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APNRTS Starts Helpline for Students Stranded in Kyrgyzstan

Vijayawada: APNRTS, an entity of the Andhra Pradesh government, started a 24/7 Helpline to help AP students stranded in Kyrgyzstan. Its chief executive officer, Hemalatha Rani, said that due to the prevailing situation in one region of Kyrgyzstan, the Union external affairs ministry released an advisory on May 18, requesting Indian citizens and students in that region to be vigilant. They have been asked to contact the local embassy of India@0555710041 in case of an emergency. Mentioning that Kyrgyzstan is one of the most preferred countries for medicine courses for Indian students, she said the students were safe. No attacks have been made on any Indian till now. Citizens of AP and students can reach out to APNRTS 24/7 Helpline @ +91 863 2340678; +91 85000 27678(W) or email @ info@apnrts.com; helpline@apnrts.com and Embassy of India Helpline in Kyrgyzstan @ 0555710041 for assistance. The CEO said the central government is monitoring the situation continuously with the local government and requested Indian students to stay indoors and be in touch with the embassy. APNRTS has posted information about the MEA advisory and the situation in Kyrgyzstan on its official website, social media handles such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. As advised by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, now on a foreign tour, APNRTS is ascertaining the situation in Kyrgyzstan continuously. On May 18, four students from AP contacted the APNRTS 24/7 Helpline and informed them that students of AP and other states were in safe places in Kyrgyzstan.

Deccan Chronicle 19 May 2024 10:24 pm

Sean Diddy Combs admits he beat ex-girlfriend Cassie: I take full responsibility

Music mogul says in video statement that he is truly sorry after CNN released clip of him attacking Cassie in hotel hallway in 2016 The rap mogul Sean Diddy Combs admitted in a video apology that he punched and kicked his ex-girlfriend in 2016 in the hallway of a hotel after CNN released footage of the attack , saying he was truly sorry and his actions were inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. Im disgusted now, he said in the video statement, posted Sunday on Instagram and Facebook. Continue reading...

The Guardian 19 May 2024 10:00 pm

Sinhasan khali karo...: Priyanka Gandhi exudes confidence after massive crowd at INDIA rally in Prayagraj

Priyanka Gandhi expressed confidence in INDIA bloc winning Lok Sabha elections after a massive rally in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh with Congress and Samajwadi Party supporters. Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav faced a stampede-like situation at a public meeting in Phulpur constituency.

The Economic Times 19 May 2024 9:57 pm

INDI alliance has been wiped out in four phases of LS polls: Amit Shah

Prayagraj, May 19 (UNI) Home Minister Amit Shah attacked the Congress party and said that four phases of elections have been held so far in which the INDI alliance has been wiped out. While addressing a meeting in support of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate in Soraon village of Meja, the Union Minister said... The post INDI alliance has been wiped out in four phases of LS polls: Amit Shah first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Central Chronicle 19 May 2024 9:37 pm

Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav forced to leave INDI Alliance rally in Prayagraj without giving speeches after crowd breaches barricades creating stampede-like situation

Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav were forced to cut short the public meeting in Prayagraj's Phulpur as the crowd broke the barricades and reached the dais, creating a stampede-like situation.

OpIndia 19 May 2024 8:03 pm

UP: Rahul, Akhilesh leave stage without addressing stampede-like rally

Prayagraj: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday abandoned a joint poll meeting in Phulpur area here without delivering a speech as their supporters broke through barricades trying to reach the dais. According to police sources, scores of Congress and SP supporters had reached the venue to attend the rally. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 19 May 2024 7:41 pm

Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav had to leave...: Congress leader Rewati Raman Singh after public rally in UP's Phulpur turned uncontrollable

Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav had to leave...: Congress leader Rewati Raman Singh after public rally in UP's Phulpur turned uncontrollable Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav had to abruptly exit a public rally in Phulpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday after the crowd became uncontrollable. The leaders, out for the poll campaign ahead of the fifth phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh's Phulpur, had to rush out of the event owing to security reasons due to the large turnout. Congress leader Rewati Raman Singh explained the situation, stating, The crowd had become too large, and there weren't enough police officers, which caused the crowd to become uncontrollable and rush the stage. As a result, Akhilesh Ji and Rahul Ji had to leave without giving their speeches. He attributed the lack of adequate security to the police being engaged in election duties elsewhere. When questioned about the coordination between Congress and Samajwadi Party workers, Singh emphasized the sheer size of the crowd as the primary cause of the chaos. Commenting on the BJP's ambitious target of 400 paar seats, Singh remarked, These rallies show what the people want. These people intend to change the Constitution, and they have already said so, which is why they are shouting '400 Paar'. The people themselves are fighting this election to save the Constitution and to protect reservations. The rally, part of the poll campaign, highlighted the strategic alliance between Congress and the Samajwadi Party. Singh confirmed, This is a strategy because both are in an alliance. The Samajwadi Party and Congress have an alliance. Singh expressed confidence in the INDIA alliance's prospects, predicting a strong performance. The INDIA alliance will form the government. Rahul Gandhi will also win from Raebareli, and there is hope for Congress's victory in Amethi as well. On his son Ujjwal Raman Singh's candidacy for the Prayagraj seat, Singh was optimistic. After 40 years, Congress's withered hand will now be seen blooming. He hinted at a significant change, stating, Whenever Allahabad changes, change happens in Delhi as well. This election is being fought by the people. While Singh avoided making precise predictions about the number of seats the INDIA alliance might secure in Uttar Pradesh, he suggested they could win around 40 seats. Rewati Raman Singh, a seasoned politician, has served as an MLA eight times, an MP of the Lok Sabha twice, and an MP of the Rajya Sabha once. His son, Ujjwal Raman Singh, is currently the Congress candidate from Prayagraj. BJP has fielded Neeraj Tripathi, son of former Governor of West Bengal and Speaker of UP Legislative Assembly Keshari Nath Tripathi, from the Allahabad Lok Sabha seat. Polling in the constituency will take place in the sixth phase of the ongoing elections on May 25. (ANI)

devdiscourse 19 May 2024 7:22 pm

'PoK belongs to India, we will take it back': Amit Shah in UP poll rally

PRAYAGRAJ/JAUNPUR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to India and we will take it back. Addressing rallies in Prayagraj and Jaunpur districts of Uttar Pradesh to seek votes for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates, he also said we need a strong prime minister who can give a befitting reply to Pakistan. Accusing the Congress of preserving Article 370 of the Constitution for 70 years, Shah hit out at the president of the party, Mallikarjun Kharge. Slamming Kharge for saying people in other states have nothing to do with Kashmir, he said, Khargeji, you are aged above 80 years, but you have not been able to understand this country. Every child of Allahabad is ready to give their lives for Kashmir. (NC chief) Farooq Abdullah and (Congress leader) Mani Shankar Aiyar say give respect to Pakistan because it has the atom bomb. Rahul baba, today, from the sacred land of Prayagraj I will say that PoK is ours, will remain ours and we will take it back. In a video clip that has gone viral on social media, Aiyar is purportedly heard saying India should give respect to Pakistan as it is a sovereign country and engage with it as it also possesses the atom bomb. While Aiyar has said the video was old, the Congress has distanced itself from the remarks made by him some months ago. Hitting out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Jaunpur's Machhlishahr constituency, Shah said, The Congress, SP and the INDI Alliance threaten us, saying give respect to Pakistan, do not ask for PoK because they have the atom bomb. Rahul baba, if you want to feel scared, feel scared of the atom bomb, but PoK belongs to India and we will take it back. He pointed out that on August 5, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi abrogated Article 370, which had bestowed special rights on Jammu and Kashmir. In Prayagraj, he said, Rahul baba used to say if Article 370 is scrapped, then streams of blood will flow. I have come to tell Rahul baba that leave streams of blood, no one has the courage to even throw a small stone. This is the government of Narendra Modi, who has worked towards freeing the country from terrorism. Claiming that opposition leaders did not attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya as they were afraid of losing their vote bank, Shah said those in the BJP do not fear anyone. The Congress and the Samajwadi Party kept the Ram temple (matter) pending for 70 years. The SP government opened fire on kar sevaks. You made Modiji the prime minister for the second time, he won the court case, performed the 'bhoomipujan' (ground-breaking ceremony) and also the 'pran pratishtha' (consecration) of the temple, he said. In Kashmir, where the Army had to be taken along for hoisting the tricolour, at that same Lal Chowk (in Srinagar) now, the 'shobhayatra' of Lord Krishna is taken out, Shah told the Jaunpur rally. He said during the previous Congress-led UPA rule at the Centre, there were bomb blasts virtually everyday. The aliya, maliya, jamaliya would infiltrate and explode bombs. When the Modi government came, they carried out explosions in Pulwama and Uri and in 10 days, surgical strikes and airstrikes were conducted and terrorists eliminated in Pakistan by Modiji, the home minister said. Claiming that leaders of the INDIA bloc have said Article 370 will be brought back if the alliance of opposition parties forms the government, he said, Should Article 370 be brought back? They want to bring back triple talaq, should it be brought back? They want to give reservation to Muslims, should it be given? They want to scrap the CAA, should it be scrapped? They also want to destroy nuclear weapons. This INDI Alliance cannot take the country forward. Hitting out at dynasty politics, Shah claimed that RJD chief Lalu Prasad wants to make his son the chief minister of Bihar, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi wants to make her son the prime minister, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray wants to make his son the chief minister of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin wants to appoint his son to the top post in the southern state and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wants her nephew to succeed her. Rahul baba, this country is not a grocery shop. We need a strong prime minister who can give a befitting reply to Pakistan. Who is that prime minister who has a 56-inch chest? The writing on the wall is that on June 4, Modiji is going to become the prime minister for the third time, he said. Claiming that Congress leaders say the country should be divided into two parts -- South India and North India -- Shah said the opposition party is not satisfied with dividing India once, it wants to divide the country again. The BJP will never allow another division of the country, he added. The senior BJP leader also accused the Congress of spreading the lie that if Modi comes to power for a third time, he will abolish reservation. Modiji has the majority for the last 10 years and he did not use it to abolish reservation. The Congress, SP and BSP are spreading lies. As long as the BJP has even one MP, no one can touch reservation, he said. The home minister also accused the Congress of being anti-Dalit and alleged that it has always insulted B R Ambedkar. Allahabad and Machhlishahr are scheduled to go to polls in the sixth phase of the seven-phase parliamentary election on May 25.

The New Indian Express 19 May 2024 7:19 pm

PoK belongs to India, we will take it back: Amit Shah

PoK belongs to India, we will take it back: Amit Shah Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to India and ''we will take it back''. Addressing rallies in Prayagraj and Jaunpur districts of Uttar Pradesh to seek votes for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates, he also said ''we need a strong prime minister who can give a befitting reply to Pakistan''. Accusing the Congress of ''preserving'' Article 370 of the Constitution for 70 years, Shah hit out at the president of the party, Mallikarjun Kharge. Slamming Kharge for saying people in other states have nothing to do with Kashmir, he said, ''Khargeji, you are aged above 80 years, but you have not been able to understand this country. Every child of Allahabad is ready to give their lives for Kashmir. ''(NC chief) Farooq Abdullah and (Congress leader) Mani Shankar Aiyar say give respect to Pakistan because it has the atom bomb. Rahul baba, today, from the sacred land of Prayagraj I will say that PoK is ours, will remain ours and we will take it back.'' In a video clip that has gone viral on social media, Aiyar is purportedly heard saying India should give respect to Pakistan as it is a sovereign country and engage with it as it also possesses the atom bomb. While Aiyar has said the video was old, the Congress has distanced itself from the remarks made by him some months ago. Hitting out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Jaunpur's Machhlishahr constituency, Shah said, ''The Congress, SP and the INDI Alliance threaten us, saying give respect to Pakistan, do not ask for PoK because they have the atom bomb. Rahul baba, if you want to feel scared, feel scared of the atom bomb, but PoK belongs to India and we will take it back.'' He pointed out that on August 5, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi abrogated Article 370, which had bestowed special rights on Jammu and Kashmir. In Prayagraj, he said, ''Rahul baba used to say if Article 370 is scrapped, then streams of blood will flow. I have come to tell Rahul baba that leave streams of blood, no one has the courage to even throw a small stone. This is the government of Narendra Modi, who has worked towards freeing the country from terrorism.'' Claiming that opposition leaders did not attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya as they were afraid of losing their vote bank, Shah said those in the BJP do not fear anyone. ''The Congress and the Samajwadi Party kept the Ram temple (matter) pending for 70 years. The SP government opened fire on kar sevaks. You made Modiji the prime minister for the second time, he won the court case, performed the 'bhoomipujan' (ground-breaking ceremony) and also the 'pran pratishtha' (consecration) of the temple,'' he said. In Kashmir, where the Army had to be taken along for hoisting the tricolour, ''at that same Lal Chowk (in Srinagar) now, the 'shobhayatra' of Lord Krishna is taken out'', Shah told the Jaunpur rally. He said during the previous Congress-led UPA rule at the Centre, there were bomb blasts ''virtually everyday''. ''The aliya, maliya, jamaliya would infiltrate and explode bombs. When the Modi government came, they carried out explosions in Pulwama and Uri and in 10 days, surgical strikes and airstrikes were conducted and terrorists eliminated in Pakistan by Modiji,'' the home minister said. Claiming that leaders of the INDIA bloc have said Article 370 will be brought back if the alliance of opposition parties forms the government, he said, ''Should Article 370 be brought back? They want to bring back triple talaq, should it be brought back? They want to give reservation to Muslims, should it be given? They want to scrap the CAA, should it be scrapped? They also want to destroy nuclear weapons. This INDI Alliance cannot take the country forward.'' Hiting out at dynasty politics, Shah claimed that RJD chief Lalu Prasad wants to make his son the chief minister of Bihar, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi wants to make her son the prime minister, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray wants to make his son the chief minister of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin wants to appoint his son to the top post in the southern state and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wants her nephew to succeed her. ''Rahul baba, this country is not a grocery shop. We need a strong prime minister who can give a befitting reply to Pakistan. Who is that prime minister who has a 56-inch chest? The writing on the wall is that on June 4, Modiji is going to become the prime minister for the third time,'' he said. Claiming that Congress leaders say the country should be divided into two parts -- South India and North India -- Shah said the opposition party is not satisfied with dividing India once, it wants to divide the country again. ''The BJP will never allow another division of the country,'' he added. The senior BJP leader also accused the Congress of spreading the lie that if Modi comes to power for a third time, he will abolish reservation. ''Modiji has the majority for the last 10 years and he did not use it to abolish reservation. The Congress, SP and BSP are spreading lies. As long as the BJP has even one MP, no one can touch reservation,'' he said. The home minister also accused the Congress of being anti-Dalit and alleged that it has always insulted B R Ambedkar. Allahabad and Machhlishahr are scheduled to go to polls in the sixth phase of the seven-phase parliamentary election on May 25.

devdiscourse 19 May 2024 7:08 pm

Singer Monali Thakur's mother passes away

Despite losing her mother on May 17, playback singer Monali Thakur showed immense professionalism by performing in Bangladesh despite her deep sorrow. She shared her grief on Instagram, expressing love and admiration for her mother. Married to Swiss resident Maik Richter since 2017, she juggles her singing career between Switzerland and India.

The Times of India 19 May 2024 6:35 pm

UP: Rahul, Akhilesh leave stage without addressing rally amid 'stampede-like' situation

Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav abandoned a joint poll meeting in Phulpur as supporters broke through barricades, creating a 'stampede-like' situation. The rally was organized in favor of Amarnath Maurya contesting on a SP ticket. The duo decided not to address the rally following the ruckus on the advice of security officials in Prayagraj.

The Economic Times 19 May 2024 6:22 pm

VIDEO: Akhilesh Yadav, Rahul Gandhi leave without addressing Prayagraj rally after workers go berserk

The joint rally of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav was called off after the workers went berserk in their presence on Sunday.

Web Dunia 19 May 2024 6:17 pm

Monali Thakur's mother passes away, singer pens emotional note: 'I'll join when my...'

Monali Thakur took to Instagram and penned an emotional note for her mother after she passed away.

DNA India 19 May 2024 5:27 pm

Video: Rahul Gandhi And Akhilesh Yadav Exit Prayagraj Rally Amid Ruckus By Congress, SP Workers

Ruckus broke out at Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi's public meeting in Prayagraj after the SP and Congress workers went out of control

Zee News 19 May 2024 5:25 pm

Uttar Pradesh: Rahul, Akhilesh joint rally turns out to be a non-starter as crowd goes berserk

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav were forced to leave a public meeting venue hastily following a stampede-like situation. The incident was reported at Padila in Phulpur parliamentary constituency, Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. According to reports, the supporters who have gathered for the rally went berserk creating a stampede-like situation. #WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: A stampede-like situation took place in the joint public meeting of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav at Phulpur constituency, in Prayagraj. Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav left the public meeting without addressing the pic.twitter.com/fPW2tgaWOP ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2024 Rahul and Akhilesh Yadav appealed to the crowd to maintain order, even as police and security personnel struggled to control the crowd. Eventually, both the leaders were forced to leave the venue without addressing the crowd. A similar situation prevailed at the venue of the second rally in Karachhana in Prayagraj under the Allahabad parliamentary seat, where the crowd broke through the barricades in an attempt to reach the stage.

The New Indian Express 19 May 2024 5:21 pm

BTS' V shares heartwarming photos with military friends and pet dog Yeontan: Check pics

BTS V, also known as Kim Taehyung, recently shared updates from his military service through Instagram, posting photos with his fellow soldiers and his pet dog, Yeontan. Fans were delighted to see V in his military uniform, captioning the post with status. Additionally, V shared adorable pictures of Yeontan, bringing joy to his followers. V began his mandatory military service on December 11, 2023, and is currently serving in the 2nd Division Military Police Corps.

The Economic Times 19 May 2024 5:11 pm

BJP going to win only one seat in UP: Rahul Gandhi

BJP going to win only one seat in UP: Rahul Gandhi Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said that the BJP is winning only one seat in Uttar Pradesh. ''Have you heard (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi is winning only one BJP seat of Kyoto (Varanasi) in Uttar Pradesh,'' said Gandhi while addressing a joint poll meeting with Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav in Prayagraj in support of INDIA bloc candidate Ujjawal Raman Singh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier said that he will turn Varanasi into Kyoto, a picturesque town in Japan. ''The fight is to save the Constitution. The BJP and the RSS are attacking it, and I want to tell them that no power can tear and throw the Constitution away,'' Gandhi said while waiving a copy of the Indian Constitution. Gandhi reiterated the promises made by the Congress and appealed to vote for the party's candidate. ''We are going to make a law for an MSP of farm produce and we will also provide support to the unemployed youth,'' he added. ''We will throw the Agniveer scheme into the garbage and provide recruitment in the armed forces as it used to be done before,'' Gandhi said. Speaking before Gandhi, Yadav alleged that the BJP is after people's lives and the Constitution. ''The BJP put our lives in danger with the Covid vaccine and now wants to destroy the Constitution,'' Yadav said. Yadav promised that jobs will be be provided to the youth after the INDIA bloc government is formed. ''We will take back the Agniveer scheme of recruitment in the armed force and will provide permanent jobs,'' Yadav said. Ujjawal Raman Singh is contesting from the Allahabad Lok Sabha seat on a Congress ticket. He is pitted against BJP's Neeraj Tripathi. Polling in Allahabad is to be held on May 25 in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha polls.

devdiscourse 19 May 2024 5:10 pm

Stampede-like Situation At Rahul Gandhi-Akhilesh Yadav's Joint Prayagraj Rally, Both Leaders Leave Without Addressing Crowd

The incident took place at a public meeting at Padila in Phulpur Parliamentary constituency where Congress and SP workers reportedly got out of control and attempted to climb the stage

News18 19 May 2024 5:08 pm

Rahul and Akhileshs rally in Phulpur, workers reached near the stage by jumping over barricades

There was a lot of ruckus in the joint rally of Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi in Phulpur, Prayagraj. According to the information, the workers jumped over the barricades and reached close to the stage. There was a lot of ruckus in the joint rally of Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi in Phulpur and Prayagraj ...

Suspense Crime 19 May 2024 4:58 pm

PoK is ours and we will take it back: Amit Shah in Prayagraj

The News Mill

The News Mill 19 May 2024 3:39 pm

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, daughter Aaradhya return to Mumbai from Cannes

Mumbai: After a dazzling display at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, Bollywood starAishwarya Rai Bachchanhas returned to Mumbai, capturing hearts with her radiant smile as she exited the airport earlier today. Accompanied by her daughter Aaradhya, the mother-daughter duo spread cheer among shutterbugs with their warm gestures. View this post on Instagram A post shared Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 19 May 2024 3:36 pm

Two Tickets to Greece review a holiday you may want to cut short

Great scenery and a joyous Kristin Scott Thomas are outweighed by one infuriating lead character in Marc Fitoussis friends reunited French comedy The closest of schoolfriends in 1989, despite their wildly contrasting personalities, risk-averse introvert Blandine (Olivia Cte) and gobby showoff Magalie ( Laure Calamy ) fell out spectacularly (full details are hazy, but it involved a boy) and lost touch. Now, thanks to the adult son of Blandine, who worries that his divorced mother is in danger of closing herself off from the world, the pair are reunited and find themselves embarking on the trip they dreamed of as teenagers: to the Greek island of Amorgos, location of the film The Big Blue . Except that, owing to erratic nightmare Magalie, they are kicked off the ferry for fare-dodging on to another island. Two Tickets to Greece has some appeal: stunning scenery, Instagrammable taverna chic and the unexpected pleasure of seeing a cast-against-type Kristin Scott Thomas letting her hair down as a boho jewellery designer. But the character of Magalie is so enraging that you would chuck yourself into the Aegean Sea rather than spend two weeks in her company. In UK and Irish cinemas now Continue reading...

The Guardian 19 May 2024 3:30 pm

PoJK Belongs To Us, Will Take It Back: Union Home Minister Amit Shah

PRAYAGRAJ (UP), May 19: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday asserted that Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) belongs to India, and we will take it back. Shah was addressing an election rally in Prayagraj to seek votes for BJP candidate Neeraj Tripathi. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Farooq Abdullah and Mani Shankar Aiyar say give respect to Pakistan because it has atom bombRahul baba, today from the sacred land of Prayagraj I will say this PoJK [] The post PoJK Belongs To Us, Will Take It Back: Union Home Minister Amit Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 19 May 2024 3:14 pm

Han So-hee leaves for Cannes Film Festival

Song Hye-kyo and Han So-hee's strong bond shines in Han So-hee's pre-Cannes Instagram post, supported by Song Hye-kyo, amidst challenges, rumors, and shared aspirations for future collaborations.

The Times of India 19 May 2024 3:13 pm

World Bank positively responds to RI's success in land: Minister

Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Minister/Head of the National Land Agency Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono said that the ...

Antara News 19 May 2024 2:51 pm

Pok belongs to us, will take it back: Amit Shah

Prayagraj: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday asserted that Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to India, and we will take it back. Shah was addressing an election rally in Prayagraj to seek votes for BJP candidate Neeraj Tripathi. Farooq Abdullah and Mani Shankar Aiyar say give respect to Pakistan because it has atom bombRahul Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 19 May 2024 2:22 pm

Pok belongs to us, will take it back: Shah

Pok belongs to us, will take it back: Shah Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday asserted that Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to India, and ''we will take it back''. Shah was addressing an election rally in Prayagraj to seek votes for BJP candidate Neeraj Tripathi. ''Farooq Abdullah and Mani Shankar Aiyar say give respect to Pakistan because it has atom bomb...Rahul baba, today from the sacred land of Prayagraj I will say this PoK is ours, will remain ours, and we will take it back,'' he said while referring to Aiyar's atom bomb remark that has sparked a political row. In a purported video clip that has gone viral on social media, Aiyar was heard saying that India should give respect to Pakistan as it is a sovereign nation and engage with it as it also possesses the atom bomb. While Aiyar has said the video was old and dredged up now as the BJP's election campaign is faltering, the Congress had said it totally disagreed with the remarks made by Aiyar some months ago. Shah also said that the opposition alliance has been wiped out in the four phases of Lok Sabha polls. ''Four phases of polling have been completed. In these four phases, the 'INDI alliance' has been wiped out and Modi ji is rapidly moving towards crossing 400 (Lok Sabha seats),'' he said. The main contest in Allahabad is between BJP's Neeraj Tripathi, son of former Governor of West Bengal and Speaker of UP Legislative Assembly Keshari Nath Tripathi, and Ujjwal Ram Singh, son of former Samajwadi Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Reoti Raman Singh. Polling in Allahabad Lok Sabha constituency will take place in the sixth phase of the ongoing elections on May 25.

devdiscourse 19 May 2024 2:05 pm

Vote for lotus if you want strong PM, says HM Amit Shah

Prayagraj: Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday that those who want a strong Prime Minister with a 56-inch chest, should vote for Narendra Modi. Addressing an election rally in Soraon in Prayagraj, he said that the INDIA bloc did not have a prime ministerial candidate and was preparing to experiment with five prime Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 19 May 2024 1:47 pm

Building a superstar: Kalki team releases new video

Team Kalki has ramped up its promotions on social media, with interesting videos the team is looking to grab the attention of the audience and thus create a sense of enthusiasm among the moviegoers. The Epic-Science-fiction movie, 'Kalki 2898 AD' was earlier criticised for its less promotional activity on social media platforms. The movie starring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Hassan and Deepika padukone in important roles is set for a June 28 release date. The team has released a video titled Building a superstar Bujji, which looks like the creation of an AI incorporated vehicle. The video is funny and draws the curiosity of the audience. In the video, a robot was seen with a big brain but no body and many try and fail to give it a body. At the end of the video Prabhas was seen uncovering a car, drawing speculations that his character might use the car with some special AI-like features. The makers announced in the two and half minute video that they will reveal 'Bujji' on May 22. Recently, Prabhas made headlines with his Instagram story, where he said 'someone special is entering his life,' and that too was a part of the movie's promotions. Watch: Presenting ' : Builiding a Superstar #Bujji ' from #Kalki2898AD !!! https://t.co/iv3McvKMYt @SrBachchan @ikamalhaasan #Prabhas @deepikapadukone @nagashwin7 @DishPatani @Music_Santhosh @VyjayanthiFilms @Kalki2898AD @BelikeBujji pic.twitter.com/NjJJhreM5h Vyjayanthi Movies (@VyjayanthiFilms) May 18, 2024

Deccan Chronicle 19 May 2024 1:32 pm

Jurgen Klopp Joins Instagram, Gets Over a Million Followers in No Time

The German established himself as a Liverpool legend by winning the team's first Premier League title for 30 years in 2020.

News18 19 May 2024 11:56 am

India among world's high-growing mkts; enterprise needs, innovation great fit for us: Red Hat CEO

India among world's high-growing mkts; enterprise needs, innovation great fit for us: Red Hat CEO Red Hat sees India as among the world's high-growing markets, and the country's expanding enterprise base and technical innovation capabilities offer exciting prospects for the IBM-owned company, its CEO Matt Hicks has said. Weighing in on the larger debate of AI and its impact on tech sector jobs and salaries, Hicks told PTI that artificial intelligence, ''if done well'', will trigger massive value creation and spawn new industries beyond anyone's imagination. Red Hat - the enterprise open-source solutions company that IBM bought in 2019 for about USD 35 billion, marking its biggest acquisition ever - is working with a ''great'' foundation base in India and is at an exciting point where the company is amplifying capabilities with technology roles. ''I think India, at this point, is one of the strongest markets in the world with its fundamentals...When I look at the opportunity in India...one, it is a high-growing market and has enterprise needs, so that is a great fit for us...Also, the core technical innovation base exists in masses in India, so being able to start that and reach the entire nation through things like open source technologies, that is what really gets me excited about India,'' he said. Hicks said he is ''amazed'' by the ingenuity and innovation capabilities that exist in the country and added, ''I think we will see a lot of that in India for the next few years''. Red Hat, he said, is ensuring that its investments across the board serve the growth in the market. ''That said, we already have a really strong presence in engineering both from our sales or go-to-market teams as well as core support and engineering. One area for us as we see tools like AI, they tend to expand the capabilities. ''So, if I look at India, where we have a tremendous support organisation, which sits very close to engineering, amplifying their work and capabilities with tools like this, let us reimagine what those teams can do,'' he said. ''So, it is an exciting point for us where we are working off a great foundation in India today. And then, we are amplifying capabilities with technology roles. So, it will be exciting to see how that unfolds.'' To a question on the implications of AI on tech jobs and wages, Hicks opined that AI, ''if done well'', will be value accretive and create new industries ''we can't even think of today''. Citing an example, he said the US was at one point primarily an agrarian economy, and it would have been ''beyond imagination'' to think that it could, one day, have a thriving video gaming industry, which would foster jobs. ''I think we're in that similar point right now where this will change and amplify what we do, but it will also create new opportunities. I do think that there are jobs and that this can amplify your capabilities to learn more...do more novel work...But if you only stay in the areas where LLMs and language can be impacted, they will get very good at doing that work,'' Hicks said, adding that he encourages teams within the company to dabble in tools to learn new things and experiment. Used right, AI will lead to productivity gains, advance careers, and lead to higher wages, he noted. ''So, I think, used right, it's positive for associates and companies. If people hope it will go away or hope it will not disrupt their business or them, that is a dangerous path to take. I think the technology is here to stay, and I think, it will challenge the 'I-just-don't-want-things-to-change (mindset),'' he said. According to Hicks, embracing AI and using it to further business and lives will lead to positive outcomes. On how India stacks up against other markets, Hicks said India is demonstrating technology-focused growth. ''They are very comfortable with technology, actually very comfortable with open source technology, and have an incredible growth engine at scale in enterprise markets. That is what makes India a really, really strong market for us...is that intersection combination,'' he said. Last week, in his keynote address at the Red Hat Summit, Hicks predicted that artificial intelligence (AI) won't be built by a single vendor, rather it will be defined by flexibility of choices. He observed that innovation has moved at a fast clip, with advancements unfolding every month, week and hour. The impact of the open source ecosystem in the realm of AI is becoming visible, and the momentum is set to accelerate, Hicks had said, outlining the company's strategy and push on AI. Red Hat also made a slew of announcements at the flagship event held recently, alongside a slew of partnerships and collaborations. The provider of open-source software solutions announced the launch of Red Hat Enterprise Linux AI (RHEL AI) -- a foundation model platform that enables users to develop, test and deploy generative AI (GenAI) models more seamlessly. Red Hat further announced that it has infused Generative AI across a hybrid cloud portfolio with Red Hat Lightspeed. ''Red Hat Lightspeed will expand generative AI capabilities to Red Hat's industry-leading Linux and hybrid cloud application platforms, helping to make complex computing tasks more efficient and accessible across skill levels,'' the company said in a recent release. It has also announced a collaboration with Intel to power enterprise AI usages on Red Hat OpenShift AI. Together, the two companies will facilitate the delivery of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions on Intel AI products for model development and training, model serving, management and monitoring more seamlessly across a hybrid cloud infrastructure.

devdiscourse 19 May 2024 11:24 am

Yashs outfits for Ravana, whom he plays in Ramayana, are being made with real gold

New Delhi: Star Yash, who will be playing the role of Ravana in Nitesh Tiwaris upcoming film Ramayana, will be seen sporting garments made out of actual gold. A source close to IANS shared details about costumes: The clothes that are being made for Yash are in real gold. View this post on Instagram A Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 19 May 2024 11:21 am

God's plan baby: Rinku Singh lavish praise on RCB match-winner Yash Dayal

God's plan baby: Rinku Singh lavish praise on RCB match-winner Yash Dayal Star finisher Rinku Singh hailed Yash Dayal who emerged as the hero for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final over against Chennai Super Kings which sealed a playoff spot for the Faf du Plessis side. In one year, Dayal has turned his fortune around in the world of cricket. Last year, while playing for Gujrat Titans Dayal was at the receiving end of criticism after Rinku smashed five sixes in the final over of the game to seal a win for Kolkata Knight Riders. A year later, RCB on Saturday stood on the brink of qualifying for the playoffs of the IPL season. On a rain-interrupted day, RCB batters opened their arms to put 218/5 on the board. CSK needed 201 to qualify for the playoffs and it all came down to Dayal needing to defend 17 runs in the final over. A 110m towering six from MS Dhoni set the tone for CSK to put 201 on the board. Dayal bounced back on the next five deliveries to get RCB across the finish line. Rinku took to Instagram, to congratulate Dayal for his standout performance and wrote, God's plan baby. After Rinku smashed him all around the park, Dayal received a lot of criticism from some sections of fans. But RCB showed faith in the left-arm quick and shelled out Rs 5 crore to acquire his services in the mini-auction last year. Picking up Dhoni's wicket in the final over served as the redemption arc for the 26-year-old speedster. After conceding a six on the first ball, Dayal removed Dhoni on the next delivery. He heavily relied on his slower deliveries to see off the game and conceded just one run in the final four balls. Along with Dayal even RCB redeemed themselves after struggling for the majority of the season. RCB suffered six successive defeats and barely stayed in the race for the playoffs. They went on to win six games on the trot to give themselves a chance to turn the season around. RCB are now two games away from lifting their maiden IPL title. (ANI)

devdiscourse 19 May 2024 11:04 am

Klopp becomes instant Instagram hit, adds million followers on day 1

Klopp becomes instant Instagram hit adds million followers on day

India Today 19 May 2024 9:52 am

A look at Mrunal Thakur's style game on Instagram

A look at Mrunal Thakur's style game on Instagram

The Times of India 19 May 2024 9:00 am

Banita shares BTS pictures from Bridgerton 3: Wonderful experience

Mumbai, May 18: Actor Banita Sandhu, who made her debut in Netflix romantic series Bridgerton 3 as Miss Malhortra, uploaded a series of pictures from the sets on her Instagram. Sharing the behind the scenes photographs, the actor called it a wonderful experience and how she was grateful for the opportunity. Had a ton of []

thehillstimes 19 May 2024 8:10 am

Minister hopes global forum in Bali yields water management solutions

The Indonesian Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, expressed his hope that the ...

Antara News 19 May 2024 7:48 am

Smoke reel fires up land-industry debate in Hooghly

Rachana Banerjee's Instagram reel in Hooghly reignites the industry versus land debate from Mamata Banerjee's Singur protest, leading to the enactment of the Right to Fair Compensation Act, 2013, reshaping Bengal's politics.

The Times of India 19 May 2024 6:44 am

Zac Brown granted temporary restraining order against estranged wife after suing her: report

Zac Brown was reportedly granted a temporary restraining order against his estranged wife Kelly Yazdi. The country star sued Yazdi over an Instagram post he said damaged his reputation.

Fox News 19 May 2024 6:24 am

Savour the quiet shade of a tree

On a Siris tree full of flowers, I watched a Yellow-footed green pigeon snap off a twig. Holding it carefully, it flew off to a Saptaparni tree. It returned to the Siris in a few minutes, looking for another twig to take. This could only mean one thing: I was close to a construction site. The bird was painstakingly building a nest, in which it would rear a family. Unlike their better-known cousins, the city-dwelling Blue-rock pigeons, Yellow-footed green pigeons are secretive birds that spend most of their life on trees. They hardly ever come down, roosting at the top of tree canopies at the end of the day. They are shy, and keep their distance from people. A sunbird will nest right in your garden. A Blue-rock pigeon will nest right inside your AC. Getting an insight into the lives of more cryptic birds through nest-building thus feels something like sighting ones favourite author at an airport. Every year, we clean out our ACs, and on most years we find a Blue-rock pigeons nest in it. It reminds me of the nests I found in the house and garden as a child. Red-vented bulbuls, with their bright calls, would nest in the pomegranate tree. There was an annual House sparrow nest behind a painting made by my grandfather in the drawing room. The birds entered through an open window (it was left ajar for them). In other years, the sparrows would nest inside the cups above ceiling fans. In the 90s, there werent any years without sparrow nests. Several generations fledged from the house. It was expected, in a ritual-like manner, that the house would nurture both birds and children. With the collapse of insects, House sparrows have reduced in many cities; they no longer come to us to nest. What remains is the ubiquitous, noisy Blue-rock pigeon, which has also displaced many other birds. The Blue-rock is so successful, there are theories that it may be behaving something like an invasive speciesthe kind that oust native species. They manage to nest everywhereespecially in the places we want to remove them from (including in between the spikes placed as a deterrent). So it becomes additionally special to find a bird like the Yellow-footed green pigeona bird which is seen a little less, a bird that needs some distance from us. It proves that we might have some spaces left which are still sheltered, a little undisturbed from the heat and dust of the city. When the pre-monsoon storms come, I wonder if the Saptaparni will fall. And where the green pigeon might go then. The tree explodes in fragrant blossoms in October, but till then it harbours the nests of the quieter birds. In observing the tree while looking for the bird, I realise: its not just the green pigeon which needs places to duck in, to hide a little. We need the deep, inviting shade of a native Indian tree too, perhaps more than we give it credit for. Neha Sinha Conservation biologist and author Views expressed are personal Posts on X: @nehaa_sinha

The New Indian Express 19 May 2024 5:00 am

Jagraon campaign marred by protest

The Times of India 19 May 2024 4:44 am

Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk: undisputed heavyweight championship live

Heavyweight rivals meet for WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO titles First undisputed heavyweight championship fight since 1999 Send Bryan a tweet at @BryanAGraham or email him Heres how the fighters measure up ahead of tonights showdown. Fury came in 262lbs at yesterdays weigh-in, arguably the best shape of his career and more than 15lbs below his weight from a highly underwhelming showing against MMA champion Francis Ngannou in their November crossover fight. Usyk tipped the scales at a career-high 223.5lbs, two pounds heavier than he weighed for the second Joshua bout. Furys advantages of seven inches of reach and six inches in height remain the most imposing physical obstacles facing Usyk, a former undisputed cruiserweight champion who has exceeded all expectations in five fights at heavyweight. Continue reading...

The Guardian 19 May 2024 3:08 am

Sunsets and son-rises in Bihar

The emergence of Bihars new political leadership signifies the swan song of stalwarts from the Jayaprakash Narayan movement. No corner of the states polity seems untouched by such a change of guard. Lets see how this handover might affect the states political calculus. Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal launched himself when his father Lalu Prasad was imprisoned on corruption charges. Lalu Prasad has mass appeal among the Yadavs and Muslims, who constitute 14.7 percent and 17.7 percent of the states population; he also has substantial support from the Other Backward Classes and Dalits. Therefore, Tejashwi has inherited a strong legacy. He established his leadership at the last assembly election, winning 75 seats out of the total 243 and emerging as the largest party. He impressed the masses by bringing back the issue-based politics of employment, education, health and inflation. Chirag Paswan of the Lok Janshakti Party endeavours to continue the legacy of his father Ram Vilas. His support is among SCs, Dusadh and Dhari who have a 5.31 percent presence, followed by Chamar, Mochi, Rabidas, Rohidas and Charmakar at 5.26 percent, and Musahars at 3.09 percent. He is contesting for the Hajipur Lok Sabha seat against Shiv Chandra Ram, a popular Dalit leader from the RJD. LS polls: As his fathers shadow looms, Chirag Paswan faces a daunting task in Hajipur The BJP has recently lost Sushil Modi, a senior leader and popular face in Bihar. The party has negligible youth representation in the state at present. It has been experimenting on weakening RJDs base by earlier fielding Ram Kripal Yadav, Nityanand Rai, Upendra Kushwaha and now Samrat Choudhary; but it has not succeeded in snatching the vote base of Lalu Prasad. Its a similar situation for the Janata Dal (United), which is yet to launch a young person who can take charge after Nitish Kumar. All these prominent faces of Bihar, who emerged from the JP movement to restore democracy in 1974, are now near the end of their politics. Bihar has been a laboratory of politics for the people down the ages. The Champaran Satyagraha, radical peasant movements and JP movement are a few landmarks in that legacy. Although Bihar was one of the first states to implement a law abolishing zamindari, land reforms remained on the back seat. The socialist regime of Karpoori Thakur tried to address several issues of social justice, but left the land issues largely untouched. As a result, the state was engulfed in fierce land struggles and witnessed massacres by private armies in alliance with the state. JP held the ruling classes responsible for delaying land redistribution, which resulted in counter-retaliation too. Nobody from the private armies was found guilty. The courts neither passed a stricture against the investigating officers, nor instructed the reopening of cases. JPs mobilisation was the next landmark. Chhatra Sangharsh Vahini, Tarun Shanti Sena and other groups came together against the issues of unemployment, inflation and corruption. This mobilisation turned out to be the breeding ground for the mass leaders of todayLalu Prasad, Ram Vilas, Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi. They have continued ruling the state with a few exceptions. INTERVIEW | Employment is main issue. Results will be surprising and shocking for BJP Lalu Prasad weakened the feudal clutches and empowered the voiceless. Backward classes and Dalits had never before felt so empowered to deal with the feudal forces, the bureaucracy and the police. He strongly dealt with communal forces too and stopped L K Advanis Rathyatra. This act made him a champion of minorities, particularly of Muslims. When V P Singh implemented the Mandal Commission report, Lalu Prasad made it an occasion to win the confidence of the backwards and Dalits in Bihar. Hence the MY support along with the OBCs. Lalus idea of Charvaha Vidyalay an experiment in holding classes in field settingsgot appreciated globally. However, it did not take off because of elitism among the bureaucrats, who were generally not happy with Lalus regime because of two reasons. One, the RJD cadres started interacting with the bureaucracy as alert citizens. Two, there was a curious pattern of public expenditure shooting up in the last quarter every financial year; Lalu stopped this March loot. However, Lalu was later implicated in the fodder scam and installed his wife Rabri Devi in the top seat. Ram Vilas tried to compete with Lalu, but could not excel in state politics although he won parliamentary election with a record margin from Hajipur. Though he was a seasoned leader and acceptable to everyone, he lost Hajipur later and got back to parliament through the Rajya Sabha. Nitish Kumar, despite belonging to the Kurmi caste that has a meagre 2.87 percent share of the population, has made himself indispensable in the states politics. The upper castes and the bureaucracy supported him as a substitute to Lalu. Reservation, stipend to students and prohibition made him more popular than others to the states women. Creating the Dalit Vikas Mission to weaken the Paswans and further segregating the OBCs were masterstrokes in social engineering. This is why Nitish has been important to all comers. Division of the secular vote makes the BJP comfortable and opponents weaker. However, changing his position time and again has dented his credentials. A recent mysterious display of BJPs election symbol has kept people guessing. That JD(U) leaders are showing indifference and Tejashwi is showing an extra-normal behaviour towards his Chacha Nitish are indications that a new political script is probably being written for post-election Bihar.

The New Indian Express 19 May 2024 1:21 am

Income Tax Raids Agra Shoe Manufacturer, Recovers Rs 40 Crore Cash

According to officials, the counting of the seized cash is currently underway

News18 18 May 2024 11:16 pm

Raebareli Lok Sabha Constituency: Rahul Gandhi to take on BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh at Congress' bastion

Raebareli Lok Sabha Constituency: Rahul Gandhi to take on BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh at Congress' bastion Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh is one of the hotly contested seats, as it has been the stronghold of the Gandhi family and this time Congress has fielded Rahul Gandhi to contest against Bharatiya Janata Party leader Dinesh Pratap Singh. After representing Amethi from 2004 to 2019, Rahul Gandhi has shifted to Rae Bareli this time. Raebareli is considered the Gandhi family bastion. Sonia Gandhi, the then Congress chief, won Raebareli last time in 2019. The BJP has fielded state minister Dinesh Pratap Singh against Rahul Gandhi, who has also contested from Wayanad in Kerala, while BSP has fielded Thakur Prasad Yadav. Raebareli, the most-watched seat in the fifth phase, will go to the polls on May 20. The results will be announced on June 4. The Raebareli Lok Sabha Constituency comprises five Assembly segments, including Bachhrawan, Harchandpur, Raebareli, Sareni, and Unchahar. The constituency is a general seat. This time, instead of Sonia Gandhi, Congress has pitted Rahul Gandhi, who will be up against BJP candidate Dinesh Pratap Singh, who was also a three-time MLA. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has fielded Thakur Prasad Yadav for this seat. Dinesh Pratap Singh has won the Vidhan Sabha elections of Uttar Pradesh three times, twice on a Congress ticket (2010 and 2016) and once on a BJP ticket (2022). Singh was in Congress earlier and in 2018, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. Despite his defeat to Sonia Gandhi in the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, he secured a significant 38 per cent of the total votes, marking the highest tally received by any BJP candidate in the constituency. Earlier, the BJP candidate from Raebareli took a dig at Rahul Gandhi and said that the Congress leader has sent his peon to contest from Amethi against the BJP's Smriti Irani. Does Rahul Gandhi really want to win Amethi and Raebareli? If he really wanted to win Amethi, why would he give a Lok Sabha ticket to his peon from Amethi? Rahul Gandhi will lose both Raebareli and Amethi seats, he said. Raebareli has traditionally been Congress' bastion. Singh had lost to Sonia Gandhi in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The Raebareli constituency was represented by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi from 2004 to 2024. Prior to that, Sonia Gandhi had represented the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency after she entered politics and contested for the first time in 1999. After the former Congress chief announced that she would not be contesting the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the suspense was on the corner that who would fight the elections from Congress. Ending the speculations, Congress finally announced that Sonia Gandhi's son Rahul Gandhi. Notably, Rahul is a sitting MP from Kerela's Wayanad seat and is also contesting in 2024 from the same. On May 17, in her first public address in the ongoing election campaign for the Lok Sabha polls, Congress leader and AICC President Sonia Gandhi urged the people of Raebarelli to accept his son Rahul Gandhi just like the way they accepted her while assuring that he won't disappoint them. This was Sonia Gandhi's first public address in Raebareli, her erstwhile constituency in a long time, and she recalled the 'age-old' roots of the Gandhi family with the people of the constituency. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were also present alongside her during her address. I am very happy that I got the opportunity to come among you after so long...You all gave me the opportunity to serve you as an MP, this is the biggest treasure of my life. For the last 100 years, the roots of our family are connected to the soil of this land. This relationship is as pure as Ganga Maa. It started with the farmer's agitation of Awadh and Raebareli, Sonia Gandhi said addressing the public meeting. In Indira Ji's heart, there was a special place for Raebareli. I have seen her work very closely, she had immense affection for you all. I have given the same teachings to Rahul and Priyanka, that Indira Ji and the people of Raebareli had bestowed upon me; respect all, protect the weak, fight for people's rights against injustice, don't be sacred, because the roots of struggle is very strong, Sonia Gandhi said. My aanchal (end of a saari, also refers to protective shelter) was always filled with your love and affection. Your love never made me feel alone Everything I have is yours...I am handing over my son to you. You have to accept him and keep him, just like you accepted me. Rahul will not disappoint you, the Congress leader said while making an emotional appeal to the people to accept her son. Sonia Gandhi held the seat for four consecutive terms since 2004, before she took the Rajya Sabha route to the Parliament this year. In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Sonia Gandhi won the seat with a margin of 167,178 votes. Sonia Gandhi got 534,918 votes with a vote share of 55.08 per cent and defeated Dinesh Pratap Singh from BJP who got 367,740 votes (38.4 per cent). In the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections, Sonia Gandhi won the seat and was polled 526,434 votes with a vote share of 63.80 per cent. BJP candidate Ajay Agrawal got 173,721 votes with 21.05 per cent voters. Polling for 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh is being held across all seven phases. The counting of votes is scheduled for June 4. (ANI)

devdiscourse 18 May 2024 11:03 pm

Stumped: Bengaluru Police's Meme On Man Who Wanted To Breach IPL Security

A content creator on Instagram set a dare for himself that he would run across the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru during an IPL match if he hit 50,00 followers on Instagram.

NDTV 18 May 2024 11:02 pm

Rs 40 crore in cash recovered from 3 Agra shoe traders during tax raids

Rs crore in cash recovered from Agra shoe traders during tax raids

India Today 18 May 2024 10:32 pm

This scrub made of sugar will make your hands and feet shine, know how to apply it

In today's bustling world, self-care is essential. One way to pamper yourself is by indulging in a luxurious sugar scrub. These scrubs not only exfoliate but also leave your skin feeling soft and rejuvenated. Here's a simple guide to making and applying your own sugar scrub for irresistibly smooth hands and feet. Ingredients for the Perfect Sugar Scrub Before diving into the creation process, gather the necessary ingredients. For a basic sugar scrub, you'll need: Granulated sugar: Acts as a natural exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. Carrier oil (e.g., coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil): Provides moisture and nourishment to the skin. Essential oils (optional): Adds fragrance and therapeutic benefits. Airtight container: To store the scrub for future use. Crafting the Sugar Scrub Creating your sugar scrub is a breeze. Follow these simple steps: Mixing: In a clean bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with cup of your chosen carrier oil. Adjust the ratio to achieve your desired consistency. Customization: Add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. Popular choices include lavender for relaxation or citrus for an energizing boost. Stirring: Thoroughly mix the ingredients until they form a uniform paste. Storage: Transfer the scrub into an airtight container to maintain freshness. Application Techniques Now that your sugar scrub is ready, it's time to indulge in some self-care. Follow these steps for optimum results: Preparation: Before applying the scrub, ensure your hands and feet are clean and damp. Scooping: Take a small amount of the sugar scrub and gently massage it onto your skin using circular motions. Focus on rough areas such as heels and elbows. Exfoliation: Continue massaging for 2-3 minutes to allow the sugar granules to exfoliate the skin effectively. Rinsing: Rinse off the scrub with lukewarm water, revealing smoother and brighter skin underneath. Moisturization: Pat your skin dry and follow up with a moisturizer to lock in hydration. Benefits of Sugar Scrubs Using a sugar scrub offers numerous benefits for your skin, including: Exfoliation: Removes dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and revealing fresher skin. Moisture Retention: The combination of sugar and oils helps to hydrate and nourish the skin. Softness: Leaves your hands and feet feeling irresistibly soft and smooth. Improved Circulation: Massaging the scrub into your skin can stimulate blood flow, promoting a healthy glow. Tips for Success To make the most of your sugar scrub experience, keep these tips in mind: Frequency: Use the scrub 2-3 times a week for optimal results. Over-exfoliating can strip the skin of its natural oils. Patch Test: If you have sensitive skin, perform a patch test before applying the scrub to ensure compatibility. Variety: Experiment with different essential oils to discover your favorite scent combination. Storage: Store your sugar scrub in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prolong its shelf life. Conclusion Indulging in a homemade sugar scrub is a delightful way to treat yourself to some much-needed TLC. By following this guide, you can create a luxurious scrub that will leave your hands and feet feeling soft, smooth, and radiant. Such a magical forest of India, which glows at night! These are the 3 most expensive bikes sold in India, the price is so much that you will buy Audi-BMW Lemon Rice: Learn to make South Indian dish 'Lemon Rice' in easy steps

News Track 18 May 2024 9:55 pm

Rs 40 Crore Unaccounted Cash Found In Raids On Agra Shoe Trader

The Income Tax department on Saturday recovered about Rs 40 crore unaccounted cash during raids against some Agra-based shoe businesses, official sources said.

NDTV 18 May 2024 9:53 pm

Who is Nancy Tyagi? This designer from UP spent 30 days to create her red-carpet gown for Cannes

Tyagi, a designer and fashion influencer based in Delhi, boasts a staggering following of over 891K on Instagram. Initially intending to prepare for the UPSC exams, she serendipitously uncovered her passion for fashion upon arriving in Delhi. Her remarkable journey has been adorned with accolades, such as the prestigious titles of 'Disruptor of the Year' and 'The Fashion Favourite Heritage Icon of the Year' at the National Creators Award 2024. Furthermore, her talent was duly recognized in the 'Creators For Good' category at the Femina award ceremony.

The Economic Times 18 May 2024 9:52 pm

Kartik Aaryan gives a peek of prep for Chandu Champion trailer launch in Gwalior, watch

In an event set to redefine promotional grandeur, Kartik Aaryan, returns to his hometown of Gwalior for the highly anticipated trailer launch of his upcoming film, Chandu Champion. The actor, brimming with excitement, took to social media to share his homecoming joy with his fans, posting, Back Home for the Trailer Launch of my most special film 6pm See you at Roop Singh Stadium Gwalior. The buzz surrounding Chandu Champion, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Kabir Khan, has been electric ever since the first posters were released. These posters, showcasing Kartik Aaryan in three distinct and transformative looks, have left audiences and the film industry in awe. His remarkable physical transformation has everyone talking and heightened anticipation for what promises to be one of the actors finest performances. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan) The trailer launch event, set against the backdrop of Gwalior's iconic Roop Singh Stadium, is rumored to be one of the grandest events. The choice of venue is a heartfelt nod to Kartik's roots, making the event even more special for the actor and his legions of fans. The homecoming is not just a personal milestone for Kartik but also a celebration for the city that has supported him throughout his journey to stardom. The excitement is palpable, with local media and fans thronging the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of their hometown hero. Kartik's arrival in Gwalior has turned the city into a festive hub, with banners, posters, and enthusiastic crowds adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Chandu Championis being hailed as one of the biggest and most awaited films of the year. The posters alone have sparked widespread intrigue, but it is the trailer that is expected to create waves across the nation. Kartik's versatility as an actor is on full display, with each of his three looks hinting at a layered and powerful performance that could potentially be a career-defining role. Jointly produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and Kabir Khan, Chandu Championis set for a June 14, 2024 release, and is poised to leave an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences worldwide. Also Read:Kartik Aaryan and Chandu Champion team receive grand welcome in Gwalior ahead of trailer launch, watch

Bollywood Hungama 18 May 2024 9:42 pm

Young Anil Kapoor reveals how he achieved stardom through small roles in THIS throwback interview, watch

Did you know Anil Kapoor has manifested his own stardom? An old interview video, which the actor has shared on his social media, proves so! The video features a young Anil Kapoor talking about his dreams as an actor. In the clip, the actor is heard saying that he wants to achieve stardom by doing small roles. Little that he know that all his roles are making, were meant to make and have made a huge impact on the film industry. Ever since Anil Kapoor stepped into the Indian cinema, he has maintained his strike of delivering back-to-back hits. From Judaai, Ram Lakhan, and Pukar among others, Kapoor has proven to be one of the finest gems among the treasure of actors that we have today. Going by his recent blockbusters Animal and Fighter, it definitely looks like the cinema icon knows how to keep himself relevant. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Old Is Gold Films (@oldisgoldfilms) These two blockbusters have not only struck gold at the box office, but they are also performing exceedingly well in the OTT space. Not only this, but his production venture Crewis still minting moolah at the box office. Meanwhile, he is gearing up to star in Suresh Trivenis Subedaar. Apart from this, several reports have suggested that Kapoor is entering the YRF Spy Universe and will also be a part of Ajay Devgns De De Pyaar De 2. Also Read:Anil Kapoor exits Housefull 5 over fee issue: Report

Bollywood Hungama 18 May 2024 9:37 pm

Why is social media getting all churned up about cottage cheese? | Rachel Cooke

After being promoted by US bloggers and Instagram, cottage cheese sales are now up 40% in the UK. Its blandness is befitting of the times While I didnt see the cottage-cheese craze coming who could ever have predicted this pineapple-chunk-inflected bout of collective madness? now its here, I find myself strangely fascinated by it. In one sense, of course, its ascendancy is utterly banal: another creation of social media (its new popularity may be traced originally to TikTok), it cant be long before the buffet moves on, maybe in the direction of luncheon meat or tinned mandarins. But on the other hand, its still deeply weird, especially to those of us who last ate cottage cheese three decades ago, and then only in extremis (as a student, I sometimes kept an emergency pot cooling on the window ledge of my college room for those piercing moments of youthful crisis when I had no time to eat properly). Like a mushroom, this trend sprouted last year, seemingly overnight, in the US. Its time to stop pretending its not delicious, said Emily Eggers, a New York chef and food blogger who was on a mission to make it the new burrata a quote Ithought so preposterous at the time, I quickly added it, last minute, to a book I was writing. But whos laughing now? In the 1970s, sales were focused on slimmers trying to lose weight before their holiday to Spain, says Jimmy Dickinson, the owner of the brand we all remember, Longley Farm. [But] now the interest is very much, Ive just swum 50 lengths, and Ill eat cottage cheese as my protein fix at the end of it. According to Dickinson, demand in the UK has reportedly risen by as much as 40% in recent months, a growth that has been powered by the influencers of Instagram and their helpful recipes for dishes that try very hard indeed to make cottage cheese seem oh dear. I had a look , and none of their ideas are even remotely alluring to my eyes. What, really, is the point of cottage-cheese cheesecake or cookie dough? Even if I was in search of a protein hit at this point, I picture someone being beaten about the head with a leg of lamb cottage-cheese lasagne is really not for me. Continue reading...

The Guardian 18 May 2024 9:30 pm

Sneak peek alert: Kiara Advani teases fans with a taste of Riviera glamour

Bollywood actress Kiara Advani stuns in an ivory outfit with a thigh-high slit ahead of the Cannes Film Festival. Kiara Advani recently treated her fans with a sneak peek of her outfit. Taking to Instagram on May 17, she shared a short clip and pictures of herself posing outdoors. Kiara stunned in an ivory outfit featuring a deep neckline and a thigh-high slit, complemented by large matching earrings and heels. The accompanying video showed Kiara stepping out of a car, walking, posing, and smiling on a deck, captioned as 'Rendezvous at the Riviera'. Fans flooded her with compliments and praises for her ultra-glam look. Kiara is set to attend the Cannes Film Festival as part of the Cinema Gala Dinner hosted by Vanity Fair, where the contributions of six women from around the world to the entertainment field will be recognized. On the work front, Kiara is gearing up for her role in the upcoming film 'Game Changer', starring Ram Charan.

The Times of India 18 May 2024 9:26 pm

'I can say with confidence that Rahul Baba is losing from Rae Bareli,' asserts Amit Shah

LUCKNOW: In a last-minute push to BJP's poll campaign in the prestigious seats of Amethi and Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that he is confident that Rahul Gandhi is losing from Rae Bareli this time. Asking the people of Amethi to opt between PM Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he accused the latter of fleeing to Wayanad after losing Amethi in 2019. Now Rahul Baba is back in Raebareli. I have been in Raebareli for three days and can say with confidence that he is losing from there also, he said. Campaigning in 14 UP Lok Sabha constituencies, including Amethi and Raebareli, ended on Saturday evening as the voting is slated to take place on Monday, May 20. Shah held a 2-km road show in Amethi on Saturday, where he chose to denounce the Congress' claim that Amethi and Rae Bareli, widely considered as the bastion of Gandhi family, were their family seats. In a democracy it is the people, not a family, who send the candidate to the Parliament, Shah said questioning if any of the Gandhi family members turned up in Amethi or Raebareli during the pandemic. Shah, atop a four-wheeler turned into a Rath (chariot), was flanked by party candidate Smriti Irani, UP BJP chief Bhupendra Chaudhury, senior BJP leaders and the party MLAs, including Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh, of the assembly segments under Amethi Lok Sabha constituency. Wading through a humongous crowd of BJP cadre and local people, the roadshow, which commenced from Ramleela Ground culminated at Devipattan temple passing through Rajarshri Rananjai Tiraha, Gandhi Chowk and Sagra Tiraha amid the chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Jai Shree Ram. Groups of saffron clad youth could be spotted at various locations along the roadshow route dancing, blowing conch shells and beating damroos while the party supporters could be seen waving BJP flags and shouting the slogans. By holding the massive roadshow in Amethi where Congress has fielded KL Sharma against BJPs Smiriti Irani, Shah sought to firm up partys prospects in Raebareli and other adjoining seats including Sultanpur. Notably, Irani had emerged as giant killer in 2019 when she had defeated Rahul Gandhi by a margin of 55,000 votes. However, in Raebareli, BJPs Dinesh Pratap Singh had lost to Sonia Gandhi by a margin of over 1.67 lakh votes. In fact, Congress had won just Raebareli seat losing other 66 seats which it had contested in Uttar Pradesh in 2019. Earlier, the Union Home Minister addressed two poll rallies in Jhansi-Lalitpur and Banad-- in the Bundelkhand region of UP on Saturday. All the four seats of Bundelkhand including Jhansi, Banda, Hamirpur and Jalaun (SC) will vote in fifth phase on May 20. While addressing a poll rally in Jhansi, land of Rani Lakshmi Bai, Amit Shah reached out to people asking them to fight the desi Angrez just like they fought against the British and Mughals during the freedom struggle. He asked the people to choose between two categories of leaders. On one hand there are leaders who have been behind, Rs 12 lakh crore scams, born with a silver spoon and go to Thailand for Vacation, on the other, there was PM Narendra Modi who has his tenures both as CM and PM unblemished. He was born in a poor family and never took a holiday, Shah said. He also targeted Samajwadi Party as the ones who ordered firing at the Ram Bhakts in Ayodhya in 1990. On the other hand, we have Modi, who got the Ram Janmabhoomi case pursued, won it, and eventually got a temple constructed in Ayodhya, Shah asserted. Shah reiterated that the opposition leaders avoided going to the Ram Temple consecration ceremony for the sake of their vote bank. He claimed that Congress vote bank politics stood exposed as its leaders advised to keep away from the POK as Pakistan had atom bomb. We are not afraid of their vote bank. We would take back the PoK, which is an integral part of India, he said. Shah also claimed that after four phases, the BJP had crossed 270 mark. Now it is sure that Modiji will become PM for the third consecutive time and make India the third largest economy in the world, he said. The home minister said that there was a time when Bundelkhand was known for `Bahubalis. Give us the mandate, and we will ensure that Bundelkhand will give `udyogpatis (industrialists), he said, adding that the area would soon be prominently known for nestling the ambitious defense corridor that would wheel out state-of-the-art weapons. In Banda, he reached out to the women voters, saying that it was the BJP who empowered the women by giving them 33% reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. He took a potshot at the opposition for not having a definite PM candidate. If voted to power, they would make their leaders PM one-by-one every year, he said. There cannot be a PM stronger than Modi, who possesses a chest of 56 inches, he said.

The New Indian Express 18 May 2024 9:14 pm

'Meeting global standards, fostering innovation, investing in basic education are keys to progress in global value chains'

'Meeting global standards, fostering innovation, investing in basic education are keys to progress in global value chains' During the Annual Business Summit 2024 of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the session on 'Mapping India's ascent in the Realignment of GVCs' emphasised the importance of enhancing ease of doing business, meeting global standards, fostering innovation, and investing in basic education as crucial building blocks for ensuring India's progress in global value chains. The session was moderated by Chief Economic Advisor, Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran. Highlighting the potential of India's auto sector in deepening its footprint in the global value chains, Guruprasad Mudlapur, MD, Bosch India, stated that India's significant expertise in software development, along with a substantial share in service exports and advanced technologies & R&D efforts could be leveraged to develop software-defined vehicles, thereby contributing to the evolution of the global value chain in the auto sector. Sunil Mathur, MD and CEO, Siemens India, highlighted the evolving nature of GVCs, stressing the need for integration across countries with a focus on sustainability, particularly decarbonisation and circularity. He emphasised the shift towards technology-driven manufacturing, citing Industry 4.0 and digitalization as key drivers of enhanced productivity and quality. While India faces challenges in land acquisition, labour flexibility, and taxation reliability, leveraging its vast domestic market and prioritising innovation can facilitate deeper integration into GVCs, ensuring competitiveness on a global scale, he further noted. Emphasising the fact that trade tensions and technological advancements are reshaping GVCs, Deepak Shetty, CEO and MD, JCB India Limited, underscored the fact that India's strategic location offers access to key markets, driving FDI in sectors like automobiles, construction equipment and agriculture. He, however, stressed India's need to align with and continuously improve global quality standards. He further elaborated on the pivotal role of the MSME industry in ensuring supply chain resilience. Highlighting the existing opportunity for Indian manufacturing on the global stage amid global shifts, Banmali Agrawala, Senior Advisor, Tata Sons Private Limited, noted that for India to move up the value chain and participate extensively in GVCs, there is a need to have a more systemic and greatly process driven approach while focusing on competing on quality rather than cost. He further added that while the country's biggest advantage lies in the size and scale of its workforce, the critical factor for success is ensuring they possess fundamental basic education and discipline. (ANI)

devdiscourse 18 May 2024 9:11 pm

Jolly LLB 3: Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi go on a bike ride covered in blood as schedule comes to a wrap in Rajasthan, watch

Jolly LLB is getting another installment. Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, who delivered memorable performances in the earlier films, are back to grace the screen. Joining them once again is Saurabh Shukla, whose portrayal of a judge in the series has become a fan favourite. Directed by Subhash Kapoor, the Jolly LLB 3 team has now wrapped the first schedule. On May 18, a video surfaced online showcasing Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi celebrating the filming wrap in Rajasthan with a jolly bike ride. The lighthearted video serves as a reminder of the franchise's signature blend of humour and legal drama. The shoot began three weeks ago in Rajasthan. Akshay wrote on Instagram, And thats a schedule wrap! As you can see both the Jollys had a jolly good time in Rajasthan. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) The first film, released in 2013, garnered critical acclaim for its humourous yet poignant take on the Indian legal system. The 2017 sequel further solidified the franchises reputation for captivating courtroom drama. While plot details for Jolly LLB 3 remain under wraps, speculation suggests that Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi will find themselves on opposing sides in court, creating a fascinating dynamic for viewers. Jolly LLB 3 is gearing up to deliver another courtroom battle royale. ALSO READ: Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsis Jolly LLB 3 faces legal trouble over alleged judicial mockery

Bollywood Hungama 18 May 2024 8:32 pm

Kartik Aaryan and Chandu Champion team receive grand welcome in Gwalior ahead of trailer launch, watch

Bollywood heartthrob Kartik Aaryan and the team of Chandu Champion received a welcome upon their arrival in the Superstars hometown Gwalior, where fans gathered in large numbers to celebrate his homecoming and to show their support for his upcoming film, Chandu Champion. The much-anticipated trailer launch of the film is set to take place in Gwalior today, marking a significant moment in the actors career and a proud moment for the city. The streets of Gwalior were filled with enthusiastic fans, holding banners and chanting Kartik's name, as he made his way through the city. The actor, visibly moved by the warm reception, took time to greet his fans, sign autographs, and pose for selfies. Dressed casually yet stylishly, Kartiks charm was on full display, much to the delight of his admirers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) The trailer launch event is scheduled to take place at the citys Roop Singh Stadium, where Kartik will be joined by co-stars and the films director. Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of the Chandu Championtrailer, which is expected to offer a glimpse into Kartiks most shocking transformation and the films gripping storyline. The excitement in Gwalior is palpable, as the city celebrates one of its own making waves in the film industry. Also Read:Kartik Aaryan jets off to his hometown Gwalior with Kabir Khan for Sajid Nadiadwalas Chandu Champion trailer launch, see photo

Bollywood Hungama 18 May 2024 8:24 pm

Sonam praises Nancy Tyagi's own creation for Cannes

Nancy Tyagi, a rising fashion influencer, wowed at the Cannes Film Festival 2024 with her self-designed gown. Bollywood's fashion icon, Sonam Kapoor, praised her red carpet moment on Instagram. Nancy revealed she crafted the outfit herself using 1000 meters of fabric over a month. Her journey from social media to Cannes is inspiring.

The Times of India 18 May 2024 6:52 pm

Late Telugu actor Chandrakanth Challas last Instagram posts reflected his state of anguish at losing his wife Pavithra Jayaram

Challa maintained an active presence on Instagram with approximately 34K followers. He frequently delighted his audience by sharing adorable pictures and videos featuring his wife. Additionally, he showcased his dedication to fitness by regularly posting gym selfies. Jayaram's tragic demise occurred in a road accident on May 12 in Hyderabad. According to an IANS report, her car collided with a bus in motion. While Chandrakanth survived the accident, the actress from 'Trinayani' tragically lost her life at the scene.

The Economic Times 18 May 2024 5:41 pm

Telugu TV actor dies by suicide, days after death of his co-star in a road accident

Telugu serial actor Chandrakanth aka Chandu died by suicide on Friday. The actor, known for his role in Trinayani, apparently chose to end his life following the death of his co-actor Pavitra Jayaram in a road accident. Chandrakanth was found dead at his residence in Alkapur in Rangareddy district of Telangana. Chandrakanth's father told the police that his son was incredibly depressed for the past few days. Pavithra Jayaram died in a road accident on Sunday, May 12 after the car in which she was travelling, lost control and hit the divider. Subsequently, a bus proceeding from Hyderabad to Vanaparthi collided with the right side of the car. Pavitra was seriously injured in the accident and died on the spot. As per media reports, Pavithras cousin Apeksha, driver Srikanth and actor Chandrakanth were seriously injured in the accident. 'Trinayani actress Pavitra Jayaram dies on the spot in car crash Shortly before his death, a heartbroken Chandrakanth had shared an emotional post on Instagram subtly hinting about the decision to end his life. The police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances surrounding Chandrakanth's death. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)

The New Indian Express 18 May 2024 5:30 pm

High Court Fines NICL Rs 25,000 for Non-Appearance in Employee Termination Case

High Court Fines NICL Rs 25,000 for Non-Appearance in Employee Termination Case The Madhya Pradesh High Court has imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on the National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) after no advocate appeared for it during the final hearing of a case related to the sacking of one of its woman employees. In his order of May 16, Justice Vivek Agrawal said, It is made clear that if the respondents fail to appear and cooperate, then this court shall proceed ex parte against them. The court directed NICL to recover the cost from the erring official. Learned counsel for the respondents was required to be present, in as much as, on the last date i.e. on May 7. It was made clear that the case will be taken up at 2.15 pm (on May 16), the order read. Taking into account the non-cooperation of counsel for respondents and considering that Rajesh Nema (petitioner's lawyer) is an outstation counsel, a cost of Rs 25,000 may be paid, of which Rs 5,000 will be given to Nema towards travel, the court said. The rest will be deposited with the High Court Legal Services Committee, the court said. Praveen Prakash moved the HC challenging her removal from service by the NICL in 2017, Nema told PTI over the phone. The court has fixed May 29 as the next date of hearing.

devdiscourse 18 May 2024 5:06 pm

Indias Gubbara Entertainment Announces Million Dollar Development Fund In Cannes

As Indian films make waves across the globe and this year at Cannes with a film in each section of the festival, Indias Gubbara Entertainment is geared towards further championing Indian storytelling. A step towards this direction, Dimpy Agrawal, Founder and Producer at Gubbara Entertainment, announced a groundbreaking $1 Million script development fund aimed at [] Read on Lehren - Indias Gubbara Entertainment Announces Million Dollar Development Fund In Cannes

lehren 18 May 2024 4:18 pm

Whats behind the furore over the AstraZeneca vaccine| In Focus podcast

Dr Anurag Agrawal joins us to unpack the recent controversy over the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine or Covishield as it is known here, and now that it is being global withdrawn, explains what Indias immunization path should be, going forward.

The Hindu 18 May 2024 4:01 pm

Shah Rukh Khan urges fans to vote and fulfill their civic duty

As Maharashtra gears up for the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections on May 20, 2024, Shah Rukh Khan urges citizens to vote, stressing the significance of each vote. Encouraging responsible citizenship, Khan emphasized the importance of participating in the democratic process and making voices heard. Taking to his official Instagram account on May 18, Khan reiterated his call to action, urging everyone not to miss the opportunity to vote in the Lok Sabha Elections. He emphasized the duty of Indian citizens to exercise their right to vote, promoting civic engagement.

The Times of India 18 May 2024 3:50 pm

Cannes 2024: Urvashi wore such a cheap clutch while wearing a gown worth crores, you will not believe after knowing the price

The world is eyeing the Cannes Film Festival, which started in France on May 14. Veteran stars from many countries come to participate in this film festival. In this sequence, many stars of the Bollywood film industry are also spreading their magic at the Cannes Film Festival. From Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Urvashi Rautela have reached France to attend this event. Talking about Urvashi, she also participated in the opening ceremony of this program. Along with this, she was also seen on the red carpet of the program recently. After walking on the red carpet, she attracted people's attention with her look. She was looking very beautiful in a red gown on the red carpet. During this time she had also done make-up in a very special way. The clutch she carried with this look was successful in attracting people's attention. The price of this clutch was also quite low. Let us tell you about the complete look of the actress. How was the look First of all, let's talk about Urvashi's look. After the opening ceremony, Urvashi was seen in a very different style. To make her second look glamorous, she wore a red off-shoulder gown. The puffy sleeves of this gown were adding charm to its look. The price of her gown is said to be crores of rupees. The makeup was kept bold With this look, she kept her makeup quite bold. Red-colored dark eye shadow and glossy lipstick were adding to her beauty. Along with this, the actress also got very beautiful nail art done on her hands. Messy hairstyle looks beautiful Urvashi completed this gown look with messy hair. Open curly messy hair looked very cute. The special thing was that Urvashi did not wear any jewelry with her beautiful look. Clutch attracted attention In this entire look of Urvashi, her clutch managed to catch people's attention. This clutch of the actress is of Oceanabags brand. This lip crystal clutch of hers is very beautiful to look at. There are many orange-colored crystals on it. You can also easily buy this orange-colored clutch. According to media reports, the price of this clutch is only Rs 20 thousand. (PC: Instagram)

Kalam Times 18 May 2024 2:59 pm

Dhawan Karenge: Akshay Kumar first guest of Shikhar Dhawans talk show

Shikhar Dhawan, fondly known as the 'Gabbar' of the Indian cricket team, surprised his fans with the announcement of his debut as a host with a new chat show, Dhawan Karenge. The anticipation is sky-high as audiences eagerly await the premiere on 20th May on JioCinema Premium, loving every bit of the promo that teases exciting conversations and thrilling games. The cherry on top? The first guest stepping onto the stage is none other than the powerhouse of Bollywood - Akshay Kumar. Known for their camaraderie both on and off-screen, Shikhar and Akshay share a special bond, and fans are in for an entertaining ride with the first episode! The recently released promo showcases the dynamic Khiladi duo in a playful banter. Akshay humorously reveals that Shikhar promised him IPL tickets but then stopped taking his calls, and managed to book all his dates by coordinating with his wife. The promo also features the two recreating Akshays famous dialogues and engaging in fun game segments. View this post on Instagram A post shared by JioCinema (@officialjiocinema) Dhawan Karenge promises to captivate audiences with intriguing life stories, candid exchanges, and a lot more. From Bollywood icons to cricketing legends and content creators, each episode offers a unique peek into the lives of its guests. With Shikhar Dhawan leading the charge, expect nothing short of an entertainment extravaganza that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Stay tuned for the exciting conversations of this power-packed duo, with Dhawan Karenge only on JioCinema Premium from 20th May.

Deccan Chronicle 18 May 2024 2:22 pm

Did Kushal Tandon Confirm His Relationship With Shivangi Joshi Through An Instagram Post?

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai actress Shivangi Joshi, who has been giving her best through many television series, turns 26 today on May 18. Her many co-artists, friends and family send her blessing on her special day, but there is one special post that has been made for Shivangi which grabbed the attention of netizens [] Read on Lehren - Did Kushal Tandon Confirm His Relationship With Shivangi Joshi Through An Instagram Post?

lehren 18 May 2024 1:36 pm

Actress Himani Shivpuri Thanks PM Modi And UP CM Yogi Adityanath For Upcoming Film City In Noida

Himani Shivpuri is currently in Prayagraj to address artists in a theatre workshop.

News18 18 May 2024 1:13 pm

Kushal Tandon pens birthday note for rumoured girl friend Shivangi Joshi

Mumbai: Amid dating rumours, actor Kushal Tandon Saturday penned an adorable birthday note for his rumoured ladylove Shivangi Joshi, saying he is grateful to have her in his life. Taking to Instagram, Kushal shared a photo with his Barsatein Mausam Pyaar Ka co-star, where both can be seen twinning in black T-shirts and joggers. []

orissapost 18 May 2024 1:03 pm

If You Want A Selfie With Milind Soman, You'll Have To Do Push-Ups

Milind Soman shared photos and videos on Instagram of his Indian fans in Switzerland performing push-ups in return for selfies with him.

News18 18 May 2024 12:46 pm

Dubai ruler captured walking hand-in-hand with grandson in viral video, internet can't help but go aww

The Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, shared an endearing video on Instagram showing his father, Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, enjoying a sweet moment with his three-year-old grandson.

DNA India 18 May 2024 12:44 pm

Kareena Kapoor's May Photo Dump Left Us Craving Decadent Sundaes

Among Kareena Kapoor's latest Instagram posts is a picture of a decadent dessert that left us drooling.

NDTV 18 May 2024 12:15 pm

Happiness overloaded to be working alongside Darshan in 'Devil' says Aachana Rai

Aachana Rai, who started her career in Tulu cinema with the blockbuster 'Circus' that set a record, has now stepped into Kannada cinema with films like 'Sri Ranga', as well as the yet-to-be-released 'Happy Birthday To Me', 'Bhuvanam Gaganam', and 'Ashoka Blade'. This young actor cant contain her excitement and is over the moon to have bagged a big-ticket role, starring alongside Challenging Star Darshan, in the upcoming Prakash Veer directorial Devil - 'The Hero'. I am currently overloaded with happiness, and congratulatory messages are pouring in from all corners. My Instagram handle cant take it, she reacts. Apparently, Rachana Rais name had been circulating since the team started making casting choices. After much thought, the production house made an official confirmation on Friday. I almost manifested being part of this project and am glad to be gifted with this opportunity, says Rachana Rai. She adds that she couldnt believe it and considered it a prank at first. But then director Prakash Veer had me do an audition, and months later, I got a confirmation just a couple of days ago, she says. How big is it for Rachana Rai to be part of 'Devil' and star alongside Darshan? I cannot put it into words. I am ever grateful to Darshan Sir for this opportunity. A girl from nowhere, I was chosen based on my talent by director Prakash Veer and his wife Thashwini. They have given a step ahead for my cinema career. I am not big enough to talk about Darshan, but I didnt imagine working alongside him. Moreover, a superstar encouraging a new Kannada actor is something great. The makers have resumed their second schedule for the film, and Darshan, currently recovering from a hand injury, will join the set soon. Rachana Rai, meanwhile, will begin shooting shortly. The film will also feature Bollywood actor Mahesh Manjrekar in the lead cast. Produced under Shri Jaimatha Combines / Vaishno Studios banner, 'Devil' has Ajaneesh Loknath and Sudhakar S Raj as its music director and cinematographer, respectively.

The New Indian Express 18 May 2024 12:07 pm

Elephant in the Room: Political Power Plays in Bengal's Jangal Mahal

Elephant in the Room: Political Power Plays in Bengal's Jangal Mahal Sixty-something Parikala Mahato trembled in fear as she tried to recount the horrors of the attack of a stray tusker in the Nayagram-Murakata forest that borders her village Metala. Although Parikala barely managed to escape the attack, her neighbour Urmila Mahato wasn't as lucky. Urmila, crushed under the feet of the rogue pachyderm on May 15, was the latest victim of an elephant attack in the Medinipur forest range where deaths and destruction from instances of man-animal conflict continue to take place at regular intervals. ''Three of us were returning home after collecting Kendu leaves from the forest. There was a faint sound of rustling of leaves from behind. I only saw the beast from the corner of my eye, then heard Urmila's scream and ran for my life,'' Parikala said in disjointed sentences before breaking down. ''We had no idea that an elephant was roaming in the vicinity. No one told us,'' added Kalpana Mahato, the third member of the ill-fated group. Located on the edges of a forest some 22 km from Medinipur town with no metalled road in about the last five, Metala is home to a handful of Kurmi-Mahatos, a scheduled caste community who barely make ends meet from forest produce like Kendu and Sal leaves. Villagers said they would vote on May 25 when the Medinipur Lok Sabha seat goes to the polls, but had little hope about the government finding a permanent solution to their perpetual fear of elephant attacks they have to live with. Dhanapati Mahato, the victim's younger son and a daily wager, said he heard that the family would be given compensation of Rs 5 lakh, and some money by the state to conduct his mother's last rites, although he wasn't sure of it. ''I lost my mother. How can money compensate for that loss?'' he asked, stressing on the family's dire need for a government job. ''I will vote since everybody else in this village will. But, I don't think my vote will help end our woes. The circumstances here are quite hopeless. The government must find a way to restrict elephant movement from Jharkhand to this side in Bengal. Even electrical fences around human habitations are not being put up,'' he said. The villagers of Metala revealed how an elephant herd raided a neighouring settlement some months ago and destroyed huts. They grudged having perpetually remained in the blind spot of political parties who allegedly never lent an ear to their woes. ''Who should we raise our concerns with? No candidate has ever set foot in our village. Not even before the elections. We have never seen our representatives we have voted for year after year. Who will listen to our anguishes?'' Sachin Mahato, a village elder, rued. Some 7 km away in Murakata village, 40-year-old Debkumar Ghorai recounted how a bull impaled his mother, Shila Ghorai, with its horn when she had gone to the adjacent forest in the early hours of March 26 last year. ''She was alive till we took her to the hospital. But her wounds were so severe, she succumbed,'' he said, fighting his tears. Besides receiving ex gratia, Ghorai now has the casual job of a forest 'volunteer', earning Rs 12,000 a month, as part of the solatium package. A father of two school-going children who keep straying into the forest-covered neighbourhood while playing outdoors, Ghorai said that he keeps his fingers crossed against a repeat of the tragedy that struck his family. ''Not just human lives, instances of elephant herds raiding farmlands and crop godowns have also increased manifold, causing financial losses to farmers in this region,'' he said, advocating for the need to put up steel wire fences around villages to deter both humans and animals from straying into each other's territory. Rakesh Singha Dev, a primary school teacher in Salboni, said incidents of man-animal conflict in the Medinipur-Jhargram belt have shot up in recent times on account of the unbridled expansion of human footprint in forest areas and significant growth of elephant population, estimated to be at two-three times the count recorded in the last elephant census that took place in 2017. ''Unofficial estimates put human casualties on account of elephant attacks in the Jangal Mahal region at 25-30 a year,'' Dev claimed. ''The corresponding figure for the pachyderms stands at around 10, for a variety of reasons, including electrocution, poisoning and railway track accidents,'' he added. Dev explained that the forests of Jangal Mahal are ''mono-culture'' in character where only a single variety of trees like Sal and Eucalyptus grow, and largely prove to be deficient as food sources for large animals. An adult elephant requires around 1 quintal of food and some 150 litres of water daily to sustain itself, he said. ''Elephants are a highly intelligent species and have learned from survival experiences that they can make do with less food if they consume man-grown crops and vegetables which have higher nutrient value than what is available in forests. Hence, there is a greater tendency among the animals to raid farmlands and villages even if that means taking greater risks,'' he added. Deepak M, the divisional forest officer of Medinipur range, said that both human and elephant deaths have sharply reduced in West Bengal in the last five years on account of the state's twin focus on increased monitoring of herd movements inside forests and awareness campaigns among locals on how to stay away from their route. ''Currently there are some 220 elephants in the Medinipur range. We are using technology such as drone monitoring as well as local sources to keep track of the herds. Villagers are constantly alerted in the eventuality of the animals coming close to human habitats,'' he said. Asserting that ''awareness is the key'' to reducing fatalities, the DFO said that the only sustainable solution to the conflict is ''man learning to live together with the animals''.

devdiscourse 18 May 2024 12:07 pm

Kiara Advani Makes Her Cannes Debut In A Prabal Gurung Gown

Kiara took to Instagram to upload a video from Cannes.

The Quint 18 May 2024 11:03 am

AP EAPCET 2024 Engineering Entrance Exam Starts Today; Download Hall Ticket At cets.apsche.ap.gov.inEAPCET - Jagran English

AP EAPCET 2024 Engineering Entrance Exam Starts Today; Download Hall Ticket At cets.apsche.ap.gov.inEAPCET Jagran English

Google News 18 May 2024 10:57 am

Meet actress who is set to work in India's most expensive film, started career with superhit TV show, then gave..

Born to a Sindhi family from Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Sonia Balani made her debut in the showbiz world in the year 2012. She is best known for playing the role of Asifa in 'The Kerala Story'.

DNA India 18 May 2024 10:47 am

Documentary 'I Am Sirat' explores transgender identity and the quest for maternal acceptance

In 2014, the apex court of India declared transgender as the third gender, whose members could self-identify their gender and enjoy fundamental rights. This landmark judgment, although it changed things on paper, has not fundamentally changed societal perception of transgenders. This is reflected in the family relationship shown in a Deepa Mehta film. How does a mother come to terms with her son who has discovered her identity as a woman? This is the storyline of the 90-minute documentary I Am Sirat. Directed by the Oscar-nominated film director and screenwriter Deepa Mehta and the star of the film Sirat Taneja, a transgender woman actor, the film explores the dual life of Sirat, who must act like a son while at home with her mother while being herself outside. The film is shot using mobile-phone cameras. Sirat handles the self-documentation with vertical shots on her mobile, while Mehta films the horizontal shots, primarily in the form of interviews, on hers. I met Sirat in 2018 while shooting for the Netflix series Leila in which she played a transgender guard. We stayed in touch, and she told me she wanted a film made about her life to convince her mother to accept her as a daughter. Thats why I agreed to do this, says Mehta. Passing the mic The film first premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and was nominated for Best Film at the London Film Festival that year. It was recently screened at Delhis India International Centre during the Engendereds iView World Film Festival, and hosted by its curator, founder and director, Myna Mukherjee. Our focus has always been gender and marginal voices and this film not only emphasises these voices but also passes the mic to themhalf of the film is shot by a transgender woman, says Mukherjee. A still from the film depicting Sirat as Aman when she is with her mother The film begins with a vertical shot of Sirat in an auto, changing from the clothes she wears at home as Aman into a dress, unconcerned about onlookers. It then cuts to Sirats home, where she talks to her mother as a son. The locations in I Am Sirat are not extraordinary; they just happen to be the places Sirat regularly visits. The entire film follows Sirats daily journey: she leaves her home as Aman, goes to a rented place to change, heads to work, and then returns to the rented place to change back into Aman before going home at the end of the day. Mehta showcases Sirats struggle with living a dual life, transitioning between identities. While we were shooting at her house, her mother was unaware of the films true subject. She thought it was about Aman, says Mehta. The constant switching of identities, however, has been tough on Sirat. Sometimes she accidentally uses feminine verb-forms when speaking to her mother. Its very confusing. There have been times when my mother called for me, and I replied as a daughter, saying, Mummy, mai aa rahi hu, she says. Metaphors not the solution The frequent transitions from Sirat to Aman are exhausting, and while the film effectively conveys this struggle, it lacks an emotional connection. For instance, Sirat mentions being thrown out of her house when she was younger, but the film does not explain how she made peace with living with her mother again. The documentary feels like stepping into Sirats Instagram account and mindlessly scrolling through her reels. Furthermore, the switch from vertical to horizontal shots at times, feels like visual jerks. Though Mehta insists the work is a collaboration and denies any creative differences between the directors, the film often suggests otherwise. The heavy use of metaphors and registers, while conveying strong messages, can seem forced. For example, the metaphor of Toba Tek Singh, a story by Saadat Hasan Manto about inmates in a Lahore asylum, some of whom were moved to India after Partition. In the end, one inmate sleeps under the barbed wires of no mans land, not belonging to either country. This metaphor is used in the film to depict Sirats dual life, fearing that she, too, will end up in a no mans land, belonging nowhere. Also, the film concludes with Sirat singing Hum Dekhenge,Sirat, as seen in the film, usually seems to prefer tacky Bollywood favouritesa song chosen by Mehta, left mixed feelings. Faizs anti-establishment poem is a rebel anthem for sure but did Mehta have to push her hand so hard in a film that is mainly focused on Sirat gaining her mothers acceptance? Nevertheless, films like I Am Sirat are important because they sensitise people and shift their perceptions of the world, says Mukherjee. Sirat is also happy with the films reception. I have yet to make my mother watch this film, but some of my relatives already have, and a few of them have accepted me as I am. You can live however you want to, they said, she says.

The New Indian Express 18 May 2024 10:00 am

Ugandan caught smuggling heroin gets 10 years RI

BENGALURU: A Ugandan man has been sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment by a special Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) court recently for smuggling heroin worth Rs 10 crore from Sharjah to Bengaluru. He has already completed over two years in jail and needs to complete the rest of his sentence. The verdict, delivered by City Civil and Sessions judge BS Jayshree of the NDPS court, also includes a fine of Rs 1 lakh or an additional year of imprisonment in case of failure to pay it. The verdict dates back to an incident that occurred on February 16, 2022, when Katongole Patrick (29 years of age at that time) was caught attempting to smuggle 847 grams of heroin. He had concealed the substance as oval capsules and had swallowed them. Following an intelligence tipoff, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) caught him, a source told TNIE. Patrick, who arrived by an Air Arabia flight, was planning to leave for Delhi when he was caught. It was heroin of extremely superior quality with a market value of Rs 10 crore. The incident created quite a stir as it was the first time someone had tried to smuggle such a huge quantity through ones stomach, the source added. The Ugandan was then taken to a local government hospital to facilitate extrication of the capsules, he added. He confessed that they were not intended for Bengaluru, but for Delhi. Patrick is already incarcerated in Parappana Agrahara Central Prison and will be made to complete his 10-year term, he added. This is the second verdict delivered in recent times, when a foreigner has been sent to 10 years in jail. The previous instance involved a Zimbabwean, Masumba Taradzwa, who was caught by the DRI for smuggling 8 kg and 140 grams of heroin. That was of ordinary quality and valued at Rs 30 crore. The incident occurred on June 30, 2021, and he is also lodged in the Central jail, the source said.

The New Indian Express 18 May 2024 9:45 am

IMD predicts severe heatwave days in north India

NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast severe heatwave over plains of northwest, Bihar, east and central India in the next five days. The forecast indicates that northwestern India, including the National Capital Territory of Delhi, will experience a period of intense heat for five days. It will include unusually warm night time temperatures, which can intensify the risk of heat-related illness and death, IMD said in its forecast on Thursday. In its advisory, the weather department said intense heat will lead to high health concerns for vulnerable people, such as infants, elderly, and people with chronic diseases. It suggested avoiding heat exposure and dehydration. On Friday, 43 districts of northwest and central India reported temperature over 42 degrees Celsius, Agra Taj recording the highest at 46.9C. IMD observed heat wave conditions at most places over west and east Rajasthan, in some pockets over Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Punjab, and isolated pockets over east Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. The threshold for a heat wave is met when the maximum temperature of a weather station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius in the plains, 37 degrees in the coastal areas, and 30 degrees in the hilly regions, and the departure from normal is 4.5C to 6.4C and more. In the case of a warm night, the minimum temperature departure from normal is 4.5C to 6.4C. In the meantime, US-based Climate Central organisation has released the latest climate shift index (CSI) a tool that quantifies the contribution of climate change to daily temperatures showing that western India, including Delhi, will experience a period of intense heat in the next three days. CSI levels above one indicate climate change. According to the index, daily high temperatures are expected to run 3C to more than 6C above average. The organisation has forecast that high temperatures will exceed 45C in many locations. In parts of Haryana state, maximum temperatures could surpass 47C. In addition to maximum temperatures, night time will also be warmer. According to CSI, night time low temperatures are not expected to fall below 34C and in parts of Rajasthan state, nighttime temperatures are not expected to fall below 37C. Experts say human-caused climate change made heatwave conditions more intense. Human-caused climate change has made this intense heat much more likely and the overnight temperatures make this event alarming, said Andrew Pershing of Climate Central.

The New Indian Express 18 May 2024 9:23 am

Ranveer Singh Keeps It Cool And Comfy In Casuals As He Gets Papped At Airport, Video Goes Viral

Earlier, Ranveer made headlines by removing his wedding pictures with Deepika Padukone from his Instagram account.

News18 18 May 2024 9:20 am

Why is the EU probing Facebook and Instagram?| Explained

The European Union is investigating Meta Platforms social media sites Facebook and Instagram for potential breaches of EU online content rules relating to child safety

The Hindu 18 May 2024 9:10 am

Banita Sandhu shares BTS pictures from Bridgerton 3: Wonderful experience

Mumbai, May 17: Actor Banita Sandhu, who made her debut in Netflix romantic series Bridgerton 3 as Miss Malhortra, uploaded a series of pictures from the sets on her Instagram. Sharing the behind the scenes photographs, the actor called it a wonderful experience and how she was grateful for the opportunity. Had a ton of []

thehillstimes 18 May 2024 8:10 am

Heat wave sweeps India: Agra and Barmer hit 46.9C, Delhi close behind

Ayanagar in Delhi followed closely with a temperature of 46.2 degrees. Gwalior experienced a high of 44.9 degrees, while Surendranagar and Patiala both registered temperatures of 44.7 degrees Celsius.

The Economic Times 18 May 2024 8:06 am

INDIA bloc will get 300 seats, all set to form government after June 4

AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal claims that the INDIA bloc will win 300 seats and form the government after June 4. He tells Preetha Nair that all the constitutional bodies have been compromised under the BJP government and also accuses the Election Commission of being biased against Opposition parties. Excerpts: After the four phases, the INDIA alliance has been exuding confidence that the tide is in your favour. What is your assessment? We are confident that the INDIA alliance will get 300 seats and we will form the government after the election. The general mood in the Hindi heartland has changed in favour of the INDIA alliance. In the southern states, we are far ahead of the BJP. Out of the 28 seats in Karnataka, we expect to get a two-third majority. We secured only three seats in Telangana in the 2019 elections, but this time we will get 11-12 seats. In Kerala, the Congress will sweep the elections. The BJP will get zero seats in Tamil Nadu, and the alliance will sweep. In Maharashtra, too, the Maha Vikas Aghadi is poised to get at least half of the total seats. In Bihar also, we will score very well. In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP will lose 15- 20 seats and the INDIA may get around 40 seats. Our calculation is that we may get 10 seats in Rajasthan and 5- 6 in Haryana. But the BJP claims that it has crossed 270-mark after the four phases... In the beginning of the election, PM Modi set a target of 400 seats for the BJP. But the ground reality is entirely different. Now the BJP realised that it is losing many seats that it has won last time. The party is in panic. That is why the PM resorted to low-level attacks on secularism and religious identities. This hasnt happened in the history of Indian politics. Elections will come and go. But people have to live together. The PM is the first person to think about that. But unfortunately, there is no thinking from his side. If they are confident of getting 400 seats, why are they stooping to such levels? They are only talking about polarisation agendas. There is no talk of pressing issues such as unemployment, price rise, womens safety or agrarian crisis. People are fed up with this government. Do you see a repeat of 2004 this time? I would say that it will be a repeat of the 2009 elections. The government granted citizenship to its first batch of 14 refugees under the Citizenship Amendment Act on Wednesday. PM Modi said nobody can remove CAA. What is your partys position on this? The PM doesnt want to talk about the real issues in this election. We dont want to follow his agenda. Our position is that we will give citizenship to genuine people who deserve citizenship. Their agenda is to divide the people based on religion and communities, The CAA was passed in 2019 and they framed the rules after five years in 2024, Now in the middle of the election, they implemented it. The Congress is contesting fewer seats than ever in this election to accommodate INDIA bloc partners. Will the party make compromises if the INDIA bloc wins this election? This is a hypothetical question. I dont want to comment on that. We made sacrifices to reduce the maximum number of seats for the BJP. We have made sacrifices during the process of alliance discussions. Our country is going through a dangerous period under this government. Entire constitutional bodies have been compromised including the Election Commission of India. The Prime Minister is making hate speeches daily and the EC is a mute spectator. The EC is only there to act against the Opposition parties. PM Modi said that if the INDIA bloc gets a majority to form a government then the alliance has plans of appointing five Prime Ministers with one PM every year. This brings up the question of the PMs face for the alliance.. The PM is making such statements out of desperation. We will decide our PM candidate within 24 hours of the announcement of results. The new PM will rule for five years. Is Congress pitching for Rahul Gandhi as PM face? This is not the time to talk about it. After winning the election, we will sit together and decide the Prime Minister candidate. The PM has been attacking the Congress with allegations of appeasing Muslims and being anti-Hindu. He claimed that 15% of the UPA governments budget was for Muslims. How can the Prime Minister tell such lies to the country? Hes talking about the Muslim community and the Congress wants to ask him what he has given to the Hindus. The majority of the Indian youth are Hindus and are unemployed. Take the case of farmers, women and others..I dont want to talk like the BJP, But for the sake of argument, I want to ask them. He is only concerned about two or three Hindus like Adani and Ambani. PM Modi says that Congress will provide reservations to Muslims from the quotas earmarked for the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). At least four leaders of the BJP have spoken about changing the constitution if they get 400 seats in this election. Their idea is to give away this reservation system. When we complained to the Election Commission, then the BJP turned the table on us by saying that we will take away the SC/ST reservation. No one can change the OBC, SC/ST reservation system. We wont allow it, come what may. Will we see Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Congress top leaders campaigning together in the coming phases? State leaders are focusing on state-level programmes. There is no combined INDIA leaders programme anywhere. In Uttar Pradesh, we have an alliance with Samajwadi Party. That is why we are having joint programmes with Akhilesh today. Whenever we have joint programmes in Delhi, we will join the AAP leaders. INDIA bloc will win more than 300 seats in Lok Sabha elections: Uddhav

The New Indian Express 18 May 2024 7:22 am

Morigaon DC conducts inspections

HT Correspondent MORIGAON, May 17:District commissioner Devasish Sharma of Morigaon conducted his second consecutive day of inspections at various schools in response to reported irregularities in the implementation of a Samagra Shiksha scheme. The scheme, aimed at fostering the mental development and welfare of students, specifically focuses on the installation of digital libraries and smart []

thehillstimes 18 May 2024 5:40 am