 crore to Rs 2.5 crore.
<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;">Patil pointed out that the government veterinary, agriculture and horticulture universities in Karnataka have 15 per cent NRI quota and these are above the sanctioned intake and higher fees collected help these universities provide better facilities and quality education.
<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;">He also said autonomous medical institutions in the state face shortage of funds despite budgetary allocation, fees from students, Central and state grants and other donations.
<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;">Patil contended that in order to make these institutions centres of excellence, additional funds are necessary for quality education, training, maintenance, purchase of medical equipment, drugs, handling patient load, improving infrastructure, faculty strength and research.
<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;">Creating NRI quota within the available annual intake of seats is not feasible, he said and expressed apprehension that disturbing the existing intake will create fewer seats for the poor and underprivileged, also triggering protests from students and parents.
<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 minister has proposed that an annual fee of Rs 25 lakh per student can be fixed which would generate Rs 127 crore for the medical education department for the first year and Rs 571.5 crore from the fifth year onwards.
<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;I am confident that the Centre would accede to the State&rsquo;s demand to sanction 15 per cent NRI quota by creating supernumerary MBBS seats and enable the state to start NRI quota in government medical colleges from the academic year 2025-26,&rdquo; he added.
<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;">Patil said there are 22 government medical colleges under the Department of Medical Education having intake capacity of 3,450 seats for the year 2023-24 out of which 85 per cent comprising 2,929 seats was Karnataka quota and 521 seats (15 per cent) was all-India quota. 
&nbsp;

K'taka seeks NRI quota in govt MBBS colleges

General Upendra Dwivedi has assumed the role of the 30th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding General Manoj Pande, who retired on June 30 after over forty years of dedicated service to the nation.
&nbsp;
General Dwivedi is a seasoned military leader with a rich background spanning 40 years in the Armed Forces. He began his journey at Sainik School, Rewa (MP) and was commissioned into the Regiment of Jammu &amp; Kashmir Rifles in 1984.
&nbsp;
Throughout his career, he has commanded and served in various strategic positions across Northern, Eastern, and Western theatres, gaining diverse operational experience.
&nbsp;
Taking charge as COAS comes at a crucial time amidst a rapidly changing global geo-strategic landscape. The security challenges are evolving with technological advancements, making operational readiness and preparedness paramount for safeguarding the nation.
&nbsp;
General Dwivedi's leadership will focus on enhancing operational capabilities to effectively counter emerging threats and address non-traditional security challenges.
&nbsp;
General Dwivedi is known for his strategic planning and execution capabilities, having held pivotal roles in national security, including combating unconventional threats.
&nbsp;
He possesses a deep understanding of modern security technologies and aims to integrate these advancements into military systems to bolster effectiveness on the ground. His approach aligns with the Indian Army's efforts towards self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) in modernization and capability development.
&nbsp;
A strong advocate of the 'Chetwode Motto', General Dwivedi prioritises fostering a culture of trust within the Army. He emphasises empowering junior officers, ensuring the well-being of soldiers, and supporting veterans and their families (Veer Naris).
&nbsp;
General Upendra Dwivedi brings a wealth of experience and a proactive vision to his new role as COAS, aiming to steer the Indian Army towards greater preparedness and capability amidst evolving security challenges.

New Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi assumes charge

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy paid homage to senior Congress leader and former Rajya Sabha member Dharampuri Srinivas who was cremated in Nizamabad with state honours on Sunday.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 19.5pt 0cm;">Several Congress leaders paid their last respects to Srinivas, who passed away on Saturday after a prolonged illness. He was 76.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 19.5pt 0cm;">The Chief Minister flew to Nizamabad in a helicopter. He visited Srinivas&rsquo; house and placed a wreath on the mortal remains. He consoled the family members of the senior leader, who headed Congress party and served as a minister in undivided Andhra Pradesh.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 19.5pt 0cm;">Revanth Reddy recalled that as PCC chief, DS, as Srinivas was popularly known, worked hard for Congress to come to power in 2004 and under his leadership, Congress came to power again in 2009.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 19.5pt 0cm;">Srinivas began his political career as a student leader and carved a niche for himself by ascending to the top level in Congress. Even though DS stayed away from the party for a while, Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi used to greet the senior leader warmly in Parliament, the Chief Minister noted.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 19.5pt 0cm;">He said DS&rsquo; wish to drape the Congress flag over him when he dies is fulfilled.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 19.5pt 0cm;">Former MP V. Hanumantha Rao recalled that Srinivas quit his bank job to dedicate himself to serving people.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 19.5pt 0cm;">Minister P. Srinivas Reddy, MLC Mahesh Kumar Goud, former minister Mohammed Ali Shabbir, T. Jeevan Reddy, Sudarshan Reddy and other leaders consoled Srinivas&rsquo; sons D. Sanjay and D. Arvind.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 19.5pt 0cm;">Sanjay is a former mayor of Nizamabad while Arvind is BJP from Nizamabad.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 19.5pt 0cm;">The Congress leaders recalled the role played by Srinivas in the formation of Telangana state. They said the late leader encouraged several leaders belonging to weaker sections and backward classes.
<p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px; margin: 0cm 0cm 19.5pt 0cm;">A large number of leaders and workers cutting across party lines attended the funeral procession.
&nbsp;

Telangana

Cong's Srinivas deceased, T'gana CM pays tribute

The Eknath Shinde-led MahaYuti government of Maharashtra marked its two-year anniversary on Friday, gearing up for the upcoming Assembly elections slated for September-October amidst challenges posed by anti-incumbency and a vigorous opposition.
&nbsp;
Despite setbacks in recent general elections, Chief Minister Shinde remains optimistic about the government's prospects. He aims to showcase their initiatives for Maharashtra's development, emphasising support for marginalised groups like farmers, women, youth, and labourers.
&nbsp;
"Our performance speaks louder than opposition claims," stated CM Shinde, countering criticism with confidence in the electorate's support. He highlighted infrastructure advancements and policies benefiting various sectors, expressing gratitude for public trust and alliance support.
&nbsp;
Post-budget, the government plans extensive outreach to explain pro-farmer, women, youth, minority, Dalit, and development-focused policies. Key initiatives include schemes like Manila Samman Yojana, Lek Ladki Yojana, and Mission Shakti, aimed at empowerment and welfare.
&nbsp;
Amid competitive federalism, Maharashtra stands out with a $500 billion economy, targeting $1 trillion by 2028 and $3.5 trillion by 2047. It leads in FDI inflows, ranks high in electricity capacity, organic farming, and exports, reinforcing its economic prowess.
&nbsp;
Challenges include managing protests for reservations among Maratha, OBC, Dhangar, and Muslim communities, crucial for social harmony and electoral success.
&nbsp;
The government faces allegations of industrial flight to states like Gujarat, necessitating a robust defence and transparent investment monitoring.
&nbsp;
As Maharashtra prepares for crucial elections, the Shinde-led government remains focused on development, trust-building, and effective governance, aiming to secure another term based on its performance and promises.

Mumbai

MahaYuti Govt celebrates 2 Years, gears for polls

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja announced his retirement from T20I a day after India&rsquo;s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph.
&nbsp;
India beat South Africa by 7 runs to clinch their second T20 World Cup trophy at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.
&nbsp;
The Indian all-rounder followed Virat Kohli and his captain Rohit Sharma into retirement as the Indian team changed guard after their ICC title win.
&nbsp;
Jadeja was not in good form in this tournament but had been at the helm of the Indian team in all three formats that dominated world cricket in the last decade. Jadeja, known as one of the finest all-rounders of all time calls his time from T20I cricket at the age of nearly 36 years.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;With a heart full of gratitude, I bid farewell to T20 internationals. Like a steadfast horse galloping with pride, I&rsquo;ve always given my best for my country and will continue to do so in other formats. Winning the T20 World Cup was a dream come true, a pinnacle of my T20 International career. Thank you for the memories, the cheers, and the unwavering support,&rdquo; Jadeja wrote on his Instagram post on Sunday, 30 June.
&nbsp;

Barbados

Ravindra Jadeja hangs up his boots in T20I

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar announced on Sunday that his party, along with the Congress and Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray (UBT), will join forces to contest the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections scheduled for October this year.
&nbsp;
Speaking at a press conference, Pawar emphasised the coalition's commitment to protect the interests of smaller allies who were part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The MVA coalition previously governed Maharashtra from November 2019 until its dissolution in June 2022 under Thackeray's leadership.
&nbsp;
Pawar underscored the need for change in the state and expressed the coalition's collective responsibility to fulfil this mandate. Referring to the upcoming elections as their primary focus, he likened their electoral strategy to Arjuna's focus on his target in the epic Mahabharata.
&nbsp;
Regarding seat-sharing arrangements for the assembly polls, Pawar mentioned that discussions have not yet commenced but are expected to begin soon.
&nbsp;
He acknowledged the positive response received by the NCP, Shiv Sena, and Congress alliance in the recent Lok Sabha polls and stressed the importance of including other coalition partners like Left parties and the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) in the upcoming assembly elections.
&nbsp;
Responding to questions about the state budget presented by the Eknath Shinde government, Pawar commented on the economic challenges faced by the state, likening the situation to venturing into a market with empty pockets. He hinted that the reality of the budget's impact would unfold in the coming days.
&nbsp;
On a cultural note, Pawar expressed his intent to participate in the Wari pilgrimage procession, particularly welcoming the procession in Baramati, his hometown in Pune district.
&nbsp;
The Wari, an ancient tradition, involves palanquins carrying the footprints of saints Tukaram and Dnyaneshwar Maharaj from Dehu and Alandi to Pandharpur's Vitthal temple, culminating on Ashadhi Ekadashi.
&nbsp;
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar added that the Maharashtra government plans to nominate the Pandharpur Wari for UNESCO World Heritage status, recognizing its thousand-year-old tradition.
&nbsp;
The government also aims to enhance facilities for Wari pilgrims, announcing financial support and the establishment of a dedicated corporation for their welfare in the state budget.
&nbsp;
The alliance between NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena prepares to contest Maharashtra's upcoming elections with a focus on inclusive governance and cultural preservation through initiatives like the Pandharpur Wari.

NCP, Cong, Sena unite for Maha assembly polls

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Sunday that his government is dedicated to establishing a film city in Mysuru. This project is aimed at enhancing the Kannada film industry and will be developed on a public-private partnership basis.
&nbsp;
During the inauguration of the new building of the Kannada Film Producers' Association, Siddaramaiah revealed that the state government has already allocated 100 acres of land in Mysuru for the film city.
&nbsp;
This initiative is in line with the vision of the legendary Kannada actor, Dr. Rajkumar, who dreamt of a film city for the Kannada film industry. Siddaramaiah emphasised that his administration is committed to realising this vision, contrasting his efforts with the previous BJP government, which he criticised for not taking any substantial steps towards this project.
&nbsp;
The Chief Minister also addressed the need for a Kannada Over-The-Top (OTT) platform to promote and distribute Kannada films. He assured the film producers that his government is considering this proposal and will take appropriate actions to support the industry. The OTT platform is expected to provide a new avenue for filmmakers to reach a broader audience and enhance the accessibility of Kannada films.
&nbsp;
Siddaramaiah&rsquo;s announcement has been welcomed by the Kannada film community, who see this as a significant step towards boosting the regional film industry.
&nbsp;
The establishment of the film city is anticipated to provide state-of-the-art facilities for film production, including studios, editing suites, and other infrastructure necessary for modern filmmaking. This move is expected to attract more filmmakers to Mysuru, fostering growth and creating job opportunities within the industry.
&nbsp;
The proposed Kannada OTT platform is another promising development that is likely to benefit filmmakers and viewers alike. By providing a dedicated platform for Kannada films, the government aims to support local talent and ensure that Kannada cinema receives the recognition and audience it deserves. This platform will also help in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Karnataka through its films.
&nbsp;
The film city and OTT platform are part of Siddaramaiah&rsquo;s broader vision to support the Kannada film industry and ensure its growth and sustainability. By providing the necessary infrastructure and support, the government aims to create a conducive environment for filmmakers and boost the industry&rsquo;s contribution to the state&rsquo;s economy.
&nbsp;
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah&rsquo;s commitment to building a film city in Mysuru and exploring the creation of a Kannada OTT platform marks a significant step forward for the Kannada film industry.
&nbsp;
These initiatives reflect the government&rsquo;s dedication to fostering the growth of regional cinema and supporting local talent, ensuring that the Kannada film industry continues to thrive and contribute to the cultural and economic development of Karnataka.

Mysuru

Siddaramaiah pledges for new film city in K’taka

The Kerala Excise Department has issued directions to strengthen surveillance around schools in the state to prevent the spread and use of drugs.
&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 directions were issued on Saturday at a meeting of district-level officers and above, chaired by State Excise Minister MB Rajesh.
<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;">Rajesh said since schools are in session, diligent vigilance and special monitoring must be ensured.
<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;Special efforts should be made to prevent the spread and usage of drugs. Enhanced monitoring should be implemented in all educational institutions, including schools. Women officers should be appointed to monitor schools, and a special squad can be formed if necessary,&rdquo; the minister was quoted as saying in a release issued by the department The minister also suggested that female excise officers receive special training for this purpose.
<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;">Directions were issued to intensify the surveillance of shops within school premises.
<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 the wake of the recent spurious liquor disaster in Kallakurichi in Tamil Nadu, the meeting also decided that special measures should also be taken in Kerala to prevent such incidents.
<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;Special attention should be given to districts bordering neighbouring states. A district-level special squad should be formed to tighten inspections. Efforts should be made to curb the spread of drugs and illicit alcohol,&rdquo; the release said. 
&nbsp;

Thiruvananthapuram

Excise dept steps up to curb drug abuse in Kerala

The Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA) recently met with Union Health Minister J P Nadda to address concerns surrounding medical education, particularly the postponement of the NEET-PG exam.
&nbsp;
The meeting took place on Saturday, where representatives from FORDA expressed their apprehensions and sought clarity on the rescheduling of the exam.
&nbsp;
During the discussion, FORDA emphasised the urgency of announcing new exam dates. They stressed the importance of conducting the NEET-PG exams transparently and efficiently.
&nbsp;
The exam, initially scheduled for June 23, was postponed at the last minute as a precautionary measure due to recent allegations questioning the integrity of some competitive exams.
&nbsp;
In response, Minister Nadda reassured the delegation that the government is committed to the welfare of students and is working diligently to improve the current system.
&nbsp;
He stated that the reasons behind the postponement are being thoroughly addressed, and new dates for the exam will be announced shortly. Nadda emphasised that the ministry is focused on ensuring the exams are conducted fairly and without further complications.
&nbsp;
Apart from the postponement of the NEET-PG exam, the FORDA delegation also brought up other significant issues that have been pending since before the Lok Sabha elections.
&nbsp;
These issues are of great concern to the medical community, and FORDA sought the minister's intervention to expedite their resolution. Nadda assured the representatives that further meetings would be held to discuss these matters in detail and to find appropriate solutions.
&nbsp;
The FORDA delegation included its President Dr. Aviral Mathur, General Secretary Dr. Sarvesh Pandey, along with Dr. Gautam Sharma from RML, Dr. Sarada from LHMC, Dr. Bharani, Dr. Ayush from VMMC and SJH, and Dr. Meet Ghonia from NITRD. Their collective presence underscored the unified stance of the medical community on these pressing issues.
&nbsp;
This meeting marks a critical step in addressing the concerns of resident doctors and ensuring that the medical education system in India is both fair and effective.
&nbsp;
The commitment from the Health Minister to resolve these issues promptly is a positive development, and the medical community is hopeful for swift action and clear communication regarding the new NEET-PG exam dates.
&nbsp;
The continued dialogue between FORDA and the Health Ministry is expected to yield fruitful results, benefiting medical students and professionals across the country.

FORDA meets Health Min to discuss NEET PG delay

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday said new railway projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore will be implemented in Odisha in the next five years.
&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;">Vaishnaw said this while addressing a felicitation programme organised by Odisha Bharatiya Janata Party to felicitate the party&rsquo;s 20 MPs and 78 MLAs elected in recently held Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in the state.
<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 Congress government and then the Biju Janata Dal government have neglected the development of the railway sector in Odisha. So, with the formation of a double-engine government of BJP in Odisha and Centre, now, the gap created during the past years, will be met by creating a new record in these five years, 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;">Though many mega railway projects have been sanctioned, those were delayed due to delay in land acquisition by the previous BJD government, said Vaishnaw, adding, &ldquo;Now double engine government is formed and the pace of the railway projects will be accelerated.&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 Union minister said the allocation to Odisha in the railway budget has been enhanced from Rs 800 crore during the UPA government tenure to over Rs 10,000 crore during Modi government.
&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;">During the past three consecutive years, more than Rs 10,000 crore has been allocated to the state in the railway sector, 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;">Vaishnaw further said that a new railway line of 1,826 km was constructed in Odisha during the last 10 years, which is higher than the total railway network of Sri Lanka (1700 km). He also said that 315 special trains will run to and from Puri during the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath for smooth travel and convenience of the pilgrims. Last year, 222 trains were run during the Rath Yatra. The special trains have been planned from 25 districts of Odisha, he added.
<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;">Vaishnaw, who is also the IT minister, said that an electronic manufacturing cluster and a semi-conductor training centre will be set up in Odisha. Congratulating the newly elected MLAs and MPs, he expressed confidence that the BJP government will continue to serve the people of Odisha for the next 50 years.
<p class="MsoNormal" style="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;

Bhubaneswar

Railways to invest Rs 1 lakh crore in Odisha

Every year, on Easter Sunday, Irish republicans commemorate their martyrs, remembering lives lost during the 1916 Easter Rising and in the years since. Such events have a pattern: a street parade, speeches and flowers at the cemetery.
&nbsp;
The 2022 commemoration, however, was unusual for the presence of four men wearing balaclavas and dressed all in black. They were members of the dissident republican paramilitary group &Oacute;glaigh na h&Eacute;ireann (&Oacute;NH).
&nbsp;
This was the group&rsquo;s first public appearance since its ceasefire announcement in January 2018 &ndash; but it also carried wider significance for terrorism experts because of the weapons that two of the men were carrying. This was the first time paramilitary members in Northern Ireland had been seen with 3D-printed guns &ndash; specifically, a .22 calibre modification of the FGC semi-automatic firearm.
&nbsp;
FGC stands for &ldquo;f**k gun control&rdquo;, and the acronym reflects the ideological leaning of its designer &ndash; and many others involved in the development of 3D-printed weapons.
&nbsp;
The first 3D-printed firearm emerged in May 2013 with the release of the Liberator, a handgun created by Cody Wilson, a University of Texas law student and libertarian pro-firearms activist.
&nbsp;
Essentially a proof of concept, Wilson let the BBC film him firing the gun before releasing the open-source design for anyone to download. Its release caused a sensation: the gun was pictured on the front page of the New York Post, with fears it could be smuggled past metal detectors on to planes (in fact, a metal detector would spot the gun&rsquo;s metal firing pin and any ammunition).
&nbsp;
Despite the hype, the reality was that the gun was impractical and unreliable. The Liberator could only shoot one bullet before it needed reloading, and was prone to falling apart from the pressure of being fired. The technology still had a long way to go, both in terms of the designs of the guns and the accessibility of 3D printing.
&nbsp;
It was not until spring 2020 that the threat of 3D-printed guns grew significantly with the emergence of the FGC-9 (&ldquo;9&rdquo; denotes its 9mm bullets). This futuristic-looking, semi-automatic pistol calibre carbine required no regulated components and was fully DIY.
&nbsp;
About 80% could be made from plastic using a standard 3D printer, while the remaining metal parts could be fashioned from widely available steel tubes and springs.
&nbsp;
The open-source design &ndash; which was quickly shared in many like-minded chatrooms &ndash; was accompanied by a meticulous, step-by-step instructional guide akin to an Ikea assembly booklet. All of this, the gun&rsquo;s creator wrote, was to overcome &ldquo;regulations and tyrannical laws&rdquo; on gun ownership. Later, his group released a guide to making homemade 9mm ammunition.
&nbsp;
Since then, we have seen evidence of the firearm&rsquo;s use worldwide. It dominates online discussion of 3D-printed firearms and has been broadly adopted by various hobbyists, organised criminals, insurgents, and terrorists.
&nbsp;
The gun&rsquo;s mysterious designer, who used the pseudonym JStark1809 when he posted in chatrooms, estimated it would take a novice eight days to make the gun from scratch.
&nbsp;
He posted an upgraded Mark II version of the FGC-9 a year later, and boasted in one anonymised interview that, by bringing out these designs and sharing them freely: &ldquo;We f****ed gun control for good &hellip; Gun control is dead, and we killed it.&rdquo;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Since the release of the FGC-9, the occurrence of 3D-printed guns has become more prevalent all over the world &ndash; from organised criminals in Europe to anti-junta rebels in Myanmar.
&nbsp;
In May 2022, police stopped a car in Bradford in the UK and discovered a man transporting an FGC-9. Alongside two accomplices, he had been selling 3D-printed guns on the black market. A search of his accomplice&rsquo;s house revealed many more FGC-9 components.
&nbsp;
In 2023, the trio became the first people in the UK to be convicted of trying to supply other criminal groups with 3D-printed firearms; they were sentenced to a combined 37 years in prison.
&nbsp;
As a researcher at the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation at King&rsquo;s College London, I&rsquo;ve been keeping track of this and many other cases around the world involving the production and use of 3D-printed guns.
&nbsp;
(By arrangement with PTI/The Conversation. The author of this article is Rajan Basra,&nbsp;Senior Research Fellow, International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, King's College London).&nbsp;

London

3D-printed guns: Unleashing firepower minus rules

The Supreme Court is set to hear the plea of AAP MLA Jaswant Singh Gajjan Majra challenging his arrest and remand by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money-laundering probe connected to a bank fraud case. The hearing is scheduled for Monday, July 1. This significant development follows the earlier refusal by the top court to grant interim bail to Majra to campaign for the Lok Sabha polls, as well as the dismissal of a similar plea by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which found no illegality in his arrest.
 The matter will be heard by a vacation bench comprising Justice CT Ravikumar and Justice Manoj Misra. Majra's legal battle highlights the ongoing scrutiny and legal challenges faced by political figures involved in financial misconduct cases.
 In May 2023, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted raids on properties linked to Majra in connection with an alleged Rs 40 crore bank fraud. This investigation is part of a broader effort by Indian authorities to crack down on financial irregularities and ensure accountability.
 Earlier, in September 2022, the Enforcement Directorate had raided several premises associated with Majra as part of their money-laundering probe related to the same bank loan fraud case. During these raids, the ED team seized Rs 32 lakh in cash, along with mobile phones and hard drives, further intensifying the investigation.
 The case against Majra involves serious allegations of financial misconduct. It underscores the challenges that public figures can face when embroiled in legal battles over alleged corruption and fraud.
&nbsp;
The ED's investigation into the alleged bank loan fraud is part of its mandate to enforce the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and other related laws.
&nbsp;
The refusal by both the Supreme Court and the Punjab and Haryana High Court to grant interim relief to Majra reflects the judiciary's stance on ensuring a thorough investigation and due process in cases involving substantial financial fraud.
&nbsp;
The upcoming hearing will be closely watched as it may have significant implications for the legal proceedings and the political career of Majra.
&nbsp;
The case also brings to light the broader issue of financial integrity and accountability within political ranks. As authorities continue to crack down on corruption, such high-profile cases serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency and adherence to the rule of law.
&nbsp;
Majra's plea in the Supreme Court is a crucial juncture in his legal journey. The outcome of this hearing will not only impact his immediate legal situation but could also influence the broader discourse on political accountability and financial transparency in India.
&nbsp;
As the hearing date approaches, all eyes will be on the Supreme Court to see how it addresses the arguments presented by Majra's legal team and the response from the Enforcement Directorate.
&nbsp;
The case underscores the critical role of the judiciary in upholding justice and ensuring that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions.

AAP MLA Majra fights ED arrest in SC on 1st July

Kalki 2898 AD, a star-studded multilingual 3D spectacle, has earned Rs 415 crore within three days of its global release, the makers announced on Sunday.
&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 blend of Hindu epic Mahabharata and science fiction, the big-budget film is produced by Vyjayanthi Movies and was released on Thursday in six languages: Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi and English.
<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;">Kalki 2898 AD, mounted on a whopping budget of Rs 600 crore, features Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan.
<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 official page of the movie, directed by Nag Ashwin, shared the box office update on X.
<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 force is unstoppable&hellip; #Kalki2898AD #EpicBlockbusterKalki @SrBachchan @ikamalhaasan #Prabhas @deepikapadukone @nagashwin7 @DishPatani @Music_Santhosh @VyjayanthiFilms @Kalki2898AD @saregamaglobal @saregamasouth,&rdquo; read the caption of the poster stating that Kalki 2898 AD earned Rs 415 crore in gross box office collection (GBOC) worldwide in three 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;">On the opening day, the movie earned Rs 191.5 GBOC and collected Rs 107 crore on Friday. It added Rs 152.5 crore for its day three collection on Saturday.
<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 Prathyangira Cinemas, Kalki 2898 AD is running houseful in North America and has raked in USD 9.4 million at the local box office.
<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;">Previously titled Project K, the film is reportedly the most expensive feature film in Indian cinema history. Disha Patani, Saswata Chatterjee and Shobhana also round out its cast. 
&nbsp;

Kalki 2898 AD collects Rs 415 crore in 3 days

Japanese consumer electronics giant Sony expects India to overtake home market and become the company's third largest market globally in the next couple of years with its revenue from the country reaching Rs 10,000 crore.
&nbsp;
Sony India Managing Director Sunil Nayyar said the company clocked a revenue of Rs 6,353 crore in 2022-23 in the country and is betting on the premium television segment besides its audio and imaging products to drive growth.
&nbsp;
According to him, Sony India is also betting big on the fast growth of the gaming segment and imaging business.
&nbsp;
"We have travelled a long way. If I go 10 years back, we were quite behind the globe, but now, we are a close number four as a single country business across the globe, which means in a couple of years, maybe we can be number three and to remain in the top three in future I think should be a good position to stay as a Sony company around the globe," Nayyar told PTI in an interview.
&nbsp;
At present, the US, China and Japan are the top three markets for Sony globally, followed by India.
&nbsp;
He said Sony's bullishness over India "has to do with the country's growth as well."
&nbsp;
"We are hopeful about India as a country itself. So within this context, and parameters and with our product portfolio, plus our strategy of making the premium as mantra to the market, we hope that we should be number three quite soon," Nayyar reiterated.
&nbsp;
In terms of the growth of the size of the business, he said, "I also feel that maybe a couple of years down the line, we should be hitting the milestone of (Rs) 100 billion."
&nbsp;
Sharing how the company has grown over the years, he said, "We registered a growth of approximately 20 per cent in 2023-24 and this growth has continued for the last couple of years. So I think that we are on a good growth trajectory.
&nbsp;
"So our target this year is to grow another 20 per cent." The good part is that India has evolved as a big country for Sony's premium products post-COVID. The business in India is syncing well with the country's growing economy.
&nbsp;
"Customers in this country are becoming richer, I would say the trajectory of their income growth is upwards and that's where they need to spend good money, more money on quality products," said Nayyar, adding, "Sony is all about quality."
&nbsp;
The company will focus on introducing new technologies to the Indian consumers in audio and video business. Besides, it will also expand its imaging and gaming business in which Sony India has leadership now.
&nbsp;
On future growth drivers, Nayyar said the TV business would remain a primary growth driver. However, the audio business which consists of soundbars, party speakers, true wireless range of headphones and buds is also evolving in a different way.
&nbsp;
Besides, the digital imaging business which consists of cameras and gaming business of Play Station will also grow in India.
&nbsp;
"We are now going out from a traditional audio company to the latest technology-oriented audio company, and Gen Z, millennial targeted company. So there's that. That will continue to grow," he said, adding, "even digital imaging has a huge promise." These three are big pillars, besides the professional solution business.
&nbsp;
Currently, TV contributes half of Sony India business, however, it expects other businesses to grow.
&nbsp;
Sony India was witnessing a fall in revenue after its parent firm exited from Vaio business of laptop and mobile handset. At its peak, Sony India's revenue was over Rs 11,000 crore in FY15.
&nbsp;
"We are now reaching a similar tunnel after so many years of course, and we have made up with the televisions in the categories, which we now handle without laptops and mobile phones," Nayyar added.&nbsp;

India set to be Sony's 3rd largest market: Nayyar

Shyna Gupta

France is heading to the polls on Sunday for high-stakes snap parliamentary elections that could significantly alter the nation's political trajectory.
&nbsp;
The far-right National Rally (RN) party, led by Marine Le Pen, is set to make historic gains despite President Emmanuel Macron's efforts to prevent its rise.
&nbsp;
Support for the anti-immigration and eurosceptic RN has surged amid ongoing challenges, including Russia's prolonged war against Ukraine and soaring energy and food prices.
&nbsp;
President Macron's pledges to curb the far-right's momentum have seemingly fallen short as the RN gains traction among voters.
&nbsp;
Polling stations across mainland France will open for the first round of elections at 8:00 a.m. (0600 UTC) and close at 8:00 p.m. (1800 UTC). Voters in France&rsquo;s overseas territories, spanning the globe, have already cast their ballots earlier this weekend.
&nbsp;
Approximately 49 million French citizens are eligible to vote in these elections, which will determine the composition of the 577-seat National Assembly, the lower house of parliament.
&nbsp;
The electoral process involves two rounds, with the final shape of the new parliament becoming clear after the second round on July 7.
&nbsp;
Current polls indicate that the RN is on course to win the largest number of seats in the National Assembly. However, it remains uncertain whether the party will secure an outright majority.
&nbsp;
High voter turnout is anticipated, with the latest opinion polls showing the RN securing between 35 percent and 37 percent of the vote.
&nbsp;
In contrast, the left-wing New Popular Front alliance is projected to receive 27.5-29 percent, and Macron&rsquo;s centrist camp is expected to garner 20-21 percent.

France votes as far right eyes historic win

Bihar is set to host a mega investor summit this December, aiming to attract significant investments in key sectors such as textiles, food processing, and electric vehicles (EVs).&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The two-day Bihar Business Connect event will take place on December 11 and 12 in Patna, following the grand success of its 2023 edition.
&nbsp;
In the lead-up to the main event, Bihar will kick off a series of roadshows in various cities, starting with Kolkata on Monday. These roadshows are part of the state's strategy to roll out the red carpet for both domestic and foreign investors.
&nbsp;
"Bihar has a strategic locational advantage," said Nitish Mishra, Bihar's Minister for Industry and Tourism, who will be leading the roadshows. "Through Bihar, we can cater to the entire northeast, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. Connectivity is excellent now in terms of roads, and we have three functional airports in Gaya, Patna, and Darbhanga."
&nbsp;
Recognizing the challenges posed by its land-locked geography, Bihar is offering export subsidies to offset the costs of transporting goods to the nearest ports.
&nbsp;

Patna

Bihar to host investor roadshows from Monday

The Delhi High Court is likely to pronounce on Monday its order on bail pleas of Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha in the corruption and money laundering cases linked to the alleged excise policy scam.
&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;">Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who had reserved the order on the two bail pleas of Kavitha on May 28, is scheduled to pass the verdict at 2:30 PM on July 1.
<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;">Kavitha has challenged the trial court&rsquo;s May 6 order by which her bail applications in the Central Bureau of Investigation&rsquo;s corruption case as well as the ED&rsquo;s money laundering case were dismissed.
<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;">Kavitha&rsquo;s lawyer had submitted that out of the 50 accused in the excise matter, she is the lone woman, and urged the court to consider granting her bail as law keeps women on a different pedestal.
<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 CBI and Enforcement Directorate had opposed the bail pleas of Kavitha, saying she was highly influential and powerful enough to influence witnesses.
<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;">Countering the submission made on behalf of Kavitha that she, being a woman, be released on bail, the probe agencies had contended that it was the woman who was playing the main role in the conspiracy here and she was an active politician and a member of legislative council and cannot seek parity with vulnerable woman.
<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 CBI&rsquo;s counsel had argued that Kavitha was not just a woman but a very influential woman and was powerful enough to influence witnesses as one of the witnesses has even stated that he was threatened by her.
<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 ED&rsquo;s counsel had also contended that Kavitha was a co-conspirator and a beneficiary of the excise scam and the proceeds of crime were directly going to her.
<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;">It had claimed that the politician, who was accused of a white collar crime, was involved in destruction of evidence and coercing people to retract from their statements.
<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 ED, in its reply to the bail plea, had opposed the bail plea saying that Kavitha&rsquo;s release would adversely affect further investigation to unearth the &ldquo;deep-rooted, multi-layered conspiracy&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;K Kavitha has conspired with other people and actively involved in payment of kickbacks to the tune of Rs 100 crore and then in establishing the money laundering ecosystem, that is, M/s Indo Spirits through her proxy which generated proceeds of crime of Rs 192.8 crore. By such acts, K Kavitha is involved in various processes and activities relating to proceeds of crime (POC) to the tune of Rs 292.8 crore,&rdquo; the probe agency said in its counter affidavit.
<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 ED had said there is ample evidence to link her to the offence of money laundering.
<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;">Kavitha is in judicial custody in the two cases lodged by the ED and the CBI in the alleged scam.
<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 &ldquo;scam&rdquo; pertains to alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi government&rsquo;s excise policy for 2021-22 which was later scrapped.
<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 ED arrested Kavitha (46) from her Banjara Hills residence in Hyderabad on March 15. The CBI arrested her from Tihar jail.
<p class="MsoNormal" style="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;

Delhi HC to rule on Kavitha's bail pleas on Mon

He has gracefully faced harsh criticism after a disappointing IPL show as Mumbai Indian captain, but Hardik Pandya has silenced his critics with his all-round performance in the T20 World Cup.
&nbsp;
Having replaced Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians captain, Hardik was the subject of ridicule and was booed by fans of his own team in the IPL. Mumbai could not qualify for the play-offs and his own performance as captain and player was also questioned.
&nbsp;
"I believe in grace. A lot was said by people who don't know even know me one per cent as a person. People have spoken, no issues but I have always believed in life that you never respond with words, circumstances can respond.
&nbsp;
"Even difficult times, they don't last forever. It is important to be graceful, whether you win or lose.
&nbsp;
"It is time for fans and everyone else to learn that (to be graceful). We need to find better ways to conduct yourself. I am sure the same people will be happy," said Pandya after the T20 World Cup final victory over South Africa here on Saturday.
&nbsp;
Hardik defended 16 runs in the final to ensure a famous win for his team.
&nbsp;
"To be honest, I was enjoying (it). Very few get these life changing opportunities. It could have gone the other way as well today but I see it (as) glass half full and not glass half empty.
&nbsp;
"I was not taking pressure and focusing on my skill sets. This was a moment written in the stars," he said when asked about the high pressure scenario, according to PTI.
&nbsp;
Hardik is expected to captain India in the shortest format following Rohit's retirement. The next T20 World Cup is in India in 2026 but he is not looking too far ahead.
&nbsp;
The year "2026 is a long time away. Very happy for Rohit and Virat. Very special two giants of Indian cricket who thoroughly deserved this.
&nbsp;
"Been amazing playing this format with them. We will miss them but this is the best farewell they could get. Happy for them to end like this," added the star all-rounder.&nbsp;

Bridgetown

People who don't know me said a lot: Hardik Pandya

After rotting and rusting on the premises of Patna Museum for nearly 18 months, a British-era steamroller has been rescued by road construction authorities that capped a dramatic journey for the vintage machine that has survived against the odds.
&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 nearly century-old steam roadroller, manufactured by the John Fowler and Co in Leeds, England, was in possession of the Patna district board till about two years ago, lying decrepit in a corner of the now-razed Patna Collectorate.
<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;">It was brought to the Patna Museum after a rescue operation on the intervening night of August 24-25, 2022, delighting heritage lovers and legacy transport experts in India and around the globe.
<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 district board had donated the roadroller to the museum for &ldquo;proudly displaying&rdquo; it as a &ldquo;priceless gem&rdquo; after its old buildings and other historic structures were demolished in 2022 as part of the Patna Collectorate redevelopment project.
<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;">While the museum authorities initially showed interest in its upkeep and restoration, the roadroller became a victim of government authorities&rsquo; apathy a few months after its arrival despite it becoming a hit among young visitors and even spawning a selfie craze.
<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;">As time passed, vegetation took over its huge wheels. The monsoon rain last year further corroded its old body while the original chimney, which blew steam in its heyday, suffered damage and got separated from the machine.
<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;">This rare piece, however, had a change of fortune after it was recently rescued and given a basic restoration.
<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 senior official said the roadroller was taken out of the museum for keeping in custody of the road construction department.
<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;">Sources said it was transported out of the premises in a "hush-hush manner" recently after the museum closed for visitors for its ongoing redevelopment work.
<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 Patna Museum, home to a collection of rich artefact, rare paintings and 200 million-year-old fossilised tree trunks, has been closed for visitors since June 1 last year to undertake a revamp of its 96-year-old building.
<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 road construction department authorities have since provided the heritage roller the care and upkeep it needed.
<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;From Patna Museum, it was brought to the Central Mechanical Workshop of the road construction department in Patna where it is currently kept on a raised platform under an existing shed. A team of engineers and others worked on the basic restoration and we are proud to possess this rare gem that tells the story of early era of road construction,&rdquo; a senior department official told the media.
<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 roller which, till recently, wore a decaying look now shines with a fresh coat of black paint, its chimney patched up and the body cleaned of at least the superficial layer of rust.
<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 rescue of this rare vintage machine has brought cheer among heritage lovers but many have criticised the Patna Museum for &ldquo;abandoning&rdquo; the &ldquo;gifted roller&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 Patna Museum failed in its duty to preserve even a donated item. A rare piece of history that any worthy museum would have proudly owned and displayed. The roller tells the story of Patna, the urban history, the making of the early roads when steam ruled both rail and road,&rdquo; Kolkata-based transport heritage expert Abhishek Ray told the media.
<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;">However, people in the Bihar government and the road construction department, which lent dignity to the roadroller, &ldquo;deserve full praise&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;">Last year, heritage experts from India and the UK lamented its decay and poor upkeep despite lying in a &ldquo;sanctuary of history&rdquo; for a year and had appealed to the Patna Museum authorities to urgently take up its conservation, starting with putting a shed over it to at least arrest further deterioration.
<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;">Ragini Bhat, curator at the Heritage Transport Museum near Gurugram, had said the Patna Museum &ldquo;let us all down&rdquo; after raising hope of the heritage-loving fraternity and people in general.
<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 Heritage Transport Museum, home to some rare artefact, possesses two vintage roadrollers, a Marshall from 1914 rescued from West Bengal and a TELCO from the 1950s, she had 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;">Derek Rayner, vice-chairman and steam archivist to the UK-based Road Roller Association, who has closely followed the rescue of the Patna roller, had earlier said the Patna Museum would do well to know that it was in possession of a &ldquo;steam-era jewel&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;This machine deserves better than being left to rot out in the open and really requires appropriate conservation, as do all museum exhibits,&rdquo; Rayner had said.
&nbsp;

Heritage roller left to rot at Patna Museum saved

Prime Minister Narendra Modi resumed his monthly radio broadcast 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, marking his return after a hiatus during the recent Lok Sabha elections.
&nbsp;
In a post on X, he said, &ldquo;Delighted to connect with people through Mann Ki Baat once again&hellip;&rdquo;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Delighted to connect with people through <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a> once again. Do tune in! <a href="https://t.co/ohZ7kzbBlS">https://t.co/ohZ7kzbBlS</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1807285572647403754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
This broadcast, his first since beginning his third consecutive term as Prime Minister, included homage to the martyrs of the Santhal Rebellion on the occasion of Hul Diwas. He highlighted the historical significance of Sidho and Kanho's movement against the British in 1855, predating the 1857 uprising.
&nbsp;
Prior to the broadcast,PM&nbsp; Modi had encouraged citizens to share their ideas and suggestions for the programme through social media channels. The monthly broadcasts were temporarily halted due to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct during the election period.
&nbsp;
PMModi's previous 'Mann Ki Baat' aired on February 25, before the announcement of the election schedule.
&nbsp;

PM Modi resumes ‘Mann Ki Baat’

Hyderabad

No work raises plight of T'gana weavers

Over 6,600 pilgrims embarked on the Amarnath Yatra from Jammu on Sunday, officials announced, joining more than 13,000 others who had visited the cave shrine a day earlier.
&nbsp;
Escorted by security forces, the third batch of 6,619 pilgrims departed from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu. They travelled in two convoys comprising 319 vehicles, heading towards the Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camps.
&nbsp;
"At 3:50 a.m., 2,781 pilgrims set off in 151 vehicles for the Baltal base camp, while 3,838 pilgrims departed at 4:42 a.m. in 168 vehicles for Nunwan," officials stated.
&nbsp;
The 52-day Amarnath Yatra, which began on June 29 and will conclude on August 19, coincides with the festivals of Raksha Bandhan and Shravan Purnima. Pilgrims choose between the traditional 48-km Pahalgam-Cave shrine route or the shorter 14-km Baltal-Cave shrine route.
&nbsp;
The cave shrine, located 3,888 metres above sea level, houses an ice stalagmite structure revered as symbolic of Lord Shiva's mythical powers, believed to wax and wane with the lunar phases.
&nbsp;
Security arrangements have been heightened along the 300-km Jammu-Srinagar highway, at the Yatra routes, base camps, and the cave shrine to ensure safety. More than 124 community kitchens ('Langars') and over 7,000 volunteers ('Sevadars') are aiding pilgrims along the routes and at the shrine.
&nbsp;
Railway authorities have scheduled additional trains from July 3 to manage the influx of pilgrims, while helicopter services are also available for quicker access to the shrine on both routes.

Jammu

Third batch departs Jammu for Amarnath Yatra

The cyber unit in Lucknow has achieved its inaugural "digital arrest" by apprehending three individuals who allegedly posed as "CBI officers" to deceive victims, officials reported Tuesday.
&nbsp;
According to authorities, the group orchestrated a sophisticated scam dubbed the 'digital arrest' to swindle a woman of Rs 2.71 crore and a man of Rs 43 lakh.
&nbsp;
"The suspects masqueraded as police officers and CBI investigators investigating financial crimes, convincing victims of their involvement in money laundering cases," officials disclosed.
&nbsp;
The scheme unfolded when a caller falsely claimed that transactions linked to a money laundering case were traced to the credit card of a doctor's wife. The victim was instructed to remain indoors and interact with a fictitious CBI agent. During a Skype call, she was digitally detained and coerced into transferring Rs 2.71 crore.
&nbsp;
"A digital arrest confines victims to the device used for the Skype call, threatening them with legal repercussions if they disclose the incident to family members," explained a police official.
&nbsp;
Similarly, a businessman was intimidated with baseless accusations of money laundering to extort compliance.
&nbsp;
The accused include Yashpal Prasad, 24, Keshav Goel, 27, and Sanket Kumar, 24, all from Agra.
&nbsp;
"Yashpal, a commerce graduate and the mastermind behind the scam, operated from Dubai. He recruited operatives in smaller cities to utilise their bank accounts for money transfers, promising them a share of the proceeds," an officer stated.

Lucknow

First 'digital arrest' in Lucknow busts CBI scam

Following a disastrous performance at the debate stage in Atlanta, there is a growing clamour within the ruling Democratic party and the mainstream American media for President Joe Biden to step down from the presidential race.
&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;">However, the 81-year-old president and his campaign have asserted that he is not giving up and is determined to successfully run for the November 5th presidential elections.
<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;Biden is the nominee (of the Democratic party. No switching of the nominee,&rdquo; campaign leadership has asserted.
<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;">Biden, the 46th president of the United States, has won the Democratic presidential primary.
<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;">As of June 29, he had 3,894 delegates as against 1,975 delegates required to win the nomination of the party. These delegates would meet in Chicago from August 19 to 22 to formally nominate the winner of the primaries to run for the November 5 presidential elections.
<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;">Biden, seeking a second term in the White House, stumbled and fumbled during the televised presidential debate with his predecessor Donald Trump on Thursday night in Atlanta, setting off alarm bells among top Democrats about whether he can stay atop the gruelling months ahead of the elections on November 5.
<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 78-year-old Trump, who is the presumptive Republican Party candidate for the presidential election, clashed right from the start with Biden and by the end of the 90 minutes debate, gave enough fodder for serious editorials and opinions as well as memes on social media.
<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;">Over the last 50 hours after the first presidential debate in Atlanta on Thursday night, wherein his performance was seen far below par against his rival Trump, multiple media outlets, including The New York Times and his own party supporters and key decision makers, are calling him to step down from the race.
<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;Dropping out is Biden&rsquo;s most patriotic option,&rdquo; The Atlantic said Saturday.
<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;To serve his country, President Biden should leave the race,&rdquo; The New York Times editorial board wrote Following the debate.
<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 New York Times wrote, &ldquo;That is no longer a sufficient rationale for why Mr. Biden should be the Democratic nominee this year.&rdquo; Similar messages are coming from inside the party as well.
<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;">However, his inner circle is standing by the side of Biden.
<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 post-debate poll says that 10 per cent of the independent voters have moved towards Biden after the debate, a point that is being made by his team.
<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;It wasn&rsquo;t my best debate ever as Barack (Obama) pointed out. I understand the concern after the debate,&rdquo; Biden told his fundraisers in New Jersey. &ldquo;I get it. I didn&rsquo;t have a great night, but I&rsquo;m going to be fighting harder,&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;">&ldquo;Research during the debate shows us converting more undecided voters than Trump did, in large part because of his conduct on January 6,&rdquo; Biden said. He argued Trump&rsquo;s lies were the biggest takeaway: &ldquo;People remember the bad things during his presidency. I didn&rsquo;t have a great night but neither did he,&rdquo; he said again of Trump.
<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;">Several prominent columnists &mdash; Paul Krugman, Tom Friedman, Nicholas Kristof, Jonathan Alter, and David Ignatius &mdash; argued that the chance of a diminished Biden losing to Trump is too high to risk. 
&nbsp;

Washington D.C.

Noise mounts for Biden to step down

The Samajwadi Party (SP) plans to launch a statewide weeklong tree planting initiative starting July 1 to commemorate the birthday of party President Akhilesh Yadav, a party spokesperson announced.
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Akhilesh Yadav's birthday falls on July 1, and the initiative, named the 'PDA ped' drive, aims to showcase the party's commitment to its PDA (Pichhde Dalits, Aplsankhyak) strategy, which proved pivotal in the recent Lok Sabha elections.
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Political analysts widely agree that the SP's focus on PDA communities was instrumental to its electoral success and could shape its future political trajectory if managed judiciously.
&nbsp;
Party members and supporters will plant saplings of Banyan, Neem, and Peepal trees, selected for their environmental benefits and symbolic significance.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;&ldquo;These three species not only contribute towards environmental well-being but also signify social justice, amity, and equality&mdash;tthe focus of the party&rsquo;s commitment towards PDA,&rdquo; said SP Spokesperson Udaiveer Singh.
&nbsp;
Udaiveer Singh, SP spokesperson, explained that the initiative aims not only to promote environmental conservation but also to foster unity across society, contrasting it with what he described as divisive tactics seen in some political quarters.
&nbsp;
"The BJP and its government are known for polarising society through their gatherings. Our approach, through planting trees, is to unify all sections of society," Udaiveer stated.
&nbsp;
Each tree species holds cultural and religious significance. The Banyan tree symbolises life and fertility in Hindu culture, is associated with Lord Krishna, and is revered in Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.
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The Neem tree is valued for its medicinal properties and symbolises Goddess Durga's protective energy in Hindu mythology.
&nbsp;
The Peepal tree holds special importance for Dalits, followers of Lord Buddha, as it is believed Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment beneath its branches.
&nbsp;
The SP hopes the 'PDA ped' drive will not only contribute to a greener environment but also reinforce its commitment to inclusive social policies, setting a positive example in the political landscape.

SP's 'PDA Ped' drive to celebrate Akhilesh's b’day

Claiming that West Bengal was facing a financial breakdown, Governor CV Ananda Bose called upon the Mamata Banerjee government to table a white paper on the state&rsquo;s financial situation.
&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;">Bose&rsquo;s statement came on a day he met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi.
<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 fiscal situation of West Bengal is confronting multiple fiscal risks and public finance management issues exposing serious lapses on the part of the (state) government. It is very disturbing, shocking, and shattering to see that West Bengal is facing a financial breakdown. Its public finance is in the doldrums,&rdquo; he claimed in a statement issued by the Raj Bhavan on Saturday.
<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;Considering the grave nature of the economic scenario, the Governor calls upon the CM upon the authority vested in him under Article 167 of the Constitution read with Rule 30 of the Rules of Business for West Bengal framed under Article 166 of the Constitution, to place a comprehensive report on the state's financial situation before the council of ministers and issue a White Paper for the information of the people of the state,&rdquo; the 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;">During his meeting with Sitharaman, Bose emphasised the need to implement income-generating economic development programmes for those dependent on the fisheries sector, Raj Bhavan officials 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;">The governor handed the minister a detailed action plan for the development of the fisheries sector, they said. 
&nbsp;

Kolkata

WB Guv takes note of state's financial situation

B.L. Santhosh, general secretary (organisation) of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Saturday commended the efforts of 'Vistaraks' in the party's recent election performance.
&nbsp;
A 'Vistarak' is a party functionary responsible for gathering ground-level feedback on the political situation in specific Parliamentary or Assembly constituencies.
&nbsp;
The concluding meeting of BJP 'Vistaraks' was held at the party office in Jaipur, attended by B.L. Santhosh, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and other senior leaders.
&nbsp;
Speaking at the event, Santhosh highlighted the grassroots work of BJP's 'Vistaraks' in alignment with the party's ideology. "The suggestions of each Vistarak are important for the party," he stated.
&nbsp;
C.P. Joshi, president of the BJP's Rajasthan unit, noted that Vistaraks were selected for both the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections to promote the party's ideology among the masses. "Each Vistarak poured in his time and worked hard to strengthen the ideology of BJP. The task given to the BJP Vistarak by the central and state unit was completed on time," he added.
&nbsp;
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma remarked on the personal growth and identity developed through party work. "The state Vistaraks of BJP gave time to the party&hellip; along with the work of the party, a new identity of the Vistaraks has also been created. Every Vistarak of the state worked with their heart and emotions and therefore, the party and the organisation have become strong at the grassroots level," Sharma said.

B.L. Santhosh lauds BJP's 'Vistaraks'

Rahul Dravid&rsquo;s tenure as India head coach, which got a glorious closure with the T20 World Cup triumph here, will remain a case study on how to be stately and understated at the same time in modern-day cricket coaching.
&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;">But even &lsquo;The Wall&rsquo; crumbled when emotions took charge at the end of an 11-year long title drought.
<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;">As soon as he got a feel of the trophy, which was respectfully brought to him by player of the match Virat Kohli, Dravid let out a roar so ferocious that it seemed he was finally letting out the emotions that he works so hard to hide while in public glare.
<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;">It was a moment that was so unlike Dravid, who hardly gave a quote that could fire up the imagination of the headline desk, but remained committed to his job in a rather Gary Kirsten way.
<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;">But that minimalism can never mask the challenges Dravid had to tame during his draining, overwhelming close to three years shepherding the most followed cricket team on this planet.
<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 fact, the scrutiny of Dravid began even before his appointment as the head coach. He was projected as the &lsquo;Next One&rsquo; while guiding India during a short white ball series against Sri Lanka in mid-2021.
<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;">It was his audition &mdash; a real-time interview to see how he would cope with the demands of a high-pressure post &mdash; before he landed the job full-time in November that year.
<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;">From the outset, Dravid &mdash; fair or unfair &mdash; had to match up to the lofty legacy of his predecessor Ravi Shastri, under whom India had a fine run including back-to-back away series win in Australia, the Holy Grail of Test cricket for teams from the sub-continent.
<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;">While Dravid never got a chance to tour Down Under as a coach, he tamed the Antipodeans at home in different formats.
<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;">But a defeat and a drawn Test series against a &lsquo;weaker&rsquo; South African side will rankle Dravid, for whom wins away from home always stood as the gold standard.
<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;">However, in the deepest corners of his mind Dravid will rue the missed chance of winning the 50-over World Cup at home after his side succumbed to Australia in the final.
<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 World Cup win at Barbados might have eased that pain considerably, but it, surprisingly, came in a format where Dravid, much against his schtick, largely followed the conventional path.
<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;">This is not to say that Dravid was out of sync with this format as demonstrated on Saturday.
<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;">So, how will Dravid&rsquo;s coaching stint be remembered? The World Cup victory will certainly occupy a large chunk of the public memory space.
<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;">However, above that, the flawless handling of a team of high-profile individuals will be the legacy for his successor to live up to. It&rsquo;s daunting too. 
&nbsp;

Dravid signs off as India coach with dignity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Indian cricket team on the phone on Sunday and congratulated its members on their T20 World Cup win.
&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;">Officials said Modi congratulated Rohit Sharma for his splendid captaincy and appreciated his T20 career. He also lauded Virat Kohli for his innings in the final, besides his overall contribution to Indian cricket.
<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;">Both the greats announced their retirement from T20 internationals following the win.
<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;">Modi praised Hardik Pandya for his final over and Suryakumar Yadav for his splendid catch on the boundary line to dismiss David Miller. He also talked highly of Jaspreet Bumrah&rsquo;s contribution, the officials added.
<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 prime minister thanked coach Rahul Dravid for his contribution to Indian cricket.

PM Modi speaks to Team India after T20 win

The triumphant Indian team's celebrations at the Kensington Oval lasted close to four hours after a roller-coaster T20 World Cup final with players grooving to their favourite dance numbers and the usually reticent outgoing coach Rahul Dravid letting his hair down amid a general sense of relief for ending a lengthy title drought.
&nbsp;
The euphoria carried on in the team's hotel, but before that, at the historic venue, skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who both retired from the format, and Dravid let their emotions take control after a gruelling month-long campaign in the Caribbean and USA.
&nbsp;
It was the end of a wait that stretched over a decade and had its fair share of tears and frustrations.
&nbsp;
Dravid, an undisputed great of the game who could not win a World Cup in his long playing career, usually does well to guard what's going on inside him.
&nbsp;
That was not the case on Saturday.
&nbsp;
In a rather animated display of emotions, Dravid pumped his fists while joining his players on the ground who watched in amusement as a rarely seen side of the Bengaluru-man went on display for the world.
&nbsp;
Kohli, an antithesis to Dravid's personality, heaved a massive sigh of relief when India's win was sealed on the penultimate ball of the game with Kagiso Rabada being caught at long-off.
&nbsp;
Standing in the deep, he too pumped his fist twice in the air before covering his face with his palms and heaving a massive sigh of relief as South Africa had the game in the bag not too long ago.
&nbsp;
Then came the memorable visuals of Rohit and Kohli holding the desperately desired trophy with the Indian flag around them.
&nbsp;
What followed was Bhangra with the boys in the middle with Kohli, Arshdeep, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj and Rinku Singh grooving to Daler Mehendi's iconic Punjabi number, Tunak Tunak Tun.
&nbsp;
There were tears of joy too both from Rohit and Kohli. Loud roars could be heard from inside the dressing room long after the outcome of the game was decided at 2pm local time.
&nbsp;
At one point, it seemed the players just wanted to share their joy with anyone who would care to join them.
&nbsp;
Rishabh Pant, who was coming back to international cricket after a life-threatening car accident in 2022, gifted his shoes to a fan in the building adjacent to the dressing room.
&nbsp;
A sense of satisfaction and relief was clearly visible on Rohit's face when he came to the post match media interaction.
&nbsp;
Choosing to play a high risk game since the ODI World Cup, Rohit finally got the much deserved trophy in his hands, seven months after the heartbreak in Ahmedabad.
&nbsp;
"This has to be the greatest time, I can say that. It's only because how desperately I wanted to win this. So, all the runs, all the runs that I've scored in all these years, I think it does matter, but I'm not big on stats and all of that," he said, with has become his signature nonchalance.
&nbsp;
"I think winning games for India, winning trophies for India, that is what I look forward to all the time. And having this now right beside me probably has to be, I don't know, honestly, I don't know if it's the greatest or what but it is definitely one of the greatest," added Rohit before announcing his T20 retirement minutes later.
&nbsp;
Dravid, who usually has long-winded explanations for everything that happens on the cricket field, struggled to explain his emotions for once. It wasn't easy for the man, whose entire reputation is built on being equanimous no matter the situation.
&nbsp;
"I am not usually short of words but I have been short of words the last two three hours. I am not of those one those guys who thinks about redemption.
&nbsp;
"As a player I was not lucky enough to win a trophy but I tried my best, it was not to be. I was lucky this bunch of players made it possible for me," said the former India captain.
&nbsp;
A team huddle followed after the compulsory media engagements were out of the way with the squad members reflecting on a memorable month, an indicator of a collective belief that they indeed had done something special.
&nbsp;
A category 1 Hurricane is expected to hit the island of Barbados on Sunday, potentially delaying the team's departure plans. If that does happen, the party will go on longer.&nbsp;

T20WC win: Show of emotions, bhangra time for team

In a moment of national pride, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indian cricket team as champions after their remarkable T20 World Cup win.
&nbsp;
On Saturday, Modi expressed his admiration for the team's performance on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "CHAMPIONS! Our team brings the T20 World Cup home in STYLE! We are proud of the Indian Cricket Team."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
CHAMPIONS! Our team brings the T20 World Cup home in STYLE! We are proud of the Indian Cricket Team. This match was HISTORIC. 🇮🇳 🏏 🏆 <a href="https://t.co/HhaKGwwEDt">pic.twitter.com/HhaKGwwEDt</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1807114429667975428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
President Droupadi Murmu also extended her congratulations to the victorious team. "My heartiest congratulations to Team India for winning the T20 World Cup. With the never-say-die spirit, the team sailed through difficult situations and demonstrated outstanding skills throughout the tournament. It was an extraordinary victory in the final match. Well done, Team India! We are proud of you!" Murmu posted on X.
&nbsp;
Prime Minister Modi described the thrilling final, where India overcame a determined South African team, as historic. He emphasized that the performance of the Indian cricketers has filled over 140 crore Indians with pride. "They won the cup on the field and the hearts of crores of Indians in villages and streets," Modi remarked. Highlighting India's unbeaten run in the tournament, he added, "It is not a small achievement in a tournament where so many countries participated."
&nbsp;
The celebrations and accolades extended beyond the Prime Minister and the President. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav praised the team for proving its superiority through hard work and constant practice. "That's what the Indian cricket team did," Yadav said, acknowledging the team's triumph against South Africa in the final.
&nbsp;
Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan described India's victory as "unforgettable," while Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, in a message on X, said, "This is the victory of 140 crore Indians! Our invincible boys not just made history but lent a new kind of excellence to this beautiful game!"

Murmu, Modi hail India's T20 world cup victory

Three people were killed when a speeding car collided with a motorcycle and fell into a ditch on the Lucknow-Varanasi highway, 60 km from the district headquarters, police reported on Saturday.
&nbsp;
Santosh Singh, SHO of Aspur Devsara police station, stated that Mukesh Jha (40), Vishal Kumar (42), and Rajan Kumar Rai (42), all residents of Muzaffarnagar in Bihar, were returning home from Ayodhya when their car lost control, hit a motorcycle, and overturned into a ditch.
&nbsp;
Sudama Devi (52), a passenger on the motorcycle, died at the scene, while her husband Narsingh (55) succumbed to his injuries at a community health center.
&nbsp;
Vishal Kumar (42), the driver of the car, was also found dead at the scene. The injured are receiving treatment at the Badlapur community health center. Police have sent the bodies for post-mortem examination.

Three killed in Lucknow-Varanasi highway crash

India's stellar win in the T20 World Cup brought emotional moments&nbsp; with it as two cricketing greats, skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement after their country's second world title conquest in the T20 International format.
&nbsp;
Kohli, player of the match for scoring a scorching 76, was the first to declare his decision after India's seven-run win over South Africa in the final here. Soon after, Rohit also announced that having achieved what he came for, it was time to step aside.
&nbsp;
"This was my last T20 World Cup and this is exactly what we wanted to achieve. This is an amazing game. I was telling Rohit (Sharma) when we went out to bat, I was like, one day you feel like you can't get a run and then you come out and then things happen. God is great," the 35-year-old Kohli told host broadcasters Star Sports after bagging the player of the match award.
&nbsp;
"I bow my head in gratitude. I'm just really grateful I was able to get the job done for the team on the day that it mattered the most," he added.
&nbsp;
Rohit, whose searing 41-ball 92-run knock in the Super 8s clash against Australia would be remembered for years to come, chose the post-match press conference for his statement.
&nbsp;
"This was my last game as well. No better time to say goodbye. I wanted this (trophy) badly. It's very hard to put in words," Rohit told the post-match press conference after ending India's over-a-decade long title drought "This what I wanted and it happened. I was very desperate for this in my life. Happy that we crossed the line this time," he added.
&nbsp;
The 37-year-old had led India in the 2022 T20 World Cup where the team was ousted in the semifinals by eventual champions England.
&nbsp;
A year later, India reached the final of the 50-over World Cup at home under his leadership, but succumbed to Australia in the summit clash at Ahmedabad.
&nbsp;
Rohit leaves T20Is with 4,231 runs from 159 matches, having made five hundreds and 32 fifties. He continues to be active in the Test and ODI formats.
&nbsp;
Kohli hoped that the next generation of players will take India to loftier heights.
&nbsp;
"It's time for the next generation to take over. It's a two-year cycle (for next T20 WC), there're some amazing players playing in India. They're going to take the team forward in the T20 format and do wonders as we've seen them do in the IPL.
&nbsp;
"I have no doubts that they'll keep the flag waving high and really take this team further from here now." In 125 T20I matches, Kohli scored 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69 with 122 being his highest. That was his only T20 century - coming against Afghanistan in September 2022.
&nbsp;
Over the years, Kohli revelled in taming big occasions and on his last day as a T20I player for India, he kept that tradition.
&nbsp;
"It was now or never kind of a situation I knew. This is my last T20 game for India. It's the last World Cup that I was going to play. So, I wanted to make the most of it and this was our aim. We wanted to win an ICC tournament." Kohli said the secret to winning the clutch points is respecting them.
&nbsp;
"As I said, it was the occasion that helped me put my head down and just respect the situation rather than trying to force things out there and just really play the game that my team wanted me to play," he noted.
&nbsp;
However, Kohli said he was determined to call time on his T20I career even if India had lost the title clash.
&nbsp;
"This was an open secret. It was not something that I was not going to announce even if we had lost. This was going to be my last T20 World Cup for India," he said.
&nbsp;
Kohli was delighted for his long-time teammate and skipper Rohit Sharma as the latter grabbed a much-cherished World Cup In fact, this was Rohit's second T20 world title as he was also a part of the India side that won the trophy in 2007 under the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
&nbsp;
"It's been a long wait for us to win an ICC tournament. It's not just me alone. You look at someone like Rohit as well. He's played nine T20 World Cups.
&nbsp;
This is my sixth. So, he deserves it as much as anyone else in the squad." However, Kohli admitted that he came into the final without much confidence after a lean run in the group and Super Eight stages.
&nbsp;
"It's hard to explain...the emotions I felt after the game. I knew what kind of mindset I was in. I wasn't very confident in the last few games. I wasn't feeling really good out there.
&nbsp;
"But when God has to bless you with something, he shows you in ways that you can't imagine. That's why I said I'm really grateful and humbled right now."
&nbsp;
As someone who generally presents a tough exterior to the world, Kohli tore that mask away and showed his tender side to the world.
&nbsp;
"It's been difficult and hence the emotions. It's really difficult to hold things back. I think it's going to sink in a little later and the emotions are going to come to the surface little later. But it's just an amazing day and I couldn't be more thankful," he concluded.&nbsp;

T20 World Cup heroes Rohit, Virat will retire

On the last weekend of the general election campaign, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, made a significant visit to London's iconic BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, popularly known as Neasden Temple.
&nbsp;
As their convoy arrived at the grand temple grounds on Saturday evening, the couple was greeted with loud cheers from an enthusiastic crowd. They proceeded to perform a traditional puja, guided by the temple's priests.
&nbsp;
Following the religious ceremony, they toured the expansive temple complex and interacted with volunteers and community leaders.
&nbsp;
Prime Minister Sunak, a known cricket enthusiast, began his address to the congregation with a mention of India's recent triumph in the T20 World Cup.
&nbsp;
He then spoke about the personal and professional inspiration he derives from his Hindu faith.
&nbsp;
"I am Hindu and like all of you, I draw inspiration and comfort from my faith," Sunak remarked. "I was proud to be sworn in as a member of parliament on the 'Bhagavad Gita'. Our faith teaches us to do our duty and not fret about the outcome as long as one does it faithfully."
&nbsp;
Reflecting on his upbringing, he added, "That is what I was brought up to believe by my wonderful and loving parents and that is how I live my life; and that is what I want to pass on to my daughters as they grow up. It is dharma which guides me in my approach to public service."

Sunak visits Neasden temple as election nears end

From Jammu to Hyderabad, Patna to Pune Saturday night was truly party time for cricket-mad India as its team won the T20 World Cup, with fans flooding the streets carrying the tricolour in their hands.
&nbsp;
Chants of 'India, India' reverberated in the air as crowds gathered at city centres in different parts of the country to cheer for the ''Men in blue".
People hugged and cheered as the country&rsquo;s 13-year wait for a world title ended.
&nbsp;
Taking to X soon after India defeated South Africa in a nail-biter in Barbados, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the cricketers have won the hearts of crores of Indians.
&nbsp;
"CHAMPIONS! Our team brings the T20 World Cup home in STYLE! We are proud of the Indian Cricket Team," he said on X, calling the match historic.
&nbsp;
As soon as the match ended in Barbados at around 11.30 PM IST, joyous fans flooded the streets and burst firecrackers as the cricket-loving nation revelled in the glory, with celebrations continuing for hours after midnight.
&nbsp;
In Delhi, a large number of people gathered at India Gate to celebrate the occasion.
&nbsp;
At Mumbai airport, fans were seen dancing to the beats of drums, and out on roads, many revellers climbed atop vehicles.
&nbsp;
Streets in Kolkata were lit with firecrackers and shouts and whistles of irrepressible fans. In Bengaluru, many fans wearing Team India's attire were seen dancing in pubs and outside eateries.
&nbsp;
Social media was flooded with congratulatory messages and images of celebratory scenes as the star-studded Indian team outwitted South Africa by seven runs in a see-saw final that went down to the wire.
&nbsp;
"We are very ecstatic. I was a child when we last won. My throat is sore from shouting but we will celebrate for two days," a cricket fan told PTI.
In Jammu, young and old celebrated with fireworks and chants of ''Bharat Mata ki Jai". "The whole country is celebrating. It is like a Diwali for us," said a reveller.
&nbsp;
Euphoric scenes were witnessed outside the state secretariat in Hyderabad as fireworks dazzled the sky. People climbed on top trucks, cars, and other vehicles which honked cheerily.
&nbsp;
Many praised the contribution of all players of Team India and coach Rahul Dravid.
&nbsp;
In an emotional message on X, one of cricket's greatest icons Sachin Tendulkar said, "Every star added to the Team India jersey inspires our nation's starry-eyed children to move one step closer to their dreams. India gets the 4th star, our second in @T20WorldCup.
&nbsp;
"Life comes full circle for Indian cricket in the West Indies. From our lows in the 2007 ODI World Cup to becoming a cricketing powerhouse and winning the T20WC in 2024.
&nbsp;
"Very happy for my friend Rahul Dravid, who missed out on the 2011 World Cup win but his contribution to this T20 World Cup victory has been immense. I am so so happy for him....
&nbsp;
"It was wonderful to see Team India excel under the guidance of this class of '96. A total team effort. Hearty congratulations to all the players, coaches, support staff, and @BCCI," he said.
&nbsp;

We won! It’s party time for cricket-mad India

Vats Ambardar

India's agonising 11-year wait for a global title was brought to an end by Virat Kohli's ingenuity and Rohit Sharma's inspirational captaincy as the star-studded team outwitted eternal bridesmaids South Africa by seven runs in a see-saw final to lift its second T20 World Cup trophy here on Saturday.
&nbsp;
Kohli, who was part of the 2011 ODI World Cup triumph, announced his retirement from the format immediately after the end of the match. He wore a detached look on his face after the win but broke down eventually. 
"It's time for the next generation to take over. It was an open secret and I would have announced it even if we lost," Kohli said.
&nbsp;
Hardik Pandya, booed through the IPL after being handed Mumbai Indians captaincy, broke down after having endured a tough six months. The enduring image would certainly be the kiss planted on his cheeks by the man people rooted for -- Rohit Sharma.
&nbsp;
Captain Sharma, his eyes glistening, was on his haunches as he was emotionally exhausted. His wife Ritika, watched from the stands, also in tears. To be fair, there wasn't a single soul in the stadium who didn't feel choked by emotions. <img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/rohinaijpg_1719689651967.jpg" width="1500" height="800">
&nbsp;
When Heinrich Klaasen (52 off 27 balls) was going hammer and tongs against the in-form Indian spinners, it seemed Rohit Sharma and his men will have to settle for second place in another World Cup final but they clawed their way back into the game with a lot of help from South Africa.
&nbsp;
Eventually, Hardik Pandya, much maligned by his own supporters for past six months, was able to defend 16 runs in the final over to ensure India&rsquo;s first ICC trophy since 2013 and a maiden T20 World Cup crown in the post-IPL era. In response to India&rsquo;s 176 for seven, South Africa ended at 169 for eight.
&nbsp;
The sense of relief and jubilation was evident on the stars of Indian team, Kohli and Rohit, who might not stay on for another T20 World Cup cycle. The result was also a fitting farewell to head coach Rahul Dravid. It was the joint effort of Kohli (76 off 59)and Axar Patel (47 off 31) that allowed India to set the highest total in a T20 World Cup final. <img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/rokonaijpg_1719689670460.jpg" width="1500" height="800">
&nbsp;
In the high-pressure run chase, India pacers provided two early wickets before a 58-run stand between opener Quinton de Kock (39 off 31) and Tristian Stubbs (52 off 27) put the Proteas back in the game. However, it was Klaasen&rsquo;s breath taking knock that almost stunned India.. Needing a wicket, Rohit
Sharma did not turn to his lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah and went for Axar Patel in the 15th over in which Klaasen pounded couple of sixes and as many fours to singled-handedly take the game away from the opposition.
&nbsp;
The asking rate suddenly dropped to run a ball and it became South Africa&rsquo;s game to lose. Not known to keep their calm in pressure situations, South Africa made life tougher for themselves and needed 20 runs off the last 12 balls with David Miller and Keshav Maharaj in the centre. <img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/boomnaijpg_1719689730283.jpg" width="1500" height="800"> Bumrah, who had bowled a beauty to dislodge Reeza Hendricks in the powerplay, made an impact when he was eventually brought back for this remaining two overs, picking up a wicket and conceding only six runs off his final 12 balls.
&nbsp;
The equation came down 16 off the last six balls and on the first ball, Suryakumar Yadav took a sensational relay catch at the long-off boundary off Hardik to put India on the cusp of a thrilling victory. <img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/skynaijpg_1719689685606.jpg" width="1500" height="800">
&nbsp;
Earlier, India did well to post the highest total in a T20 World Cup final after being 34 for three. Axar was run out in an unfortunate manner, completely against the run of play, which brought about an end to his 72-run partnership off 54 balls with Kohli. Kohli did slow down considerably in the middle overs to bring up his first 50 off the tournament with 48 balls.
&nbsp;
Rohit Sharma (9) had no hesitation in batting first at Kensington Oval where the pitch has not been the easiest to bat on through the competition. The Indian captain, coming from two back to back match winning efforts, departed early after collecting couple of consecutive fours off Keshav Maharaj in the second over of the game.
&nbsp;
Maharaj responded well by catching Rohit at square leg as the batter went for a sweep. Rohit and incoming batter Rishabh Pant both fell to the sweep shot.
&nbsp;
The tension in the Indian camp increased when Suryakumar, who has also been in good touch like Rohit, was caught at fine-leg after not getting enough from his pick up shot off Rabada, leaving India with three down inside the powerplay. At 45 for three in six overs, it was the slowest powerplay for India in the Caribbean leg.
&nbsp;
Watching wickets tumble at the other end, Kohli, who hit three elegant boundaries off Marco Jansen in opening over of the final, shifted gears during the middle overs and let Axar come up with an odd boundary.
&nbsp;
Such was the nature of Kohli&rsquo;s knock that his first big hit after the powerplay, a straight six off Rabada, came in the 18th over Axar, on the other hand, potentially played the innings of his T20 career and negotiated the South African spinners effectively, collecting a six each from Aiden Markram, Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi.
&nbsp;
However, the highlight of his special knock was the straight six through the line off Rabada.
&nbsp;
Shivam Dube (27 off 16), who came into the middle before the start of death overs, delivered a few timely blows to prop up the total.
&nbsp;
Kohli also dropped anchor to smash a couple of sixes in the last five overs from which India collected 58 runs with the loss of three wickets.&nbsp;

India are T20 World Cup champions

Amarpreet Kaur

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday said the Congress is confused and lacks an agenda for the people, and asserted that the BJP will form the government in Haryana for the third consecutive term.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The BJP will fight the Haryana assembly polls due in October solo, Pradhan told media persons after the first session of its state unit's extended state executive meeting in Panchkula.
&nbsp;
The meeting convened to discuss strategy for the upcoming assembly election in the state began in Panchkula on Saturday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the meeting in the second session.
&nbsp;
Speaking to reporters, Pradhan said during the two previous assembly polls in the state, people reposed their faith in the BJP.
&nbsp;
"We believe that the BJP will form the government for the third time in Haryana after the assembly election," he said.
&nbsp;
Haryana provides impetus to the country's economic growth, Pradhan said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned a developed India by 2047 and Haryana is going to play a big role in it.
&nbsp;
On the upcoming assembly polls, he said it is going to be a "Satta vapsi chunav" (returning to power) and people would compare the governments from 2005 to 2014 and those from 2014 to 2024.
&nbsp;
The Congress was in power in Haryana from 2005 to 2014.
&nbsp;
Referring to the BJP state executive meeting, Pradhan said a political resolution has been passed and gratitude expressed to the people of Haryana for giving a third term to Modi.
&nbsp;
"And an appeal has been made to people to once again give the BJP the mandate in Haryana," he said.
&nbsp;
Taking on his party's political rivals, mainly the Congress, Pradhan said they do not have any political agenda. These are groups of people who "spread lies" and "create doubts", the BJP leader added.
&nbsp;
Attacking the Congress, he said, "From their attitude in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha over the last two days, we feel the Congress party has made up its mind to become a political outfit which creates obstruction rather than becoming a constructive opposition."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Referring to the election of the Lok Sabha speaker, Pradhan said since the NDA has a majority, it was but that the speaker will be from the ruling coalition. "But in this too, they (Congress) created a contest. I think this issue is not a small thing," he added.
&nbsp;
Due to its dejection and frustration, the Congress is "in confusion and dilemma", the Union minister alleged.
&nbsp;
Pradhan exuded confidence that the BJP will form the government in Haryana once again on the back of its welfare policies and programmes of the Centre.
&nbsp;
On whether the BJP would ally in the assembly polls, Pradhan said his party was going to fight on its strength.
&nbsp;
The BJP will fight all the 90 assembly seats on its own and form the government for the third time in Haryana with a majority, he added.

Haryana Cong confused, has no agenda: Pradhan

BJP does not need crutches to contest Haryana assembly polls, says Union Minister Amit Shah, who today, addressed party leaders and workers during a meeting of the party's extended state executive at Panchkula. With this, Shah announced that the BJP is going solo for state assembly polls, fighting under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, the BJP will form the government in Haryana for the third time with a full majority, Shah told the workers.
&nbsp;
The Haryana BJP posted on X that the home minister expressed gratitude to party workers and said the people of Haryana have made an important contribution in making Modi prime minister for a third time.
&nbsp;
The media was not allowed to cover the proceedings of the meeting.
 In March this year, the BJP replaced Manohar Lal Khattar with Nayab Singh Saini, an OBC leader, as the chief minister of Haryana.&nbsp;BJP leader Kiran Choudhary said that during his address, Shah infused fresh zeal and enthusiasm in party workers.
&nbsp;
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who is also the BJP's election in-charge for Haryana, Chief Minister Saini, party's co-incharge Biplab Kumar Deb, and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar were present during the second session of the meeting which took place in the multipurpose hall of the Tau Devi Lal stadium in Panchkula.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
पंचकूला में <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Haryana?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Haryana</a> की विस्तारित प्रदेश कार्यकारिणी बैठक को अपनी ओजस्वी वाणी से माननीय गृह एवं सहकारिता मंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> जी ने संबोधित किया और आगामी विधानसभा चुनावों में विजय की मजबूत आधारशिला रखी। गृहमंत्री जी ने हरियाणा के कार्यकर्ताओं का आभार व्यक्त करते हुए कहा कि&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/k1N0DR3DUs">pic.twitter.com/k1N0DR3DUs</a>
&mdash; Nayab Saini (@NayabSainiBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/NayabSainiBJP/status/1807015992192872787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
Also among the attendees were Rajya Sabha member Subhash Barala, Lok Sabha MPs Naveen Jindal and Dharambir Singh, Haryana Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta, and former MP Kuldeep Bishnoi.
&nbsp;
Senior leaders OP Dhankar, Ram Bilas Sharma, ministers Mool Chand Sharma, JP Dalal, Kanwar Pal, Aseem Goel, MLAs, and former ministers including Anil Vij and other leaders were also present.
&nbsp;
Senior state-level BJP leaders, office-bearers, and around 4,500 party workers from all 90 assembly constituencies attended the meeting.
 After the meeting, Shah also met state unit office-bearers.
&nbsp;
The party organised an exhibition at the venue, highlighting the state government's initiatives and schemes, including abolishing minimum monthly charges for domestic electricity consumers and providing minimum support prices on 14 crops.&nbsp;

Shah addresses Haryana BJP ahead of polls

Heavy rains are predicted for the next four to five days for Northwest and Northeast India by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday.&nbsp;
 A low-pressure area is currently situated over the northwest Bay of Bengal, adjoining the north Odisha-Gangetic West Bengal coasts, the weather office said.
 Cyclonic circulations have formed over northeast Rajasthan, east Uttar Pradesh bordering Bihar, and northwest Uttar Pradesh at lower tropospheric levels, it added.
 An east-west trough extends from northwest Uttar Pradesh to the low-pressure area.
 Due to these weather systems, isolated heavy rainfall is expected in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan from June 29 to July 3, the IMD said.
 Chhattisgarh, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha will likely receive heavy rainfall on June 29-30, and Bihar from June 30 to July 2.
 The IMD has also predicted very heavy rainfall in isolated areas in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, east Rajasthan, and west Madhya Pradesh during this period.
 In the northeast, a cyclonic circulation over northeast Assam will bring light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall to Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura over the next five days.
 Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is expected in Arunachal Pradesh on June 29-30 and in Assam and Meghalaya on June 29.
 The Met office also predicted isolated heavy rainfall for Saurashtra, Kutch, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and coastal and south interior Karnataka from June 29 to July 1.
 Gujarat, Goa, and central Maharashtra are expected to receive heavy rainfall from June 29 to July 3, with isolated very heavy rainfall in Konkan, Goa, and central Maharashtra from June 30 to July 3.
 The IMD also said that the southwest monsoon has further advanced into the remaining parts of east Uttar Pradesh and some areas of west Uttar Pradesh on Saturday.
 Conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance into more parts of west Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, and the remaining areas of west Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu over the next two to three days, it added.

Heavy rain warning for North India

The Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi has sent Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody until July 12 in connection with the excise policy case. This decision was made on Saturday by Vacation Judge Sunena Sharma.
&nbsp;
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought judicial custody, represented by Advocate DP Singh, who argued that Kejriwal had not cooperated with the investigation and provided evasive answers during police custody.
&nbsp;
The CBI alleges that Kejriwal did not give satisfactory explanations regarding several key points, including the increase of the profit margin for wholesalers from 5% to 12% under the new Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 without any study or justification.
&nbsp;
This policy revision was approved hastily by the Cabinet during the peak of the second wave of COVID-19. Additionally, Kejriwal was accused of being involved in the illegal transfer and use of Rs. 44.54 crores in the Goa Assembly Elections.
&nbsp;
During the court proceedings, the CBI claimed that Kejriwal evaded questions about his associate Vijay Nair&rsquo;s meetings with stakeholders in the liquor business and the alleged demand for illegal gratification for favourable provisions in the new excise policy. The CBI also argued that due to Kejriwal&rsquo;s prominent position, there is a risk that he could influence witnesses and tamper with evidence.
&nbsp;
Kejriwal&rsquo;s lawyer, Senior Advocate Vikram Chaudhari, opposed the remand application, arguing that the CBI had already filed four chargesheets and that the arrest was unnecessary.
&nbsp;
He suggested that the CBI's demand for custody was based on the expectation of a confession, which Kejriwal had not provided. Chaudhari also questioned the timing of the arrest, implying that it was strategically delayed until after Kejriwal&rsquo;s bail order was pronounced.
&nbsp;
During the earlier court session, Kejriwal addressed the court, asserting that the CBI's claims of him implicating Manish Sisodia were false and intended to damage their reputations in the media. He insisted that both he and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were innocent.
&nbsp;
The court had previously allowed the CBI to interrogate Kejriwal in the courtroom before his formal arrest. The Delhi High Court recently stayed Kejriwal&rsquo;s bail order from the trial court, emphasising the need for the trial court to record its satisfaction with the conditions of the Prevention of the Money Laundering Act (PMLA) before granting bail.
&nbsp;
This case continues to unfold as the investigation progresses, with Kejriwal&rsquo;s judicial custody and the CBI&rsquo;s allegations keeping the situation in the spotlight. The next court hearing is scheduled for July 12, when further developments are expected.

CM Kejriwal sent to judicial custody till July 12

The Shiromani Akali Dal is faced with an unenviable and unique situation where it has to campaign against its own official party symbols, the &lsquo;Scales&rsquo;. This virtually amounts to surrendering the official party symbol, which may have long-term ramifications for the party.
&nbsp;
The pair of Scales is the official symbol of the Shiromani Akali Dal. These are supposed to be the &ldquo;scales of justice&rdquo;. There is a sentimental attachment of people to this symbol.
&nbsp;
In Jalandhar West, which is going for by-election on July 10 next, the Shiromani Akali Dal headed by Sukhbir Singh Badal has decided not to support its official candidate Surjeet Kaur.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Ms Kaur was reportedly recommended from the constituency by a group of leaders, who later rebelled against the leadership of Sukhbir Badal and held a meeting in Jalandhar asking him (Sukhbir) to step down.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Since the period for filing the nomination papers was over, the party could not field another candidate. Eventually, the party decided to support the Bahujan Samaj Party candidate from here, which means it will be opposing its official symbol of &ldquo;scales&rdquo; that is with Ms Kaur.
&nbsp;
It will probably be for the first time in electoral history that a political party will be campaigning against its official symbol. This was obviously because the events in the Shiromani Akali Dal took a rapid turn.
&nbsp;
Ms Kaur, however, has appealed to the party leadership not to oppose her asking what was her fault. However, the rebel leaders have seized the occasion as they have ended up with the &ldquo;official&rdquo; party symbol, at least for the Jalandhar West by-election.
&nbsp;
This may not seem to be a very significant development, but it certainly is reflective of the serious crisis being faced by the Shiromani Akali Dal. The issue of symbol may remain just symbolic only, but it is something that the party leadership would not like to confront.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Situations like these are likely to emerge in future in different ways for the Akali leadership. While most of the senior and prominent leaders have sided with Sukhbir Badal, the fact is that there has been an open and extended rebellion against him, which has the potential to expand further.
&nbsp;
While he has himself remained quiet, his wife and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal and former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Managing Committee president, Paramjit Singh Sarna have accused the BJP of instigating the rebellion in the Akali Dal.
&nbsp;
This might be a tactful way of winning the sympathy and support of the Jat Sikh community, which has mostly been traditionally the Akali supporters but has been feeling alienated from the party of late.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Since the Jat Sikh community is mostly against the BJP, for some unexplained reasons, the Akali Dal by blaming it (the BJP) might be hoping to get back that support riding on the anti-BJP sentiment prevailing in the community.
&nbsp;
However, much to the disappointment of the Akali leadership, the rebel leaders have decided to seek the support of radical leaders like Amritpal. That would also negate the Akali allegation that the rebels are doing it at the behest of the BJP. Had they been doing it at the BJP&rsquo;s instance, they would not go along with the radicals.
&nbsp;
The radicals are themselves capitalising mainly on the anti-Badal sentiment. With rebel Akalis trying to make common cause with them, they will pose a further and much stronger challenge to the Akali Dal led by Sukhbir.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
As one rebel leader remarked, Sukhbir Badal has this time voluntarily given up the official symbol of the party by opposing it in Jalandhar West. He has initiated the process himself, as the rebels will try to lay claim to the official party symbol, the pair of &ldquo;scales&rdquo;.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Akali Dal campaigning against its own symbol

Orange alert was issued in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday after rain lashed parts of the state. A heavy downpour and thunderstorms in Himachal are expected from June 30 to July 2, the meteorological centre here said.
&nbsp;
Dharampur received 62.4 mm of rain followed by 52.4 mm in Dharamshala, Kasauli 39 mm, Jubbarhatti 33.6 mm, Baijnath 20 mm, Tissa 17 mm, Sainj 13 mm, Shimla 11.2 mm, Solan 10.2 mm and Chopal 10 mm, the MeT centre said.
&nbsp;
Three roads in Kangra, Kullu, and Kinnaur districts were closed for traffic and 76 transformers have been disrupted in the state, according to the data provided by the state emergency operation centre.
&nbsp;
The MeT centre has also cautioned against damage to the plantation, horticulture, and standing crops and damage to vulnerable structures, kutcha houses, and huts due to strong winds and rain.&nbsp;

Shimla

Orange alert in Himachal amid heavy rain forecast

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday expressed sadness over the death of soldiers in a flash flood in Ladakh and said the entire country is with their families.
&nbsp;
Five Army personnel, including a junior commissioned officer, drowned when their T-72 tank sank due to flash floods in the Shyok River near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Nyoma-Chushul area in Ladakh during an exercise early Saturday.
&nbsp;
"I am saddened by the news of the accident during the military exercise in Ladakh. I express my condolences to the families of the brave soldiers who lost their lives in this accident. The whole country is with the families of the brave soldiers," Shah wrote on 'X' in Hindi.
&nbsp;
The incident occurred near Mandir Morh, 148 km from Leh, around 1 am, the officials said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

HM condoles death of 5 soldiers in Ladakh flood

<div class="theconversation-article-body">
Many of us wish we could get a better night&rsquo;s sleep. Wouldn&rsquo;t it be great if it was as easy as a mocktail before bed?
&nbsp;
That&rsquo;s what the latest viral trend might have us believe. The &ldquo;Sleepy Girl Mocktail&rdquo; is a mix of tart cherry juice, powdered magnesium supplement and soda water. TikTok videos featuring the concoction have garnered hundreds of thousands of views. But, what does the science say? Do these ingredients actually help us sleep?
&nbsp;
Tart cherry juice
&nbsp;
There is research to show including tart cherry juice in your diet improves overall sleep. Clinical trials show tart cherry juice increases sleep quality and quantity, as well as a lessening insomnia symptoms (compared to a placebo). This could be due to the presence of melatonin, a sleep-promoting hormone, in cherries.
&nbsp;
Tart cherry varieties such as Jerte Valley or Montmorency have the highest concentration of melatonin (approximately 1.35 micrograms of melatonin per 100g of cherry juice). Over the counter melatonin supplements can range from 0.5 milligram to over 100 milligrams, with research suggesting those beginning to take melatonin start with a dose of 0.5&ndash;2 milligrams to see an improvement in sleep.
&nbsp;
Melatonin naturally occurs in our bodies. Our body clock promotes the release of melatonin in the evening to help us sleep, specifically in the two hours before our natural bedtime.
&nbsp;
If we want to increase our melatonin intake with external sources, such as cherries, then we should be timing our intake with our natural increase in melatonin. Supplementing melatonin too close to bed will mean we may not get the sleep-promoting benefits in time to get off to sleep easily.
&nbsp;
Taking melatonin too late may even harm our long-term sleep health by sending a message to our body clock to delay the release of melatonin until later in the evening.
&nbsp;
Magnesium - but how much
&nbsp;
Magnesium also works to promote melatonin, and magnesium supplements have been shown to improve sleep outcomes.
&nbsp;
However, results vary depending on the amount of magnesium people take. And we don&rsquo;t yet have the answers on the best dose of magnesium for sleep benefits.
&nbsp;
We do know magnesium plays a vital role in energy production and bone development, making it an important daily nutrient for our diets. Foods rich in magnesium include wheat cereal or bread, almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, spinach, artichokes, green beans, soy milk and dark chocolate.
&nbsp;
Bubby water
&nbsp;
Soda water serves as the base of the drink, rather than a pathway to better sleep. And bubbly water may make the mix more palatable. It is important to keep in mind that drinking fluids close to bedtime can be disruptive to our sleep as it might lead to waking during the night to urinate.
&nbsp;
Healthy sleep recommendations include avoiding water intake in the two hours before bed. Having carbonated beverages too close to bed can also trigger digestive symptoms such as bloating, gassiness and reflux during the night.
&nbsp;
Bottoms up
&nbsp;
Overall, there is evidence to support trying out the Sleepy Girl Mocktail to see if it improves sleep, however, there are some key things to remember:
<ul>
<li>
timing: to get the benefits of this drink, avoid having it too close to bed. Aim to have it two hours before your usual bedtime and avoid fluids after this time
</li>
<li>
consistency: no drink is going to be an immediate cure for poor sleep. However, this recipe could help promote sleep if used strategically (at the right time) and consistently as part of a balanced diet. It may also introduce a calming evening routine that helps your brain relax and signals it&rsquo;s time for bed
</li>
<li>
maximum magnesium: be mindful of the amount of magnesium you are consuming. While there are many health benefits to magnesium, the recommended daily maximum amounts are 420mg for adult males and 320mg for adult females. Exceeding the maximum can lead to low blood pressure, respiratory distress, stomach problems, muscle weakness and mood problems
</li>
<li>
sugar: in some of the TikTok recipes sugar (as flavoured sodas, syrups or lollies) is added to the drink. While this may help hide the taste of the tart cherry juice, the consumption of sugar too close to bed may make it more difficult to get to sleep. And sugar in the evening raises blood sugar levels at a time when our body is not primed to be processing sugar. Long term, this can increase our risk of diabetes
</li>
<li>
sleep environment: follow good sleep hygiene practices including keeping a consistent bedtime and wake time, a wind-down routine before bed, avoiding electronic device use like phones or laptops in bed, and avoiding bright light in the evening. Bright light works to suppress our melatonin levels in the evening and make us more alert.
</li>
</ul>
What about other drinks?
&nbsp;
Other common evening beverages include herbal tisanes or teas, hot chocolate, or warm milk.
&nbsp;
Milk can be especially beneficial for sleep, as it contains the amino acid tryptophan, which can promote melatonin production. Again, it is important to also consider the timing of these drinks and to avoid any caffeine in tea and too much chocolate too close to bedtime, as this can make us more alert rather than sleepy.
&nbsp;
Getting enough sleep is crucial to our health and well-being. If you have tried multiple strategies to improve your sleep and things are not getting better, it may be time to seek professional advice, such as from a GP.
&nbsp;
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/turns-out-the-viral-sleepy-girl-mocktail-is-backed-by-science-should-you-try-it-222151">original article</a>.
</div>

What is the viral ‘Sleepy Girl Mocktail’?

The prestigious Polavaram multipurpose project considered the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh, is at the centre of a political war of words, with the Telugu Desam Party (TD) and YSR Congress blaming each other for the inordinate delay in completing the project.
&nbsp;
The central government accorded national project status to Polavaram in tune with the assurances given at the time of the bifurcation of the combined AP ten years ago.
&nbsp;
However, the mega project, being built across river Godavari to provide irrigation facility to over seven lakh acres of farmland in coastal Andhra besides producing 960 MW power, has been bogged by delays and political obstacles.
&nbsp;
Releasing a white paper on the project at a press conference in Vijayawada on Saturday, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, whose TDP stormed to power in the recent elections, alleged that the project was pushed into deep uncertainty because of the omissions and commissions of the previous YSRCP government.
&nbsp;
"Due to inefficient planning and unnecessary changes in the executing agency, the project was rescheduled to be completed by June 2021. Later, the completion schedule was extended to June 2022 and then again to June 2023, putting the project under deep uncertainty,&rdquo; Naidu said.
&nbsp;
The Chief Minister also alleged that the previous regime had diverted more than Rs 3,385.58 crore released by the Centre towards the completion of works on Polavaram.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;The damage from the previous government's omissions and commissions stands at around Rs 4,900 crore. The first three units of the Polavaram Hydroelectric Project were scheduled to be completed by November 2021. The other six units were to be commissioned within six months thereafter. Non-commissioning of these units has resulted in the non-availability of cheap power to the state and has hence resulted in a loss of more than Rs 3000 crore up to May 2024. This loss will continue to increase as the project's completion is further delayed,&rdquo; the white paper said.
&nbsp;
He observed that had the executing agency not been changed and had the project planning been proper, the project would have been completed in time to release water for the Kharif crop in 2020.
&nbsp;
Giving comparative expenditure figures, Naidu said an amount of Rs 11,762.47 crore was spent on the project between April 1, 2014 and May 31, 2019, when the TDP was in power. In contrast, between June 1, 2019, and May 31, 2024, the Jagan Mohan Reddy government had spent only Rs 4,996.53 crore, though the Central government had released an amount of Rs 8,382.11 crore to the state for completion of Polavaram project works.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Thus, an amount of Rs 3,385.58 crore was diverted by the previous government for other schemes, instead of spending the same on the Polavaram project,&rdquo; Naidu alleged.
&nbsp;
He said the diversion of funds had badly affected the progress of the works of the project, including land acquisition and rehabilitation and resettlement (R&amp;R) of the project evacuees.
&nbsp;
Payment of bills amounting to Rs 2,697 crore was still pending as of May 31, 2024. &ldquo;All the executing agencies of the project have practically stopped work due to non-payment of their pending bills,&rdquo; he said.
&nbsp;
The chief minister said during the five-year regime of the YSRCP, the project works had come to a virtual standstill. Only 3.84% of civil works were executed, while no work was carried out on the right and left main canals and distributary network.
&nbsp;
Giving a detailed explanation in the white paper on what went wrong with the Polavaram project in the last five years, Naidu said the decision of the Jagan government to pre-close the agreement signed with the original contractor and allotting the works to a new contractor in the name of reverse tendering led to the whole chaos.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Within a day of taking over as the chief minister, Jagan directed stoppage of works of the Polavaram project by the executing agencies &mdash; Navayuga Engineering Company Ltd and Bekem Infra Projects Private Ltd &mdash; in June 2019 and ordered termination of their contracts,&rdquo; he said.
&nbsp;
The chief minister pointed out that the Polavaram Project Authority (PPA) which was specially constituted by the Government of India to execute the project, had observed at its meeting on August 13, 2019, that there was no ground nor was there any necessity for pre-closure of the contracts and re-tendering of works, in view of satisfactory progress of works by the existing contractors.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;It also warned of additional financial liability on the state government and said the Centre cannot be made accountable for the cost overrun,&rdquo; Naidu said.

Vijayawada

Political war of words over AP’s Polavaram project

parvesh_kapoor

Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa missed out on becoming a joint leader at the the Superbet Classic chess tournament after settling for a draw against compatriot D Gukesh in the third round at Bucharest, Romania.
&nbsp;
After losing to Gukesh in the last Candidates tournament in April earlier this year, Praggnanandhaa had a great opportunity to equalise the score this year but could not find a winning continuation after Gukesh spoiled a drawn endgame.
&nbsp;
The Catalan opening saw Gukesh sacrificing a pawn early and Praggnanandhaa had his share of counterplay on the Queen side. As things unfolded, Gukesh recovered the pawn with an optical advantage with his Knight against a slightly bad Bishop of Praggnanandhaa.
&nbsp;
With the intricacies of the middle game over, Gukesh decided to part with a pawn and reached a Queen and rook endgame that should have been an easy draw but a blunder on his 53rd move saw a forced liquidation leading to a King and pawns endgame.
&nbsp;
On another day, Praggnanandhaa may have found the winning continuation to become a joint leader but luck smiled on Gukesh and the game was drawn a few moves later.
&nbsp;
For the first time in three days, all the five games in the ten-player double round-robin tournament ended in draws. The other player coming close to a win was Maxime Vachier-Lagrave who almost pulled it off against his French teammate Alireza Firouzja.
&nbsp;
It was a Berlin defense game wherein Firouzja won the opening battle for the third day running getting a balanced position easily as black.
&nbsp;
However, a late error in the queen-less middle game, saw Vachier-Lagrave seize the initiative and it should have been a win that slipped out of hands for the older Frenchman.
&nbsp;
With all games ending in draws, the lead positions remained unchanged and Gukesh continued to be at the top of the tables along with Fabiano Caruana of United States who drew a keenly contested game against Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan.
&nbsp;
With both leaders on two points, Vachier-Lagrave, Praggnaandhaa, Alireza, Wesley So, Giri and Nepomniachtchi share the third spot on 1.5 points apiece.
&nbsp;
Another half point behind is Abdusattorov and Bogdan Daniel with six rounds still remaining in the USD 350000 prize money tournament.
&nbsp;
Dutchman Anish Giri played out an easy draw on his 30th birthday against Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi with both players giving nothing away and this was also the first game to end in the day.
&nbsp;
Deac Bogdan-Daniel of Romania played out his second draw in the tournament holding off a slightly worse endgame for more than a couple hours against Wesley So of United States.
&nbsp;
Results round 3: D Gukesh (Ind, 2) drew with R Praggnanandhaa (Ind, 1.5); Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Fra, 1.5 drew with Firouza Alireza (Fra, 1.5); Anish Giri (Ned, 1.5) drew with Ian Nepomniachtchi (FID, 1.5); Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzb, 1) drew with Fabiano Caruana (Usa, 2); Wesley So (Usa, 1.5) drew with Deac Bogdan-Daniel (Rom, 1).

Bucharest

Praggnanandhaa let's Gukesh off the hook on a day of draws

Deepan

Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud cautioned against the perception of courts as temples of justice and judges as deities during his address at the East Zone-II Regional Conference of the National Judicial Academy in Kolkata on Saturday.
&nbsp;
He pointed out the importance of judges viewing themselves as servants of the people, rather than exalted figures.
&nbsp;
"Too very often, we are addressed as Honour or as Lordship or as Ladyship. There is a very grave danger when people say that the court is a temple of justice. It is a grave danger that we perceive ourselves as the deities in those temples," observed CJI Chandrachud. He stressed that this mindset is perilous and must be avoided. 
The CJI proposed a shift in perspective, advocating for judges to be seen as individuals who serve the public. "I would rather recast the role of the judge as a server of the people.&nbsp;And when you regard yourselves as people who are there to serve others, then you bring in the notion of compassion, of empathy, of judging but not being judgmental about others," he added. 
CJI Chandrachud further cited the need for compassion in judicial proceedings, especially when sentencing in criminal cases.
 "Even while sentencing anyone in a criminal case, judges do so with a sense of compassion, as in the end, it is a human being who is sentenced," he said. 
Highlighting the importance of constitutional morality, the CJI stressed the values of diversity, inclusion, and tolerance. "These concepts of Constitutional morality&hellip; are the key, not just for the judges of the Supreme Court or the High Court but also for the district judiciary itself because the engagement of the common citizens begins first and foremost with the district judiciary," he stated.

Court not a temple, judges not gods: Chandrachud

The Union government has approved a 40 per cent hardship and risk allowance for NDRF rescuers, keeping in mind the tough operations undertaken by them, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Saturday.
&nbsp;
He said this while welcoming a 35-member expedition team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) that recently scaled the 21,625-foot-high Mt Manirang in Himachal Pradesh.
&nbsp;
"The government has approved a 40 per cent risk and hardship allowance for NDRF personnel only yesterday. This has been a long pending demand... All the 16,000 personnel of the force will benefit from this," Shah said after welcoming the expedition named 'Vijay'.
&nbsp;
Officials said this allowance would be granted over and above salaries. Special forces like the National Security Guard (NSG) and the Special Protection Group (SPG) get a 25 per cent hardship allowance owing to the special charter of their duties.
&nbsp;
This is the second mountaineering expedition undertaken by the federal contingency force. The team was flagged off on June 1 from here. Mt Manirang is located along the border of Kinnaur and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh.
&nbsp;
Shah said the government has also decided to make sports a "culture" for the various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and special organisations like the NDRF. It has been decided that at least one team from these forces will mandatorily participate in international and national tournaments, he added.
&nbsp;
"A committee under the chairmanship of the director of the Intelligence Bureau has been constituted and a roadmap has been prepared. We will soon present a new model," the minister said.
&nbsp;
Shah also underlined that forces like the NDRF should ensure that the policy of "zero casualty" during disasters is followed and no lives are lost during calamities.
&nbsp;
"We have come a long way... the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working on the concept of zero casualties during disasters for the last 10 years," he said.
&nbsp;
Shah said his government has allocated higher funds for capacity building and training of the NDRF and state disaster response forces by allocating Rs 2 lakh crore during 2014-24 as compared to Rs 66,000 crore during 2004-14.
&nbsp;
He complimented the NDRF team for the successful expedition, saying such exercises will boost the force's capabilities and morale and it will be able to do better during disasters and accident operations.
&nbsp;
Shah cautioned the rescuers that they should not rest on their laurels but keep improving.
&nbsp;
The NDRF was raised in 2006 as a federal contingency and disaster response force and at present, has a strength of more than 18,000 men and women rescuers deployed across the country as part of 16 battalions and 28 RRCs.
&nbsp;
It undertakes operations to mitigate and combat man-made and natural disasters like earthquakes, floods and train accidents among others.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

40 pc risk allowance for NDRF rescuers: HM Shah

The Andaman and Nicobar Police have effectively disposed of seized drugs valued at ₹475 crore, as per an official statement released on Saturday.
&nbsp;
This large-scale drug disposal event was initiated on June 26, coinciding with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, and continued for several days under the oversight of the Drug Disposal Committee.
&nbsp;
The committee was chaired by Varsha Sharma, DIG (Law and Order), with SP CID Rajeev Ranjan as a committee member.
&nbsp;
The disposal process involved the destruction of a substantial quantity of narcotics, including 238.416 kg of methamphetamine, 67.636 kg of ganja, 1.060 kg of cocaine, 21 cannabis plants, 76 grams of charas, 546 bottles of codeine-based syrup, and 553 tablets of alprazolam.
&nbsp;
These substances were destroyed at GB Pant Hospital.
&nbsp;
Director General of Police, Devesh Chandra Srivastava confirmed that the entire destruction procedure was thoroughly video-documented and conducted in strict adherence to legal protocols.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He pointed out the importance of public cooperation in the fight against drugs, urging citizens to provide information about drug peddlers.
&nbsp;
"I have directed our officers to diligently track the forward and backward linkages of all cases registered under the NDPS Act and to enforce stringent action against offenders," added the DGP.

Andaman & Nicobar Island

Andaman police destroys drugs worth ₹475 crore

Subhash Mendhapurkar, a prominent social activist and Founder of the Society for Social Uplift through Rural Action (SUTRA), passed away this morning at his residence in Jagjitnagar near Kasauli, Solan district, Himachal Pradesh. He was 75 years old and had been unwell for some time.
&nbsp;
Originally from Solapur, Maharashtra, Mendhapurkar graduated from the Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS), Mumbai. Over four and a half decades ago, he chose to work in Himachal Pradesh, focusing on social justice, women's self-reliance, rural self-governance, and healthcare. In 1985, he founded SUTRA with its headquarters in Jagjit Nagar, Solan district.
&nbsp;
Mendhapurkar was a true leader in the social sector, known for his impactful work in Himachal Pradesh. His vision, advocacy, and efforts significantly benefited rural communities. He also played a role in policy-making at the national level.
&nbsp;
He mentored many social activists through SUTRA, both nationally and internationally. Mendhapurkar was instrumental in forming the Ekal Nari Shakti Sangathan (ENSS) in 2005, which now has over 18,000 members, including widows, divorced, deserted, and unmarried women. ENSS advocates for women's rights and influences government policies to be more inclusive of single women.
&nbsp;
Under Mendhapurkar's leadership, SUTRA's efforts to curb female foeticide led to an improved sex ratio, particularly in Solan district. His model of community outreach and collaboration with the government has been studied by many researchers, demonstrating its success despite political and administrative challenges.
&nbsp;
Nirmal Chandel, the state convener of ENSS, praised Mendhapurkar's dedication to empowering the rural population of Himachal Pradesh. Chandel shared her personal experience of how Mendhapurkar supported her after she became widowed, ultimately mobilising her to lead ENSS.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;He did exemplary work and brought significant changes in the lives of many rural men and women who were unaware and had no access to the system. His demise is an irreparable loss for society,&rdquo; Chandel said.
&nbsp;
Social activists across various sectors have mourned Mendhapurkar's death, recognising him as a role model for youth aspiring to work with marginalised communities.

HP loses tireless activist Subhash Mendapurkar

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Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, on Friday, recounted his pivotal decision to resign as an IPS officer in 1984 to facilitate peace negotiations between the Indian government and the then-underground Mizo National Front (MNF).
&nbsp;
Addressing the celebration of 'Remna Ni,' a term marking the anniversary of the historic peace accord, Lalduhoma revealed that his resignation came at the behest of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and ex-MNF president Laldenga.
&nbsp;
"I resigned from the Indian Police Service at the request of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Laldenga to bring peace in Mizoram. After I left my job, I also met Laldenga in London and discussed various demands of the MNF from the Indian government," Lalduhoma stated.
&nbsp;
He disclosed that he spent five days in London after quitting his position to engage in discussions with Laldenga, focusing on the demands of the MNF.
&nbsp;
The 'Remna Ni' celebrations, organised by the state's apex students' body, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), took place on Friday.
&nbsp;
Although the pact was signed on June 30, 1986, the celebrations were advanced as the date fell on a Sunday this year.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Lalduhoma expressed his gratitude to the MZP for their significant contributions to the peace process.
&nbsp;
He extended his thanks to all party leaders, churches, and the then chief secretary Lalkhama, who was a signatory of the peace accord, for their invaluable efforts in bringing about the peace agreement.
&nbsp;
Lalduhoma also called on all Zo people, spread across the world, to remain united. He opined that the crises faced by the Zo people in Manipur, Myanmar, and Bangladesh could serve as a catalyst for unity among the community.
&nbsp;
Since 2018, the MZP has been organizing statewide 'Remna Ni' celebrations to honour individuals and organisations that played crucial roles in the signing of the peace accord.
&nbsp;
This year, four former legislators who resigned in 1981 to advance the peace talks were felicitated.
&nbsp;
The Mizoram peace accord, signed on June 30, 1986, between the Centre and the MNF, marked the end of two decades of insurgency.
&nbsp;
The MNF, founded by Laldenga, initially protested against the Centre's inaction during the famine in the Mizo areas of Assam in the late '50s.
&nbsp;
The group resorted to armed struggle between 1966 and 1986 and was declared an outlaw organisation in 1967.
&nbsp;
In May 1971, a delegation from the Mizo district council met then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, demanding statehood for the Mizo people.
&nbsp;
Responding to this demand, the Centre granted Union Territory status to the Mizo Hills in January 1972.
&nbsp;
Subsequently, Mizoram became the 23rd state of India on February 20, 1987.
&nbsp;
Post-accord, the MNF transitioned into a political party and has governed Mizoram for several terms.
&nbsp;
It is currently the main opposition party in the state.
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Aizawl

CM Lalduhoma on quitting IPS for peace in Mizoram

Four people died after a car collided head-on with a truck on the Hoshiarpur-Tanda road, today.
 The car, bearing a Jammu and Kashmir registration number, was coming from the Jammu side when it rammed into the truck near Adda Saran, about 25 kilometres from Hoshiarpur, they said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The truck driver fled the scene leaving his vehicle behind, the police said.
&nbsp;
Four of the five car occupants - two men, including the driver, and two children aged six and fourteen - died on the spot, while a woman riding the car was seriously injured, they said.
&nbsp;
The deceased and the woman are yet to be identified, the police said.
 The woman was referred to a hospital in Amritsar and the bodies have been sent for postmortem to Civil Hospital, Dasuya, they said.
&nbsp;
Deputy Superintendent of Police Harjit Singh said further investigation was underway.&nbsp;

Hoshiarpur

4 killed in truck-car collision near Hoshiarpur

Vicky Kaushal has finally reacted to rumours that he is expecting his first child with his wife Katrina Kaif, saying that he will share the good news with the world at an appropriate time.
&nbsp;
There has been speculation in the film industry that Kaushal and Kaif, who tied the knot in December 2021, will be welcoming their first child soon.
&nbsp;
Kaushal, 36, was asked about the rumours at the trailer launch of his upcoming movie, "Bad Newz", on Friday evening.
&nbsp;
"Main jab good news hogi tabhi jarur aapko bataunga. Jabhi time aayega we won't shy about announcing the news," the actor told reporters.
&nbsp;
Also starring Triptii Dimri and Ammy Virk, "Bad Newz" is described as a "rare comedy film inspired by true events" about heteropaternal superfecundation, a reproductive process in which twin children have the same mother, but different biological fathers.
&nbsp;
The film is directed by Anand Tiwari, who earlier worked with Kaushal on his 2018 directorial debut movie "Love Per Square Foot".
&nbsp;
"Bad Newz" is produced by Amazon Prime in association with Dharma Productions and Leo Media Collective.&nbsp;

Vicky reacts to Katrina's pregnancy rumours

Hollywood veteran Sigourney Weaver will be honoured with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 2024 Venice Film Festival.
&nbsp;
Weaver, who has been a part of several blockbuster projects across her career including "Gorillas in the Mist" as well as franchises like "Ghostbusters",
"Alien" and "Avatar", will receive the honour during the festival's 81st edition, which will be held from August 28 to September 7, said a press release posted on the official website of the festival.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;I am truly honoured to receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement from the Biennale di Venezia. To be gifted this award is a privilege I share with all the filmmakers and collaborators I have worked with throughout the years," Weaver said.
&nbsp;
Alberto Barbera, the director of the Venice Film Festival, said as a movie star, Weaver has built bridges between the "most sophisticated art-house cinema and movies that engage with the public in a frank and original way, all the while remaining true to herself&rdquo;.
&nbsp;
"As an authentic collaborator, rather than simply a malleable instrument in the hands of a director, she has contributed to the success of movies by James Cameron, Paul Schrader, Peter Weir, Michael Apted, Roman Polanski, Ivan Reitman, Mike Nichols, Ang Lee, and many others, each time imposing the mark of a complex personality -- at times contradictory but always authentic -- onto her own charismatic presence.
&nbsp;
"Endowed with a remarkable temperament, able to move with delicacy yet without fragility, she has created the image of a woman who is self-assured and determined, dynamic and resolute; at the same time, with endlessly different shadings, she allows her intensely magnetic, feminine sensitivity to filter through," he said.
&nbsp;
A three-time Oscar nominee, Weaver will be next seen in "Dust Bunny" alongside Mads Mikkelsen as well as "The Gorge" which also stars Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy.&nbsp;

New York

Golden Lion for Avatar star Sigourney Weaver

'Kalki 2898 AD' earns Rs 298.5 cr globally in two days
&nbsp;
The producers announced on Friday that "Kalki 2898 AD," Nag Ashwin's 3D extravaganza, raked in a whopping Rs 298.5 crore in just two days at the worldwide box office.
&nbsp;
This high-budget film, which melds the Hindu epic Mahabharata with science fiction, was released in six languages - Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, and English - by Vyjayanthi Movies on Thursday.
&nbsp;
Starring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Disha Patani, Saswata Chatterjee, and Shobhana, the star-studded movie recorded a gross box office collection of Rs 191.5 crore on the opening day and Rs 107 crore on Friday.
&nbsp;
"The love is pouring in from all corners of the world! #Kalki2898AD #EpicBlockbusterKalki," Vyjayanthi Movies posted on its official X page along with a poster stating that "Kalki 2898 AD" earned Rs 298.5 crore in two days.
&nbsp;
The film, formerly known as "Project K", is possibly the costliest movie ever made in Indian cinema, with a reported budget of Rs 600 crore.
&nbsp;
Numerous people gathered outside cinemas in various cities such as Hyderabad and Mumbai, and the early feedback was positive.
&nbsp;
The film has also received a huge shout from many celebrities, including megastar Rajinikanth, who called "Kalki 2898 AD" an "epic movie".
&nbsp;
"Watched Kalki. WOW! What an epic movie! Director @nagashwin7 has taken Indian Cinema to a different level. Hearty congratulations to my dear friend @AswiniDutt @SrBachchan @PrabhasRaju @ikamalhaasan @deepikapadukone and the team of #Kalki2898AD. Eagerly awaiting Part2. God Bless," Rajinikanth posted.

'Kalki 2898 AD' earns Rs 298.5 cr in 2 days

India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday, has predicted heavy rainfall for Delhi over the next 2 days, issuing an &lsquo;orange&rsquo; alert. The prediction comes a day after the monsoon arrived in the city with the heaviest downpour in 88 years.
&nbsp;
"Delhi is likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall throughout the day, with an even heavier spell anticipated on Sunday and Monday," the IMD said.
&nbsp;
Parts of Delhi, including Rohini and Burari, received rainfall this morning. The weather office has forecast moderate to heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms over the next seven days.
&nbsp;
According to the IMD, moderate rain is defined as rainfall amounting to between 7.6 and 35.5 mm in a day, and heavy rain is rainfall amounting to between 64.5 and 124.4 mm in a day.
&nbsp;
Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 28 degrees Celsius on Saturday. The maximum temperature is likely to settle around 32 degrees Celsius, the IMD said.
&nbsp;
The humidity levels stood at 80 per cent.
&nbsp;
Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded in the 'moderate' category with a reading of 108 at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.
&nbsp;
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.
&nbsp;
The monsoon arrived in Delhi on Friday, raining devastation on a city ill-prepared for a three-hour downpour that led to the roof of Delhi airport's Terminal-1 collapsing, killing one person and suspending flight operations, and inundated many parts of the capital.
&nbsp;
Seven others were killed in rain-related incidents. The national capital recorded 228.1 mm of rainfall on Friday, the highest since 1936 for June.
&nbsp;
According to the IMD, 228.1 mm of rainfall was recorded at Safdarjung, the city's primary weather station, 192.8 mm at Lodhi Road, Mausam Bhavan, 150.4 mm at Ridge, 106.6 mm at Palam, and 66.3 mm at Ayanagar.

IMD issues orange alert for Delhi amid heavy rain

Indians are anticipated to shell out an additional ₹47,500 crore annually for data plans following recent tariff hikes by the country&rsquo;s top three telecom operators, Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone, a Kotak Institutional Equities research note revealed.
&nbsp;
The tariff revisions, implemented over a span of two days, aim to monetise new 5G services and mark an end to the prolonged price competition among telecom giants since 2016.
&nbsp;
Reliance Jio has increased prices by 13% to 27%, while Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea have raised tariffs by 10% to 21% and around 10% to 23%, respectively.
&nbsp;
Under the new pricing structure, Jio customers opting for a 5G data plan now face a minimum charge of ₹349 for a daily 2GB pack, up from ₹239 previously for 1.5GB per day.
&nbsp;
Similarly, Airtel subscribers looking for 5G connectivity must now opt for a ₹409 plan offering 2.5GB daily, compared to the earlier ₹239 plan with 1.5GB daily data.
&nbsp;
Bharti Airtel&rsquo;s MD Gopal Vittal and Vodafone Idea&rsquo;s CEO Akshaya Moondra pointed out the need for aligning India&rsquo;s telecom pricing with global standards, where users pay more based on data usage. Previously, Indian users paid a flat rate on average, irrespective of consumption.
&nbsp;
The price wars in India&rsquo;s telecom sector began when Jio attracted subscribers with low-cost services, prompting competitors like Airtel and Vodafone to follow suit to retain their customer base.

People to pay ₹47500 cr more post tele tariff hike

South Africa has asked the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to consider what the country called &ldquo;unscientific and discriminatory measures&rdquo; placed on citrus imported from the African nation by the European Union (EU).
&nbsp;
&ldquo;The regulations are being challenged by the South African government to protect the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people in the local citrus industry,&rdquo; said a joint statement by The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and the Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa (CGA).
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Currently, South African citrus growers are spending billions of rands per year to comply with measures that the industry considers unscientific and unnecessarily restrictive, as South Africa already has an effective world-class risk management system that ensures safe citrus exports. Emerging citrus growers are especially hit hard by the EU measures,&rdquo; the statement added.
&nbsp;
South Africa earlier this week requested the establishment of two panels at a meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to address the EU&rsquo;s regulations on two separate plant health issues -- Citrus Black Spot and False Codling Moth.
&nbsp;
The bodies said this was the first time that South Africa has taken a dispute to the WTO because a request by it to the EU for consultations had not produced any results.
&nbsp;
They said that besides the EU measures not being based on scientific principles and maintained without sufficient scientific evidence, the EU has failed to apply the measures in a uniform, impartial and reasonable manner.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;The measures are more trade-restrictive than required to achieve protection, and there are reasonably available alternatives which are technically and economically feasible, that would achieve protection in a significantly less trade-restrictive manner.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Last year we exported 36 per cent of all our citrus to the EU. That shows what an important market it is for our growers. It is the very foundation of citrus profitability in South Africa. Should the EU continue with the implementation of these measures, or intensify them in any way, the profitability of hundreds of growers will be negatively affected and the industry will suffer severe revenue and job losses,&rdquo; they said.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;The citrus industry supports 140,000 jobs at farm level alone. The government is acting to safeguard these livelihoods and the central role the citrus industry plays in so many of our rural communities," explained DALRRD Director-General Mooketsa Ramasodi.
&nbsp;
Justin Chadwick, CEO of the CGA, said the action was also potentially good news for the European consumers.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Their orange prices last summer were at an all-time high. However, if their supply is unfettered, consumers will benefit,&rdquo; Chadwick said.
&nbsp;
South Africa is the world&rsquo;s second-largest exporter of citrus, with its exceptional quality making it sought-after internationally.
&nbsp;
The local citrus industry is currently entering its peak winter export season with oranges heading to the ports. It is estimated that South Africa will export a total of 170 million 15 kg cartons this year.&nbsp;

Johannesburg

RSA takes EU to WTO over ‘arbitrary’ citrus rules

Pakistan&rsquo;s ambassador to the US has urged the US to provide small arms and modern equipment to his country to ensure the success of Operation Azm-i-Istehkam, Islamabad's newly approved counter-terrorism initiative.
&nbsp;
The decision to launch the 'Azm-e-Istehkam' operation was taken on June 22 at the apex committee meeting of the National Action Plan, a strategy approved in 2014 to eliminate militancy from the country.
&nbsp;
The federal government recently approved the reinvigorated national counter-terrorism drive.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Pakistan has launched Azm-i-Istehkam (&hellip;) to oppose and dismantle terrorist networks. For that, we need sophisticated small arms and communication equipment,&rdquo; Ambassador Masood Khan was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper.
&nbsp;
He made these remarks while addressing US policymakers, scholars, intelligentsia, and corporate leaders at a Washington think tank, the Wilson Centre, earlier this week.
&nbsp;
Khan elaborated that 'Azm-i-Istehkam' comprises three components: doctrinal, societal, and operational. He noted that work on the first two phases has already begun, with the third phase set to be implemented soon.
&nbsp;
The decision to launch a new anti-terror operation was taken when the country faced a new onslaught by the Tehreek-i-Taliban militants who, according to officials, are based in Afghanistan.
&nbsp;
Khan emphasised that Pakistan and the US should maintain strong security links, enhance intelligence cooperation, resume sales of advanced military platforms, and work on &ldquo;the sustainment of US-origin defence equipment&rdquo;.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;This is crucial for regional security and opposing the rising tide of terrorism that also threatens the interests of the US and its allies,&rdquo; he added.
Khan argued that the bilateral relationship should be based on ground realities and not be hindered by a few issues.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Secondly, one or two issues should not hold the entire relationship hostage,&rdquo; he noted.
&nbsp;
He pointed to high-level defence talks, frequent meetings, and joint military exercises like Inspired Union-2024, Falcon Talon, and Red Flag as examples of robust defence cooperation between Pakistan and the US.
&nbsp;
Khan also suggested that the US should consider Pakistan as a partner in its diplomatic efforts in Kabul and collaborate on counterterrorism and the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;In this era of renewed strategic competition, the US and Pakistan should build on existing partnerships and explore new horizons to establish the parameters of mutual interests,&rdquo; the envoy said.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;We should not base our engagement on the incongruity of expectations. Our ties should be anchored in ground realities, even as we aim for stronger security and economic partnerships. Secondly, one or two issues should not hold the entire relationship hostage,&rdquo; he said.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the US State Department expressed support to Pakistan.
&nbsp;
On June 26, While responding to questions State Department&rsquo;s spokesperson Matthew Miller said &ldquo;We support Pakistan&rsquo;s efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of its citizens in a manner that promotes the rule of law and protection of human rights." &ldquo;Pakistani people have suffered tremendously from terrorist attacks. No country should have to suffer such acts of terror,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;

Pak seeks US arms for 'Operation Azm-i-Istehkam'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted pilgrims on the start of the Amarnath Yatra, saying the 'darshan' of Lord Shiva is known to infuse immense energy in his followers.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
पवित्र अमरनाथ यात्रा के शुभारंभ पर सभी तीर्थयात्रियों को मेरी हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। बाबा बर्फानी के दर्शन और वंदन से जुड़ी यह यात्रा शिवभक्तों में असीम ऊर्जा का संचार करने वाली होती है। उनकी कृपा से सभी श्रद्धालुओं का कल्याण हो, यही कामना है। जय बाबा बर्फानी!
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1806932239856652716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
The annual Amarnath Yatra began early Saturday as the first batch of pilgrims left the twin base camps in Baltal and Nunwan to start their journey to the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas, officials said. "My heartfelt best wishes to all pilgrims on the commencement of the holy Amarnath Yatra. This yatra associated with the darshan of Baba Barfani infuses immense energy in the devotees of Lord Shiva. May all devotees prosper with his blessings. Jai Baba Barfani,&rdquo; Modi said in a post on X in Hindi.
The 52-day pilgrimage will conclude on August 19.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

PM Modi greets Amarnath Yatra pilgrims

In a third such incident within three days, a canopy at the passenger pickup and drop area outside Rajkot Airport, Gujarat, collapsed on Saturday amid heavy rainfall.
&nbsp;
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or casualties, according to preliminary information.
&nbsp;
This event follows a similar incident at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal-1, where a roof collapse on Friday resulted in the death of a 45-year-old cab driver and left eight others injured.
&nbsp;
The Delhi Airport mishap has led to the indefinite suspension of operations from Terminal 1, which manages approximately 200 flights daily. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) reported that the partial collapse occurred around 5 a.m., likely due to heavy rainfall and strong winds.
&nbsp;
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has responded to the Delhi incident by announcing compensation of ₹20 lakh for the family of the deceased and ₹3 lakh each for those injured.
&nbsp;
Additionally, the ministry has ordered a preliminary structural inspection of all airports nationwide to prevent further occurrences.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under sections 304A (death by negligence) and 337 (causing hurt by an act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code.
&nbsp;
In Gujarat, heavy rainfall continues as the southwest monsoon progresses further into the state.
&nbsp;
The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in several areas, prompting the deployment of seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in Kutch, Rajkot, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Narmada, and Valsad districts.
&nbsp;
A similar canopy collapse occurred on Thursday at Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur airport. A fabric canopy failed under the weight of accumulated rainwater, crushing a parked car beneath. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
&nbsp;
This terminal, worth ₹450 crore, was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 10.
&nbsp;

Rajkot

Rajkot Airport canopy falls, third mishap in a row

OpenAI has recently introduced a new AI model called CriticGPT, which is designed to detect and fix errors in code produced by GPT-4.
&nbsp;
As described in a post on Thursday, the AI firm explained that CriticGPT utilises the reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF) framework, a method that blends machine output with human input to enhance AI systems.
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CriticGPT is still in development and is not yet accessible to users or testers. Its objective is to improve the quality of AI-generated code.
&nbsp;
OpenAI disclosed that during testing, individuals who used CriticGPT to review code produced by ChatGPT outperformed those who did not use the model 60% of the time. The research findings have been detailed in a recently published paper.
&nbsp;
The RLHF framework involves human evaluators, known as AI trainers, providing feedback on the AI's performance to help adjust and enhance the model's behaviour.
&nbsp;
Trainers deliberately introduced mistakes into code samples that already contained natural errors, and then provided example feedback on these mistakes. The model's ability to detect both naturally occurring and intentionally added errors was used to evaluate its performance.
&nbsp;
As per OpenAI, CriticGPT showed a 63 per cent enhancement in identifying code errors compared to ChatGPT. Nevertheless, the model does have its limitations. Its training has mainly focused on short code snippets and it has not yet been tested on longer, more intricate coding tasks.
&nbsp;
Furthermore, the model still struggles with producing inaccurate factual responses, an issue known as hallucination. Additionally, it has not been evaluated in situations where multiple errors are scattered throughout the code.

OpenAI unveils CriticGPT to improve GPT-4

Irish actor Chris O'Dowd's comedy series The Big Door Prize will not return for a third season on Apple TV+, according to entertainment news outlet Variety.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The streaming service has decided to cancel the series after its two-season run.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The show featured Josh Segarra, Gabrielle Dennis, Djouliet Amara, Justine Lupe, and Ally Maki and recently concluded its second season, with the final episode airing on June 12th.
&nbsp;
"The Big Door Prize" revolved around the mysterious machine's appearance in a small town, which promised to reveal everyone's true potential.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This resulted in the residents changing their jobs, reconsidering their relationships, and questioning everything.
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The series, based on MO Walsh's book of the same name, was created by David West Read and produced by Skydance Television and CJ ENM/Studio Dragon.&nbsp;

Los Angeles

Apple TV+ axes 'The Big Door Prize' after S2

In a significant milestone for Meghalaya&rsquo;s agricultural sector, the state has successfully exported 3.5 metric tons of organically grown pineapples to the Middle East.
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This inaugural shipment of the season marks the fruition of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Meghalaya State Agriculture Marketing Board and Lulu Group International.
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The agreement was inked in November 2023 during the &lsquo;World Food India&rsquo; event, in the presence of Hon'ble Agriculture Minister Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh.
&nbsp;
This year&rsquo;s pineapple exports have witnessed a notable increase in price realisation, attributed to superior fruit quality and effective market positioning.
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The state&rsquo;s agricultural produce continues to set benchmarks, following the successful export of 20 metric tons of GI-tagged Khasi mandarin to Dubai last year, which fetched double the price in comparison to local markets.
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This trend is expected to continue with the current pineapple consignment, which adheres to international standards and enhances Meghalaya&rsquo;s reputation as a purveyor of premium agricultural products, ensuring better returns for local farmers.
&nbsp;
The pineapples were meticulously sourced from various villages in the Tikirikilla block of West Garo Hills, under the aegis of the Muktidata Multipurpose Cooperative Society.
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As the season progresses, additional consignments from other regions of Khasi and Garo Hills are slated for dispatch, further boosting farmers' incomes.
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This export initiative is part of the broader 'Meghalaya Collectives,' a state government strategy aimed at collective marketing for small-scale farmers. The government&rsquo;s comprehensive support includes packaging, branding, testing, and marketing assistance to agri-entrepreneurs and farmer cooperatives.
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The initiative seeks to penetrate new domestic and international markets, leveraging modern trade channels, e-commerce platforms, and partnerships with prominent brands.
&nbsp;
In a recent venture, the Meghalaya government collaborated with Mother Dairy Fruit and Vegetable Pvt. Ltd., facilitating a trial shipment of 250 kilograms of pineapples to Delhi.
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These pineapples were showcased for sale and free sampling at 10 Safal retail outlets across Delhi, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from consumers.
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Consequently, Mother Dairy Pvt. Ltd. has placed an order for over 300 metric tons for the current season, with plans to expand distribution to additional outlets as the season progresses.
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This trade is projected to offer nearly double the price realisation for pineapple farmers compared to local markets.
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Furthermore, Mother Dairy has committed to exploring similar market linkages for other spices and fresh produce from Meghalaya.
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Highlighting the state&rsquo;s commitment to promoting its agricultural produce, Hon&rsquo;ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K Sangma recently visited a Safal outlet in New Delhi.
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This initiative aims to establish a consistent value chain, ensuring the regular availability of Meghalaya's fruits to customers in Delhi and beyond.
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Shri Manish Bandlish, Managing Director of Mother Dairy Fruit and Vegetable Pvt. Ltd., remarked, &ldquo;Introducing Meghalaya's pineapples into our product range showcases the region's rich agricultural diversity.
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We look forward to working closely with farmers, supported by the Government of Meghalaya, to offer more unique products from fruits to spices.&rdquo;

Shillong

Meghalaya's pineapple export to Middle East begins

Aam Aadmi Party, today, held a protest near the headquarters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on DDU Marg, demanding the release of party convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.&nbsp;
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The protesters assembled at the AAP office close to the BJP headquarters on DDU Marg and raised slogans against the saffron party while demanding Kejriwal's release. They also carried placards against the "misuse" of central agency and for ending "dictatorship".
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Barricades have been put up and paramilitary personnel deployed at the site to stop the protesters, the officer said.
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Kejriwal was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Delhi government's liquor excise policy.
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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him on March 21, in a money-laundering case linked to the now-scrapped liquor policy. Kejriwal was then granted bail by a trial court that was stayed by the Delhi High Court.
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According to a senior police officer, arrangements were made to stop the protesters from marching towards the BJP headquarters since no permission was taken for the protest.
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If required, the protesters might be detained as Section 144 of the CrPC has already been imposed at DDU Marg, he added.&nbsp;

AAP protests near BJP HQ for Kejriwal's release

Bharatiya Janata Party is gearing up for the Haryana assembly elections with the party's first session of the state executive meeting being conducted on Saturday, in Panchkula, where strategy for the same will be laid out. The meeting is to be chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.&nbsp;
 Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the BJP's election in-charge for Haryana, co-in-charge Biplab Kumar Deb, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, his predecessor and Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar, and senior leader Saudan Singh were present during the session at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium.&nbsp;
 Besides preparing the outline for the elections, Shah will infuse fresh zeal and enthusiasm in the party workers, the leader added.
 Shah will also give tips to the party workers and share his roadmap and guidance for the polls, said the leader.
 Senior state-level BJP leaders, office-bearers, and around 4,500 party workers from all 90 assembly constituencies are attending the meeting.
 The first session of the extended state executive meeting was attended by Rajya Sabha member Subhash Barala, Lok Sabha MPs Naveen Jindal and Dharambir Singh, Haryana Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta, former MP Kuldeep Bishnoi, senior leaders OP Dhankar, Ram Bilas Sharma, ministers Mool Chand Sharma, JP Dalal, Kanwar Pal and Aseem Goel, MLAs, former ministers and other leaders.
 The party organised an exhibition at the venue, highlighting the state government's initiatives and schemes, including the abolition of minimum monthly charges for domestic electricity consumers and providing minimum support prices on 14 crops.
 On Friday, Chief Minister Saini claimed the public was happy with the government's achievements and schemes and had made up its mind to bring the BJP back.
 Alleging that the Congress spread lies during the Lok Sabha election campaign, he said the grand old party's politics of falsehood and greed had been exposed.
 Saini had claimed that the Congress would try to confuse the voters by coming up with "new lies and deceit" during the assembly election campaign as well.
 All party workers should go to the public and tell them that the Congress' aim was not to serve them but to assume power by lying, he had said.&nbsp;

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