diff --git "a/output_file.csv" "b/output_file.csv" deleted file mode 100644--- "a/output_file.csv" +++ /dev/null @@ -1,1613 +0,0 @@ -text,target -"India successfully launched Chandrayaan-4, aiming to study the lunar surface and uncover its secrets.","India launched Chandrayaan-4 to study the moon’s surface, marking another milestone in space exploration." -The Prime Minister unveiled the Digital India 2.0 initiative to promote innovation and technology adoption.,"PM launched Digital India 2.0, focusing on technological growth and innovation in India." -"India’s GDP showed a rebound in the first quarter of 2021, signaling recovery from the pandemic-induced recession.","India's Q1 2021 GDP rebounded, indicating a recovery from the economic challenges of the pandemic." -"Cyclone Yaas wreaked havoc in Odisha and West Bengal, causing floods and massive displacement.","Cyclone Yaas caused severe damage in Eastern India, displacing thousands and disrupting daily life." -"Hyderabad became a central hub for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing, supplying doses to various countries.",Hyderabad gained recognition as the COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing hub of India. -"India clinched the Test series against Australia 3-1, showcasing stellar performances by young players.",India won the Test series against Australia with young players contributing immensely. -The government announced a significant allocation for infrastructure projects in the upcoming budget.,The 2022 budget aims to enhance infrastructure through increased spending. -"The Assam Tribune celebrated its 80th anniversary, highlighting its journey as a credible news source.",Assam Tribune marked 80 years of credible journalism in Northeast India. -The COP27 summit saw global leaders deliberating on actionable steps to combat climate change.,"COP27 summit emphasized urgent action against climate change, with global leaders collaborating." -"Despite global economic challenges, India’s IT industry continues to grow, driven by digital transformation and innovation.","India’s IT sector is thriving, with strong growth despite global economic challenges." -"Invitees to the “Pran Pratishtha” consecration ceremony at the Ram temple started arriving on January 21 in Ayodhya — once a sleepy town now resplendent with new infrastructure and gripped by heightened religious fervour on the eve of a seminal event in India’s political and religious history. A multi-layer security cover is in place in Ayodhya for the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple, with 10,000 CCTVs keeping an eye on the movement of people and police personnel in plain clothes deployed at the venue. From Dharampath and Rampath in Ayodhya, which are witnessing a huge influx of devotees, to bylanes of the Hanumangarhi area and Asharfi Bhavan road, policemen can be seen patrolling the streets.Critical clinical services will remain open on January 22 at Delhi’s All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the premier hospital said on Sunday. The clarification was issued a day after a circular said that AIIMS would observe a half-day closure of its offices and institutions on January 22, in view of the consecration ceremony of the idol at Ayodhya’s Ram temple. The clarification came after a severe public backlash against the decision to close hospital services for a half day. Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, which is also run by the Union government, had also announced a half day closure on January 22.","The consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is taking place on January 22. Thousands of devotees are arriving in the town, which has been transformed with new infrastructure. A massive security operation is in place to ensure the safety of the event. The AIIMS hospital in Delhi initially announced a half-day closure for January 22 but later clarified that critical clinical services would remain open due to public backlash." -"The sixth edition of The Hindu businessline Changemaker Awards, which celebrates individuals and organisations that have brought change in society, will be held in New Delhi on Friday (September 13, 2024). -Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, will give away the awards to the winners. The awards will be given across six categories: Social Transformation; Digital Transformation; Financial Transformation; Young Changemaker; Iconic Changemaker; and Changemaker of the Year. There is a new awards category this year called the Chairperson’s Award. This award is not part of the jury process that other awards have gone through and is given to an achiever in the field of education. - -Over 950 nominations were received from the public and readers. They were evaluated by The Hindu businessline along with knowledge partners Deloitte and Ashoka. The shortlisted nominations were then independently validated by Niiti Consulting, the validation partner -The winners from among the validated nominees were chosen by an independent jury headed by R. Seshasayee, Chairman, Asian Paints. Other members of the jury were Lakshmi Narayanan, former Vice-Chairman, Cognizant; Suchitra Ella, co-founder and Managing Director, Bharat Biotech International; N.S. Nappinai, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court; Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu; Poonam Natarajan, founder, Vidyasagar; and Jayen Mehta, Managing Director, GCMMF. The jury met in Chennai on August 13 to choose the winners. - -The ceremony on Friday will feature a musical performance as well as a presentation prior to the awards event. At last year’s ceremony, the Reserve Bank of India received the Changemaker of the Year award while GCMMF (Amul) was named Iconic Changemaker of the Year. - -The Hindu businessline Changemaker Awards are presented by SASTRA University as the presenting partner and powered by SBI (State Bank of India). The event is also supported by associate partners: LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India), J&K Bank, NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation), Union Bank of India, NMDC (National Mineral Development Corporation), ESSAR, Punjab & Sind Bank, Swelect Energy, and Indian Bank. Casagrand is the realty partner, while Fortinet is the cyber security partner. NDTV 24x7 is the TV partner. Anand Prakash is the gift partner. The event will be held at ITC Maurya, New Delhi. Entry is by invitation. The awards ceremony can be viewed live from 5.30 p.m. on thbl.news/BCLM2024LS","The sixth edition of The Hindu Businessline Changemaker Awards will be held in New Delhi on September 13, 2024, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting awards across six categories, including a new Chairperson's Award for education. Over 950 nominations were evaluated by Deloitte, Ashoka, and Niiti Consulting, with an independent jury chaired by R. Seshasayee selecting the winners. Supported by SASTRA University and SBI, the event will feature a musical performance and live-streaming at 5:30 p.m. on thbl.news/BCLM2024LS. The ceremony takes place at ITC Maurya, New Delhi." -"ITANAGAR, Jan 02: In a tragic incident, at least six army jawans of 11th Garhwal Regiment of Gajraj Corps were killed and two others injured when their convoy truck was reportedly plunged into deep gorge near Sessa in West Kameng yesterday. Sources from Bhalukpong informed this daily over the telephone that the incident occurred when the convoy was moving from Sessa base camp to Bhalukpong. One of the convoy truck carrying eight jawans was hit by shooting stone, plunged into deep gorge after veered off the road, source added. - -The jawans who killed were identified as Rajendra Singh, Sandeep Singh, Arvind Singh, Bather Rajesh, Deep Chand, R. Ram Prasad and injured jawans were identified as Kuldeep Singh and Kundun, both were rushed to Army Hospital at Tezpur (Assam)","Six army jawans from the 11th Garhwal Regiment were killed, and two were injured when their convoy truck veered off the road and plunged into a gorge near Sessa in West Kameng. The truck, hit by a falling rock, was en route from Sessa to Bhalukpong. Injured jawans were hospitalized." -"The Gujarat Police files First Information Report under IPC Sections 304 and 308 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) in the bridge collapse tragedy. -About 141 people have died, while more than a 100 other have been admitted and are under treatment after a colonial-era cable bridge collapsed in Gujarat’s Morbi town on Sunday evening, plunging over 350 people into the river. Nine persons of the Oreva group, involved in the maintenance and management of the bridge, were arrested on October 31 in connection with the collapse of the cable suspension bridge on the Machchhu river. Police have registered an FIR on charges of culpable homicide against agencies given the task of maintenance and operation of the bridge in Morbi city which collapsed on Sunday evening.Several teams of NDRF and personnel of Navy and Air Force have been ordered to be airlifted to the site to help in the rescue efforts and comb the river bed as many people are feared drowned in the 10 feet deep water. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on November 1 afternoon visit Gujarat’s Morbi, Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office announced. Earlier in the day, PM Modi, who is in Kevadia, stated that rescue opeations were under way and there would be no laxity in rescue and relief efforts.","The Gujarat Police filed an FIR under IPC Sections 304 and 308 for culpable homicide in the Morbi bridge collapse, which claimed 141 lives and injured over 100. Nine members of the Oreva group, responsible for the bridge's maintenance, were arrested. Rescue operations are ongoing, with NDRF, Navy, and Air Force teams deployed. PM Modi will visit the site on November 1 to oversee relief efforts and ensure no laxity in rescue operations." -"Bonus shares in October 2022: After the arrival of October month, we have finished half of the financial year 2022-23 and now we have ushered into the Q3FY23. However, this month would be the beginning of result seasons as well because after the end of Q2FY23, listed companies are expected to make its quarterly numbers public. So, stock investors are expected to remain vigilant about the company results as good results lead to announcement of dividend, bonus shares, etc. However, some companies have already announced reward for their long term investors from their reserves. - -Here we list out 5 companies that are going to issue bonus shares this month:1] Jonjua Overseas: BSE listed small-cap stock has fixed 3rd October 2022 as record date for bonus share issue and the stock will trade ex-bonus on the same date i.e. 3rd October 2022. The BSE listed company with a market cap of ₹6 crore has already announced bonus shares in 4:23 ratio that means 4 bonus share for each 23 stocks held by its shareholders. - -2] Yug Decor: As per the information available on BSE website, the BSE listed small-cap stock is going to trade ex-bonus on 3rd October 2022. The company has revised its record date to 3rd October 2022. As per the information available on BSE website, ""Company has revised the 'Record Date' i.e., Monday, October 3, 2022 (instead of Friday, September 30, 2022) to determine eligible shareholders entitled to receive Bonus shares as approved in the 19th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company held on September 20, 2022."" The company has declared bonus shares in the ratio of 1:2 i.e. one bonus shares for each two stocks held by its shareholders. - -3] Asian Hotels (East): The small-cap stock with a market cap of ₹397 crore is going to trade ex-bonus on 6th October 2022. The board of directors of the company has fixed 7th October 2022 as record date for issuance of bonus shares in the ratio of 1:2. -As per the information available on BSE website, ""The Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting of even date has inter-alia, fixed the Record Date as Friday, 7th October, 2022 for determining the names of the equity shareholders of the Company who shall be entitled to be allotted: a) bonus equity shares of the Company in the ratio 1:2 i.e. one fully paid up bonus equity share for every two equity shares held in the Company (as of the Record Date)."" - -4] Ruchira Papers: Small-cap stock is going to trade ex-bonus on 7th October 2022 as board of directors of the company has fixed 10th October 2022 as record date for issuance of bonus shares. The paper company has already declared bonus shares in the ratio of 1:10 that means one bonus share for every 10 shares held by the shareholders. -5] Kaarya Facilities and Services: The company has fixed Wednesday, October 12, 2022 as the record date for the purpose of ascertaining the eligibility of shareholders for issuance of bonus shares in the ratio of 1:1 i.e. 1 (One) bonus equity shares of ₹10.00 each fully paid-up for every 1 (One) existing equity shares of INR 10.00 each fully paid-up (i.e. in the ration of 1:1) held by shareholders.","In October 2022, five companies will issue bonus shares: Jonjua Overseas (4:23 ratio, ex-bonus on October 3), Yug Decor (1:2 ratio, ex-bonus on October 3), Asian Hotels (East) (1:2 ratio, ex-bonus on October 6), Ruchira Papers (1:10 ratio, ex-bonus on October 7), and Kaarya Facilities (1:1 ratio, ex-bonus on October 12)." -"The CBI summoned five doctors and some junior doctors of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital (RGKMCH) for questioning in the case of rape and murder of an on-duty doctor early on August 9. Of these, three were grilled on Thursday. A CBI team went to Sodepur area in North 24 Parganas and spoke to the family members of the victim. According to sources, the central agency has prepared a list of persons to be questioned in the coming days, including former principal Dr Sandip Ghosh who was accused by the junior doctors of trying to shelter the accused. - -Those questioned on Thursday were former medical superintendent-cum-vice principal Dr Sanjay Vashisth, head of the pulmonary medicine department Dr Arunabha Dutta Choudhury and a professor of forensic medicine department. They appeared at the CBI office in CGO Complex of Salt Lake after getting the summons. They were allowed to go after their statements were recorded. Similarly, the junior doctors also faced questions of the investigators. All of them were allowed to go later. The CBI also questioned a cop during the day in the same case: Abhijit Mondal, officer-in-charge of the Tala police station which covers the RGKMCH. Mondal handed over some documents to the CBI. - -","The CBI summoned five doctors and junior doctors from RG Kar Medical College in connection with the rape and murder of an on-duty doctor on August 9. Three doctors, including former medical superintendent Dr. Sanjay Vashisth, were questioned, and further questioning is planned. The CBI also questioned a local police officer involved in the case." -"Border posts of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) along the India-China frontier from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh will have an additional team of intelligence officers for surveillance and information-gathering. - -A highly placed source said that the central government has approved a proposal for establishing the setup that will be known as the Border Intelligence Post (BIP). - - -The move bears significance in view of the increased Chinese activities along the border and transgressions by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). - -A stand-off between the Indian Army and the PLA in Ladakh has been going on since June 2020. - -Each of the BIPs will be manned by four-five officials of the Intelligence Bureau and protected by ITBP personnel, the source in the know of the development said on the condition of anonymity. - -The personnel who will be deployed at the BIPs will keep an eye on activities across the border and share updates with the higher authorities and the government. - -The source, however, refused to disclose the amount sanctioned by the central government for the project, citing its sensitive nature. - -Mago is the first village close to the border with China in the Chuna sector in Arunachal’s Tawang district. - -An all-terrain motorable road was built in the village only in 2020. - -There are around 180 border outposts of the ITBP along the entire India-China border, and the establishment of 45 more was sanctioned recently. - - -Twenty Army soldiers were killed in a clash with the PLA in June 2020 in Ladakh’s Galwan valley. - -On 9 December last year, PLA troops intruded in Yangste in Arunachal, which led to a clash between the soldiers of the neighbouring countries and resulted in injuries to both sides. - -Since the India-China border is not fully demarcated, both sides have different perceptions of the line of actual control (LAC). There have been reports of PLA troops often transgressing the disputed areas. - -Speaking at a function here on Monday, union minister Kiren Rijiju said that a country is safe when its borders are safe. - -“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, not a single village is left where vehicles can’t reach. These border villages were neglected earlier. I also assure you that in the next six months, all border villages in Arunachal Pradesh will have 5G mobile phone connectivity,” said Rijiju, who represents the Arunachal West constituency in the Lok Sabha. - -In the last few years, the central government has not only ramped up its infrastructure at the LAC but also introduced schemes for the development of border villages. - -Among these is the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), under which all-round development of select frontier villages is carried out. - - -“The highest number of villages among all states will be developed in Arunachal Pradesh under the VVP. Out of the 665 villages selected under the VVP, 453 are in Arunachal in first phase,” Chief Minister Pema Khandu said at the function. (PTI)"," -The Indian government has approved a Border Intelligence Post (BIP) setup along the India-China border, from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, to enhance surveillance due to increased Chinese activity. Each BIP will include Intelligence Bureau officers and be guarded by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). This comes amid ongoing tensions with China since the 2020 Ladakh standoff. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also highlighted infrastructure improvements, including the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) and upcoming 5G mobile connectivity for border villages in Arunachal Pradesh." -"The special POCSO court here in East Siang district has sentenced one Kalen Apang (33) to 20 years of imprisonment, plus life imprisonment, for sexually assaulting and impregnating his minor stepdaughter twice. - -The accused was found guilty of committing the offence of penetrative sexual assault on his stepdaughter, and has been sentenced under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). - -Earlier, on 23 March, 2022, the Jenging police station received a written complaint from the district child protection unit to the effect that Apang, who had sexually assaulted his minor stepdaughter in 2019 and was out on bail, reportedly committed the same offence on his stepdaughter, who was about 13 years old. - -Following this, a case [u/s 376 (2) (F) (n) IPC r/w 6/16 of POCSO Act] was registered. - -The child had been staying with Apang since she was about 11 years old, after her mother, who works at a tea garden in Ramsing, married Apang. He started sexually abusing the child immediately after the marriage and ultimately impregnated her. - -The incident came to light when the child’s aunt found out that she was pregnant and brought her to Yingkiong for medical examination. Subsequently, an FIR was lodged against the convict and he was arrested and later enlarged on bail. - -But after his release from jail, Apang returned, stayed with the child and her mother, committed sexual assault on the minor, and impregnated her again. - -While sentencing, the special judge said, “The convict has shown no remorse for his action and he has utter disregard for law and order, and, despite being enlarged on bail, committed the same offence twice.” - -The special judge therefore pronounced a double sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment for the first offence, and life imprisonment for the subsequent offence. (DIPRO)","Kalen Apang, 33, from East Siang district, India, was sentenced to 20 years and life imprisonment for sexually assaulting and impregnating his minor stepdaughter twice. He was found guilty under POCSO and IPC. The incident came to light when the child's aunt discovered her pregnancy. Despite being released on bail, Apang continued to abuse the child. The judge sentenced him to a double sentence due to his lack of remorse." -"GUWAHATI, 27 Aug: Restless victims of Manipur’s three-month-long ethnic strife housed in cramped makeshift relief camps are demanding the state government solves the imbroglio so that they can go back home. - -Some victims also do not want to shift to the temporary accommodation that the government has offered, saying that they will never be able to return to their homes if they move to these new prefabricated dwelling units. - -At the Thongju Kendra Relief Camp set up at Ideal Girls College in Akampat of Imphal East district, some inmates from Tengnoupal and Churachandpur districts told PTI that they “do not have faith in the state government’s assurance on rebuilding their homes.” - -“It has been more than three months we are living in relief camps. How long are we going to stay here? We need our home back. Our people were murdered, now we need justice,” said Sanatambi, who hails from the India-Myanmar border town of Moreh. - -Nganthoibi (24) and her family from Churachandpur also want to go back to their home now as they do not want to stay at the relief camp in “inhuman conditions.” - -“I have a six-member family — husband, 7-month-old baby, father-in-law, mother-in-law and sister-in-law — all are here in the relief camp. On May 3, our house was burnt and we could collect nothing while fleeing from the place. We have lost everything in this clash,” she told PTI over the phone. - -She claimed that many inmates in the relief camp are willing to move to the temporary houses that the government has constructed at different locations despite assurances from the administration of shifting them to their respective homes in future when the situation normalises. - -“We don’t trust the government, we don’t know for how long it will be in those temporary locations. We want to go back to our own houses. We are tired of the government’s assurances and don’t see any hope from them,” Nganthoibi said. - -“We want to go back to Moreh to our homes. This town was the No. 2 in revenue collection for Manipur after Imphal. If this violence continues, India is going to lose heavily. The BJP is responsible for the situation that Manipur is witnessing today. In the case of Moreh, there has been no town committee election for the last 10 years. All the Marwaris and Punjabis have fled the town, and the Tamilian people left after this present violence began,” Ingobi Singh (75) from Moreh said. - -Moreh, one of the fastest growing towns in Manipur, in Tengnoupal district, is predominantly a Kuki town with a sizeable number of Tamils and other communities like Punjabis. It’s a multi-religious town with Christians being the majority, followed by Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains. - -“How long are we going to suffer like this? We appeal to the government to bring peace as soon as possible. We want to go back to our homes at Churachandpur,” said Rajen Huiram (37) from the hill district. - -On August 23, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had said that the prefabricated houses built for those affected by violence are not a permanent arrangement and were constructed to ease the hardship faced by those living in relief camps. - -He had handed over the temporary shelter homes to over 300 families at Sajiwa Jail Complex in Imphal East district. The victims were staying at various relief camps in the same area. - -The prefabricated houses, being built at eight sites, are ready-made structures that are constructed off-site and assembled at the place where the homes will be set up. - -Singh had said that 320 houses have been built at Kwakta in Bishnupur district, 400 at Sajiwa and 200 at Sawombung in Imphal East, while 400 such houses were constructed at Yaithibi Loukol in Thoubal district. - -The chief minister had also said there would be a little delay in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts. - -Two sites have been considered for 700 families in Kangpokpi district. For Churachandpur too, a site for construction is identified, he had added. - -More than 160 people lost their lives and several hundreds were injured since ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur on May 3, after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. - -Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals — Nagas and Kukis — constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. (PTI)","Victims of ethnic strife in Manipur, housed in makeshift relief camps for over three months, are urging the state government to resolve the conflict so they can return home. Many are skeptical of the government’s temporary accommodation solutions and prefer returning to their original homes. Some, like Nganthoibi from Churachandpur, are living in poor conditions and have lost everything during the violence. Moreh town, a significant revenue contributor to Manipur, has been severely affected, with many communities fleeing due to the unrest. Over 160 people have died since the clashes began in May 2023, following protests against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status." -"ITANAGAR, 19 Jan: Arunachal Pradesh Congress president Nabam Tuki on Friday appealed to the people of the state to join the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (BJNY) led by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. - -The yatra will reach Arunachal on Saturday afternoon from Lakhimpur in neighbouring Assam. - -“Become a ‘nyay yodha’ and carry the message of love and harmony and awaken the nation’s conscience to crippling inequality, brutal social polarisation and violent authoritaria-nism. Let’s walk together to fight hatred and fear!” said Tuki, a former chief minister. - - -He alleged that the last 10 years of “grave injustice” by the BJP government has severely hurt people, democracy and the Constitution. - -“Unprecedented unemployment has shattered the dreams and future of our youth,” he said, claiming that poor and middle-class people lost their savings due to the price rise. - -“Income inequality is at its peak,” Tuki alleged in a statement. - -While the SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities and poor people have been deceived, autonomous institutions have been subjugated, the Congress leader claimed. - -Central agencies such as the ED, the CBI, and the income tax department are being used against the opposition, Tuki alleged. - -Gandhi along with party leaders and workers will arrive at Doimukh in Papum Pare district from Lakhimpur at around 2 pm on Saturday, and will interact with the public at the SDO ground. - -From Doimukh, Gandhi is scheduled to reach Naharlagun by bus and interact with the street vendors at 6 Km, sources said. - -The Congress leader would then move towards Nyokum Lapang, from where he would embark on a foot march to Malo Tarin Govt Higher Secondary School ground to address a public rally. - - -Gandhi would also address a press conference in Itanagar on the same day. - -He will leave the state capital on Sunday morning via Hollongi. (PTI)","Arunachal Pradesh Congress president Nabam Tuki urged state residents to join Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, criticizing the BJP government for alleged injustices, rising unemployment, and income inequality. Gandhi’s visit includes public rallies and interactions in Arunachal Pradesh on January 20." -" Putting the ball in the Centre’s court, the Supreme Court on Friday asked it to come out with a “comprehensive” plan to save the critically-endangered great Indian bustard while simultaneously keeping in mind India’s international commitment on solar power. - -The great Indian bustard (GIB) is especially found in Rajasthan and Gujarat, and, according to the 2021 report of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the species are on the verge of extinction with hardly 50 to 249 of them alive. - -“We want the Centre to tell us about the way forward. Otherwise, we will be groping in dark,” said the bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. - -The top court also sought to know from the Centre as to whether there is any data based on scientific studies that these birds die of collision with the “overhead power transmission line.” - -“Do we have any authentic data from a government-monitored study on the efficacy of the bird diverters in saving the GIBs from collision-related deaths?” the CJI asked, adding that now the Centre will have to decide the way forward as the apex court has already come out with its judgment. - -“I am not sanguine about the bird diverters. What is the data with the Centre on the efficacy of bird diverters? We are asking the AG (attorney general) about the way forward. Tell us what can be done,” the bench observed. - -“Let the government just tell us about the way forward. Let a comprehensive status report be filed, showing both the need for preservation of GIB and also the need of the solar power plants operating keeping in mind India’s commitment at the international level,” the bench said. - -It referred to twin rival aspects of the matter, saying that one pertains to saving these birds and the other is related to setting up solar power plants which can be set up in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, the key habitats of this endangered species. - -The bench asked the Centre to file a comprehensive status report dealing with the twin aspects of the matter and the way forward, and fixed the PIL for further hearing on 9 February. The government has been asked to share the report with the parties concerned three days before the next date of hearing. - - The bench took note of the submissions of senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for PIL petitioner MK Ranjitsinh and others, that the great Indian bustard is on the verge of extinction and the court’s 2021 judgment has not been complied with. - -Besides seeking a status report from a court-appointed expert committee, the bench also directed the chief secretaries of Rajasthan and Gujarat to file the latest report on the steps taken in the case. The CJI asked Attorney General R Venkataramani to take personal efforts in getting the issues resolved. - -The top court in its 2021 judgment on the PIL had passed a slew of directions to save the great Indian bustard. It had earlier directed the governments of Gujarat and Rajasthan to replace overhead electric cables with underground power cables, wherever feasible, and install bird diverters in priority areas where the birds live. - -It had also set up a three-member committee, comprising scientists Rahul Rawat, Sutirtha Dutta and Devesh Gadhavi, to assess the feasibility for laying of high-voltage underground power lines. However, the experts and others objected to the underground laying of high-power transmission lines on the grounds of its feasibility. - -It had also sought reports from the chief secretaries of Rajasthan and Gujarat on installation of bird diverters in priority areas and assess the total length of transmission lines in the two states where under-grounding of electric wires have to be done to ensure the birds do not die of electrocution. - -The PIL has sought the court’s directions for an urgent emergency response plan to protect and ensure the recovery of the numbers of the endangered great Indian bustard and the lesser florican. (PTI)"," The Supreme Court directed the Indian government to devise a comprehensive plan to protect the critically endangered great Indian bustard while balancing the need for solar power development. The court asked for data on bird diverters' effectiveness and a detailed status report, considering both conservation and renewable energy commitments." -"Longding-Pumao MLA Tanpho Wangnaw on Tuesday inaugurated a water supply project in Niausa village in Longding district, under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). - -The project will cover 175 households of Niausa village. - -Addressing the gathering, Wangnaw commended “the efforts of the PHE department towards addressing the issue of water scarcity.” - -He said that the inauguration of the water supply project was “one of the cherished dreams of the villagers, which was long overdue.” - -“The present government is endeavouring hard and is committed to ensure that the issue of water scarcity in the district is resolved soon,” Wangnaw said. - -DC Bani Lego said that, “with the inauguration of the project, it will not just add to the convenience of the people but also lead to saving of time, and thereby will have a multiplier effect in the development process of the area.” - - -He added that such developmental activities and initiatives should be appreciated and celebrated by all. - -“Entire Niausa village will be covered under the JJM scheme in a phase-wise manner,” he added. - -PHED EE Tage Nipa informed that “it was a humongous task as the length of the pumping main is 2.10 kilometres and the water had to be lifted to the height of 503 metres vertically.” - -He added that this was one of the three projects under the JJM which has been completed, and that “the works on the other two projects to provide water supply to Zatting and Taying Zong are ongoing and will be completed in the days to come.” - -Nipa said that, “as there is no land compensation under the JJM, getting land for projects is often challenging.” He commended the people of Niausa for donating land for the project, “which helped in completion of the project successfully.” - -The EE informed that “one of the major components of the project is installation of solar water pumping system, which includes automation for auto pump on/off, depending on water level for dry run protection of intake pumps and overflow control.” - -“The system will also provide a total water delivery report on a daily basis,” he added. - - -The programme was attended by HoDs, PRI leaders, officers and the people of Niausa village. (DIPRO)",Longding-Pumao MLA Tanpho Wangnaw inaugurated a water supply project in Niausa village under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The project will benefit 175 households and includes a solar water pumping system. Officials highlighted the project's role in addressing water scarcity and improving local development. -"Chief Minister Pema Khandu has taken serious note of the slow pace of work on the Potin to Pagin (Package 5) stretch of the Trans-Arunachal Highway (TAH). - -Expressing dissatisfaction over the slow speed of the work, the CM directed the principal secretary to discuss the matter with the executing agency to expedite the work. - -The chief minister had during a public meeting here in Upper Subansiri district on Thursday admitted that the construction of the highway is progressing at a slow pace. - -A couple of months ago, Khandu had said that construction work under Package 5 would be completed by November this year.","Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress on the Potin to Pagin stretch of the Trans-Arunachal Highway. He directed the principal secretary to expedite the work with the executing agency, acknowledging the delay during a recent public meeting." -"The Supreme Court on Monday heard the writ petition filed by the villagers of Durpai in Lower Siang district, opposing the MoU signed on 20 April this year by the governments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, in which both the states agreed to looping of the land in certain villages. - -The court ordered that the writ petition be tagged with the original suit (No 2) of 1988 (State of Assam vs Union of India). - -The people (of the affected villages) are strongly opposed to the looping of the land in respect of Durpai, Champak Chojo and Sogum villages of Arunachal and Pasoni Camp, Kailaspur, Rasbongsi, Modonpur and Jengrai villages of Assam. - -The matter was heard by a three-judge bench led by the CJI. It has been listed next for 3 November. - -The petition was filed by one Reli Kena and 12 others. Reportedly, the legal representatives of the Assam and the Arunachal governments did not turn up during the hearing. They have been directed to attend the next hearing. - -The MoU was signed to settle the interstate boundary disputes between Assam and Arunachal in respect of 123 villages placed before the local commission by the state government [vide Letter No HMB (B)-69/2006 Vol-I, dated 26 December, 2007]. - -Earlier, the people of Durpai, under the aegis of the Durpai Development Committee, had written to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, opposing the looping system. They went to the SC in August and filed a writ petition, opposing the looping system. - -“First of all, the MoU was signed without even consulting affected people like us. Secondly, there is no clarity in the MoU. We oppose it and therefore we had to knock on the door of the SC after the state government failed to address our grievances,” said Reli Kena. - -He alleged that “the looping system is an attempt to take away the land of the people of Durpai and deprive them of their rightful ownership of the land.” - -“Durpai is the oldest village in Kangku circle of Lower Siang district. We have been paying revenues to various government departments of the state since ages. How can suddenly we accept this decision to loop our village with those of Assam?” he said. - -Meanwhile, the people of Durpai have appealed to the state government to support them in the court. - -In July 2022, Arunachal and Assam signed the Namsai Declaration with the aim of resolving the boundary disputes between the two states. The declaration was signed after the chief ministers of both the states – Khandu and Himanta Biswa Sarma – held a crucial meeting with the cabinet ministers of the two states in Namsai to “restrict or minimise the boundary disputes between the two states in respect of 123 villages placed before the local commission by Arunachal in 2007,” the declaration read. - -The two states share a nearly 800-kilometre-long boundary.","The Supreme Court heard a petition from Durpai villagers opposing the MoU signed by Assam and Arunachal Pradesh regarding land looping. The court has tagged this case with an earlier suit and directed the states' representatives to attend the next hearing. The villagers argue the MoU, signed without their consultation, threatens their land rights." -"Host Arunachal’s dismal run continued as they suffered a disappointing 0-2 loss to Kerala in a Group ‘A’ match of the 77th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy at Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia on Wednesday. - -Muhammed Ashiq Shoukathali and Arjun V scored the goals for Kerala in the 35th and 52nd minutes, respectively. - - -It was Arunachal’s third straight defeat in the ongoing tournament. It had drawn 3-3 with Goa in the opener, lost 0-4 to Services in the second match and 0-2 to Assam in the third match. - -The hosts were languishing at the rock bottom of the point table with only one point. - -The hosts, who are already out of the title contention, will play their last match against Meghalaya on 1 March. - -In other group B matches played on Wednesday, Services beat Assam 2-0 and Goa held Meghalaya to a goalless draw. - -Thingnam Bidhyasagar Singh and P Christopher Kamei scored the goals in the 44th and 50th minutes, respectively. - -After the end of the fourth round, Services were atop the point table in group B, followed by Goa and Kerala in the second and third places, respectively. Assam and Meghalaya were at the fourth and fifth positions, respectively. - -In Group B, Manipur climbed to the top of the point table after defeating defending champions Karnataka 1-0 on 26 February. - -Manipur has now collected seven points from three games and is three points clear atop the Group B. - - -Mizoram produced a near-flawless performance against Delhi in their third Santosh Trophy game on Monday, registering a 5-1 victory. This result means that Mizoram draw level with Delhi, both of whom are on four points from three matches. - -Railways, who began the day at the bottom of Group B, managed to get themselves back into contention for knockout qualification with a slender 2-1 victory against Maharashtra on Monday. - -Railways, after this win, also moved to four points from three matches while, Maharashtra remained on three points from as many games.","Arunachal Pradesh's disappointing run continued with a 0-2 loss to Kerala in the Santosh Trophy, marking their third straight defeat. Kerala's goals were scored by Muhammed Ashiq Shoukathali and Arjun V. Arunachal, now out of title contention, will play their final match against Meghalaya. Other results include Services beating Assam 2-0 and Manipur leading Group B after a win over Karnataka." -"Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that the Ram temple consecration event in Ayodhya has been made into a “Narendra Modi and RSS-BJP function” with an “election flavour,” as he strongly defended the decision of his party’s top leaders to decline the invite to the ceremony. - -Gandhi’s remarks at a press conference during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra here in Nagaland came days after the Congress top brass declined the invitation to the event at the Ram temple in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. - -“The RSS and the BJP have made the 22 January function a completely political, Narendra Modi function. - -It has become an RSS-BJP function. I think that is why the Congress president (Mallikarjun Kharge) said he will not go to the function. We are open to all religions, all practices. Even the biggest authorities of the Hindu religion have made their views public on what they think about the 22 January event – that it is a political function,” Gandhi said. - -“It is difficult for us to go to a political function, which is designed around the prime minister of India and the RSS. We have made it clear that whoever among our partners or our party would like to visit the Ram temple is welcome to do it. It is difficult for us to visit (the temple) on 22 January. That this is a prime minister’s function and an RSS function and we are going to attend it… it is not possible,” he added. - -“We cannot be a party to a political function. It is very difficult for us when the prime minister of India and the RSS, our principal opponents, have captured a function and turned it into an election function. The BJP and the RSS have given an election flavour to the event,” the former Congress chief said. - -On the opposition INDIA bloc, he asserted that the alliance is strong and will defeat the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. - -“There is mutual respect and affection between the leaders in the INDIA formation. The INDIA formation is an ideological formation that is placing itself in opposition to the idea of the RSS and the BJP. I am very confident that small problems in the alliance will be resolved. We will fight together and defeat them,” Gandhi said. - -Replying to a question on the status of the alliance with the Trinamool Congress, he said, “The status of the INDIA alliance is very good. We are in conversation with our partners, the issue of seat sharing is being taken up, and I think it is going quite well. A lot of those are quite simple, I am quite confident that they will be resolved.” - -Gandhi asserted that the opposition alliance would win the Lok Sabha polls expected to be held in April-May. - -“I see the INDIA bloc placed very well in taking on the BJP in 2024,” he said. (PTI)","Rahul Gandhi criticized the Ram temple consecration event in Ayodhya, alleging it was politicized by the BJP and RSS. He defended Congress's decision to decline the invitation, labeling the event as an ""election function."" Gandhi expressed confidence in the INDIA bloc’s ability to defeat the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, highlighting good relations within the alliance and ongoing seat-sharing discussions." -"Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that the BJP and the RSS are attacking the foundations of the country, while asserting that the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is being undertaken to protect the idea of India. - -“The idea that people of all faiths should live harmoniously in India, and that all communities, languages and traditions should be respected is under attack,” Gandhi said at a public rally here after the yatra entered Meghalaya from Assam. - -“To protect the idea of India, we walked from the sea in Kanyakumari to the mountains of Kashmir (in 2022-’23). We listened to the voices of farmers, labourers and young people,” he said. - -“After that Bharat Jodo Yatra, many people wanted us to listen to the voices of the people living in Northeast, Odisha, Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. So we decided to go ahead with another yatra from Manipur to Maharashtra,” he said. - -The former Congress president said that “many people - -wondered why the yatra began in Manipur, and the reason is that the ideology of the RSS and the BJP has destroyed the idea of Manipur.” - -“The politics of hatred and violence have torn the state apart, causing hundreds of deaths and thousands of people to lose their property. It’s a complete tragedy. That’s why we wanted to send a message to the rest of India about the pain the people of Manipur are feeling,” he said. - -“It is astonishing to me that the prime minister of India has not visited Manipur yet. Is Manipur not an Indian state? Are the people of Manipur not part of India?” he said. - -If the PM wanted to stop the violence in Manipur, he could have done it in three days, Gandhi claimed. - -“If he had told the Indian Army that the violence in Manipur should be stopped, I am confident that the Indian Army would have stopped it within days. The truth is, he is not interested in putting an end to the violence in Manipur. The government of India is happy to let Manipur burn and its people suffer,” he said. - -The prime minister has visited so many states but he refuses to go to Manipur, he added. - -The yatra went from Manipur to Nagaland, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, and has now come to Meghalaya. - -“We respect your culture, language and traditions and we believe fundamentally that Meghalaya should be ruled from Meghalaya,” the Congress leader told the gathering. - -“The voices of Meghalaya, Manipur and Arunachal are now being attacked. Your tradition, history and way of life are being attacked by the RSS,” he said. - -Shah himself had called the Meghalaya government the most corrupt in the country, and shortly after making this statement partnered with the ruling National People’s Party for the 2023 assembly elections, he said. - -Gandhi said that the Khasi and Garo languages of Meghalaya are not included in the 8th Schedule while the power of the autonomous councils has been snatched away and decentralisation of power is being reversed slowly. - -“These are some of the issues we want to raise in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, but the most important thing is that it is aimed at talking and listening to you. I am not here to tell my ‘mann ki baat’ but listen to your ‘mann ki baat’,” he said, with a veiled reference to Modi’s monthly radio programme. - -Gandhi further said that he is their “soldier in Delhi.” - -“Whatever you need from me in Delhi, I will always try and deliver to you,” he said. (PTI)","Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP and RSS for undermining India's foundational values and condemned their handling of violence in Manipur. Speaking during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Meghalaya, Gandhi expressed concern over the attack on multiculturalism and regional traditions. He accused the Prime Minister of neglecting Manipur and claimed that violence could have been swiftly addressed. Gandhi emphasized the yatra's goal of protecting diverse Indian identities and listening to regional voices." -"The second edition of the common university entrance test (CUET) began on Sunday, with over 14 lakh candidates set to appear for the crucial exam for undergraduate admissions. - -Unlike last year, the exam is being conducted in three shifts this time. Earlier, the exam was scheduled to be held from 21 to 31 May, but the - -National Testing Agency (NTA) decided to extend the schedule by at least four days to accommodate the higher number of candidates. - -University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar advised the students to answer questions only if they are confident about the correct answer. - -“Read the questions carefully. Answer the questions only if you are confident about their correctness, as there will be negative marking. Remain calm and focus on your efforts without worrying about the outcome. Even if you cannot do the test well, remember there is always a tomorrow and another opportunity to do well,” he said. - -Over 14 lakh applications have been received for the CUET-UG this year, registering a 41 percent increase from the debut edition last year. - -The CUET-UG remains the second-largest entrance exam in the country in terms of applicants. In the debut edition of CUET-UG, 12.5 lakh students registered themselves and 9.9 lakhs of them submitted their applications. - -“About 8 lakh students are appearing in the first phase 21 to 25 May. Almost equal number of boys and girls will be writing. Nearly 750 centres spread in all states and UTs are being used. Exams are being conducted in this phase in nearly 200 paper combinations,” Kumar said. - -The UGC had in March last year announced that undergraduate admissions will be conducted in all central universities through a common entrance test and not based on Class 12 marks. - -The debut edition of the CUET-UG was conducted in July last year and was marred by glitches, prompting the NTA to cancel the exam at multiple centres. - -While several students were informed about the cancellation a night before the exam, many of them were turned away from centres. - -The UGC chairman had then said that the exam at certain centres had been cancelled following reports of “sabotage.” - -“NTA has taken all measures to test the readiness of all centres regarding computers, network infrastructure, and security. SoPs are given to observers and invigilators for all centres. Dummy tests have been conducted to check for any possible issues. - -“Extra computers have been arranged at each centre. In case of any unforeseen problems with computers, students can be quickly shifted to these computers,” he said. (PTI)","The second edition of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate admissions began on Sunday, with over 14 lakh candidates participating. This year, the exam is conducted in three shifts due to the increased number of applicants, a 41% rise from last year. UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar advised students to be cautious with their answers, given the negative marking system. The test will run from May 21 to 31, with extra days added to accommodate the large number of candidates. Stringent measures have been taken to prevent glitches that marred last year’s debut edition." -"An operative of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit, who was allegedly passing secret information about the movement of security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, has been arrested, an NIA official said on Sunday. -The arrest of Mohd Ubaid Malik of north Kashmir’s Kupwara came amid a crackdown against conspiracies being hatched by terrorist organisations based across the border to destabilise India through terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, a spokesperson of the federal agency said. (PTI) -“Malik was in constant touch with a Pakistan-based JeM commander. -Investigations have revealed that he was passing on secret information, especially regarding the movement of troops and security forces, to the Pakistan-based commander,” the spokesperson said. -The official said various incriminating documents showing his involvement in the furtherance of terror activities were recovered from his possession at the time of his arrest. -The National Investigation Agency registered the terror conspiracy case suo motu on June 21 last year to unearth the conspiracies hatched by cadres and overground workers of various terrorist organisations on the directions of their commanders based in Pakistan, the spokesperson said. (PTI)","Mohd Ubaid Malik, an operative of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), has been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for allegedly passing secret information about security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Malik, from Kupwara in north Kashmir, was in contact with a JeM commander in Pakistan and was found to have incriminating documents related to his terror activities. This arrest is part of a broader crackdown on conspiracies by terrorist organizations aiming to destabilize India. The NIA has been investigating such activities since June 21 of the previous year." -"Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said there is a “massive undercurrent” in the country against the BJP and if the opposition stands effectively against it with an alternative vision, it will be very difficult for the saffron party to win the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. -Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters here, Gandhi said the opposition has to present a national ideology before people, which regional outfits do not have and only the Congress has. -He also said there is a need for the opposition parties to have “mutual respect” for each other. -Gandhi noted that the Bharat Jodo Yatra is a framework and a way of thinking of the Congress on bringing people together. -This was Gandhi’s ninth press conference ever since he started the foot march on September 7. -The Congress leader also spoke about a clear foreign policy, unlike a “confused” policy pursued by the BJP-led government, and greater economic equality. -Gandhi alleged that China and Pakistan have come together and it is a dangerous development because the government “mishandled” the foreign policy. He called upon the government to admit its mistakes, take corrective measures and tell the country what happened at the border with China, adding that the opposition will extend its full support to it. -The Congress leader said he considers the RSS-BJP as his “guru” as they constantly show him the path that should not be taken. “The more they attack us, the more it gives us the opportunity to improve ourselves,” he said. -Gandhi claimed that all the opposition parties are with the Bharat Jodo Yatra but in today’s atmosphere, they have political and other compulsions that are keeping them away from joining it. He, however, said the doors of the yatra are open to anyone who wants a united India, free from violence and hatred. -“I think if the opposition stands effectively with a vision, what I am hearing and seeing from the ground, it will be very difficult for the BJP to win. But the opposition has to coordinate properly and it has to go to the people of India with an alternative vision. There is a huge undercurrent against the BJP, a massive undercurrent,” he said. -Gandhi asserted that this is no longer a tactical fight, where one party joins hands with another and defeats the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). -“This is so as the entire institutional framework of the country is in the hands of one ideology and it dominates the country’s political space completely. To defeat them now, there is a need for an alternative ideology,” he said. -Noting that he respects the other opposition parties and their leaders, Gandhi said if one looks at the Samajwadi Party (SP), it does not have a national ideology. -“They do have a positioning in Uttar Pradesh…. But they do not have a national ideology. The SP’s idea will not work in Kerala, Karnataka or Bihar. So there is a need for a central ideological framework, which only the Congress can provide and that is our role. -“But our role is also to make the opposition people feel comfortable and that they are respected,” he said, adding that there should be mutual respect for each other. -“The idea of Bharat Jodo is a framework. It is a way of working, a way of thinking. Of course, I am not the Congress president and a lot of work in that direction will probably be done by the Congress president. But it is about bringing people together and making them feel comfortable,” Gandhi said on opposition unity. -Spelling out his vision for the country, he said India should emerge as a “production nation”, instead of a “rent-seeking” nation. It should have an education policy that allows children to give wings to their imagination and look beyond careers in medicine, engineering, civil services and law, the Congress leader added. -“My focus is on the idea that India should be united and that we fight hatred and anger with love, affection and harmony. We are providing an alternative vision for the country and that is what I have to focus on,” he said. -Gandhi said he is in favour of large businesses as they play a central role in the economy, but the same should not be controlled by “two-three people”. -“I absolutely agree that there is a place for large businesses and they have a central role to play in India’s future. But it cannot be that two or three business people run this country. It cannot be,” he stressed. -The Congress MP said there are talks of another East-West Yatra, but the Bharat Jodo Yatra is trying to say something and if that message is ignored, “then in a way, it will be an insult to the voice of India”. -He said there are similarities in the ideologies of the opposition parties and there are many like SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati who want an India of love and do not want an India of hatred. -Gandhi accused the Centre of using different security protocols for BJP leaders and for him, noting that the current regime wants him to undertake the “Bharat Jodo Yatra” in a bulletproof vehicle, which is not acceptable to him. He alleged that the government is trying to make a case against him that he does not follow security protocols. (PTI) -“I am undertaking the Bharat Jodo Yatra and the government wants me to do it in a bulletproof vehicle. They say it is protocol and I should not trouble them. They want me to travel from Kanyakumari to Kashmir in a bulletproof car, which is not acceptable to me. How can I sit in a bulletproof vehicle in this yatra?” he asked and alleged that when BJP leaders violate security protocols, it is not talked about. (PTI)","Rahul Gandhi, former Congress chief, asserted that there is a significant undercurrent against the BJP and claimed that if the opposition presents a united and effective alternative, it will be challenging for the BJP to win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters, Gandhi emphasized the need for a national ideology, which he believes only the Congress can provide, unlike regional parties. He criticized the BJP-led government’s foreign policy and economic practices, calling for greater transparency and corrective measures. Gandhi also discussed the Bharat Jodo Yatra, stating it represents a framework for unity and respect among opposition parties. He argued against using bulletproof vehicles for the yatra, citing a desire to connect with people directly. Gandhi highlighted that the opposition's unity and alternative vision are crucial to countering the BJP's dominance and proposed a focus on creating a production-oriented economy and expanding educational opportunities." -"West Siang secured a quarterfinals berth from Group C in the 19th Tadar Tang State Level Football Tournament, after edging past Papum Pare 1-0 in a Group C match here in Lower Subansiri district on Monday. - -Momik Ada scored the goal in the additional time (95th minute). - -Tawang and Papum Pare will lock horns with each other the day after tomorrow. -The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout round. - -Host Lower Subansiri, who were handed a 1-4 defeat by Kra Daadi in the tournament opener, came back strong and registered a convincing 3-0 win over Shi-Yomi in a Group A match in Hapoli. - -All goals came in the second half. Taug Sera scored a brace (51st & 78th min), while Kon Tolu netted the third goal in the 85th minute. - -Defending champion Kurung Kumey, who suffered a shock 0-1 defeat against Namsai in their first match on Sunday, beat Upper Subansiri 2-0 in Group B on Monday. - -Tamchi Tassung and Tarh Dolu scored one goal each in the 36th and the 50th minute, respectively. - -Earlier, East Kameng clinched a thumping 5-0 victory over Namsai in Group B. - -Karan Tallang scored a hat-trick of goals (14th, 30th and 81st min), while Karling Paffa (45th min) and June Dodum (79th min) scored the other goals. - -Today’s matches - -At Hapoli: East Siang vs Changlang (10 am); Kra Daadi vs Shi-Yomi (1:15 pm). - -At Ziro: Namsai vs Upper Subansiri (10 am); Lower Subansiri vs Siang (1:15 pm).","West Siang secured a quarterfinal spot from Group C in the 19th Tadar Tang State Level Football Tournament by narrowly defeating Papum Pare 1-0. The decisive goal came in the 95th minute from Momik Ada. In Group A, host Lower Subansiri bounced back from a 1-4 defeat in the opener to beat Shi-Yomi 3-0, with Taug Sera scoring twice and Kon Tolu adding a third goal. Defending champions Kurung Kumey redeemed themselves with a 2-0 victory over Upper Subansiri in Group B. East Kameng dominated Namsai with a 5-0 win, featuring a hat-trick by Karan Tallang. Upcoming matches include East Siang vs Changlang and Kra Daadi vs Shi-Yomi in Hapoli, as well as Namsai vs Upper Subansiri and Lower Subansiri vs Siang in Ziro." -"With the onset of winter, migratory birds, including the ruddy shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), the common merganser, the Indian skimmer, the white-winged wood duck, and many other colourful water birds have started flocking to the water bodies of the Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary (DEWS) in East Siang district since the second week of November, attracting special attention of the wildlife officials and nature lovers. - -Though wildlife officials used to witness the arrival of the avian visitors to the area during December, January or early February each year, the winged guests have arrived early this year. Several flocks of birds, most of which have migrated from Siberia and Mongolia, were seen in various water bodies of the sanctuary from the second week of November. - - -Apart from migratory birds, a large number of grassland-dependent bird species, such as the swamp francolin (Francolinus gularis), the Jerdon’s babbler (Chryssoma altirostre), the swamp prinia, and the black-breasted parrotbill (Paradoxornis flavirostris) are also found in the sanctuary’s grassland. - -As per record, over 150 bird species have been reported, including endangered birds like the Bengal florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis). The most recent estimate is of 60-70 pairs, as per the BNHS. - -The DEWS is located near Pasighat, the headquarters of East Siang district, and covers an area of approximately 190 square kms. It is sandwiched between the Siang and the Sibya rivers in East Siang district. The sanctuary lies in the low-altitude floodplains on the boundary of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. - -The sanctuary has extensive floodplain grasslands (about 80 percent). Saccharum spontaneum, S arundinaceum and Neyraudia reynaudina are the main grass species, and sedges such as cyperus sp also occur. Other habitat types include riverine forests with tree species such as Terminalia myriocarpa, Bombax ceiba and Dillenia indica. - -The sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and has been regaining its past glory in the last four years, thanks to the intensified round-the-clock patrolling and intensive action against hunters and poachers, including timber mafias, by the present sanctuary authority. - - -The sanctuary authority has a limited number of staffers, most of whom are in casual/contingency positions and have been serving at the sanctuary for the last 30 years, besides other recently recruited ones. - -In our committed effort to secure the sanctuary from hunting and other illegal activities to revive the sanctuary in the real sense, we have seized more than 20 guns, and around 30 hunters/poachers have been arrested in the last four years. - -In the process of protecting the sanctuary in the true sense, some serious actions were needed, despite public opposition and reaction (mostly from those who sympathise with hunters and support hunting), but we did it even by banning fishing activities of the public and fishermen engaged by local fish mahaldars deep inside the sanctuary, as many people were found laying cable traps and even hunting on the pretext of fishing in the sanctuary’s rivers in the past. - -Apart from intensified patrolling, our field staff and officials, and the Eco-Development Committee members, are constantly mobilising the people of the fringe areas to protect the flora and fauna of this riverine island sanctuary, which is necessary for maintaining the ecology of the region for larger human interest. (Tasang Taga is DFO, DEWS, Pasighat.)","Migratory birds have begun arriving early this year at the Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary (DEWS) in East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, attracting nature enthusiasts and wildlife officials. Species like the ruddy shelduck, great cormorant, common merganser, and Indian skimmer are among the early visitors, most migrating from Siberia and Mongolia. The sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity, also supports grassland species such as the swamp francolin and Jerdon’s babbler, with over 150 bird species recorded, including the endangered Bengal florican. - -Located near Pasighat, the sanctuary spans 190 square kilometers between the Siang and Sibya rivers. Its habitats include extensive floodplain grasslands and riverine forests, housing tree species such as Terminalia myriocarpa and Bombax ceiba. - -Over the past four years, the sanctuary has seen significant conservation efforts, including increased patrolling and anti-poaching measures. More than 20 guns have been seized, and 30 poachers arrested, despite public opposition to some measures, such as banning fishing. The sanctuary’s authorities, along with Eco-Development Committee members, are working to protect the wildlife and maintain the ecological balance of the region." -"The decision on phased withdrawal of Indian and Chinese troops from one of the friction areas in the Ladakh region is a positive development, but there is no reason to drop the guard as Beijing refuses to recognise the status quo as it existed in April 2020, when the current military standoff began. China also continues to behave belligerently. The recent act of carrying out construction activities inside Indian territory at Chaglagam in Anjaw district shows that China is still aggressively behaving along the line of actual control (LAC). - -The agreement on disengagement of frontline troops in the Hot Springs area along the LAC came after months of protracted negotiations between the military commanders of the two countries. The Chinese created many obstacles in the talks. - -While the move is the right step towards restoration of peace, there is a need to resolve all pending border disputes once and for all, as suggested by the Indian side. China continues to complicate the matters by claiming that the status quo was created by “illegal trespassing on the Indian side” – a contention that goes against the ground realities. Restoration of the status quo and the violation of agreements and protocols for border management through China’s action of amassing troops along the LAC are among the key issues raised by New Delhi. Hot Springs is only the third friction point where the two countries have agreed on the disengagement of troops during the 16th round of corps commander level meeting, but the bigger problems at the friction points of Depsang and Demchok remain to be addressed, largely due to the intransigence of the Chinese side. - -China has persistently refused to accept these two locations as friction points, contending that they are not part of the current face-off. The site of the latest disengagement is near the area where at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed in the June 2020 clash. With the PLA trying to shift the LAC westwards, the unresolved areas could turn into new flashpoints. A new crisis in eastern Ladakh or elsewhere along the LAC would undo the gains made in the form of disengagement over the last two years.","The phased withdrawal of Indian and Chinese troops from the Hot Springs area in Ladakh is a positive step towards de-escalation, but India remains cautious as China refuses to recognize the pre-April 2020 status quo. Despite negotiations, China continues aggressive actions, including construction inside Indian territory in Anjaw district, indicating ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). - -While the disengagement in Hot Springs marks progress, larger unresolved issues at key friction points like Depsang and Demchok remain due to China's refusal to acknowledge them as part of the current standoff. India's focus is on restoring the status quo and addressing China's military build-up along the LAC, which could trigger new flashpoints if left unresolved. The disengagement efforts must be consolidated, but ongoing tensions require vigilance to prevent future crises." -"China on Friday announced plans to permit the return of “some” Indian students stranded in India for over two years following the visa and flight restrictions imposed by Beijing due to the Covid-19 pandemic. - -Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here that China attaches high importance to Indian students’ concerns about returning to China for studies. - -“We have shared with the Indian sides the procedures and experience of other countries’ students returning to China. Actually, the work for Indian students’ return has already been started. - -All that remains to be done is for the Indian side to provide the list of students who really need to come back to China,” he said. - -As per earlier reports, over 23,000 Indian students, mostly studying medicine in Chinese colleges, are stuck in India after they returned home as the coronavirus broke out in China in December 2019. They could not return to China due to the restrictions imposed by the Chinese government to arrest the spread of the contagion. - -Since then, they made desperate attempts to return to China to rejoin their classes but had to confine to online classes as Beijing cancelled all flights and visas for Indians. - -Besides the students, hundreds of families of Indians working in China too were stuck back home in view of China cancelling visas and flights from India. - -“We understand that there is a large number of Indian students studying in China. India may need some time to collect the names. China is ready to receive some of Indian students under the current complicated severe epidemic situation. In handling foreign students returning to China for studies, we need to take into consideration the international epidemic situation, the evolving circumstances, and their majors. This principle applies equally to all foreign students,” Lijian said. - -Asked about the timeline to permit the return of Indian students, Lijian said that the Chinese embassy in India and existing channels will work to facilitate and offer convenience to the students. - -To a question whether China has provided any criteria to India to select students to return, Lijian said: “I don’t have the information about the specifics you asked, but I am sure these details will be sorted out through communication through existing channels, including the embassy, so that we will actually deliver the good news.” - -Following the Chinese announcement, the Indian embassy here sought the details of the students intending to return. - -Following the meeting of India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on 25 March, 2022, the Chinese side has expressed its willingness to consider facilitating the return of Indian students to China on a need-assessed basis, the Indian embassy here said in a statement. - -“In order to facilitate this (return), the Indian embassy intends to prepare a list of such students which will be shared with the Chinese side for their consideration. Therefore, Indian students are requested to provide necessary information by filling up the Google form at this link (https://forms.gle/MJmgByc7BrJj9MPv7), latest by 8 May, 2022,” it said. - -Once the collated information is shared with the Chinese side, they would consult relevant Chinese departments to verify the list and indicate whether the identified students can travel to China to complete the course, the statement said. - -This coordination process would be carried out in a time-bound manner, it said. - -The Chinese side has also conveyed that eligible students should unconditionally abide by the Covid-19 prevention measures, and agree to bear all expenses related to Covid-19 prevention measures by themselves, it said. - -In recent months, China has been permitting students from some friendly countries like Pakistan, Thailand, the Solomon Islands and recently Sri Lanka to return but remained silent about allowing Indian students as well as hundreds of family members of Indians working in China to travel back. (PTI)","China has announced plans to allow the return of some Indian students who have been stranded in India for over two years due to Covid-19 restrictions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian stated that the process for Indian students’ return has begun, and China is awaiting a list of students from India who need to return. Over 23,000 Indian students, mainly studying medicine in China, have been stuck since 2019. - -China had previously permitted students from friendly nations to return but had not addressed Indian students' concerns until now. Indian authorities have been asked to submit the necessary details to facilitate their return. Students will need to follow China’s Covid-19 prevention measures and bear related costs." -"PASIGHAT, 31 Jan: Thirteen stolen bikes and other properties like camera, laptop, gas cylinder, etc, were recovered during an intensive investigation carried out by the police over the last 10 days in connection with Case No 08/22 of the police station here in East Siang district. - -The initial breakthrough was made with the recovery of a stolen motorcycle from Ruksin. From there, other persons involved were traced, and - - -the stolen items were recovered from them. The majority of the bikes were recovered from Pasighat area and other districts of Arunachal and Assam. - -Ten persons have been arrested in this case, including three persons who were receivers of stolen bikes. - -The case was cracked by a police team led by SIs Rotom Echu and Aditya Chandra, under the supervision of DSP Tapang Tatak","In Pasighat, police have recovered 13 stolen bikes and various other stolen items, such as a camera, laptop, and gas cylinder, over a 10-day investigation related to Case No 08/22 in East Siang district. The breakthrough came when a stolen motorcycle was found in Ruksin, leading to the identification of others involved. Most of the stolen items were recovered from Pasighat and neighboring districts in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Ten individuals, including three receivers of stolen bikes, have been arrested. The case was handled by a police team led by SIs Rotom Echu and Aditya Chandra, under DSP Tapang Tatak's supervision." -" A 79-year-old Covid-19 positive man from Lohit district died at the DCHC in Tezu late night on Monday, which was reflected in the Covid bulletin on Tuesday. With this, the state’s death toll has reached 284. - -As per the DHS report, the patient had comorbidity and had tested Covid-19 positive through RAT at the zonal hospital in Tezu on 22 January. He had then been admitted to the DCHC on the same day. - -The antecedent cause of death was cerebrovascular accident and the immediate cause of death was acute respiratory distress syndrome along with unconsciousness. - -The patient was fully vaccinated. - -Meanwhile, the state on Tuesday reported 526 Covid-19 positive cases, of whom 278 are symptomatic. - -The ICR reported the highest 225 Covid-19 cases, followed by 42 cases in Lower Subansiri and 38 cases in Namsai. - -With 70 percent, Shi-Yomi reported the highest positivity rate in the state. - -A total of 375 patients were declared recovered or discharged on Tuesday.","A 79-year-old man from Lohit district died due to Covid-19 complications in Arunachal Pradesh. He had tested positive on January 22 and was admitted to the DCHC in Tezu. The state's death toll has now reached 284. On Tuesday, Arunachal Pradesh reported 526 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the total number of active cases to 4,290." -"After rubber and oil palm cultivation, the farmers here in East Siang district are eyeing mahogany tree farming. - -About 20 farmers of Ngorlung village have started mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) plantation in 30 hectares of land at Ngorlung Moruk, near the Industrial Growth Centre in Ngorluk. - -One of the farmers, Ajom Tarang (50), of Ngorlung village, said that an Itanagar-based NGO inspired him to adopt mahogany cultivation on a commercial basis. The NGO also conducted a training programme on mahogany tree farming at Ruksin and supervised the plantation activities at the initial stage. - -Tarang said that he has successfully grown 5,000 trees in his farmland and the saplings are now four years old. - - The farmers urged the state government to prepare a scheme to help the mahogany planters, considering the importance of the tree species. - -Mahogany is considered one of the most priced timber trees in India. It grows to 60 metres in height and can have a trunk diameter measuring up to 4 to 5 metres. One thousand plants can fetch an income of about Rs 1 crore in 10 years. - -The seeds are also sold at a high price as these are used to produce medicines and cosmetics. - -Swietenia mahagoni, commonly known as American mahogany or small-leaved mahogany, belongs to the meliaceae family and is native to the tropical areas of south Florida in the United States and the islands of the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola. It is commercially imported for its best quality timber with high durability and water resistance property.","Farmers in East Siang district are turning to mahogany tree farming, following rubber and oil palm cultivation. Around 20 farmers from Ngorlung village have planted mahogany on 30 hectares of land, inspired by an Itanagar-based NGO that provided training and supervision. One farmer, Ajom Tarang, has successfully grown 5,000 trees, now four years old. They are seeking state support for mahogany cultivation, as the tree is highly valued for its durable timber and seeds used in medicine and cosmetics. Mahogany can grow up to 60 meters tall and is expected to yield around Rs 1 crore from 1,000 plants in 10 years." -"Releasing its report, ‘India: The status of refugees – 2021’, the Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) stated that in 2021, about 20,000 refugees, including 18,000 from Myanmar, mostly Chins, took shelter in India and 4,557 Afghan refugees were in India on long-term visas (LTV) as on December 2021. - -“There is no accurate data on the number of refugees, but India has about 4,00,000 refugees, including 2,38,222 recognized and documented refugees, ie, Sri Lankan refugees, Tibetan refugees and refugees recognized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), about 31,313 refugees belonging to minority communities from neighbouring countries who have been given LTVs on the basis of their claims of religious persecution and want Indian citizenship, and about 1,23,000 unregistered Chin and Rohingya refugees,” said RRAG director Suhas Chakma in a release. - -In 2021, at least 414 refugees, mainly from Myanmar, ie, about 354 Rohingyas and 60 Chins and other ethnic Myanmarese nationals, were arrested by police in various states of India. The highest number of arrests was reported from Jammu & Kashmir with 174, followed by Delhi (95), Assam (55), Manipur (30), Uttar Pradesh and Haryana (19 each), West Bengal (13), Telangana (6) and Tripura (3). “Non-Myanmarese refugees like the Tibetans and Sri Lankan Tamils do not face such arrest and detention for illegal entry into India,” Chakma said. - -“Given that no refugee law exists in India, the treatment of refugees is guided by geo-political interest and vote bank politics,” he said. - -“While India extends full support to the Tibetan refugees and the Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, including welfare measures worth Rs 317.40 crores announced by the Tamil Nadu government in August 2021, India targets refugees from other countries, in particular the Rohingyas. While Chin refugees from Myanmar received modicum of protection including non-refoulement, at least 1,177 Rohingya immigrants were arrested/detained or rescued from trafficking by police in different states during 2017-2021. These arrests included 386 in West Bengal, 187 in Jammu & Kashmir, 141 in Telangana, 123 in Tripura, 98 Rohingyas in Delhi, 98 in Assam, 53 in Manipur, 35 in Mizoram, 19 each in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, seven in Karnataka, eight in Kerala, and three in Rajasthan,” he said. - -“The response of the Supreme Court of India on the Rohingya refugees remained wanting. On 8 April, 2021, the Supreme Court in a departure declined to issue direction to the union of India and Jammu & Kashmir administration to release the 168 Rohingya refugees detained at a sub-jail in Jammu. It merely directed not to deport any of them to Myanmar without the procedure prescribed for such deportation, despite the risks of torture and non-acceptance by Myanmar itself. The question remains as Myanmar does not accept the Rohingyas, will India detain the refugees forever waiting deportation with the sanction of the Supreme Court?” Chakma said. - -He said that the Covid-19 pandemic had a ravaging impact on different refugee communities in India. “The UNHCR’s ‘cash-based assistance’ has been found to be highly inadequate both in scale and coverage. Nearly 56 percent Rohingya refugees living across India lost employment due to the pandemic. As many as six Chin refugees succumbed to Covid-19 infection during the second wave of the pandemic, often without any medical care in government hospitals because they lacked the documentation or money required for private hospitalization. For vaccination against Covid-19, registration with CoWin platform requires use of the government-approved identity card such as an Aadhaar card, passport, permanent account number, etc. The refugees, especially the unrecognized and undocumented ones, are not eligible for these documents and further, private healthcare services are inaccessible due to high costs. - -“The taking over of Afghanistan by the Taliban on 15 August, 2021 exposed inadequacy of India’s controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to protect any asylum seeker belonging to minority communities from the war ravaged nation. The Afghan Sikh and Hindu minorities, including lawmakers Anarkali Kaur Honaryar and Narender Singh Khalsa, are not eligible for protection under the CAA applicable as they have not entered India on or before 31.12.2014, the date set by the CAA. - -“Further, dozens of lawmakers from Afghanistan and Myanmar have taken shelter in India during 2021 and they remain excluded from any protection measure. - -“The refugees shall continue to flee to India. Unless India adopts a refugee law, the asylum seekers shall not register with the government of India for mere deportation. This will not address the security concerns and will close the possibility for any repatriation. The absence of any refugee law is counter-productive. India needs to enact a refugee law,” said Chakma.","According to the Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) report, ""India: The Status of Refugees – 2021,"" around 20,000 refugees, primarily from Myanmar, and 4,557 Afghan refugees were in India by December 2021. The total number of refugees in India is estimated at 400,000, including recognized and unregistered individuals. The report highlights that while Tibetan and Sri Lankan Tamil refugees receive support, Rohingyas face arrests and detention. The Supreme Court has been criticized for its handling of Rohingya cases. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated refugee hardships, revealing gaps in assistance and access to healthcare. The report calls for India to enact a refugee law to better address and protect asylum seekers." -"China is all set to operationalize the first electric train in the remote Himalayan region of Tibet, connecting the provincial capital Lhasa with Nyingchi – a strategically located Tibetan border town close to Arunachal. - -The 435.5-km Lhasa-Nyingchi section of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway is expected to be inaugurated ahead of the centenary celebrations of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) on 1 July, according to official media reports. - -The electricity transmission process has been completed and tested, Liu Yuxiang, Chief Engineer of the Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway, was quoted as saying by the state-run CCTV earlier. - -The Sichuan-Tibet Railway will be the second railway into Tibet after the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. It will go through the southeast of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, one of the world’s most geologically active areas. - -In November, Chinese President Xi Jinping had instructed officials to expedite construction of the new railway project, connecting Sichuan province and Nyingchi in Tibet, saying the new rail line would play a key role in safeguarding the border stability. - -The Sichuan-Tibet Railway starts from Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, and travels through Ya’an and enters Tibet via Qamdo, shortening the journey from Chengdu to Lhasa from 48 hours to 13 hours. - -Nyingchi is a prefecture-level city of Medog, which is adjacent to the Arunachal border. - -China claims Arunachal as part of South Tibet, which is firmly rejected by India. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long line of actual control (LAC). - -Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, told the official daily Global Times earlier that “If a scenario of a crisis happens at the China-India border, the railway will provide a great convenience for China’s delivery of strategic materials.” (PTI)","China is set to launch its first electric train in Tibet, connecting Lhasa with Nyingchi, a border town near Arunachal Pradesh. The 435.5-km Lhasa-Nyingchi section of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway is expected to be operational by July 1, ahead of the Communist Party of China’s centenary celebrations. The railway will reduce travel time from Chengdu to Lhasa from 48 to 13 hours and is intended to bolster border stability. Nyingchi, close to Arunachal Pradesh—which China claims as part of South Tibet—will be strategically important for China. The new rail link is expected to enhance China's ability to deliver strategic materials in case of a border crisis with India." -"Governor BD Mishra met a team of Idu Mishmi youths from Dibang Valley district, which is promoting tourism and visits to the Emudu Seven Lakes in Dibang Valley, at the Raj Bhavan here on Monday. - -The governor commended the youths, led by Jimu Mele, for their spirit of entrepreneurship, and said that the tourism sector in Arunachal Pradesh has huge scope for startup projects. - -“If properly taken up, such enterprises have great potential for public employment and work,” he said. - -Impressed by the “self-employment and job providing spirit of the team,” the governor said that other youths of the state should emulate the young team. - -Mishra advised the youths to “identify attractive destinations to further develop the amenities and logistic arrangements for tourists.” He also suggested creating publicity around the venture through various platforms to attract adventure seekers and trekkers from different parts of the world. - -“As service providers, the entrepreneurs must take full care of the necessities of the clients,” he said. - -Mele, along with senior journalist and trekking enthusiast Taba Ajum briefed the governor on the Emudu Seven Lakes Trekkers’ activities, and informed that their trekking season starts in July and ends in October. (Raj Bhavan)",Governor BD Mishra met with Idu Mishmi youths from Dibang Valley who are promoting tourism to the Emudu Seven Lakes. He praised their entrepreneurial spirit and highlighted the tourism sector's potential for job creation in Arunachal Pradesh. Mishra encouraged the team to enhance amenities and logistics for tourists and to use various platforms for publicity. The trekking season for the Emudu Seven Lakes starts in July and ends in October. -"China’s President Xi Jinping on Saturday sent a message of condolence to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in the wake of the death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. - -Mr. Xi “pointed out that former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made efforts to improve China-Japan relations when he was in office and contributed positively to this endeavour”, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, adding that he “noted that he had reached important common understanding with Abe on building a China-Japan relationship that meets the need of the new era”. - -“Xi also noted that he deeply regrets Abe’s sudden passing and stands ready to work with Prime Minister Kishida to continue to develop a China-Japan relationship of good-neighbourliness, friendshipand cooperation in accordance with the principles of the four China-Japan political documents,” the MFA said, adding that Mr. Xi and First Lady Peng Liyuan sent a message of condolences to Akie Abe, wife of the former Prime Minister. - -Mr. Xi’s message on Saturday followed a day of wide attention on Chinese social media on Mr. Abe’s death. Thousands of messages posted by Chinese social media users celebrated the assassination, while one essay that expressed alarm and revulsion at those messages, and pointed to the impact of decades of anti-Japanese state propaganda, went viral before being censored on WeChat. - -“The radical nationalism on show has damaged China’s image internationally and may complicate Beijing’s efforts to improve relations with other countries,” the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post quoted commentators as saying, noting that many on Chinese social media saw Mr. Abe “as representative of a Japanese right-wing in denial about the country’s war crimes” and hit out at his visits to the Yasukuni shrine that includes honours for war criminals. - -Chinese commentators were divided on the reaction with some defending the messages. Nationalist commentator Sima Nan who has a wide following online said, “If we express happiness, foreigners might say we are ruthless and lack humanitarian spirit… but we should do whatever we want.” - -Others criticised the responses and said they had damaged China’s image abroad. “Hatred of the West and polarisation among Chinese over certain issues have existed in China for a long time, but the hostile comments over Abe’s death have greatly damaged China’s image,” one political scientist who did not want to be named told The Post. “It is very nasty. The whole world is grieving the death of the assassinated politician.”","Chinese President Xi Jinping sent condolences to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Xi acknowledged Abe's efforts to improve China-Japan relations and expressed readiness to continue collaboration with Kishida to develop a positive bilateral relationship. Despite this, Chinese social media showed a troubling response, with many celebrating Abe's death due to historical grievances, leading to criticism of China's international image. Some commentators defended the reaction, while others criticized it as damaging to China's global reputation." -"The XV Additional Metropolitan Magistrate at Ibrahimpatnam on Friday convicted three persons of cheating and criminal breach of trust in a 2009 case involving sale of misappropriated property in Adibatla police limits. - -B. Raghu Veera Reddy, P. Shivaji and Kalpana Pal were sentenced to undergo three years’ imprisonment and pay a fine of ₹20,000 each. - -According to Adibatla police, one septuagenarian, K. Venkata Ramana of Nadergul was approached by Ms. Pal expressing interest in selling two properties which were under her general power of attorney. The two others, showing photocopies of the said properties, had assured the aggrieved that it was free from adverse encumbrances. - -Sale deeds were also executed at the Rangareddy district registrar’s office. However, later a public sector bank wrote on its walls that the property was under equitable mortgage. The aggrieved person was later promised original documents by the fraudsters and was also issued a cheque for the pending loan amount; however, it was dishonoured for want of funds","On Friday, the XV Additional Metropolitan Magistrate in Ibrahimpatnam convicted B. Raghu Veera Reddy, P. Shivaji, and Kalpana Pal for cheating and criminal breach of trust related to a 2009 property sale case. The trio was sentenced to three years in prison and fined ₹20,000 each. They were found guilty of misrepresenting property details and executing fraudulent sale deeds. The property was later found to be under mortgage, and attempts to rectify the situation, including issuing a dishonored cheque, failed." -"A friend’s description of his dinner a few days ago had me drooling. On his way home from work, he had stopped at Andhra Bhavan and packed some mutton fry. The dish was hot and spicy, and he liked it so much that he went all misty-eyed while describing it. - -It got me all nostalgic too, for I had been thinking of visiting this old haunt of mine for a while now. There was a time when we went there every other Sunday for a plate of Hyderabadi biryani. The thali was a special favourite, for one could eat as much as one wished to (for ₹14 when I first started going there). - -I often went for breakfast too — and enjoyed my cup of hot filter coffee, the soft idlis and crisp vadas. - -The prices have gone up since then. I was there one weekday recently and heard that the breakfast — coffee, with one piece each of idli, vada, one dosa — cost ₹130. The non-sharing vegetarian lunch thali is for ₹200 – and consists of rice, puris, a special rice dish, dal, two kinds of vegetable dishes, chutney, sambar, rasam, curd, papad, pickle and a sweet. Rotis replace puris in the dinner thali. - -The Andhra Bhavan canteen (also called Andhra and Telangana canteen), I found, was as busy as ever. The place is meant for people who like their food spicy. I did so at one time but over the years, I have lost my passion for hot food — though I must admit I still enjoy it. - -I decided to place an order for home delivery — and asked for their ‘Carrier meal’, which at ₹490, has all the ingredients that adorn the regular thali. And, of course, we wanted their mutton — so I ordered two plates of boneless mutton fry (₹300). - -I was not disappointed. Many Andhra Bhavan afficionados believe that over the years the standard of the food has fallen. However, the dishes I had were as they used to be — hot and spicy, even though I had asked for a non-spicy platter. - -The rasam was excellent, and helped a young dinner guest clear his sinuses. I liked the sambar, the carrot vegetable dish, the dal with bits of spinach and the eggplant curry. I liked the sweet dish too — a soft halwa — and enjoyed the juicy mutton immensely. - -I didn’t order the biryani this time. When we started having their biryani with the glistening egg, it cost ₹60. The chicken dum biryani is now for ₹300 while the mutton biryani, available only on weekends, is for ₹350. - -Sometime back, when Andhra Bhavan ruled, Delhi didn’t have too many places offering Hyderabadi biryani. But in the last 15 years, restaurants and outlets — such as Bagundi, Andhra Canteen, Sassy Begum, Bikkgane and Andhra Kodi Pulao — have mushroomed across town offering Andhra and Hyderabad cuisines, prepared by talented khansamas who focus more on the flavours than on the chillies. - -Despite the ups and downs, I enjoyed the Andhra Bhavan fare. It was sheer nostalgia, garnished with red chillies.","A recent dinner experience had me reminiscing about Andhra Bhavan, a favorite spot from my past. A friend’s description of their spicy mutton fry reignited my nostalgia. I recalled our frequent visits for Hyderabadi biryani and the thali, which once cost ₹14 for unlimited servings. - -Although prices have increased—breakfast now costs ₹130 and a non-sharing vegetarian thali is ₹200—the quality of food remains commendable. My recent home delivery included the ‘Carrier meal’ for ₹490 and two plates of boneless mutton fry for ₹300. Despite some claims that the food’s quality has declined, the meal was as hot and flavorful as I remembered. The rasam was excellent, and the mutton was juicy and satisfying. - -The Andhra Bhavan has been a pillar of spicy Andhra and Hyderabadi cuisine in Delhi, even as new competitors have emerged. Despite the changes over time, the nostalgic flavors and spicy dishes continue to be a delight." -"German specialty chemicals major Evonik has announced the opening of its R&D hub and new office in Thane near Mumbai, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the company in India. - -“The Evonik India Research Hub (EIRH), as it will be called, marks a significant milestone in Evonik’s development journey in India and underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to further growth in the Indian market,” Evonik India said in a statement. - -“It will be dedicated to advancing solutions that contribute to sustainability,” it added. - -The company’s new office spans an area of 100,000 square feet and features labs for its existing business lines, which cater to various industries. - -These include pharmaceutical, oral care, personal care, food, feed, agriculture, tyre, rubber, plastics, oil & gas, batteries, metal & ceramics, electronics, toners, paper, adhesives & sealants, home care, paint & coatings, printing inks, construction, emulsion, textiles, metalworking fluid and compounding. - -New labs will also be started this year, providing customers with proximity to industries associated with bio-surfactants, skin and hair products, automotive, furniture and mattress applications, the company said. - -The company currently employs approximately 850 employees in India in its three entities. With the opening of EIRH, it is planning to create more jobs for its new labs and related operations. - -Its manufacturing sites are located in Maharashtra and Gujarat. - -Vinod Paremal, President and Managing Director, Evonik India said, “We believe that our new office will not only facilitate greater collaboration and synergy among our team members but will also enable us to better meet the evolving needs of our customers and partners.” - -Evonik operates in more than 100 countries worldwide and generated sales of €15.3 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €1.66 billion in 2023.","German specialty chemicals company Evonik has inaugurated its new R&D hub and office in Thane, near Mumbai. Named the Evonik India Research Hub (EIRH), this new facility represents a significant step in the company’s growth strategy in India, emphasizing its dedication to advancing sustainable solutions. - -The new 100,000-square-foot office includes laboratories for various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care, food, agriculture, and more. It will also feature new labs focused on bio-surfactants, skin and hair products, and automotive applications. - -With approximately 850 employees across three entities in India, Evonik plans to expand its workforce in response to the new operations. The company, which operates in over 100 countries, reported sales of €15.3 billion and an adjusted EBITDA of €1.66 billion in 2023." -"Rodrygo thrived in the absence of Vinícius Júnior as Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 to keep an eight-point lead over Barcelona in the Spanish league. - -Rodrygo scored both goals and Madrid maintained its comfortable lead at the top after Barcelona had won 1-0 at Las Palmas on Saturday. - -Vinícius didn't play because of a suspension over yellow cards, but Jude Bellingham was back in the squad after missing two straight league games because of a red-card suspension. The influential England international set up Rodrygo's second goal in Madrid's third straight league win. - -Rodrygo's opener came with a beautiful shot into the top corner from just outside the area eight minutes into the match at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. - -The Brazil forward had scored for Brazil in a friendly against Spain at the Bernabeu last week, but he hadn't found the net for Madrid in seven consecutive games. - -“He played very well, made the difference with some high-quality plays,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said about Rodrygo. - -The Brazilian said after the match he is not feeling threatened by the possible arrival of Kylian Mbappé. - -“I think he is close (to being signed), from what everybody has been saying,” Rodrygo said. “I'm just focused on finishing the season well. It would be a nice problem for the coach to have next season. I'm not worried.” - -Fourth-place Athletic arrived with its focus on next weekend's Copa del Rey final against Mallorca. The Basque Country club will try to win the cup for the first time in four decades. Defender Yeray Álvarez left Sunday's game with an apparent muscle injury in the 25th and could be doubtful for the final in Seville. - -Athletic, which had won two in a row in the league, will drop to fifth place if Atletico Madrid wins at midtable Villarreal on Monday. - -Also back in Madrid's squad was central defender Éder Militão, who had been out for eight months because of a knee injury. He came off the bench in stoppage time to loud cheers from the Bernabeu crowd. - -Brahim Díaz, who was in for Vinícius, nearly added to Madrid's lead in the 49th with a shot that hit the post. - -Tuesday's “One Skin” friendly between Brazil and Spain at the Bernabeu, which ended 3-3, was set up after Vinícius was targeted by racial insults in a league match nearly a year ago. - -Sunday's league games came a day after the match between Getafe and Sevilla was marred by more racist insults against Sevilla player Marcos Acuña and Sevilla coach Quique Sánchez Flores. - -Madrid wore its purple fourth uniform instead of its traditional white jersey. - -STUANI LEADS GIRONA -Cristhian Stuani scored in stoppage time as Girona beat Real Betis 3-2 to move closer to securing a top-four finish. - -The home win strengthened Girona's hold on third place. It's nine points ahead of fourth-place Athletic and 10 points in front of fifth-place Atletico Madrid, the first team outside the Champions League qualification places. - -Girona visits Atletico next weekend in a key matchup with eight rounds remaining. - -The Catalan club, which is part of the Abu Dhabi-backed City Football Group, is trying to make it to the Champions League for the first time. - -Girona twice relinquished leads against seventh-place Betis, but earned the victory thanks to Stuani's goal from inside the area two minutes into second-half stoppage time in pouring rain at Montilivi Stadium. - -Artem Dovbyk scored the other two goals for the hosts, while Willian José got on the board twice for Betis, which saw its losing streak reach four straight league matches. Manuel Pellegrini's team has one win in its last eight games in all competitions. - -RELEGATION FIGHT -Celta Vigo and Rayo Vallecano drew 0-0 in Vigo in a match between relegation-threatened clubs. - -The result left Celta in 17th place, immediately behind Rayo. - -Celta sits three points clear of the relegation zone, while Rayo is five points from danger. Rayo has one win in 12 matches. - -Celta complained about two calls that went against the team — the first on a goal called off because of a foul, and then for a possible penalty kick late in the game. - -SOCIEDAD WINS AGAIN -Sixth-place Real Sociedad picked up its third straight victory by winning 1-0 at 13th-place Alaves. - -Jon Pacheco scored the winner with a diving header in the 59th. - -Alaves has one win in its last eight league matches.","La Liga Roundup - -Real Madrid 2-0 Athletic Bilbao: Rodrygo scored both goals as Madrid maintained their eight-point lead. Vinícius Júnior was suspended, and Éder Militão returned from injury. - -Girona 3-2 Real Betis: Cristhian Stuani's stoppage-time goal secured victory for Girona, keeping them third in the table. Betis extended their losing streak to four matches. - -Celta Vigo 0-0 Rayo Vallecano: A goalless draw in a relegation battle. Celta remains three points clear of the drop zone, while Rayo is five points clear. - -Real Sociedad 1-0 Alaves: Jon Pacheco's header gave Sociedad their third straight win. Alaves continues to struggle with only one win in their last eight matches." -"On the occasion of the launch of free distribution of laptops for Class 11 and 12 students in government schools in Puducherry, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy on Wednesday said it was the NDA government that has proved its commitment to fulfilling all assurances made in the Assembly. - -“The distribution of free laptops as announced in the budget was the only scheme yet to be implemented. Today, we have launched this scheme also. Our government is committed to fulfilling all promises made to the people in the Assembly. Some schemes announced outside the Assembly were also implemented,” the Chief Minister said. - -Mr. Rangasamy, along with Lt. Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan launched the scheme at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School. The Chief Minister said the government would incur an expenditure to the tune of ₹68 crore to implement the scheme. - -Listing out the programmes initiated by his government in the last two and a half years, Mr. Rangasamy said around 1.60 lakh families started getting subsidies for LPG cylinders after the government took a decision to provide ₹300 per cylinder for BPL families and ₹150 per cylinder for APL ration card holders. - -The launch of the scheme to provide monthly assistance of ₹ 1,000 to women in the age group of 21 to 55 years in the BPL category has so far benefitted around 50,000 people. Around 20,000 more women would be added to the beneficiary list soon, he said. - -The Chief Minister also highlighted the scheme to deposit ₹50,000 in the name of new born girl children in nationalised banks and the policy decision to provide 10% reservation to NEET-qualified government school students inmedical colleges. - -“The government is able to implement all the schemes with the active support of the Union government,” he added. - -Appeal to students -The Chief Minister appealed to the students to be on guard against the prevailing drug menace among the student community. “You should be cautious as getting into drug addiction can spoil the life of the individual and the family.” - -Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Soundararajan said computers have become part of the educational system. She urged the students to work hard to become successful in life. The Lt. Governor also advised the students to use the laptops in proper manner. - -Home Minister A. Namassivayam, who also holds the education portfolio, said as many as 7,419 and 8,140 students currently studying in Classes 11 and 12, respectively, would be given laptops before February 15. - -From next year, he said students joining Class 11 would be given laptops in the beginning of the academic year itself. He said the government intended to fill around 144 primary school teachers posts, 300 Trained Graduate Teachers (TGT), 67 lecturers and 45 TGT (language) posts in the next two months. The government has introduced CBSE syllabus in around 128 schools, he said. - -Speaker R. Selvam and Minister for Agriculture C. Djeacoumar were present.","On Wednesday, Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, alongside Lt. Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, launched a scheme to distribute free laptops to Class 11 and 12 students in government schools. The initiative, which fulfills a budget promise, will cost ₹68 crore. - -Rangasamy highlighted recent government achievements, including subsidies for LPG cylinders, financial aid for women, and a scheme to deposit ₹50,000 for newborn girls. He urged students to avoid drug addiction and use the laptops wisely. - -Home Minister A. Namassivayam announced that laptops would be distributed to over 15,000 students by February 15 and plans to provide laptops to new Class 11 students at the start of the academic year. He also mentioned upcoming teacher recruitments and the introduction of the CBSE syllabus in 128 schools." -"Cartoonist Sukumar, who used his humour equally well on the paper and on the stage, passed away in Kochi on Saturday. He was 91. - -One of the earliest figures in a long lineage of Malayalis making their mark in the world of cartoons, he has been known for his political cartoons filled with sharp critiques of the major leaders during his heydays. As someone who also spread laughter from stages across the State, one of the most memorable events in his life was the 12-hour laughter yajna that he led in 2012, which entered the Guinness Book of Records. - -Born in 1932 at Attingal in the capital, Sukumar did not have any formal training in cartooning. His interest in cartoons was kindled by constantly following the political cartoons of K.S. Pillai, who used to draw cartoons both in Desabandhu and Malayala Manorama. His first cartoon appeared in a magazine when he was just 18 years old. After higher studies at University College here, he joined the Police department in 1957. He served in the department for three decades and retired as an administrative assistant. - -For close to seven decades, he continued to use his wit and drawing skills to create cartoons for numerous publications. In one of his interviews, he had recounted that former Chief Ministers E.K.Nayanar and K.Karunakaran were the leaders whom he loved to draw the most. He has written close to 60 books, a majority of which were related to cartoons. He has also penned plays, poems and stories. One of his everlasting contributions will be the role he played in the founding of the Kerala Cartoon Academy as well as Narma Kairali, which became a platform for upcoming humourists. He won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1996. - -He was interested in the history of cartooning in Kerala and spent two years digging out old cartoons for his book on the subject. At a function in the capital a few years back, he said that he found the first cartoon ever published in the State from a worn-out copy of the first issue of the magazine Vidooshakan published in October 1919. It was titled Maha kshama devatha and touched upon the drought situation, he had said. After spending much of his life in the capital, he shifted to Kochi in 2019, but remained active in the public sphere almost till the end. - -Condoling his passing, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that Sukumar will be remembered for his witty criticism without a touch of malice.","Cartoonist Sukumar, aged 91, passed away in Kochi. Known for his political cartoons and humor, Sukumar gained fame for his sharp critiques of leaders and for organizing a Guinness World Record 12-hour laughter yajna in 2012. Born in 1932 in Attingal, he was self-taught and started cartooning at 18. He worked in the Police department before retiring and continued his cartooning for seven decades. Sukumar authored around 60 books and was influential in founding the Kerala Cartoon Academy. He was awarded the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1996 and was recognized for his contributions to humor and cartooning." -"A 26-year-old Indian doctoral student, Aaditya Adlakha, died after he was shot at inside a car in the US’ Ohio State. The incident took place on November 9 in Cincinnati, and he died two days later. - -Adlakha was a fourth-year doctoral student in a molecular and developmental biology programme at the University of Cincinnati Medical School, said a university statement, which called his death ““sudden, tragic and senseless”. - -On November 9. Lt. Jonathan Cunningham of the Cincinnati Police said that the police found Adlakha in critical condition inside a bullet-riddled vehicle that had crashed into a wall on the upper deck of the Western Hills Viaduct in Cincinnati. Passers-by had alerted the police after seeing a body inside the crashed car. Adlakha was shifted to the UC Medical Centre, but was declared dead two days later. No arrests have been made in the case, according to local media reports. - -Condolences poured in from Adlakha’s college professors in Delhi following the news, with Ramjas College, where Adlakha had completed his bachelor’s degree in Zoology in 2018, holding a prayer meet in his memory. - -Ramjas College held a prayer meet for Adlakha. “He was wonderful student, always ready with good grades and a bright smile,” said Dr. Mayanglambam Ojit Kumar Singh, associate professor at the college’s Zoology Department, adding that Adlakha’s loss felt “personal”. - -“One thing I’ll remember are his assignments. Professors keep only a few students’ practical files and assignments for years. because they are extraordinary and will remain an example for years to come. Aaditya was one of those students,” Mr. Singh said, adding that he would remain a “brilliant example of the department forever”. - -“There are a lot of things that one could remember about somebody who is that extraordinary,” said Smita Bhatia, who headed the Zoology Department during Adlakha’s time in college. Ms. Bhatia, who taught him physiology - a subject he later completed his master’s in from AIIMS in 2020 - said that Adlakha told her he was inspired by the subject and always thanked her for helping him study. - -“Aaditya would sit in the front row only to ask the professor a question” Ms Bhatia added. - -Adlakha was also mourned by the University of Cincinnati Medical School. “Those who knew him [Adlakha], along with fellow students and others who may not have had the fortune to have met Aaditya, may experience a wide variety of reactions, which are understandable and expected,” Senior Vice President of Health Affairs and Dean, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Andrew Filak said. - -“He was much-loved, exceedingly kind and humorous, intelligent and sharp, whose research was described as novel and transformative. The focus of his work was to better understand neuroimmune communication and how neuroimmune interactions might contribute to pain and the inflammatory landscape in ulcerative colitis.” added Mr Filak.","Aaditya Adlakha, a 26-year-old Indian doctoral student at the University of Cincinnati Medical School, was shot inside his car in Cincinnati on November 9. He was found critically injured in a crashed vehicle and died two days later. No arrests have been made. Adlakha was a fourth-year student in molecular and developmental biology, known for his exceptional academic performance. Condolences came from his professors at Ramjas College in Delhi and the University of Cincinnati Medical School, where he was remembered for his kindness, intelligence, and significant research contributions." -"It comes no more as a shock or surprise if the Supreme Court is seen as deferring excessively to the government’s wishes. The order allowing Sanjay Kumar Mishra, head of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), to continue till September 15 at the Centre’s request is needlessly accommodative. It was only on July 11 that the Court declared illegal the extensions given to Mr. Mishra in 2021 and 2022. At the same time, he was permitted to continue till July 31 to ensure a smooth transition. Yet, without any submission that the process to select his successor has been set in motion, the Court has invoked an undefined “larger national interest” to allow him to go on up to September 15. It was a self-serving application in the first place. The ostensible reason that the government finds his services indispensable is that he is helming the country’s efforts to demonstrate its framework to counter money laundering and the financing of terrorism during a country review before the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The multi-lateral body adopts a mutual evaluation system and India’s ongoing review will go on until June 2024, when the final evaluation report may be considered at a likely plenary discussion on its compliance status. The government sought an extension of his services until October 15, presumably because the country’s agencies and institutions may be ready by then for an on-site visit by an FATF delegation. - -As the agency that administers the law against money laundering, the ED may have a key role in preparing the country’s presentation, but it is difficult to believe that the process depends on one individual. Even if it were so, nothing prevented the government from utilising Mr. Mishra’s services for FATF purposes alone, while leaving the directorate’s routine activities under his successor. In any case, various agencies and authorities are involved in framing the country’s policies on money laundering and terrorism financing. It is unfortunate that the Court did not countenance arguments that highlighted these points. It did raise questions as to how one person could be indispensable, but ultimately chose to allow him to continue for some more time. One can understand the argument that the country’s image depends on a positive FATF evaluation, but the claim that not giving Mr. Mishra an extension might result in a “negative image” is quite incomprehensible. India’s credentials will be evaluated on its laws, systems and compliance with global standards and not on who prepared the report. The Court’s permissiveness detracts from its resolve to hold the government to account for actions that it had itself declared illegal.","The Supreme Court's decision to extend Sanjay Kumar Mishra's tenure as head of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) until September 15, despite previous rulings declaring his extensions illegal, raises concerns about excessive deference to government requests. The extension, granted to facilitate India's review by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), seems to prioritize procedural convenience over legal principles. The Court's decision to allow Mishra to continue without clear evidence of an ongoing successor selection process, and despite arguments that his continued presence is not critical, undermines its previous stance on accountability and legality. This leniency might detract from the Court’s commitment to uphold the law and hold the government accountable for actions deemed illegal." -"Holiday declared for all educational institutions in Ernakulam on Tuesday; District Collector N.S.K. Umesh issues orders for forming squads in all taluks -Flooded roads and bylanes caused long queues of vehicles as incessant rain lashed the city on Monday. Several low-lying areas were flooded in the downpour. - -The authorities declared a red alert in the district on Monday. An orange alert has been declared for Tuesday and Wednesday, considering the possibility of heavy rain pounding the district. A holiday has been declared for all educational institutions in the district on Tuesday. - -The district administration has cautioned the public about the risky weather situation and activated the official machinery to meet any eventuality. - -District Collector N.S.K. Umesh has issued orders for forming squads in all taluks. Quarries have been asked to suspend operations. Tourism activities in hilly areas and waterbodies will be regulated. Fishing activities will be stopped during the alert period. - - -Several trees were uprooted in some parts of the city and eastern parts of the district. Vehicular movement near Panampilly Nagar was disrupted for some time after a tree was uprooted. Such incidents were also reported in the Edappally-Vyttila sector of the national highway, and in Olimugal, Puthencruz, Koothattukulam and Mulanthuruthy areas. Vehicular movement was also disrupted on Ramamangalam-Oorumana Road, and Nechoor and Puthusserypadi areas after trees were uprooted. A car was damaged when a tree fell on it at Foreshore Road. No one was injured in the incident.","Due to severe weather conditions and flooding in Ernakulam, a holiday has been declared for all educational institutions on Tuesday. The district was under a red alert on Monday and will have an orange alert for the next two days due to heavy rain. District Collector N.S.K. Umesh has ordered the formation of response squads in all taluks, suspended quarry operations, and regulated tourism and fishing activities. Several areas experienced disruptions due to uprooted trees, affecting vehicular movement. No injuries were reported, but there was damage to a car on Foreshore Road." -"Most of us as consumers and earners would like to keep a track of our personal financial transactions. However, it can be a tedious practice as the volume of transactions is high, diverse and requires parsing of many files. Through this article, we will be introduced to three utilities which can be used to make this job easier for us. - -The three powerful text processing command-line utilities, grep, sed, and awk, available in the GNU Bash Shell and commonly available in GNU/Linux operating systems can help us keep track of personal spending and earnings. Windows 10 users can use the Ubuntu on Windows feature to utilise the bash shell. See https://bit.ly/UbuntuOnWin for instructions on how to download this in the Windows 10 environment. - -Let us go through the process step-by-step. - -All examples in this article make use of the sample data set Expenses.csv containing personal income and expenditure information. (The dataset is available here https://bit.ly/incomedataset). This dataset has the following structure. - - -Let us start with our first utility, grep, a powerful search utility that can be applied to text documents. The general form of using grep is - -$ grep search_pattern file_list - -Imagine we want to list all transactions on an American Express credit card. You can achieve that by giving the following command. - -$ grep “American Express Credit Card” Expenses.csv - - -One has to note that the search parameter should be included within double quotes if it consists of any white space. Otherwise, quotes are not necessary. - -Sometimes one would be more interested in getting the number of transactions of a particular type; let's say you want to count the number of pharmacy related transactions. The following command can achieve this. - -$ grep -c Pharmacy Expenses.csv - - -Another common thing we encounter is that we do not remember filenames that contain a specific text in a particular directory. Here also grep can come to the rescue; all you have to do is issue a command with the following syntax. - -$ grep -lr search_pattern folder - -Suppose we want to list all files recursively within the Article2 directory containing the pattern awk; the following command achieves that. - -$ grep -lr awk Article2/ - - -As we have seen so far, grep can be used only as a search utility and cannot be used to modify the file contents. Here is where the second utility sed comes in handy. sed is a stream editor used to apply text transformations. When we display the contents of Expenses.csv using the cat command (a command which displays the contents of one or more files without having to open the file for editing), the content may appear closely packed, making it difficult to view the contents. So, let's see how sed handles this in the following command. - -$ sed -e 'i\ ' Expenses.csv - - -It will result in an empty line being added before each line of text, making it easy for the eye to view the contents. - - -One can obtain double spacing by using the following command. - -$ sed -e 'i\\n' Expenses.csv - -Now let's see how to highlight lines having a specific word. Suppose we want all Food related transactions to be underlined, issue the following command. - -$ sed -e '/Food/a\t=====================' Expenses2.csv - - -Even more emphasis can be achieved by the following command - -$ sed -e '/Food/a============'-e'/Food/i============' Expenses.csv - - -The following example shows how we can segregate transactions of a particular type, lets say those related to groceries. If we we want all grocery related purchases to be written to a separate file say Groceries.csv. - - - - -sed can also be used to perform string substitution. For example, if we want to change all the entries of 'Other' to 'Miscellaneous', it can be done as follows - - - - -So far, we have seen text processing capabilities of sed. It is now time to look into the awk utility, which is more potent because it is highly programmable. It provides programmable constructs like conditionals, looping, formatting, etc. In our earlier examples, the way text was displayed was not pleasing to the eye. We will now format the content such that its display is more aesthetic. The following awk command shows its formatting capabilities. - - - -Now let us look at slightly more complex examples; let's say we want to list the various types of expense categories present in the file. To do this, we should focus on the fourth column, which indicates the transaction category. Additionally, we want only the unique values from this column. We can achieve it as follows. First, we fetch the contents of the fourth column, sort it and later eliminate duplicates using the uniq command. - - - - -Suppose we want to find the highest expenditure among all our transactions. This would require more instructions therefore, let us write it as a script named FetchMax.awk. - - - - -Next, let us find the total expenditure for the Merchandise category. The script file CategoryExpenses.awk is shown below. - - - - - -We can improve the script much further by specifying the category during runtime, shown in CategoryExp2.awk. - - - -We have seen how the three utilities grep, sed and awk form a powerful triad that is essential for anyone dealing with text processing on large texts. sed is best for string processing, and awk is better at handling columnar data. These can be further combined together to achieve even more complex tasks. To sum it up, this troika of utilities is like a swiss knife in the armory of a data analyst. ","The article introduces three powerful text-processing command-line utilities—grep, sed, and awk—available in GNU Bash Shell (on GNU/Linux systems and Windows 10 via Ubuntu on Windows). These utilities help users efficiently track personal financial transactions in large, diverse datasets. - -grep is used for searching text within files, counting occurrences, and finding files with specific patterns. For example, searching for transactions on an American Express card or counting pharmacy-related transactions. - -sed is a stream editor used for text transformations like adding spacing for readability, highlighting specific text (e.g., food-related transactions), and performing string substitutions. - -awk is more programmable, enabling formatted data display, processing specific columns, and writing scripts for tasks like finding maximum expenditures or calculating total expenses for a category. - -Together, these utilities form a powerful toolkit for text processing, offering versatile solutions for parsing and analyzing large datasets." -"Mr. Nadda is on his maiden visit which is being describe by many as formal beginning of election campaign to the State after taking over reins of the party in 2020 -Amidst the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Madhya Pradesh entering the campaign mode for next year’s Assembly elections, the party’s national president J.P. Nadda has hinted that it is in no mood for a change of guard in the State and that Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will be the face of the party in 2023. - -Responding to a question on whether the 2023 elections would be fought under the leadership of the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-Vishnu Dutt Sharma (State BJP President), Mr. Nadda said “everything goes in that very direction”. - -The BJP president was addressing a press conference at the party’s State headquarters on Wednesday, the first day of his two-day tour of the State with both Mr. Chouhan and Mr. Sharma sitting with him. This is Mr. Nadda’s first visit to Bhopal after taking over the reins of the party in January 2020. His visit is being described by many leaders as the formal beginning of the election campaign for the BJP in the State. - -Drawing a botanical analogy, Mr. Nadda said that the leadership was akin to a plant and frequent questions around it “were like uprooting it repeatedly to check if it was firmly planted”. - -“For the 2023 elections, the parliamentary board will decide the question of leadership but under Shivraj ji’s leadership, the government is doing a good job,” Mr. Nadda further said. - -The statement comes at a time when there have been reports of differences between Mr. Chouhan and some of his Cabinet and party colleagues and also speculation over Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia assuming a bigger role in State politics following his move to an official bungalow in Bhopal in May. - -Earlier, Mr. Nadda also hailed the State government for its development works and its performance in central schemes, adding that under BJP rule, States like Madhya Pradesh had uplifted the living standards of the people and shed the BIMARU– a popular acronym used for Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh in the last few decades–tag. He highlighted schemes like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and the Jal Jeevan Mission where Madhya Pradesh has been on the first and the second position respectively over the past two years. - -Presenting a slew of statistics on the government’s achievements on many social and economic indicators, Mr. Nadda claimed that the Congress government that had ruled the State for a couple of years had stopped the welfare schemes and focused on a divisive agenda. “The Congress is synonymous with corruption and commission,” he said. - -No tickets to kin of party leaders -Responding to a question on nepotism in the BJP, Mr. Nadda said that the party will refrain from giving tickets to family members of its MLAs or MPs for all upcoming elections – from the local bodies elections scheduled in a few days to Assembly elections next year and even beyond. - -""At the time of the byelection, many Madhya Pradesh leaders had said that not giving tickets to the sons of leaders would cause problems. The State President and the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had said that if the aspiring family members were denied tickets, there could be trouble but we said we would bear adverse consequences but won’t compromise on our principles,” Mr. Nadda said, citing similar examples from other States as well.","BJP President J.P. Nadda, on his first visit to Madhya Pradesh since taking charge in 2020, signaled that Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan would likely lead the party in the 2023 Assembly elections. During a press conference, Nadda praised the state's government for its performance in development and central schemes, asserting that Madhya Pradesh had shed its BIMARU tag. He also criticized the Congress for halting welfare schemes and focusing on corruption. Additionally, Nadda emphasized that BJP would not give election tickets to the family members of current leaders to avoid nepotism. His visit marks the formal start of BJP’s election campaign in the state." -"Water Minister and Delhi Jal Board (DJB) chairman Satyendar Jain on Saturday visited Rohini Lake to review the progress of various units being constructed in line with the Delhi government’s objective of transforming the Capital into “a city of lakes”. - -The government plans to develop Rohini as an “abode of lakes and recreation” within 8 months. - -A project revolving around the revival of lakes and water bodies in Delhi is on the AAP government’s list of priorities, the government stated, adding that it sought to bring the initiative to completion as soon as possible. - -On Saturday, Mr. Jain directed the officials concerned to modify the structures so that the underground water recharge can be maximised using cost-effective methods and healthy ecological conditions can be maintained. - -A total of eight lakes will receive and recharge 68 MLD of treated water from the STP after polishing to a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) 3 level, the government said. - -The Delhi government’s ‘City of Lakes’ project has two focus areas: lakes and other water bodies. In the first phase of development, 250 water bodies and 23 lakes will be taken up by the government. The project aims at creating multiple water reservoirs to arrest urban flooding and avoid choked drains. - -The rejuvenation of lakes involves three components: construction of treatment plants, lakes and landscaping. The entire project is broadly based on sewage water remediation and lake development. - -The Rohini Lake project is one of the 23 lakes to be revived in the Capital and it has also been designated as a key project by the Delhi government. The lake is situated in a complex of 100 acres of land where the Rohini STP occupies 20 acres, while lakes and green areas are being developed across 80 acres. - -The wastewater will be treated in the STP with a capacity of 15 MGD and the treated effluent will be further polished using suitable treatment technologies, after which it will be released into the lake. - -The Rohini Lake project is expected to be completed in an eight-month time frame and will be commissioned within one month after completion, the government added.","Delhi Water Minister Satyendar Jain visited Rohini Lake to assess the progress of the Delhi government's ""City of Lakes"" project, aimed at reviving lakes and water bodies across the city. The government plans to transform Rohini into an ""abode of lakes and recreation"" within 8 months. The project involves reviving eight lakes to recharge 68 MLD of treated water from a sewage treatment plant (STP). The broader initiative focuses on creating reservoirs to reduce urban flooding. Rohini Lake, part of a 100-acre complex, will receive treated wastewater and is set to be completed within eight months." -"The government on Friday introduced the ‘Antarctica Bill’ in the Lok Sabha that envisages regulating visits and activities to Antarctica as well potential disputes that may arise among those present on the continent. The Bill also prescribes penal provisions for certain serious violations. - -The text of the Bill, which was introduced by Science Minister, Jitendra Singh, on Friday says that it seeks to “... prohibit Indian expedition to Antarctica or carrying of certain activities in Antarctica without a permit or the written authorisation of another party to the protocol…provide for inspection in India by an officer designated by the Central government as an Inspector and to constitute an inspection team to carry out inspections in Antarctica... .provide for the constitution of the fund to be called the Antarctic fund which shall be applied towards the welfare of Antarctic research work and protection of Antarctic environment…. provide for designated courts and their jurisdiction.” - -Mr. Singh remarked in Parliament that India had been a signatory to the Antarctica Treaty since 1983 and that encumbered India to specify a set of laws governing portions of the continent where it had its research bases. “Antarctica is a no man’s land... It isn’t that India is making a law for a territory that doesn’t belong to it…. the question is if in the territory involving India’s research stations, some unlawful activity happens, how to check it? The Treaty made it mandatory for the 54 signatory countries to specify laws governing territories on which their stations are located. China has five, Russia has five, we have two,” said Mr. Singh. - -India is also signatory to treaties such as the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources and the Commission for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, both of which enjoin India to help preserve the pristine nature of the continent. - -“There is growing concern over preserving the pristine Antarctic environment and ocean around Antarctica from exploitation of marine living resources and human presence in Antarctica... India organises regular Antarctic expeditions and many persons from India visit Antarctica every year as tourists. In the future, the private ship and aviation industry will also start operations and promote tourism and fishing in Antarctica, which needs to be regulated. The continuing and growing presence of Indian scientists in Antarctica warrants a domestic legislation on Antarctica consistent with its obligations as a member of the Antarctic Treaty. This is also in sync with the emergence of India as a global leader on important international fronts,” the text of the Bill notes. - -Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of the Congress demanded to know how India had the right to make laws with penal provisions in territory that didn’t belong to it and Saugata Roy of the Trinamool Congress also wanted to know, on similar lines, how India could enact Indian law in a ‘no man’s land’ and whether there would be a bureaucratic set up in place to govern matters concerning Antarctica. They both demanded that the Bill be passed to a Select or Standing Committee of Parliament for a deeper analysis. - -M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences told The Hindu that not only was India obliged to have such under obligations but it would also clearly establish that any illegal act or “crime” in Indian territory at Antarctica would mean that a person — even if they were a foreigner — would be subject to Indian laws. “This law also specifies that if there was an accident, or say an oil spill, to happen due to a ship in Antarctic territory, how accountability could be fixed. Currently there’s no system.” He added that a discussion on the Bill was expected in the House next week. - -Following its first expedition to Antarctica in 1982, India has now established two standing research stations, Bharti and Maitri, at Antarctica. Both these places are permanently manned by researchers.","The Indian government introduced the ‘Antarctica Bill’ in the Lok Sabha to regulate activities in Antarctica, including requiring permits for expeditions and setting up an Antarctic Fund. The Bill also provides for inspections and the establishment of designated courts. It addresses the need for domestic laws to manage Indian research stations and protect the environment. - -Minister Jitendra Singh emphasized that the Bill aligns with international treaties and ensures accountability for any incidents. Some Congress and Trinamool Congress members questioned the authority of the Bill and suggested a deeper parliamentary review. India has two research stations in Antarctica and has been involved in Antarctic research since 1982." -"India has not committed to supporting a U.S.-backed United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for Russia to withdraw from Ukraine. The resolution is scheduled to be discussed at 3 p.m. on Friday, New York Time. Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council and also its president for this month, is certain to veto the resolution. India has abstained during UN votes on Russia and Ukraine in the recent past, as it attempts to balance its interests with both Moscow and the West, led by Washington. - -Hours before the scheduled meeting on Friday, External Affairs Minister said via Twitter, that he had emphasized “diplomacy and dialogue” to resolve the crisis, during a conversation with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba. - -“I emphasized that India supports diplomacy & dialogue as the way out. Discussed predicament of Indian nationals, including students. Appreciate his support for their safe return,” Mr Jaishankar said. - -While India has called for diplomacy and dialogue, Russian troops have invaded Ukraine and entered Kyiv, as per reports. At Wednesday’s UNSC meeting – during which Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a ‘special operation’ in Ukraine, India’s permanent representative T S Tirumurti did not name Russia during his remarks. - -Friday’s draft resolution condemns Russia’s aggression in the “strongest terms,” reaffirms the sovereignty of Ukraine and “requires the Russian Federation immediately, completely, and unconditionally to withdraw its forces,” a senior administration official of the U.S., who did not want to be named, told reporters on a briefing call on Thursday. - -During a call with Mr. Jaishankar on Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, “stressed the importance of a strong collective response to condemn Russia’s invasion and call for an immediate withdrawal and ceasefire,” during this call, the State Department’s spokesperson said. - -Asked if India, a ‘Major Defense Partner’ of the U.S., was “in sync” with the U.S. on Russia, U.S. President Joe Biden said on Thursday that discussions were still on-going – possibly referring to talks around Friday’s resolution.","India has not committed to supporting a U.S.-backed UNSC resolution calling for Russia's withdrawal from Ukraine, scheduled for discussion on Friday. India has previously abstained from votes on Russia and Ukraine to balance its relations with both Moscow and the West. - -Hours before the UNSC meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India's support for ""diplomacy and dialogue"" in resolving the crisis during a conversation with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister. Meanwhile, Russian troops have advanced in Ukraine, and India's UNSC representative did not directly address Russia during a recent meeting. - -The draft resolution condemns Russia’s actions and demands an immediate withdrawal. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized the need for a strong collective response, while discussions between India and the U.S. on the resolution are ongoing." -"The government hospitals in the city are seeing fewer admissions after the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the last few days. Most of those admitted are the middle aged persons and senior citizens who refused to get vaccinated. - -In the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, where 240 patients are under treatment, 70 are unvaccinated. All the patients in intensive care unit in the hospital have contracted the delta variant, said Dean E. Therani Rajan. - -Of the 17 patients in the ICU, only two have taken both doses of the vaccine but in these people age and comorbidities were a factor, he said. - -On why the remaining 15 were not vaccinated, the Dean said they were apprehensive of the comorbidities becoming worse. These patients had cardiac ailments, diabetes, hypertension and stroke. A centenarian who got infected had refused to get vaccinated, he said. - -At the Stanley Medical College, 190 patients have been admitted. Of these, 12 are in the ICU and seven are fully vaccinated. - -Three persons had taken one dose and only two persons were unvaccinated. Dean P. Balaji said the lower literacy level among the residents of the localities the hospital catered to had ensured greater focus from the government to get them vaccinated. - -Persons who were admitted to the ICU had co-morbid conditions and had been transferred from private hospitals. - -“They were found to have been infected while being taken for surgery,” he added. - -At the Government Medical College Hospital, Omandurar Estate, which is a dedicated COVID care hospital, 141 persons have been admitted and 10 are in the ICU. “Eight of them are not vaccinated. As many as 20 are not on ventilator but on oxygen support. Of these, 10 are not vaccinated. Generally, it is only lethargy and fear arising from comorbidities,” said Dean R. Jayanthi. - -As many as 115 COVID-19 patients have been admitted to the Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, said Dean Santhimalar.","Hospitals in the city report fewer admissions despite a recent COVID-19 spike. Most admitted patients are unvaccinated middle-aged and senior citizens: - -- **Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital**: Out of 240 patients, 70 are unvaccinated, with all ICU patients having the delta variant. Only 2 of 17 ICU patients were fully vaccinated. - -- **Stanley Medical College**: Of 190 patients, 12 are in the ICU. Seven are fully vaccinated, while three had one dose and two are unvaccinated. - -- **Government Medical College Hospital, Omandurar Estate**: Out of 141 patients, 10 are in the ICU, with eight unvaccinated. - -- **Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital**: 115 patients have been admitted. - -The data suggests that unvaccinated patients are more likely to experience severe outcomes." -"The district administration has begun block-wise medical camps to coordinate with the fever cases recorded in various government hospitals, as part of dengue prevention measures. - -Ahead of the north-east monsoon, fever prevention and mitigation measures have been initiated in the district. According to Collector S. Dhivyadarshini, dengue prevention measures were being jointly undertaken by the Department of Public Health and the local bodies. - -Six health inspectors were overseeing the collating of information that includes the names and addresses of in-patients and out-patients at the government hospitals, and the various primary health centres with complaints of fever. The list is shared with the eight blocks and the local bodies. - -According to the administration, block medical officers and block development officers, based on the list of addresses of reported fever cases, shall organise medical camps in the respective panchayats. Further, the eight block-level primary health centres will organise mobile medical camps in a concerted manner, Ms. Dhivyadarshini said. - -In addition, all school medical teams will be engaged to create awareness of the various symptoms of fever. Any symptoms of fever should not be neglected, the administration has said. - -Public were urged to clean water tanks and water collection points with bleaching powder and water collection vessels should be sealed tight to prevent mosquito breeding in fresh water. Public were also urged to provide support to conservancy workers, who carry out door-to-door sanitation works. - -The Collector has called upon the public to provide unhindered access to the backyards and other water collection points to enable fumigation by the dengue prevention staff.","The district administration is organizing block-wise medical camps to address rising fever cases and prevent dengue ahead of the north-east monsoon. Key actions include: - -Medical Camps: Camps are being set up in each block based on data from health inspectors about fever cases from government hospitals and primary health centers. -Coordination: Block medical officers and development officers will oversee these camps, with mobile units dispatched as needed. -Awareness: School medical teams will educate the public on fever symptoms. -Prevention Measures: The public is urged to clean water storage, seal containers, and support sanitation workers to prevent mosquito breeding. Access to water collection points for fumigation is also requested." -"Congress leader Oscar Fernandes, who passed away on Monday, was one among the “Trimurthis” of coastal Karnataka Congress, two others being former Union Ministers B. Janardhana Poojary and M. Veerappa Moily, who began their political career in the 1970s. The three stalwarts, who developed close proximity with the Gandhi family, nurtured several young leaders while Mr. Fernandes was the link for local Congress leaders to the high command. - -Moving close to the Congress first family, he was Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi for six months and became a Minister when he was RS member in 2004 and was the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways in 2013. - -In between, he held portfolios of statistics and programme implementation, overseas affairs and labour. At the organisational front, Mr. Fernandes was the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president in 1986, joint general secretary and general secretary of the All India Congress Committee. He was among the six trustees of National Herald. - -Yoga aficionado -A practitioner of yoga, Mr. Fernandes had spoken in support of the Indian systems of medicine, including naturopathy, in Parliament. He was also a Yakshagana artist and practised Kuchipudi. - -Former Minister B. Ramanath Rai said the mortal remains would be taken to Udupi on Tuesday morning to allow people to pay last respects and brought to Mangaluru by 3 p.m. - -After the mass at Milagres Church in Mangaluru on Wednesday morning, the body would be taken to Bengaluru, and kept at the KPCC office. - -The burial would be at St. Patrick’s Church, Brigade Road, Bengaluru, on Wednesday, Mr. Rai said quoting family members. - -Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Legislative Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, Cabinet Ministers, KPCC president D.K. Shivakumar, former Union Minister M. Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah, KPCC working presidents Eshwar Khandre and Ramalinga Reddy, and several other Congress leaders mourned the death of Mr. Fernandes.","Congress leader Oscar Fernandes, who passed away on Monday, was a prominent figure in coastal Karnataka Congress, alongside B. Janardhana Poojary and M. Veerappa Moily. He was closely associated with the Gandhi family and held various key positions, including Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways. Fernandes also served as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president and held roles in the All India Congress Committee. - -A yoga practitioner and supporter of Indian medicine, Fernandes was also involved in Yakshagana and Kuchipudi. His funeral arrangements include visits to Udupi, Mangaluru, and Bengaluru, with a burial at St. Patrick’s Church in Bengaluru. His passing was mourned by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, key Congress leaders, and others." -" -At least 40 private hospitals in the State have been pulled up for violations, including “charging exorbitant rates” for treating COVID-19 patients. - -So far, 10 private hospitals have lost their permits to treat COVID-19 patients, following violations including charging patients in excess of the government stipulated rates for COVID-19 treatment. - -Officials of the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services said though the number of complaints were not the same as during the first wave, a number of hospitals were in trouble for charging more than the cost prescribed by the State government. - -“We have issued notices to 22 hospitals for violations, including excess charges for treatment. We have cancelled COVID-19 treatment permissions to 10 hospitals so far. They cannot admit new patients, while existing in-patients should be treated and discharged. The Directorate has been taking action under the Tamil Nadu Clinical Establishments Act,” an officer said. - -On Friday, the Directorate issued notices to 20 more private hospitals for charging exorbitant rates. “We had received complaints through the State health helpline 104. If these hospitals do not initiate refunds, we will not only cancel their COVID-19 treatment permissions, but also their clinical registrations,” he said. - -On May 22, the State government had issued an order fixing maximum rates that private hospitals could charge patients for COVID-19 treatment. For those covered under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, it had fixed ₹5,000 a day for patients not requiring oxygen support, and ₹15,000 for those requiring oxygen support. For critical cases, it fixed ₹35,000 for ICU with ventilatory support, ₹30,000 for ICU with non-invasive ventilation and ₹25,000 for ICU with oxygen as stepping down. - -For the general public, the State government fixed the cost of treatment on a par with CMCHIS — ₹5,000 a day for A3 to A6 category hospitals and ₹7,500 a day for A1 and A2 category hospitals for non-oxygen beds. It had fixed ₹15,000 for oxygen-supported beds and Rs. 35,000 for ICU with ventilatory support. Hospitals were permitted to charge ₹30,000 a day for non-invasive ventilator, C-PAP and Bi-PAP in the ICU and ₹25,000 for ICU with oxygen as stepping down. - -As per the government order, hospitals could face action under the Clinical Establishments Act and the Disaster Management Act if the charges are proven. Officials said private hospitals should adhere to the rates stipulated in the G.O. issued on May 22. People can lodge complaints on excess charges through the State health helpline 104.","At least 40 private hospitals in the State have been penalized for violating COVID-19 treatment rate regulations, with 10 hospitals losing their permits. Violations include charging above the government-prescribed rates. Notices have been issued to 22 hospitals for excess charges, and 20 more hospitals received notices on Friday. The government-fixed rates are ₹5,000 per day for non-oxygen beds, ₹15,000 for oxygen-supported beds, and up to ₹35,000 for ICU with ventilatory support. Hospitals must adhere to these rates or face further action under the Tamil Nadu Clinical Establishments Act and the Disaster Management Act. Complaints about excess charges can be reported via the State health helpline 104." -"Manchester City suffered just a fourth Premier League defeat of the season as 10-man Leeds United shocked the runaway leader, thanks to Stuart Dallas’ double in a 2-1 win at the Etihad on Saturday. - -Cooper sees red -Dallas opened the scoring three minutes before half-time, but hope of a famous win for Marcelo Bielsa’s men seemed to have disappeared when captain Liam Cooper was shown a straight red card in first-half stoppage time. - -The visitors withstood a City bombardment until Ferran Torres equalised 14 minutes from time. - -But Leeds still summoned the energy to pose a threat on the counter-attack and gained its reward when Dallas slotted below Ederson. - -Bielsa’s first win in five meetings against Pep Guardiola propels Leeds to ninth in its first season back in the English top flight for 16 years. - -City still enjoys a 14-point lead at the top of the Premier League. - -Imporant results: Premier League: Manchester City 1 (Torres 76) lost to Leeds 2 (Dallas 42, 90+1); Liverpool 2 (Salah 57, Alexander-Arnold 90+1) bt Aston Villa 1 (Watkins 43). - -Manchester City 1 (Torres 76) Leeds 2 (Dallas 42, 90+1) - -On Friday: Fulham 0 lost to Wolves 1 (Traore 90+2). - -Bundesliga: Bayern Munich 1 (Musiala 68) drew with Union Berlin 1 (Ingvartsen 86). - -Werder Bremen 1 (Rashica 61-pen) RB Leipzig 4 (Olmo 23, Sorloth 32, 41, Sabitzer 63).","Manchester City suffered a rare Premier League defeat, losing 2-1 to 10-man Leeds United at the Etihad. Stuart Dallas scored both goals for Leeds, despite their captain Liam Cooper receiving a red card before halftime. Ferran Torres equalized for City, but Dallas sealed the win with a late goal. Leeds' victory, their first against Pep Guardiola, moves them to ninth place. City still leads the Premier League by 14 points. - -Premier League Results: - -Manchester City 1 (Torres 76) lost to Leeds 2 (Dallas 42, 90+1) -Liverpool 2 (Salah 57, Alexander-Arnold 90+1) beat Aston Villa 1 (Watkins 43) -Other Matches: - -Fulham 0 lost to Wolves 1 (Traore 90+2) -Bundesliga: Bayern Munich 1 (Musiala 68) drew with Union Berlin 1 (Ingvartsen 86) -Werder Bremen 1 (Rashica 61-pen) lost to RB Leipzig 4 (Olmo 23, Sorloth 32, 41, Sabitzer 63)" -"An iron girder bridge that runs over Moyar River and due to its narrow width has succeeded in keeping heavy vehicle traffic passing through the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) to a minimum is to be replaced. - -The bridge, located in front of the Theppakadu Reception Centre, was said to be weak, and needed to be replaced for the last nine years, said officials from the State Highways Department. However, as a wider bridge would have required the approval of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), a decision was taken to replace the existing one with a structure of the same proportion, the officials said. - -Conservationists have for years opposed widening the bridge as the current width, measuring a little over 4 metres, ensures that heavy vehicles from Gudalur, Kerala and Karnataka are not able to pass through the section and into the core area of the tiger reserve between Theppakadu and Masinagudi. This meant that vehicles travelling to Gudalur and Karnataka from Udhagamandalam too do not usually pass through the tiger reserve, but are forced to taking the longer route via Gudalur. - -When contacted, Field Director of MTR, K.K. Kaushal, said permission had been granted by the Chief Wildlife Warden on condition that the bridge should not exceed the current dimensions. “As there is no transfer of land taking place, the permission from the MoEF is not required,” he said. - -Forest Department officials said discussions were held with the Divisional Engineer of the State Highways Department A.S. Viswanathan to come up with a plan to find a detour bypassing the bridge during its construction. “An existing path in the area will be paved and traffic will be diverted till the work on the bridge is completed. The highways has handed over ₹ 25 lakh to the Forest Department for the work to be completed,” an official said. The entire project is estimated to cost ₹ 2 crore, officials said. - -The stretch of the Moyar where the bridge is to be rebuilt is famous for sightings of marsh crocodiles and smooth-coated otters. Mr. Kaushal said all efforts would be taken to ensure that the development works would not have an impact on the riverine ecosystem of the tiger reserve.","The iron girder bridge over the Moyar River in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is set to be replaced due to its weakened state and narrow width. The existing bridge, which is just over 4 meters wide, limits heavy vehicle traffic, helping to reduce disruptions to the tiger reserve. Conservationists have long opposed widening it, as the narrow width prevents large vehicles from entering sensitive areas of the reserve. - -State Highways officials noted that while a wider bridge would have required approval from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), the new bridge will maintain the same dimensions. This decision avoids the need for MoEF approval and minimizes environmental impact. - -Construction plans include paving an existing path to divert traffic during the bridge's replacement, which will be funded with ₹25 lakh from the Highways Department as part of a ₹2 crore project. Efforts will be made to protect the Moyar River's ecosystem, known for its crocodiles and otters." -"A total of 43 trees will make way for a new building as part of the smart upgrade plan of the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium. The Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bengaluru Urban, has issued a public notice about the project, which states that of the 190 trees that are there in the project area, 43 will have to be removed, of which 28 can be transplanted. - -The ₹20-crore project announced in February 2020, which will be carried out by Bengaluru Smart City Ltd., will have a well-equipped auditorium and lecture halls over a total built-up area of 40,350 sq. ft. - -Pramod G. Galgali, Director of the planetarium, told The Hindu that the project, which was brought to a standstill by the COVID-19 pandemic, is aimed at providing necessary infrastructure to the non-formal science education activities of the planetarium. - -“We have been organising non-formal science education activities since two decades. The science lectures are becoming popular. But we did not have the necessary infrastructure, and hence requested the government. The new building will house a 600-seater auditorium and some classrooms as well,” he said. - -The proposed building will also have a viewing deck for events/eclipses, restrooms and toilets, apart from a small café with seating and basement parking. “We will accommodate what we can inside. The experts will decide on the details,” he said. - -Citizens are not entirely enthused. Sandeep Anirudhan, convener of Citizen’s Agenda of Bengaluru, a citizen’s movement, said, “Public consultation is mandated by EIA, but they have to give drawings, survey of the place and other details. How is the public going to make objections without all these?” He also said that there should not be any plans involving loss of green cover. “We've destroyed the city enough. Transplantation success rate is only 10%. They should be thinking of designing a project around the trees,” he said. - -Weekend draw -Since reopening mid-November, the planetarium, a popular landmark in the city and a big draw for science enthusiasts and children, has been running regular shows. “The number of visitors is much lower than before, but people are coming. Measures have been taken as per the SOPs, including temperature checks, sanitising, etc. The sky theatre is running at 60% capacity due to alternative seating. In the existing capacity, the weekends are full. On some weekends, we had to give additional shows,” Mr. Galgali said.","A total of 43 trees will be removed for the ₹20-crore smart upgrade of the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bengaluru. Of these, 28 trees are slated for transplantation. The project, stalled by the pandemic, includes a 600-seat auditorium and classrooms for science education. Concerns have been raised by citizens about the environmental impact and the low success rate of tree transplantation, urging the design to preserve more green cover." -"Over 1,200 bird deaths have been reported in Delhi in the last 15 days amid the avian influenza situation here, officials said on Wednesday. - -Of the 201 samples collected from various places in the national capital, 24 have tested positive for bird flu so far, the director of the animal husbandry unit of the Delhi government’s Development Department, Rakesh Singh, said. - -“A total of 1,216 bird deaths have been reported in Delhi since January 6. However, all the deaths cannot be attributed to bird flu. Cold stress is another major reason,” he said. - -On Tuesday, authorities restricted the entry of public into the Red Fort till Friday after a sample of a dead crow tested positive for bird flu. Around 15 crows were found dead in the premises of the Red Fort on January 10. - -“Four cranes were found dead in Delhi zoo a few days ago. Twelve samples were collected on Monday and sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research for testing,” Mr. Singh said. Authorities have not received the test results from the Bhopal-based lab yet. - -On Saturday, samples from a dead owl in the Delhi zoo had tested positive for avian influenza. Around 400 ducks were culled at Sanjay Lake on January 11.","Over 1,200 bird deaths have been reported in Delhi over the past 15 days amid an avian influenza outbreak. Of the 201 samples collected, 24 tested positive for bird flu. However, not all deaths are attributed to the flu, with cold stress being a significant factor. Authorities have taken measures, including restricting public entry to the Red Fort after a dead crow tested positive for bird flu, and the culling of 400 ducks at Sanjay Lake. Testing continues on other bird samples from locations like the Delhi zoo." -"China on Wednesday accused U.S. Senators of telling “all kind of lies” after a group of lawmakers put forward a resolution accusing Beijing of genocide against Muslim minority groups in the far northwestern region of Xinjiang. - -Relations between Washington and Beijing are at their worst in years over a series of flashpoints including trade, technology and human rights. - -The text put forward by the Senators from across Washington’s political divide alleged China was guilty of a campaign “against Uighurs, ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and members of other Muslim minority groups” that “constitutes genocide”. - -Further fuelling the criticism, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Indian news site The Print on Tuesday that China’s actions in Xinjiang “remind us of what happened in the 1930s in Germany”. - -Beijing angrily hit back on Wednesday, saying the “so-called genocide in Xinjiang is a rumour deliberately concocted by some anti-China forces”. - -The sensitive region is tightly controlled by Chinese authorities, and rights groups say more than one million Uighurs have been detained in camps. - -“The U.S. Senators you mentioned have always been anti-China and are keen to concoct all kinds of lies to discredit China and use them to seek their own political gains,” Foreign Spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters. - -Mr. Wang also turned the tables on China’s critics, attacking the U.S. for the “assimilation and massacres of Native Americans in history to greatly reduce their population.” - -“We urge certain US politicians to respect the facts, stop fabricating lies, and stop using Xinjiang-related issues to interfere in China's internal affairs,” he said.","China on Wednesday accused U.S. Senators of spreading ""all kinds of lies"" following a resolution put forward by U.S. lawmakers accusing Beijing of committing genocide against Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang. The resolution alleges that China has targeted Uighurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other Muslim minorities. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo likened China's actions to those in 1930s Germany, further escalating tensions. Beijing dismissed the genocide claims as fabricated by anti-China forces and criticized the U.S. for its historical treatment of Native Americans." -"Go Green Dharmapuri App was launched here under the aegis of the State Pollution Control Board to encourage sapling plantation in the district. According to the administration, 25,000 saplings are proposed to be planted with the help of the app. - -The Go Green initiative envisions reaching out to the public through the mobile app on android phones. Under this, any individual, organisation or group with the space to plant and maintain saplings can reach out through the app asking for saplings. Each will be given five saplings, if they have the pits ready. The distribution and planting of saplings will commence in October, and continue through November and December. - -Individuals, Non-Governmental Organisations, volunteers and teachers willing to contribute to the initiative by way of volunteering are encouraged. - -Those seeking to take part in the drive may download the Go Green Dharmapuri App on playstore. Upon registering with a user name and password and on receipt of an one-time password, the user may avail the facility. The user may request for the number of saplings and the photographs of the pits, with the address. The saplings will be distributed at the location sent through a short message. The app will cover Dharmapuri block and Dharmapuri municipality to create a green Dharmapuri. - -Earlier, the app was launched by Minister for Higher Education K.P.Anbalagan.","The Go Green Dharmapuri App was launched under the State Pollution Control Board to promote sapling plantation in the Dharmapuri district. The initiative aims to plant 25,000 saplings with the help of the app, which enables individuals, organizations, and groups to request saplings for planting. Users can register on the app and request up to five saplings by submitting photos of prepared planting pits. The initiative, launched by the Minister for Higher Education, K.P. Anbalagan, will begin distributing saplings in October and continue through November and December, covering Dharmapuri block and municipality." -"Heavy rain lashed Kannur and Kasaragod districts on Sunday, resulting in large-scale agricultural losses and evacuation of families living in areas vulnerable to landslips and flooding. - -According to P.K. Ramdas, Principal Agriculture Officer, incessant rain destroyed 113.74 hectares of crop areas in eight blocks in Kannur district, badly affecting over 800 farmers. The total loss was estimated at ₹200.61 lakh. - -The worst affected areas are Thalassery, Iritty, Payyanur and Taliparamba. - -As many as 23 houses were partially destroyed, which included eight in Thalassery, four in Taliparamba, two in Payyannur and nine in Iritty. Five relief camps were opened in the district. As many as 137 people from 23 families were relocated. There are 59 people in five relief camps in the district. - -In Alappadambu and Kankol villages, 25,000 hectares of paddy were destroyed, affecting as many as 300 farmers. Other affected villages include Kannapuram, Makkeri, Anjarakandy and Karivellur-Peralam panchayat. - -House damaged -In Kasaragod, families in Vellarikundu taluk areas, which are vulnerable to landslips, were evacuated. A house was partially damaged at Chittarikal village in east Eleri panchayat. - -Three families in Madhur Patalam village were rescued with the help of the Fire and Rescue Services after their houses were inundated.","Heavy rainfall severely impacted the Kannur and Kasaragod districts, causing widespread agricultural losses and the evacuation of families. In Kannur, 113.74 hectares of crops were destroyed, affecting over 800 farmers, with an estimated loss of ₹200.61 lakh. Thalassery, Iritty, Payyanur, and Taliparamba were the worst-hit areas. Twenty-three houses were partially damaged, and 137 people from 23 families were relocated to five relief camps. In Kasaragod, vulnerable families in Vellarikundu taluk were evacuated, and a house was partially damaged in Chittarikal village." -"With Pune turning into one of the country’s major COVID-19 hotspots, a slanging match has commenced between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the state of the city’s medical infrastructure, particularly the recently opened jumbo COVID-19 facilities. - -Congress leader and national spokesperson Anant Gadgil blamed the BJP-led government at the Centre and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), which is controlled by the BJP, for failing to check the spread of the contagion. - -BJP MLA Siddharth Shirole hit back saying that it was the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government’s responsibility to ensure that the mega facilities and other COVID-19 hospitals are properly managed. Mr. Gadgil, a former MLC, said that despite Pune having a BJP MP (Girish Bapat), five BJP MLAs, and 100 BJP corporators dominating the PMC, the situation seemed to be spiralling out of control. - - - -‘Centre kept airports open’ -Attacking the Narendra Modi government, the Congressman questioned why the Centre did not shut down international airports across the country, especially in Mumbai, in January. - -“When most southeast Asian nations like Vietnam and Singapore and countries in the Asia-Pacific region like New Zealand, had already shut down their airports in January realising the danger, then why didn’t New Delhi do the same? Why did the Modi government go ahead with its ‘Namaste Trump’ pageant in Ahmedabad which further aided in spreading the virus in Gujarat and neighbouring areas, with the influx of thousands of foreigners?” he asked. - -Mr. Gadgil alleged that between March 1 and 15, nearly 10 lakh international passengers had landed at Mumbai international airport of whom barely 19% were screened. - -“Had the Centre closed down airports and cancelled hosting U.S. President Donald Trump in Gujarat, the virus would not have spread in Mumbai, and Pune, too, would have been safe today,” the Congressman claimed. - -Mr. Gadgil was one of the first elected representatives in the State to channelise his MLA fund for boosting the public healthcare infrastructure at hospitals in Mumbai and Pune. - -“Early on, I had raised the matter in the State Legislature that the MLA fund be increased to ₹50 lakh for COVID-19 related purchases. I would like to know how many elected representatives from the BJP have spent for bolstering medical infrastructure in Pune when the virus was just beginning to spread in the city?” he said. - -As per State Health Department figures, Pune district, which has exceeded even Delhi’s figures, has nearly two lakh reported cases at present. Of them, around 34,000 are active ones with 4,400 fatalities. - - - -Responding to Mr. Gadgil, Mr. Shirole, the BJP legislator from Shivajinagar, said that the PMC had already spent ₹300 crore to set up the jumbo COVID-19 facilities and that it was the ruling MVA government’s [of which the Congress is part] responsibility to ensure that they were run satisfactorily. - -“It is the State leadership and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray who ought to personally intervene and hold accountable those responsible for the mismanagement of the COVID-19 hospitals in Pune. Mr. Thackeray and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar must closely monitor the situation, review the infrastructure and state of equipment, and urgently increase the number of experienced medical staff and doctors to man these hospitals,” Mr. Shirole said. - -The stream of complaints regarding the poor management of the jumbo facilities has divided the Pune civic body administration and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), with the former blaming the latter for failing to maintain the facilities. - -The mega COVID-19 facility at the city’s College of Engineering Pune (CoEP) grounds, which became operational recently, has received flak from citizens and politicos, with complaints being directed at the insensitivity shown by the management of the facility. - -Meanwhile, Rubal Agarwal, additional municipal commissioner, and executive head of the jumbo centre, said the PMC had decided to provide manpower to ensure that the facility was smoothly operated. - -‘Doctors did not quit’ -“A staff of 50 doctors and 120 paramedics will be serving at the CoEP facility. There have been rumours that doctors and nurses at this facility have resigned. But there is no truth in this,” Ms. Agarwal clarified. She said that two cardiac ambulances had been made available there, while stressing that all treatment — including provision of remdisivir injections — would be free of charge.","Pune’s COVID-19 crisis has sparked a political clash between Congress and BJP. Congress leader Anant Gadgil blamed the BJP-led Central government and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for failing to manage the pandemic, particularly criticizing their handling of airport shutdowns and a high-profile event. BJP MLA Siddharth Shirole countered that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, which includes Congress, is responsible for the management of COVID-19 facilities. Complaints about the management of a new jumbo facility at College of Engineering Pune have intensified the debate. The municipal commissioner assured that the facility is adequately staffed and equipped." -"International sport finally returns to Britain on Wednesday when England plays the West Indies in the world’s first cricket test match since the start of March because of the coronavirus pandemic. - -It’s clear the match being staged at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton is about much more than just cricket. - -A smoothly run test series, played in a strict isolated environment featuring repeated COVID-19 testing and social distancing, can lay the blueprint for future matches and tours in cricket but also events in other sports targeting a resumption. - -“If you get one thing wrong, it might blow this whole ‘getting sport back onto the radar’ further back,” England stand-in captain Ben Stokes said on Tuesday in his eve-of-game news conference. - -Stokes also spoke about the “responsibility on our shoulders” to deliver a “massive occasion” for TV viewers who have been without international cricket for four months. - -“I know everyone has been craving this from a player’s point of view,” he said, “but also I think from a spectator’s and fan’s point of view.” - -And then there’s the message England and the West Indies players want to send about equality in sport and society in general in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. - -A BLM logo will be on the collar of the test shirts worn by players from both teams and there is set to be a “gesture” made by the teams before the game. - -West Indies players have said the movement is a source of motivation on this tour. - -“Not only has this been a period for us getting ready for a test match,” Stokes said, “it has also been great for us to have educational chats as a team around this and it has been really beneficial for a lot of our members. - -“I feel as a team we have an opportunity to send a real powerful message and I am really excited as an individual, and the team is really excited, that we are able to be a part of that.” - -Cricket’s oldest format kicks off a very new era for the sport. One where there are no spectators at matches, one-way systems inside venues to maintain distancing, twice-weekly testing for coronavirus, and players not allowed out of their hotels. - -Players from the two teams will come into vaguely close contact with each other only on the field of play. - -TV viewers will have the choice of adding a so-called “Lord’s hum” during coverage, but there will be no artificial crowd noise in the ground or music between overs, ensuring an eerie silence once the match begins except for selective announcements over the public address system about things such as milestones or bowling changes. - -The big screens around the venue will show key highlights, DRS and sponsor messages. - -The West Indies squad has been here since June 9 in order that the players could first quarantine at Manchester’s Old Trafford ground and then practise there in lockdown conditions. They had two intra-squad matches - England has had only one - before the squad travelled to Southampton for the match. - -“We’re about to show that other places can start putting things together,” West Indies coach Phil Simmons said. “The England and Wales Cricket Board have to be commended for all the work they have done to get the series on the road and let’s see what other countries take from it.” - -Simmons has had to self-isolate in his hotel room for a period after leaving camp to attend his father-in-law’s funeral last week. - -England’s buildup has been interrupted, too, by captain Joe Root having to leave camp to be at the birth of his second child. He will not feature in the first of three tests, meaning Stokes has the captaincy for the first time. - -“I haven’t had much advice but there has been a lot of opinions flying around,” Stokes said. “The best message that I have received was when I got my photos done yesterday in the blazer. Rooty just left a message on the hanger which said- ‘Do it your way.’” - -The West Indies has not won a test series in England since 1988 but the team is the holder of the Wisden Trophy after a 2-1 victory in the Caribbean last year. - -The other two tests take place in Manchester, starting July 16 and 24.","International cricket resumes in Britain with England facing the West Indies at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton, marking the first test match since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This series, conducted under strict health protocols, aims to set a precedent for future sports events. England's stand-in captain Ben Stokes emphasized the responsibility of delivering a successful event and highlighted the significance of addressing equality issues, with players wearing Black Lives Matter logos. The match will be played without spectators, featuring enhanced safety measures and a muted atmosphere. The series includes three tests, with the West Indies holding the Wisden Trophy from their 2019 series win." -"Foreign direct investment (FDI) in India grew by 13% to a record of $49.97 billion in the 2019-20 financial year, according to official data. - -The country had received an FDI of $44.36 billion during April-March 2018-19. The sectors which attracted maximum foreign inflows during 2019-20 include services ($7.85 billion), computer software and hardware ($7.67 billion), telecommunications ($4.44 billion), trading ($4.57 billion), automobile ($2.82 billion), construction ($2 billion), and chemicals ($1 billion), the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) data showed. - -Singapore emerged as the largest source of FDI in India during the last fiscal with $14.67 billion investments. - -It was followed by Mauritius ($8.24 billion), the Netherlands ($6.5 billion), the U.S. ($4.22 billion), Caymen Islands ($3.7 billion), Japan ($3.22 billion), and France ($1.89 billion). FDI is important as the country requires major investments to overhaul its infrastructure sector to boost growth.","Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India reached a record $49.97 billion for the 2019-20 financial year, marking a 13% increase from the previous year's $44.36 billion. Key sectors attracting FDI included services, computer software and hardware, telecommunications, trading, automobile, construction, and chemicals. Singapore was the largest source of FDI with $14.67 billion, followed by Mauritius, the Netherlands, the U.S., the Cayman Islands, Japan, and France. This increase in FDI is crucial for enhancing India's infrastructure and fostering economic growth." -"Anklets will speak at the Town Hall on Saturday. For a city starved of live entertainment for over a year, nothing could sound sweeter. - -The regional dance festival, being organised by the Thrissur-based Kalanidhi Charitable Society, is probably the first of its kind to be staged in Kozhikode after the COVID-19 outbreak. It is the second of a series of three festivals. - -“The first one was held at Thiruvananthapuram last Sunday,” says Jyothish Thekkedath, Kalanidhi’s founder. “We will conclude the series at Thrissur on April 18.” - -He hopes the festival will bring back artistes and audiences back to the venues. “During the lockdown, several dance and music festivals were conducted online; we too did, but of course you can’t compare it with the real thing,” he says. “Performing artistes like musicians and dancers have had a tough time during the lockdown as their source of income dried up completely.” - -The highlight of the Kozhikode edition of the festival could be the Mohiniyattam recital by Irinjalakuda Krishnakumar, one of the few male practitioners of Kerala’s own classical dance. “Through our festival, we are giving opportunities to some upcoming dancers too,” says Mr. Thekkedath. “Our festival was well received at Thiruvananthapuram and the dancers at Kozhikode too are excited that they have something to look forward to after a long time.”"," -The Kalanidhi Charitable Society is hosting a regional dance festival at Kozhikode's Town Hall this Saturday, marking a return to live entertainment after a long hiatus due to COVID-19. This festival, part of a series of three, follows a successful event in Thiruvananthapuram and will conclude in Thrissur on April 18. - -Organized by Jyothish Thekkedath, the festival aims to revitalize live performances and support artists who struggled during the lockdown. Highlights include a Mohiniyattam recital by Irinjalakuda Krishnakumar and performances by emerging dancers. The festival seeks to reconnect audiences with live arts and provide a platform for artists to showcase their talents." -"Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced a “5T plan” created by his government to contain COVID-19 spread in Delhi. These five Ts are testing, tracing, treatment, teamwork and tracking-monitoring. - -“All the nations which remained a step ahead of COVID-19 have managed to control it. I have been in touch with various experts and doctors and we have formulated a five-point plan to deal with the situation in Delhi,” the Chief Minister said. - -The first T is testing, which when done on a mas scale enables the actual data of people affected by novel coronavirus. “Like South Korea, we will be testing on a large scale. We have ordered testing for around 50,000 people and rapid testing rounds for 1 lakh people which will begin from Friday,” he said. - -Through rapid testing, the government will also be able to identify COVID-19 hotspots and take necessary action, said Mr. Kejriwal. - -The second T is tracing, which involves identifying and quarantining people who have come in contact with infected persons. “We are taking the help of police to trace whether the people who have been advised to self-quarantine are actually doing it or not. For this, we have given 27,702 contact numbers to the police through which they are tracing their movement,” he said. - -The third component, he said, is treatment. The LNJP and GB Pant hospitals had been declared primary hospitals for COVID-19 treatment with 1,500 and 500 beds respectively, and no other treatments are being carried out there. While the Rajiv Gandhi hospital has 450 beds, 2,450 bedsare available in government hospitals and 450 beds at private ones. - -“Serious patients who are suffering from heart diseases and patients above 50 years will be isolated in hospitals and the rest with minor symptoms will be kept in isolation in hotels and dharamshalas,” he said. - -The fourth element of the five-point plan i s teamwork and collective efforts are being made to fight the virus. All State governments, he said, must learn from each other and work together. - -The fifth T, he said, is tracking and monitoring. “It is my responsibility to ensure that all these measures are in place and all the systems are functioning smoothly. I am tracking and monitoring all these things 24x7,” he said.","Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal unveiled a “5T plan” to combat COVID-19, focusing on Testing, Tracing, Treatment, Teamwork, and Tracking-Monitoring. The plan includes large-scale testing, identifying and quarantining contacts, dedicated COVID-19 treatment facilities, collaborative efforts among state governments, and continuous monitoring of the implementation and effectiveness of these measures." -"The Met department on Thursday said that under the influence of a western disturbance, the city could get rain and gusty winds accompanied by hailstorms on Friday. - -The forecast for the day read “partly cloudy sky with dust storm/thunderstorm with light rain accompanied with gusty winds with a speed of 30-40 kmph and hailstorms at isolated places”. The maximum temperature which dipped below the 30-degree mark to settle three degrees below normal on Thursday at 29.2 degrees Celsius, is likely to fall to 27 degrees on Friday. The minimum temperature is likely to settle at 19 degrees Celsius which will be the same as on Thursday. - -On Thursday, the sky turned cloudy in the evening but only traces of rainfall was received till 5.30 p.m. - -Private weather forecaster Skymet Weather has said that so far, in March, Delhi has received 411% more rain than usual which is uncharacteristic as western disturbances are not usually active in northern India during this pre-monsoon period","The Met department predicts rain, gusty winds, and potential hailstorms in Delhi on Friday due to a western disturbance. The maximum temperature is expected to drop to 27°C, with a minimum of 19°C. March has seen 411% more rain than usual, an unusual trend for the pre-monsoon period in northern India." -"Students from the Sona College of Technology joined hands with a Bengaluru-based software firm Vee Technologies to develop two mobile applications to help officials and public ‘break the COVID-19 chain’ and to control spread of the disease. - -The applications, ‘Corona-Scan’ and ‘Corona-Support’ are aimed at identifying the spread of the disease, a release said. - -‘Corona-scan’ allows public health officials to map individuals who were in close proximity to COVID-19 positive patient and ‘Corona-Support’ is an voluntary app in which affected persons can register their details to help officials get accurate information, a release said. - -According to the college authorities, the applications were developed by third year engineering students Bernotsha, Aravind Kumar and Naveen Kumar under the guidance of their professor J. Akilandeswari and the support of Vee Technologies. - -The Corona-scan application records people who stayed within 3 to 5 meters of COVID-19 positive patients every two minutes and generates live data. By mapping people who may have been infected and risk infecting others, Public Health officials can identify and take appropriate action to connect with them over the phone and recommend necessary treatment. - -Chocko Valliappa, CEO, Vee Technologies, said that the applications would go a long way in checking the spread of the disease and invited like-minded organisations to adopt this applications. - -College authorities said that while corona-scan application would be made available for Health officials, Corona-support application could be downloaded from Google Playstore soon.","Students from Sona College of Technology collaborated with Vee Technologies to create two mobile apps, 'Corona-Scan' and 'Corona-Support,' aimed at helping officials monitor and control COVID-19 spread. 'Corona-Scan' tracks people in close proximity to positive patients, while 'Corona-Support' allows affected individuals to voluntarily register their information for health officials." -"“Coimbatore is starved of quality entertainment in sports,” says D. Lakshminarayanaswamy, Managing Trustee of SNR Sons Charitable Trust. We are at the newly inaugurated turf wicket cricket grounds of Coimbatore District Cricket Association at Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Sciences. - -The facility, approved by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and the BCCI, will host the upcoming edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) matches, a first for Coimbatore. The ground has five centre wickets and a 73-metre boundary line as per international standards. The ground with G2 Bermuda grass is maintained with treated water from the institutions. “It needs a lot of watering. We wanted to ensure that we don’t use up the ground water, not even a drop of it,” he says. - -There is a pavilion for the teams, rooms for umpires, third umpires, match referees, and other officials. A temporary pavilion for nearly 10, 000 spectators is coming up. Work is progressing at a good pace to ready the ground in time for the TNPL. - - -The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association is keen to develop cricket outside Chennai, says Lakshminarayanaswamy adding that the TNPL inauguration ceremony will be held here. The first seven matches are scheduled to be played here. The flood lights, camera stands, and so on are getting ready. “We have prepared sporting wickets and three board matches have already been played here,” he says. There was rain during one of the matches and to the relief of the organisers, the water completely drained out as the rainwater harvesting systems are in place. - - -The matches were held after the BCCI cleared the ground as being suitable. A little away is the nets complex with six turf wickets. “This will ensure that even while a match is going on, other teams can have their practice sessions. The complex is used by over 50 youngsters every day for training. The space is also used for selections of district teams (from under-14 to senior categories).” - -Former Indian wicket keeper, Kiran More has given a positive feedback to the facility. He was here recently to select teams for Gulf Oil. “Kiran More selected 15 members from a crowd of 600. After the selection, he commented that it is one of the finest facilities he has seen in the country,” he says. - -More on CDCA -Coimbatore District Cricket Association (CDCA) was founded in 1958 by G. K. Sundaram and R. Krishnaswamy. It has seen tremendous transformation over the years. It is one of the district associations in the State to hold league matches from June to March -Recalling his 25-year association with CDCA, Lakshminarayanaswamy says top players like Sachin Tendulkar , Kapil Dev, Manoj Prabhakar and Srikanth have played zonal matches in Coimbatore in the 90s. “ Now, they are eager to come and have a look at our facility.” -Every year, CDCA conducts camps, league matches and as many as 10 tournaments for all age categories. They have exclusive tournaments in which over 40 schools participate. They also provide coaching support -CDCA conducts six division league matches. There are 10 teams in each division which makes it 60 clubs. Over 3000 people are actively playing the sport in the district. To know more, call: 63809-43877 or e-mail: cricketcdca@gmail.com -Lakshminarayanaswamy who is also the president of the Coimbatore District Cricket Association says they want to see more cricket here in the coming years. Board matches, Ranji trophy... are all on the anvil. “We want to give a fillip to women’s cricket. We already have about 15 to 20 girls, mostly from the neighbouring schools, who train here at the nets regularly. Our vision is to create a woman’s cricket league. With the Indian women's team doing well abroad, girls are inspired. We identify and coach talent in a scientific manner.” - - -It took them six months of intense work to develop the facility. “N. Srinivasan, former ICC Chairman inaugurated it and the first question he asked was if we could host an IPL match here. We want to have one IPL match every year. As the space is within the city, it is easy for the crowds.” Lakshminarayanaswamy likens the maintenance of the ground to raising a child. He says the ground requires constant care. - -Many industrialists from Coimbatore chipped in with funds. “Other sporting associations should tap into CSRs and get funds to host sporting events. Also, develop infrastructure as it is important to prepare the students for the national and state level. There is enough and more opportunities in sport, be it table tennis, shuttle, badminton, hockey, football or kabaddi. We want to work on it.” - -Public support is important, he insists. “We are looking forward to the TNPL matches. We want the people to have a good time. Parents are keen now to encourage their children in sports. Students should continue playing sports, beyond their college days to keep themselves fit. There is a career in sports too. Not just in playing, but also in sports management, coaching...”","Coimbatore's newly inaugurated cricket ground at Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Sciences is set to host Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) matches for the first time. The facility, developed by the Coimbatore District Cricket Association (CDCA) and approved by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and BCCI, includes international-standard pitches, a pavilion, and practice nets. CDCA plans to promote cricket, including women's cricket, and hopes to host future board matches, Ranji Trophy games, and even IPL events. The initiative aims to boost local sports infrastructure and encourage youth participation in sports." -"No Rest in the Kingdom , a black comedy by Deepika Arwind, tells about how women deal with misogyny in their daily lives. The performance looks at the female performer’s body as a site of protest. - -The play, a powerful one-woman physical theatre, performed at the International Theatre Festival of Kerala (ITFoK) on Saturday, draws from the lives of urban characters who speak similar languages of consumerism and technology. - -Daily annoyances -It deals with daily annoyances of being a woman in the country. - -Masculinity in South Asia, especially India, is asserted and celebrated widely, says Deepika. “Its conventional manifestations are varied and dangerous, infecting different aspects of everyday life. Whether through the perpetration of rape culture in cinema and politics, or the palpable anxiety of the female body on the street, masculinity occupies oppressively large spaces, literally and figuratively,” she says. - -Subverting masculinity -No Rest in the Kingdom has been created out of the desire to embody and subvert expressions of this masculinity through the body of a female performer, she says. - -The kingdom is the current society where we live, where women are subjected to daily discrimination and violence. - -Blurring the boundaries of genders, the actor embodies a variety of characters — male, female and feline — representing a gender and inter-species fluidity. The cat is a powerful motif that runs through the play. - -How might her body, alone and vulnerable, serve as a metaphor for gender insensitivity and antagonism? How can her body transform into multiple sites of protest and how can humour, irreverence, and playfulness become her primary weapons of dissent and opposition? - -This show has travelled to find resonance in different countries because its characters are archetypes of ‘masculinity’ familiar across cultures. - -The play causes discomfort, sometimes scepticism. It breeds introspection and provokes conversations, Deepika says. - -She avoids clichés, does not preach. But the play holds a mirror to the audience. - -The characters she portrays sent the audience to howls of laughter. - -But for every woman in the audience, there were scenes that they can identify deeply with. The play is produced by Sandbox Collective.","No Rest in the Kingdom, a one-woman black comedy by Deepika Arwind, explores how women confront everyday misogyny in society. Performed at the International Theatre Festival of Kerala, the play uses physical theatre to portray urban characters navigating consumerism and technology. It subverts traditional masculinity through humor and the female body as a protest tool. The performance blurs gender boundaries, using various archetypes to provoke introspection and challenge gender norms, resonating across cultures." -Lakhs of revellers thronged India Gate to celebrate the new year and triggered major traffic snarls around the heart of Delhi Wednesday evening. The Delhi Metro closed entry and exit gates at five stations around India Gate in the evening for an hour to ease rush of passengers on the first day of the year. The capital's landmark monument also drew hordes of anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protesters who took a mass pledge to defend the Constitution by opposing the amended citizenship law.,"New Year's Eve in Delhi: - -Thousands of people gathered at India Gate in Delhi to celebrate the new year. This caused heavy traffic congestion in the area. To manage the crowd, the Delhi Metro temporarily closed five stations near India Gate. At the same time, there was also a large gathering of people protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act at India Gate. They took an oath to protect the Constitution and oppose the law." -"Identified as Sarabjit Kaur, her body was found lying on the bed in room number 301 on the third floor of Hotel Sky in the afternoon, said police. Sarabjit was working at Grecian Super Specialty Hospital in Sector 69, Mohali. However, she was on leave for the past one month due to her brother’s wedding, said police. - -The victim had checked into the hotel room along with one Maninder Singh — a murder convict and prime suspect — in the evening on December 30. - -“The receptionist made a call to the room post noon to inquire about the couple’s checkout timings. However, no one answered the phone. Then, a call was made on Maninder’s mobile phone number, but it was switched off,” said Rajiv, hotel’s general manager. When a room service staffer, Sumit, knocked on the door of their room, nobody responded, said Rajiv, adding that the door was locked from the outside. - -“On opening the door with a master key, Sumit found the woman covered in a blanket with blood around her neck. He raised the alarm and police were informed,” said the general manager. - -Sarabjit had a deep cut on her neck and there was froth coming out of her mouth, said an investigating official, on the condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to talk to media","A woman named Sarabjit Kaur was found dead in her hotel room in Mohali, India. She had checked into the hotel with a man named Maninder Singh, who is a convicted murderer. The woman was discovered with a deep cut on her neck and froth coming from her mouth. Police suspect Maninder Singh is the prime suspect in the murder." -"China on Friday appealed for restraint from all sides, especially from the US, and said it opposes the use of force in international relations after Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Qasem Soleimani was killed in the US strike in Iraq. “China has always opposed the use of force in international relations,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at the regular ministry press briefing on Friday. -“We urge the relevant sides, especially the US, to remain calm and exercise restraint to avoid further escalating tensions,” Geng said. - -Geng said all sides should abide by the principles of the UN and the “basic norms of international relations”. On Iraq, he said the country’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity must be respected. - -Just earlier this week, China’s foreign minister Wang Yi told Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif, that Beijing and Tehran should stand together against “unilateralism and bullying” – targeting Washington. - -Wang met Zarif in Beijing following joint naval drills between Iran, China and Russia in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman last week.",China has urged the US and other countries to remain calm and avoid further escalating tensions following the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in a US airstrike. China opposes the use of force in international relations and has called for respect for Iraq's sovereignty and independence. -"Swathes of Jakarta and nearby towns were inundated after heavy rain fell on Dec. 31 and into the early hours of New Year’s Day. Nearly 175,000 people remain displaced in Indonesia’s capital Jakarta and nearby towns, after flash floods and landslides killed at least 53 people, amid some of the heaviest rain since records began, authorities said on Saturday. -“The death toll has risen to 53 people, with one person missing,” disaster mitigation agency spokesman Agus Wibowo said. -Data from the disaster mitigation agency showed 173,064 residents remain evacuated from their homes on Saturday, after the deadliest flooding in years caused chaos in parts of Southeast Asia’s biggest city, with train lines blocked and power outages in some areas. - -Swathes of Jakarta and nearby towns were inundated after heavy rain fell on Dec. 31 and into the early hours of New Year’s Day.","Heavy rains in Jakarta, Indonesia, on New Year's Eve led to flash floods and landslides that killed at least 53 people. Over 170,000 people remain displaced due to the flooding, which caused widespread damage and disruption in the city." -"Khalid was speaking at the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) gathering organised by student organisation Chhatra Bharti, at Mumbai’s YB Chavan Centre on Sunday. Former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Umar Khalid on Sunday dared Union Home minister Amit Shah to file a court case over ‘tukde tukde speeches’ made on the Delhi varsity campus. The activist was speaking at the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) gathering organised by student organisation Chhatra Bharti, at Mumbai’s YB Chavan Centre on Sunday. - -Khalid’s statement was in reference to Shah’s comment on punishing the “tukde tukde gang” in Delhi. A controversial slogan: “Bharat tere tukde tukde honge (India, you will be broken into pieces)” was allegedly raised during an event organised at JNU in 2016. - -Addressing the audience, he said he would not have shared the stage with Shiv Sena minister Aaditya Thackeray, who was also expected to make an appearance. The activist was speaking at the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) gathering organised by student organisation Chhatra Bharti, at Mumbai’s YB Chavan Centre on Sunday. - -Khalid’s statement was in reference to Shah’s comment on punishing the “tukde tukde gang” in Delhi. A controversial slogan: “Bharat tere tukde tukde honge (India, you will be broken into pieces)” was allegedly raised during an event organised at JNU in 2016. - -Addressing the audience, he said he would not have shared the stage with Shiv Sena minister Aaditya Thackeray, who was also expected to make an appearance.",Former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Umar Khalid on Sunday dared Union Home minister Amit Shah to file a court case over ‘tukde tukde speeches’ made on the Delhi varsity campus. -"Singh reportedly worked in Malaysia and returned to his home at Shangla in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province last month to get married. A young Sikh man was shot dead in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar a day after an angry mob threatened to storm the Nankana Sahib Gurdwara, prompting India on Sunday to call on Pakistan to take immediate action against the perpetrators of such “heinous acts”.The body of Ravinder Singh, the 25-year-old brother of Harmeet Singh, the first Pakistani Sikh to join the electronic media, was found in a stormwater drain on Sunday with a bullet injury to the head, according to senior superintendent of police Sajjad Khan.","A Sikh man, Ravinder Singh, was found dead in Peshawar, Pakistan, with a gunshot wound. He was the brother of a prominent Pakistani Sikh journalist. The incident occurred just a day after a mob threatened to attack a Sikh gurdwara in the same city. India has condemned the violence and urged Pakistan to take swift action against the perpetrators." -"The Prime Minister extended new year greetings to President Trump, his family and the people of the United States. India-US ties have grown from “strength to strength”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told US President Donald Trump in a new year greeting call, the Prime Minister’s office said in a statement early on Tuesday morning.PM Modi stated India-US relations have grown from strength to strength. The PM highlighted significant progress made in deepening strategic partnership in previous year and expressed desire to continue to work with President Trump for enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” said the government. - -The government said the US President also wished the people of India prosperity and progress in the new year. - -“He (Trump) expressed satisfaction at the achievements in the relationship in the last few years and reiterated his readiness for further deepening bilateral cooperation,” said the government.","India-US ties have grown from “strength to strength”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told US President Donald Trump in a new year greeting call, the Prime Minister’s office said in a statement early on Tuesday morning." -"A 35-year-old man died in a hospital on Wednesday after attempting suicide at Dwarka Mor station on the Delhi Metro’s Blue Line, which connects Dwarka to Vaishali and Noida Electronic City. The man was rushed to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital after he tried to kill himself by jumping on the tracks, the police said. He later died at the hospital, they added. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said on Twitter around noon that there is delay in services between Dwarka Sector 12 and Kirti Nagar due to a passenger on track at Dwarka Mor. The services resumed after half an hour. The reason for his suicide is not known as no suicide note has been found, the police said. The man belonged to Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh. - -Data shows that between January 2018 and May 2019, 25 people have attempted suicides on the Delhi Metro tracks. Between 2014 and 2018, 83 people have attempted suicides across all metro stations.","A 35-year-old man died after attempting suicide by jumping onto the tracks at Dwarka Mor metro station in Delhi. He was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. The incident caused delays in metro services between Dwarka Sector 12 and Kirti Nagar. Police are investigating the cause of his suicide as no suicide note was found. - -The incident highlights the increasing number of suicide attempts on Delhi Metro tracks. Data shows that 25 people attempted suicide between January 2018 and May 2019, and 83 people attempted suicide between 2014 and 2018." -"President Donald Trump on Wednesday tempered days of angry rhetoric and suggested Iran was “standing down” after it fired missiles at U.S. forces in Iraq, as both sides looked to defuse a crisis over the U.S. killing of an Iranian general. Trump said no Americans were hurt in the overnight attacks. The Pentagon said Iran had launched 16 short-range ballistic missiles, at least 11 of which hit Iraq’s al-Asad air base and one that hit a facility in Erbil but caused no major damage. - -“The fact that we have this great military and equipment, however, does not mean we have to use it. We do not want to use it. American strength, both military and economic, is the best deterrent,” Trump said. “Our great American forces are prepared for anything. Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world,” he said. - -Trump said the United States “will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime” in response to what he called “Iranian aggression.” He offered no specifics. - -Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, addressing a gathering of Iranians chanting “Death to America,” said the missile attacks were a “slap on the face” of the United States and said U.S. troops should leave the region.",U.S. and European government sources said they believed Iran had deliberately sought to avoid U.S. military casualties in its missile strikes to prevent an escalation. -"“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of the section 1 of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (47 of 2019), the Central government hereby appoints the 10th day of January, 2020, as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force,” the notification said. - -The CAA was passed by parliament on December 11 last year. - -Critics say that the Act is discriminatory and violates Article 14 of the Constitution, however, PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have on several occasions underlined that it only provides a refuge to the six communities who have faced religious persecution in the three countries mentioned above.Amid raging protests across the country over the Act, the home minister made it clear that the government won’t move back even an inch on the Act. The government has been saying that the minority groups from the three countries have no other option but to come India when they face religious persecution there. - -The home ministry, however, is yet to frame the rules for the act.","The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) came into effect on January 10, 2020. It aims to provide citizenship to minority groups from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who have faced religious persecution. Critics argue that the CAA is discriminatory and violates the Indian Constitution. The government, however, maintains that the Act is necessary to protect these persecuted minorities and has refused to back down despite widespread protests. The rules for implementing the CAA have not yet been finalized." -"Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kolkata on Saturday to inaugurate four revamped iconic Kolkata buildings — Old Currency Building, Belvedere House, the Metcalfe House and the Victoria Memorial Hall. He will be in the city for a two-day visit. The PM will also be part of sesquicentenary celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust, where he will launch a port anthem and unveil a commemorative plaque for 150 years at the site of port jetties. - -At the iconic Victoria Memorial, the Archeological Survey of India have used multani mitti (fuller’s earth) to clean the facade of the 99-year-old building. ₹59.96 crore was spent, and of the 25 total galleries, seven will open to the public, including the Royal Gallery which will reopen after 25 years. Several exhibitions, including one featuring the 1987 Jaipur Procession, known widely as the world’s second-largest oil painting, will be held in these galleries. At the Old Currency Building, a 187-year-old triple-storeyed structure built in Italian style with Venetian windows, renovation was done by removing years of paint to replace with rich lime plaster, and ACs and sensor glass doors installed. The Metcalfe House, where renovations focussed on the inner structure, drainage, and the wooden staircase, will open to an exhibition on a century of Bengali Cinema in collaboration with Film Heritage Foundation.","Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kolkata on Saturday to inaugurate four revamped iconic Kolkata buildings — Old Currency Building, Belvedere House, the Metcalfe House and the Victoria Memorial Hall" -"The RTI reply revealed that the concessionaire had collected ₹603.33 crore from November 1, 2015 to October 10, 2019. The reply by Punit Khanna, deputy manager (technical) also said that the expressway was a built-operate-transfer (BOT) project. The NHAI had sent its reply in November last year to an RTI filed by activist Aseem Takyar. - -The MCEPL had taken over the toll following an order of the Delhi High Court in 2014, which also directed removal of Sirhaul toll plaza after commuters filed a petition complaining of daily congestion and traffic jams. - -The MCEPL is a company owned by a consortium of banks that have financed the construction of the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway.","The concessionaire for the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway has collected ₹603.33 crore from 2015 to 2019. It is a BOT project. The MCEPL, a consortium of banks, took over the toll operations in 2014 after the Sirhaul toll plaza was removed. -" -"PUNE A total of 10 per cent of working women face sexual harassment at workplace; 37. 14 per cent women in India are facing issues related to their health; while 44.8 per cent of women are employed, according to the ‘Status of Women in India report’. The report, a compilation of the work undertaken by Drishti Stree Adhyayan Prabhodhan Kendra, over the past two years, was published and inaugurated by Murlidhar Mohol, Pune mayor and Shashikala Wanjari, vice-chancellor SNDT Women’s University, on Monday at Bal Gandharva Ranga Mandir. Maneesha Kothekar, project director of the report said, “Through this report, it was found that 44.8 women are employed in different fields and 10 per cent women face sexual harassment at the workplace. The issues which they face is there no crèche, no canteen, no transportation, no restroom and no washroom facilities provided to them. While 37.14 per cent of women have various health issues in which the highest is of 44 per cent of women has Arthritis health problem.”","The ""Status of Women in India"" report revealed that 44.8% of women in India are employed, but 10% of them face sexual harassment at their workplaces. Additionally, 37.14% of women reported health issues, with arthritis being the most common. The report also highlighted the lack of facilities for working women, such as crèches, canteens, transportation, restrooms, and washrooms." -"Japan's Coast Guard Ship 'Echigo' has arrived in Chennai on a five-day goodwill visit. It will be participating in the Annual Joint Exercise 'Sahyog-Kaijin' with the Indian Coast Guard. This is the 19th such exercise being conducted between the two Coast Guards since 2000. The exercise is aimed at further strengthening ties between the two nations. Four Indian Coast Guard ships, their aircraft and a vessel from the Chennai-based National Institute of Ocean Technology - NIOT are participating in the exercise along with the Japanese vessel.",Japan's Coast Guard Ship 'Echigo' has arrived in Chennai on a five-day goodwill visit. It will be participating in the Annual Joint Exercise 'Sahyog-Kaijin' with the Indian Coast Guard. This is the 19th such exercise being conducted between the two Coast Guards since 2000 -"State rural development minister Hasan Mushrif on Tuesday said the previous government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) neglected rural development and focussed only on urban areas, and alleged this had resulted in bad condition of roads in rural areas. He said, “The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government will focus on striking a balance between both rural and urban areas when it comes to development.”“The priority of the previous government was urban areas which has impacted the development in rural areas. They took up many big infrastructure projects for urban areas, but nothing for rural areas. As a result, rural roads are in a very bad shape. The condition of primary schools and public health also needs improvement,” Mushrif said. He said, “The development of rural areas will be on our priority list. The development of the country is possible only when a balance is maintained between urban and rural areas.” - -Mushrif added that his department may lose funds in this financial year. “We have two months to utilise the funds which may not be possible, and hence we have urged the finance department to extend the deadline,” he said.","The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government will focus on striking a balance between rural and urban development, unlike the previous BJP government which neglected rural areas. The previous government focused on big infrastructure projects for urban areas, leading to the poor condition of rural roads, primary schools, and public health. The MVA government will prioritize the development of rural areas, as it believes that the development of the country depends on a balance between urban and rural areas. The MVA government is also concerned about losing funds in this financial year and has urged the finance department to extend the deadline for utilizing the funds." -"A man from Bhind district in Madhya Pradesh, who currently works in a BPO firm in Punjab, has said he got the shock of his life when he received an Income Tax Department notice, asking him to pay Rs 3.49 crore penalty for the alleged transactions of Rs 132 crore done in 2011-12. Ravi Gupta, who works an assistant manager with a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company in Ludhiana, said that in the notice issued last month, the I-T department asked him to explain the transactions of Rs 132 crore made in a bank account opened in Mumbai using his Permanent Account Number (PAN). Gupta said that in 2011-12 he worked at a BPO in Indore, drawing an annual salary of Rs 60,000. He claimed that some fraudsters might have opened a bank account using his PAN, but he had no clue about it. - -“The I-T office in Gwalior issued the notice to me on December 17 (2019), in which it asked me to pay Rs 3.49 crore penalty by January 17. The notice came as a shock to me,” Gupta said on Thursday. He said that although he raised the issue with the I-T officials in Gwalior saying he was not aware of the transaction, they were not ready to budge","A man from Madhya Pradesh received an Income Tax notice asking him to pay Rs 3.49 crore in penalty for alleged transactions of Rs 132 crore in 2011-12. The man, who works in a BPO firm in Punjab, claimed that he had no knowledge of these transactions and that his PAN number might have been used fraudulently. He raised the issue with the I-T officials but was not satisfied with their response." -"The USD 2.6 billion bilateral trade between India and Pakistan has not ever been a significant contributor to the larger economies of the estranged neighbours. But trade suspensions and restrictive customs regimes in the wake of escalated tensions have had a deleterious impact on the economies of border areas in both countries. As things stand today, Amritsar district is losing ₹30 crore it earned each month through the Attari-Wagah border trade. That works out to ₹75 lakh loss per day, directly affecting 9,354 families, including those of traders (1,724) and others dependent for livelihood on trucks (4,050), customs house agents (126), labour (2,507), dhabas and vendors (176), fuel stations (32), tyre repair and mechanic shops (51), weigh bridges (8), vehicle parking (80) and other ancillary activities (600).","The bilateral trade between India and Pakistan has not been a significant contributor to their economies. However, trade suspensions and restrictions due to tensions have negatively impacted border areas in both countries. Amritsar district, for example, is losing ₹30 crore monthly due to the closure of the Attari-Wagah border trade. This affects 9,354 families, including traders, truck drivers, customs agents, laborers, and others dependent on the trade." -"Midori Nishida, 25, was escorted to a public toilet at Hong Kong airport and told to urinate on a strip in November before being granted permission to board her Hong Kong Express flight to the US territory of Saipan. She had declared in a questionnaire at check-in that she was not pregnant but airline staff nevertheless requested she undergo a “fit-to-fly” assessment designed for women with a body size or shape resembling a pregnant woman. - -The test result came up negative. - -“It was very humiliating and frustrating,” Nishida told the Wall Street Journal. - -She grew up on Saipan and her family have lived on the island for more than 20 years. - -The airline apologised to Nishida and said the practice had been discontinued when contacted by AFP. We have immediately suspended the practice while we review it. We’d like to apologise for the distress caused,” the airline said in a statement. - -Hong Kong Express said it had taken “action on flights to Saipan from February 2019 to help ensure US immigration laws were not being undermined”, in response to concerns raised by the island’s authorities. - -“We recognise the significant concerns this practice has caused,” it said. - -Saipan is a popular destination for women wanting to give birth on US soil to secure American citizenship for their child. - -In 2018 nearly 600 babies were born to tourists in the Northern Mariana Islands, which sit just north of Guam, also a US territory -- a figure greater than the number of babies born to locals.","A Japanese woman was forced to urinate on a strip at Hong Kong airport to prove she was not pregnant before being allowed to board her flight to Saipan. The airline apologized and said the practice had been discontinued. The practice was implemented in 2019 to comply with US immigration laws. Saipan is a popular destination for women wanting to give birth on US soil to secure American citizenship for their child.   - - - -" -"A 45-year-old Indian school teacher is undergoing treatment for a new strain of pneumonia outbreak spreading in the Chinese cities of Wuhan and Shenzhen, becoming the first foreigner to have contracted the mysterious SARS-like coronavirus. Doctors on Monday confirmed that she was suffering from the virus and is being treated for it, her husband Ashuman Khowal told PTI from Shenzhen. - -The virus has caused alarm because of its connection to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) which killed nearly 650 people in China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003. - -Khowal, a businessman from Delhi, said Maheswari was being treated in the intensive care unit and is currently on a ventilator and other supporting systems. - -Khowal, who is allowed to visit the patient for a few hours every day, said she was unconscious and doctors have said she could take a long time to recover."," -A 45-year-old Indian school teacher is undergoing treatment for a new strain of pneumonia outbreak spreading in the Chinese cities of Wuhan and Shenzhen. She is the first foreigner to have contracted the mysterious SARS-like coronavirus. Doctors confirmed that she was suffering from the virus and is being treated for it. Her husband, Ashuman Khowal, said that she was being treated in the intensive care unit and is currently on a ventilator and other supporting systems. Khowal, who is allowed to visit the patient for a few hours every day, said that she was unconscious and doctors have said that she could take a long time to recover" -"OpenAI’s new financing round is expected to come in the form of convertible notes. | Photo Credit: Reuters - -OpenAI's new financing round is expected to come in the form of convertible notes, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter, who said its $150 billion valuation will be contingent on whether the ChatGPT-maker can upend its corporate structure and remove a profit cap for investors. - -The details of the conditions of the $6.5 billion funding, which have not been previously reported, show how far OpenAI, the most valuable AI startup in the world, has come from a research-based non-profit, and the structural changes it's willing to make to attract ever more investment to fund its expensive pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI), or AI that surpasses human intelligence. - -The outsized funding round has seen strong investor demand and could be finalized in the next two weeks, given the rapid growth of OpenAI's revenue, sources added. - -Existing investors such as Thrive Capital, Khosla Ventures, as well as Microsoft are expected to participate. New investors including Nvidia and Apple also plan to invest. Sequoia Capital is also in talks to come back as a returning investor. - -If the restructuring is unsuccessful, OpenAI would need to renegotiate its valuation with investors at which their shares will be converted, likely at a lower number, sources told Reuters, who requested anonymity to discuss private matters.","OpenAI is raising $6.5 billion in a new financing round, valuing the company at $150 billion. The round is contingent on restructuring the company to remove a profit cap for investors. Existing and new investors are participating. If the restructuring fails, OpenAI may need to renegotiate the valuation at a lower number." -"Excess body weight, especially abdominal obesity, is associated with several health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. Various weight reduction methods have been tried over the years, most have not stood the test of time -Excess body weight, especially abdominal obesity, is associated with several health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. Various weight reduction methods have been tried over the years, most have not stood the test of time. -Recently, a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists, originally used for diabetes, has gained attention for its role in weight loss. These drugs mimic the gut hormone GLP-1, which enhances insulin release and slows digestion, promoting a sense of fullness. Among these drugs, semaglutide has been in use for diabetes since 2017. In higher doses, it is now used as a weight-loss drug in Western countries. A study published recently in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology revealed promising results from its use in people without diabetes.","The article highlights the potential of GLP-1 agonists, particularly semaglutide, in reducing mortality rates in obese individuals. It discusses the association between excess body weight, especially abdominal obesity, and various health problems. GLP-1 agonists mimic a gut hormone that enhances insulin release and slows digestion, promoting weight loss. The study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found promising results from the use of semaglutide in people without diabetes." -"More than two-thirds of women with endometriosis missed school or work due to pain from the condition, in a study of more than 17,000 women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the Unites States. That is a key finding of new research published in the Journal of Endometriosis and Uterine Disorders. -Our study also found that Black and Hispanic women were less likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis compared with white women. Interestingly, women who identified as part of the LGBTQ community had a higher likelihood of receiving an endometriosis diagnosis than heterosexual women. -We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which is administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for the period 2011 to 2019. The survey data use adjusted weights to account for the racial composition of U.S. society, meaning our sample of 17,619 women represents 51,981,323 women of the U.S. population. -We specifically examined factors related to quality of life, such as poverty, education and functional impairment, as well as race and sexual orientation.","The study highlights the significant impact of endometriosis on women's lives, particularly in terms of missed school or work due to pain. It also reveals disparities in diagnosis based on race and sexual orientation. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to examine factors related to quality of life and endometriosis diagnosis." -"The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has formalised Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) with multiple sponsors under its ‘Network for Phase 1 Clinical Trials’. The agreements mark an entry into first-in-human clinical trials for four promising molecules, the council said on Saturday. - -These include collaborative research over a small molecule for multiple myeloma with Aurigene Oncology Limited; partnering for Zika vaccine development with Indian Immunologicals Limited; coordinating a seasonal influenza virus vaccine trial with Mynvax Private Limited; and CAR-T cell therapy advancement study for a new indication of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia with ImmunoACT. - -“This initiative is a crucial step towards establishing India as a leader in the clinical development of pharmaceutical agents,” the council said. - -Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said that the collaboration between ICMR and prominent industry and academic partners is a key milestone in the pursuit of affordable and accessible cutting edge treatments for all citizens. He noted that the initiative positioned India to emerge as a global leader in healthcare innovation. - -Rajiv Bahl, Director General, ICMR, said that establishing the first phase of clinical trial infrastructure is a key component in fostering the development of indigenous molecules and cutting edge treatments.","The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has formed partnerships with multiple sponsors to conduct first-in-human clinical trials for four promising molecules. These collaborations aim to establish India as a leader in clinical development and provide affordable and accessible treatments to all citizens. The initiative involves research on a small molecule for multiple myeloma, a Zika vaccine, a seasonal influenza virus vaccine, and CAR-T cell therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The ICMR believes that this initiative is crucial for fostering the development of indigenous molecules and cutting-edge treatments." -"If you are an audiophile, then you must have heard about Sonos. Known for dealing in audio equipment, the U.S.-based company has been in the audio segment for almost two decades, delivering top-quality sound. Today, we are reviewing its latest headphones - Sonos Ace. Priced at ₹39,999, it will be very interesting to see how the headphones will position itself in the market already dominated by Sony, Sennheiser and JBL. So, let’s find out what the new Sonos Ace has to offer. - -Design -The new Sonos Ace maintains a very neat, elegant, and functional design. From the moment you lay eyes on these headphones, it’s clear that Sonos has put a great deal of thought into every aspect of their design. The slim profile, matte finish, and metal accents give a standout look setting it apart from most competitors. -What’s particularly impressive is how Sonos has managed to combine style with comfort. The ear cushions are made of pillowy soft memory foam that gently hugs your head, making them suitable for extended listening sessions. At just 312 grams, they’re also surprisingly lightweight, further enhancing their all-day wearability.","The Sonos Ace headphones are designed to be sleek, comfortable, and durable. They feature a slim profile, matte finish, and metal accents, setting them apart from other headphones on the market. The ear cushions are made of memory foam for added comfort, and the headphones are surprisingly lightweight for all-day wearability." -"Apple on Monday (September 9, 2024) launched iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus featuring A18 processor. The 3nm newly introduced chipset comes with Apple Intelligence support which will let users to explore the world of generative AI. - -Apple claims the A18 is up to 30% faster than the CPU in iPhone 15 and up to 40% faster on GPU. - -Both, iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus operate on iOS 18 out of the box. - -Apple also brought in the Action Button in iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus which can be customised for different actions like recording, memo, etc. - -The Apple iPhone 16 has a 6.1 inch display while the iPhone 16 Plus features a 6.7 inch display with up to 2,000 nits peak brightness. The new iPhones are IP68 rated as well. - -(For top technology news of the day, subscribe to our tech newsletter Today’s Cache) - -The new ‘Camera Control’ button lets users access the camera with just a click. Users can access visual intelligence features through this. - -The Apple iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus sport a 48 MP main lens and a 12 MP ultrawide sensor. It has a 12 MP front camera.","The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are Apple's latest smartphones, featuring a new A18 processor with Apple Intelligence support for generative AI. They have a larger display, improved camera, and a customizable Action Button. The iPhone 16 has a 6.1 inch display, while the iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7 inch display. Both have a 48 MP main lens, a 12 MP ultrawide sensor, and a 12 MP front camera." -"Hundreds of workers at a Samsung Electronics plant in southern India have begun an indefinite strike to demand higher wages, partly hitting production on Monday, a union leader told Reuters. - -The strike comes after Samsung Electronics' biggest union in South Korea held a four-day strike in August demanding higher wages and bonuses after talks with management fell through. - -Samsung employs under 2,000 workers at its Sriperumbudur plant near the city of Chennai which makes refrigerators and washing machines. Around half of the daily production was affected at the factory as many workers did not turn up for work, an industry source with direct knowledge said. - -E. Muthukumar, who heads the Samsung India union, said many people dressed in company uniform sat outside the plant and demanded a wage hike and better working hours. - -""The strike will go on,"" he said, without giving a time frame. - -A Samsung India spokesperson said in an email the company actively engages with ""workers to address any grievances they may have and comply with all laws and regulations"". - -Samsung will ""ensure that there is no disruption to our consumers"", he added. - -Samsung counts India as a key growth market. Set up in 2007, the Sriperumbudur plant is one of two factories that Samsung operates in India, with the other in Noida in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh where it manufactures smartphones.","The article highlights a strike by hundreds of workers at a Samsung Electronics plant in southern India. The workers are demanding higher wages and better working hours. The strike has affected production at the plant, and the union leader has stated that the strike will continue. Samsung India has responded by saying that they are actively engaging with workers to address their grievances and ensure there is no disruption to consumers." -"Dashcams have become essential on modern roads that are riddled with safety hazards and adverse driving conditions. Be it to record instances of driving mishaps or to relive a scenic drive in nature, modern day dashcams do it all. - -The Qubo Pro 3K entices drivers with its 3K video recording, integrated smartphone app and clever design. We used the dashcam for a fortnight and here is what we found. - -Unboxing and setup -The Qubo Pro dashcam comes with the necessary cables for installation: a 12V adapter that can be used to plug in the dashcam; spare adhesive tapes; and a prying tool. The device is sturdy in its all-plastic body, and the small form factor ensures it does not obstruct the driver’s view when installed on the front dashboard.The dashcam also comes with a 3.2-inch LCD display, which can be used to keep track of the camera view. - -Installing the dashcam is also simple. Users can either use the services of a mechanic to help with the installation, which would ensure the power cable for the device is well hidden behind the interior panels. Or do it themselves. However, if you are easily annoyed by open cables within the cabin, please hire a professional. - -The dashcam’s power cable comes with a USB A port which makes it is a good for older vehicles. However, if users do not want to permanently engage USB ports within the cabin, the 12V lighter adapter comes in handy. - -The adjustable camera lens makes it easy to find the most appropriate point-of-view for the camera. Overall, the installation is simple enough and we did not face any problems in setting up the device.","The Qubo Pro 3K dashcam is easy to install and comes with everything you need to get started. The dashcam has a 3.2-inch LCD display, which can be used to keep track of the camera view. The adjustable camera lens makes it easy to find the most appropriate point-of-view for the camera. Overall, the installation is simple enough and we did not face any problems in setting up the device." -"Titan-owned watch retailing company Helios on Friday (September 13, 2024) introduced and added Italian watch maker, U-Boat, to its portfolio ahead of the upcoming festive season to sell its premium analogue watches in India. - -U-Boat will start with 41 different premium analogues watches which range between ₹1.22 lakh to ₹6 lakh. - -These watches will be available at 11 marquee Helios stores in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad and Kolkata. They can be purchased via Helios website as well. - -After sales requirements of the U-Boat watches will be taken care by Helios. - -(For top technology news of the day, subscribe to our tech newsletter Today’s Cache) - -With U-Boat in the portfolio, Helios eyes a 45% revenue growth this festive season in India, said Rahul Shukla, VP and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Watches and Wearables, Titan Company. - -He added that premium watches sales are coming mainly from metros, Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. - -Rahul said that India’s analogue watch market is moving towards premiumisation. However, he points that digital smartwatches like Apple Watch, Pixel Watch or Garmin have a different set of buyers.","Titan-owned Helios has added Italian watchmaker U-Boat to its portfolio. U-Boat offers premium analogue watches priced between ₹1.22 lakh and ₹6 lakh. These watches will be available at 11 Helios stores and online. Helios aims for a 45% revenue growth this festive season with U-Boat. Premium watches are primarily sold in metros and Tier 1-2 cities. The analogue watch market is moving towards premiumization, while digital smartwatches have a different buyer base." -"Intel, on 12 September 2024, launched its most efficient x86 processor family in India, the Intel Core Ultra 200V series. - -Code-named Lunar Lake, the new processors will drive the industry’s most advanced AI-powered PCs, featuring over 80 consumer designs from more than 20 leading global manufacturers such as Acer, ASUS, Dell Technologies, HP, Lenovo, MSI, and Samsung, the company shared in a press release. - -The new Intel Core Ultra 200V series processors promise to deliver exceptional performance, breakthrough power efficiency, a significant leap in graphics capabilities, seamless application compatibility, enhanced security, and unparalleled AI computing power. - -Additionally, all devices equipped with these processors and running the latest version of Windows will be eligible for a free update to Copilot+ PC features, available starting in November. - -Th processors introduce Intel’s new Xe2 graphics architecture, delivering 30% average performance improvement in mobile graphics. - -The integrated Intel Arc GPU features up to eight new 2nd Gen Xe-cores, eight enhanced ray tracing units, support for up to three 4K monitors, and advanced Intel Xe Matrix Extensions (Intel XMX) AI engines, offering up to 67 TOPS for superior creative applications and enhanced gaming performance with improved Xe SS kernels.","The Intel Core Ultra 200V series is the company's most efficient x86 processor family. It features over 80 consumer designs from leading manufacturers and promises exceptional performance, power efficiency, graphics capabilities, application compatibility, security, and AI computing power. The processors introduce Intel's new Xe2 graphics architecture and integrated Intel Arc GPU. Devices equipped with these processors and running Windows will be eligible for a free update to Copilot+ PC features." -"China's Huawei Technologies on Tuesday unveiled the world's first tri-foldable phone as it seeks to expand its lead in the world's biggest smartphone market and steal the spotlight from Apple hours after it debuted a new iPhone. - -The Chinese tech giant showed off its new Mate XT, which users can fold three ways like an accordion screen door, during a launch ceremony in the southern tech hub of Shenzhen. - -The device has already received more than 3.6 million pre-orders, for which no deposit is required, according to the company's website. The entire global market for foldable phones was around 4 million units in the second quarter, according to research firm IDC. - -""Today we bring you a product that everyone can think of but could not make. Our team has been working hard for five years and has never given up,"" Huawei executive director Richard Yu said at launch. - -""We dare to make extraordinary breakthroughs. Today we will once again rewrite the history of the industry, turn science fiction into reality, and lead a new era of folding devices."" - -The much-anticipated launch comes just hours after Apple unveiled its latest model - the AI-boosted iPhone 16 - with both smartphones due to go on sale on Sept. 20. - -The Mate XT comes in red and black and has a 10.2 inch display screen. At 3.6mm wide, the company said it was the world's slimmest foldable phone.","The article highlights the launch of Huawei's tri-foldable phone, the Mate XT. The device has received millions of pre-orders and is set to compete with Apple's newly launched iPhone 16. Huawei claims that the Mate XT is the world's slimmest foldable phone and has been in development for five years. The launch comes just hours after Apple unveiled its latest model, with both smartphones due to go on sale on September 20." -"Apple on Monday (September 9, 2024) launched Watch series 10 and Watch Ultra 2 featuring S10 SiP and watchOS 11. For the first time, Apple introduced intelligent features like translation on Watch series 10. - -Apple Watch series 10 claims up to 18 hours of battery life and also fast charging with up to 80% battery life in 30 minutes of charging. - -Apple also introduced Sleep Apnea with the Watch series 10. It will be rolled to Watch series 10 and Watch Ultra 2 as well. It uses accelerometer to detect this condition. It will be rolled out in phased manner in U.S, Japan. - -Apple watch series 10 has a larger curved OLED display. Apple said that the bigger screen will make it easier to read more texts and access news and other media. The display and the case have a wider aspect ratio. - -(For top technology news of the day, subscribe to our tech newsletter Today’s Cache) - -The case is made from a “durable” aluminium alloy. You can play music and media through the speakers as well. - -The new smartwatch comes with a depth gauge, water temperature measurement, haptic direction sensors, a Tides app, and more metrics for water sports.","The Apple Watch series 10 and Watch Ultra 2 feature new features like intelligent translation, Sleep Apnea detection, a larger curved OLED display, and enhanced water sports capabilities. The Watch series 10 claims up to 18 hours of battery life and fast charging. The Watch Ultra 2 also benefits from the Sleep Apnea feature, which uses the accelerometer to detect this condition. The larger display on the Watch series 10 makes it easier to read texts and access news and other media. The case is made from a durable aluminum alloy and supports music and media playback. The new smartwatch also includes a depth gauge, water temperature measurement, haptic direction sensors, a Tides app, and other metrics for water sports." -"Mercedes Benz EQS 580 4MATIC set a new ‘Guinness World RecordsTM title’ for the ‘Longest distance covered by a production BEV on a single charge,’ with an impressive 949.0 kilometers traveled from Bengaluru to Navi Mumbai. -The record drive included areas of built-up traffic in busy urban and sub-urban areas with road works, diversions and detours amidst the heavy monsoon rains. Data from the EQS 580 at the end of the journey showed the luxury sedan delivered an electrical power consumption of 11.36 kWh/100 km.  -The remarkable feat was accomplished under challenging, real-life driving conditions amidst the Indian monsoon. The drive route covered cities like Davangere, Hubli, Belgavi, Kolhapur, Satara and Pune -The EQS 580 4Matic is also the current aerodynamics world champion for production vehicles. The vehicle boast an unparalleled range and the highest levels of efficiency for any BEV on Indian roads. The EQS’ low-slung form factor and aerodynamically optimized wheels achieved a cd figure (drag coefficient) of just 0.20, making it the world’s most aerodynamic production car, further maximizing the range during the record drive -Data from the EQS 580 4MATIC at the end of the journey showed the luxury sedan delivered an electrical power consumption of 11.36 kwh/100km","The Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC set a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance covered by a production BEV on a single charge. It traveled 949.0 kilometers from Bengaluru to Navi Mumbai, despite challenging conditions like heavy monsoon rains and traffic. The EQS 580 achieved this feat with an electrical power consumption of 11.36 kWh/100 km. It is also the current aerodynamics world champion for production vehicles, with a drag coefficient of 0.20, further maximizing its range." -"By Our Staff Reporter -IMPHAL, Sep 9 : United Committee Manipur (UCM) president YK Dhiren has accused the Government of India of using Kuki narco-terrorists as part of their divide and rule policy to disturb the unity and integrity of Manipur. -He made the statement during an oath taking ceremony of   new office bearers of the UCM was held at Haying Khongbal Uphong Yumpham of Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple, today.   -Altogether 25 newly office bearers of the Committee took the oath which was administered by UCM consultative member Yumnamcha Dilipkumar. - - -https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2024/9/10/By-Our-Staff-ReporterIMPHAL-Sep-9-United-Committee-Manipur-UCM-president-YK-Dhiren-has-accused-the-Gove.html#/google_vignette -YK Dhiren of UPF is the new president of UCM while Khuraijam Athouba of IPSA and Shanta Nahakpam of ACOAM-Lup are now the vice president and secretary general respectively of the Committee. -At the ceremony, YK Dhiren said that the turmoil which the State has been witnessing is the handiwork of the Government of India (GoI). -He claimed that GoI has been using Kuki narco terrorists to  implement their divide and rule policy in the State and create disunity among the people. -Facing the sinister design of the GoI won't be possible without people's uprising, Dhiren said. -It is doubtful that the GoI will work neutrally to end the conflict, he said while urging the people to get ready for another uprising. -Claiming that the GoI has been scheming to drive a wedge among the people since Manipur, an erstwhile kingdom, merged with India, Dhiren maintained that only unity among the people of Manipur can defy all designs to disturb the unity and integrity of the State. -Manipur is still intact because the people of Manipur have been resisting the plot of GoI to break the State apart whenever the situation demands, he said, adding that people should be aware of the motive of GoI. -Saying that UCM was formed following a people's uprising in 2021 to protect the  unity and integrity of Manipur, Dhiren maintained that UCM will continue to work on building a united  Manipur. -He also said that what UCM aspires is peaceful coexistence among the people of Manipur and not fostering enmity. -The primary mission of UCM is safeguarding Manipur and her people from forces which want to disintegrate the State, Dhiren said. - - - -https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2024/9/10/By-Our-Staff-ReporterIMPHAL-Sep-9-United-Committee-Manipur-UCM-president-YK-Dhiren-has-accused-the-Gove.html#/google_vignette","United Committee Manipur (UCM) President YK Dhiren accused the Indian government of using Kuki narco-terrorists to destabilize Manipur under a divide-and-rule strategy. He made this statement during the oath-taking ceremony of 25 new UCM office bearers. Dhiren emphasized that the Government of India (GoI) has historically attempted to create disunity in Manipur, ever since its merger with India. He stressed that only through a united front can the people of Manipur resist such efforts. Dhiren urged for a people's uprising against GoI's policies, doubting that the government would resolve the current turmoil neutrally. UCM, established in 2021, remains committed to preserving Manipur's unity and peaceful coexistence." -"The Galaxy Watch Ultra is Samsung’s latest addition to its smartwatch lineup, aimed at outdoor enthusiasts and rival Apple’s Watch Ultra. With a focus on durability and a robust set of features, this watch sets itself apart from previous models. In this review, we will look into the various aspects of the Galaxy Watch Ultra, including its design, hardware, software, and health features, to evaluate whether it lives up to its high expectations. - -The design of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra brings a mix of familiar and new elements, maintaining a circular display while introducing a slightly squarish chassis with rounded corners. The materials used are top-notch, with grade 4 titanium for the main body, sapphire glass for the screen, and ceramic for the back. This combination provides both durability and a premium feel. The watch comes in three colour variants—Titanium Silver, Titanium Gray, and Titanium White—each paired with a matching band to suit different styles. - -","The Galaxy Watch Ultra is a durable smartwatch with a premium design. It features a circular display, a slightly squarish chassis, and high-quality materials like grade 4 titanium, sapphire glass, and ceramic. The watch is available in three color variants with matching bands." -"Motorola Razr 50 flip phone launched in India with Dimensity 7300X processor. Price, specs, availability | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement -Motorola on Monday (September 9, 2024) launched the Razr 50 flip smartphone in India. The new Motorola Razr 50 follows the Razr 50 Ultra launched earlier. -The new Motorola Razr 50 has a 3.6 inch pOLED cover display with 90 Hz dynamic refresh rate and peak brightness of 1,700 nits. It is being protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The main screen is of 6.9 inch with 120 Hz refresh rate and 3,000 nits peak brightness.",The Motorola Razr 50 is a flip phone with a 3.6 inch pOLED cover display and a 6.9 inch main screen. It has a Dimensity 7300X processor and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. -"The GoPro Hero 13 Black and Hero are the company's latest action cameras. The Hero 13 Black is the top-of-the-line model and is compatible with HB-Series Lenses. The Hero is the smallest and simplest 4K camera. Both cameras feature magnetic latch mounting, GPS, extended power capabilities, and swappable lens options.The GoPro Hero 13 Black and Hero are the company's latest action cameras. The Hero 13 Black is the top-of-the-line model and is compatible with HB-Series Lenses. The Hero is the smallest and simplest 4K camera. Both cameras feature magnetic latch mounting, GPS, extended power capabilities, and swappable lens options.","The GoPro Hero 13 Black and Hero are the company's latest action cameras. The Hero 13 Black is the top-of-the-line model and is compatible with HB-Series Lenses. The Hero is the smallest and simplest 4K camera. Both cameras feature magnetic latch mounting, GPS, extended power capabilities, and swappable lens options." -"reMarkable brings Paper Pro e-ink tablet with colour display -According to reMarkable, the Paper Pro display has a latency as low as 12 ms - -Norwegian tech startup, reMarkable, has launched the reMarkable Paper Pro tablet with a colour display in global markets, excluding India. It is an extension of reMarkable 2 e-ink tablet that only has black and white screen. - -The new reMarkable Paper Pro features an 11.8-inch canvas color display stack with adjustable reading light. The display supports nine different colours. The reMarkable Paper Pro uses anodized aluminum and glass and is 5.1 mm thick.",The reMarkable Paper Pro is a new e-ink tablet with a color display. It is an extension of the reMarkable 2 e-ink tablet that only has black and white screen. The new reMarkable Paper Pro features an 11.8-inch canvas color display stack with adjustable reading light. The display supports nine different colors. The reMarkable Paper Pro uses anodized aluminum and glass and is 5.1 mm thick.