Month: March 2022

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has tested positive for COVID-19, days ahead of his scheduled visit to India, media reports citing his office said on Monday.

The development comes when Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is set to begn his visit India from April 3, his first such visit after assuming office last year.

Naftali is undertaking the visit on the occasion of the commemoration of 30 years of diplomatic relations between India and Israel.

Bennett is paying the visit to India from April 3-5 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in an official statement.

Both the leaders had earlier met on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow in November last year. They also had a telephonic conversation on August 16, 2021.

“The visit by Bennett would be his first to India in his capacity as Prime Minister. This visit would take place on the occasion of the commemoration of 30 years of full diplomatic relations between India and Israel and 75 years of India’s Independence,” MEA said in a statement.

India and Israel elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Israel in July 2017.

Since then, the two countries have continued to deepen their strategic partnership, with a focus on innovation and research, read the statement.

“The visit by the Prime Minister of Israel is expected to further strengthen our excellent bilateral cooperation in diverse areas, including agriculture, water, trade, education and science and technology,” the statement added.

Israel is experiencing a modest increase in COVID-19 infections as an omicron spreads there as in many other countries. Bennett and nearly half of Israel have received three vaccinations, according to the Washington Post. (ANI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended the free ration scheme in the state by three months till June 30, 2022 on Saturday.

This is the first decision taken by him after becoming the Chief Minister of the state for the second time.

In the official statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office, it informed, “The food grain scheme has been extended again till June 30. All sectors will have to work together to make the state a 1 trillion dollar economy.”

“The District Magistrate should take special interest to benefit the street vendors under the Prime Minister’s Svanidhi Yojana. District Magistrates who have done commendable work under Cleanliness Survey-2022 will be honoured,” the statement read.

Notably, the Union Cabinet on Saturday extended the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) scheme for another six months till September 2022 – with each beneficiary eligible to get an additional 5 kilogram free ration per month in addition to the normal quota of foodgrains under the NFSA.

The Phase-V of PM-GKAY was to end in March. The scheme has been under implementation since April 2020 as the largest food security programme in the world. The cabinet meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated Indian shuttler, PV Sindhu, on winning the women’s singles title of Swiss Open 2022.

“Congratulations to @Pvsindhu1 on winning the Swiss Open 2022. Her accomplishments inspire the youth of India. Best wishes to her for her future endeavours,” said PM Narendra Modi in a tweet.

The double Olympic medallist Indian defeated Busanan Ongbamrungphan of Thailand by 21-16, 21-8 in 49 minutes. With this win, Sindhu now has a head-to-head record of 16-1 against the Thai player.

This is Sindhu’s second Super 300 title of the year. She has won Syed Modi International back in January. (ANI)

Clarifying that the Trinamool Congress has no role in the Birbhum violence, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday asserted that there is a conspiracy behind the incident, adding that CBI should not follow BJP’s direction in the ongoing investigation.

She further demanded an impartial probe in Birbhum violence that took place in West Bengal.

“We (TMC) were not involved in the Rampurhat incident. A Trinamool worker was murdered by another party worker. But the media only criticized TMC. We took several steps to find out the original cause of the incident,” the chief minister said while addressing an event here.

As many as eight people were killed in the Rampurhat area of West Bengal’s Birbhum on Tuesday after a mob allegedly set houses on fire following the killing of TMC leader Bhadu Sheikh.

Citing an example of other such incidents in BJP ruled states, CM Banerjee said that the West Bengal government never stopped any political party visiting the Rampurhat area, however, TMC workers were not allowed when such happenings took place in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Tripura or Assam.

She further appealed to people to help the local police stations if they get information regarding any unwanted incident in this regard.

“I still think that there is a conspiracy behind the Rampurhut incident. It’s good that CBI took charge but if they only follow BJP’s direction, we are ready to protest,” she cautioned that an impartial probe is required to find the real culprit.

Her clarification came after BJL MLAs staged a protest in the Vidhan Sabha premises on Friday against Mamata Banerjee, demanding her statement over the Birbhum violence.

“The SIT by the state government was an attempt to suppress the facts. We had demanded a CBI inquiry in the case so that truth can be divulged. We thank the High Court for ordering a CBI probe in the case. We believe that a fair inquiry will be done now and justice will be given to the victims and their families,” the BJP MLAs told ANI.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari also staged a protest along with party workers in front of the SDO office of Rampurhat on Saturday over the Birbhum violence.

The BJP leaders demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Centre’s intervention in the matter.

Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court on Friday ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe in the case.

The High Court sought a report that is to be submitted by April 7. The case was being investigated by an SIT formed by the West Bengal government.

Earlier today, West Bengal police also recovered crude bombs in Sikandarpur village of Birbhum.

Director-General of Police (DGP) West Bengal, Manoj Malviya on Friday informed that 11 arrests have been made in the case so far.

Also, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had sought a detailed report from the West Bengal government over the arson incident. The move came after a nine-member delegation of BJP MPs from West Bengal met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and sought his intervention and action against the perpetrators involved in the crime. (ANI)

Indian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sunjay Sudhir on Sunday expressed confidence over the rise in bilateral trade between the two countries after the signing of the free trade agreement, India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

“Today, both UAE and India are among the top three trading partners of each other and our bilateral trade is almost USD 60 billion. This is expected to reach USD 100 billion in the next five years,” Sudhir told ANI when asked about his expatiations from CEPA.

Sharing the details of benefits India is going to rope in from the agreement, Ambassador said, “This is going to open new areas of trade. Our exports are about USD 26 million and 90 per cent of those exports will automatically become zero duty on the day CEPA is implemented.”

“On an average, there is about five per cent customs duty which will go down to zero. We will have a big advantage as compared to other competitors,” said Sudhir.

The benefits of CEPA to India is not only limited to exports but it will also pave the way for more foreign investment from Gulf country, assured ambassador.

“A lot of labour-intensive areas will be benefited from this agreement. Jewels, leather goods, textile, engineering products and sports products will benefit from it. This will also increase Foreign Investment in India. In the last seven years, the amount of foreign investment has increased and UAE is among the major investors from Gulf countries. This will be increased further,” said Sudhir.

The comments have been made in the backdrop of Dubai Expo 2020.

The six-month-long Dubai Expo that commenced in October last year witnessed the participation of as many as 192 countries.

The Indian government had said that Dubai Expo 2020 will be a significant platform for India to showcase its vibrant culture and tremendous growth opportunities for the next six months.

Fifteen states and nine central ministries from India are participating in this expo, which will be ending on March 31, 2022. (ANI)

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said that Pakistan should be ashamed for not seeking an apology for the genocide they committed in 1971.

Replying to the reporter at Foreign Service Academy on Saturday, Momen said, “It’s unfortunate. We always say that Pakistanis should be ashamed. Pakistani military at that time committed heinous crimes and genocide. Even reports from the Pakistan government also said they resorted to excessive torture and violated human rights,” according to Bangladeshi newspaper Prothom Alo.

“Even reports from Pakistan government also said they resorted to excessive torture and violated human rights,” he added.

Momen further said that the Pakistan government should punish those people who were responsible for the genocide and seek an apology from Bangladesh.

“I believe, the younger generation of Pakistan would come forward to seek an apology. Such wrongdoings can recur if Pakistan cannot understand (the importance of seeking apology),” Momen was saying as quoted by Prothom Alo.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) has urged the US and the international community to recognize the 1971 genocide of Bangladeshis by Pakistan and take immediate action against it.

In a virtual press conference, the HRCBM called for immediate steps to bring to trial the 195 current and former members of the Pakistan Army, who were recorded as being responsible for the genocide.

On March 25, 1971, Pakistan Army launched ‘Operation Searchlight’, wherein a planned military operation was carried out by the Pakistani Army and its military deliberately harmed hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi citizens. Rights group says the horrors of 1971 are considered one of the worst mass atrocities in history.

The damage they inflicted can be described in the following numbers. As many as three million people were believed to have been killed, up to 200,000 women were violated and over 10 million people were forced to cross the border to India to seek shelter. (ANI)

Security has been tightened in the state ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of Goa Chief Minister-designate Pramod Sawant on Monday.

Over 2,000 police personnel have been deployed on Pramod Sawant’s swearing-in ceremony. The ceremony will take place at 11 am at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium near Panaji.

Speaking to reporters today, Goa Director-General of Police (DGP) Indradev Shukla informed that a multi-tier security cover has been put in place for Pramod Sawant’s swearing-in ceremony which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Ministers of different states.

The security cover is put up at the stadium where the main event will take place and also at INS Hansa and Airport in Dabolim where VVIPs will arrive.

“Over 2,000 personnel have been deployed, drones to be used to maintain vigil in the sky. Specialized teams have been called in from outside the state. Indian Navy, Indian Coast Gaurd, along with Goa Coastal Police, will man the 105 kilometres stretch of Goa coast,” he said.

The DGP further informed that a black dress and a black face mask is not allowed for anybody who is going to attend the event. Earlier, the BJP chief Sadanand Shet Tanavade also confirmed this development.

In the Assembly polls held on February 14, results of which were declared on March 10, the BJP won 20 seats in the 40-member House, though it attained a comfortable majority after some Independents and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party extended support. (ANI)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday launched a scathing attack against the opposition parties ahead of the no-confidence vote and said that “three rats” are looting the country for the last 30 years. He blamed them for seeking amnesty for politicians, political workers who were accused of corruption.

Speaking at a power show in Islamabad, Imran Khan lauded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers for refusing the opposition’s offers to bribe them in return for their votes on the no-trust motion. “I am proud of you,” he said.

While referring to the main opposition parties (Pakistan Muslim League (N), Pakistan Peoples Party), he said, “These three rats are looting the country for the last 30 years.”

“For the last 30 years, they jointly sucked the blood of the country. They have accumulated millions of dollars worth of property outside the country and have offshore accounts. All this drama is happening for the sake of NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance). They want Imran Khan to kneel in front of them, as (former Pakistan army) General Pervez Musharraf did,” Imran Khan said during a rally at the Parade Ground in the capital city.

“From day one, they (opposition) have been trying to blackmail me,” he added

The Pakistan PM thanked the participants for responding to his call for the rally and vowed to speak his heart out to discuss the conspiracy against him.

The show of strength by Imran Khan comes as the opposition geared up for a no-trust vote in the National Assembly to oust his government. This comes as the opposition has geared up for a no-trust vote in the National Assembly to oust his government over massive corruption, unemployment, inflation and price hike.

Earlier this week, Imran Khan had claimed that the no-confidence motion was tabled so that the opposition leaders could get an ‘easy escape’. “Three rats are trying to hunt me down but what they don’t know is that they will be hunted down instead… I will defeat them,” he had said during a rally in Mansehra.

Earlier, rumours of Imran Khan resigning from his office were rife after the renaming of Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office YouTube channel to “Imran Khan” on Saturday.

The no-confidence motion was submitted by the Opposition parties on March 8 after the Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) long march in Islamabad. The Opposition has been confident that its motion would be carried as many PTI lawmakers have come out in the open against PM Imran Khan.

As the crucial no-confidence motion session inched closer and uncertainty continued to shroud political alliances, at least 50 ministers belonging to the ruling party had gone ‘missing’ from the political front.

The Pakistani National Assembly has a total strength of 342 members, with the majority mark being 172. The PTI led coalition was formed with the support of 179 members, with Imran Khan’s PTI having 155 members, and four major allies Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) having seven, five, five and three members respectively.

Imran Khan’s situation was precarious given that three of the four allies, that is, MQM-P, PML-Q and BAP had stated their support to the Opposition’s no-confidence motion and said that they will vote accordingly. (ANI)

Bihar Police on Sunday arrested a youth for allegedly making an attempt to attack Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during a programme in the Bakhtiarpur town of Patna district.

In the video that went viral on the internet, the youth can be seen approaching Nitish Kumar and trying to hit him from behind.

The police arrested the youth and interrogated him, however, the reason behind the attack is yet to be ascertained.

Further details awaited. (ANI)