Month: August 2022

The Nitish Kumar-led Mahagathbandhan government in Bihar will go for a floor test on August 24 to prove its majority in the state assembly.

Nitish Kumar was sworn Chief Minister for a record eighth time on Wednesday after he resigned from the post a day earlier and quit the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav took oath as Deputy Chief Minister.

The decision to hold the floor test on August 24 and make a suitable recommendation for convening state assembly was taken at a cabinet meeting attended by Kumar and Yadav on Wednesday. Sources said that expansion of the cabinet is likely to take place on August 16 and RJD will have more ministers than the Janata Dal-United.

Mahagathbandhan or Grand Alliance has the support of 164 members in the assembly.

Nitish Kumar broke his alliance with the BJP for the second time in eight years on Tuesday before joining hands with RJD and other parties in the Mahagathbandhan including the Congress and Left parties. The Grand Alliance also has the support of HAM, which has four MLAs in the Assembly.

BJP has accused Nitish Kumar of “disrespecting” the mandate given by the people of Bihar.

BJP and JD-U had fought the assembly polls together in 2020. Nitish Kumar was made Chief Minister though the BJP won more seats.

Sources said that Congress is likely to have 2-3 representatives in the cabinet and HAM may get one berth. (ANI)

Emphasising that the WazirX episode has “exposed a darker side of crypto transactions” and exercising caution is necessary, a top government source on Thursday said that the enforcement directorate was looking into the matter.

“Exercising caution is necessary when dealing with cryptocurrencies. WazirX episode has exposed a darker side of crypto transactions. Enforcement Directorate is looking into it,” a top Government source told ANI.

Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided the Director of WazirX Crypto-Currency Exchange and freezed its bank assets worth Rs 64.67 crore for assisting accused instant loan app companies in a laundering of fraud money via purchase and transfer of virtual crypto assets on August 5, 2022.

A top Government source told ANI that ED is looking into the matter. “Investors need to move cautiously as the Wazirx episode has raised a lot of issues on cryptocurrency trading,” sources said.

ED is conducting a money laundering investigation against a number of Indian NBFC companies and their fintech partners for predatory lending practices in violation of the RBI guidelines and by using tele-callers who misuse personal data and use abusive language to extort high-interest rates from the loan takers. Various fintech companies backed by Chinese funds could not get the NBFC license from RBI for carrying out lending business. So they devised the MoU route with defunct NBFCs to piggyback on their license.

After the criminal investigation began, many of these fintech applications have shut shops and diverted away the huge profits earned using the above modus operandi. While doing a fund trail investigation, ED found that a large amount of funds were diverted by the fintech companies to purchase Crypto assets and then launder them abroad. These companies and the virtual assets are untraceable at the moment. Summons were issued to the Crypto-exchanges. It is seen that maximum amount of funds were diverted to WazirX exchange and the crypto-assets so purchased have been diverted to unknown foreign wallets.

A top Government source told ANI, “If there is any wrongdoing by Chinese companies, then enforcement agencies will tighten the noose.”

Binance has said to have ceased support to off-chain fund transfers between WazirX and the company from August 11, 2022. Off-chain transfers are among the key issues cited by the probing agency in the money-laundering case, according to people aware of the development.

Patrick Hillmann, Chief Communications Officer, Binance, said in a press release, “As a result of the recent regulatory action taken against Zanmai Labs Pvt Ltd, in relation to their operations of the WazirX Exchange, it has come to our attention that some users were given to believe that funds deposited in WazirX were managed by Binance. This is not the case. In order to provide clarity and protection for users, we are removing the off-chain fund transfer channel between WazirX and Binance.”

On August 9, Zanmai Lab released a statement, “WazirX is a platform co-operated by Zanmai Labs Pvt. Ltd. (Zanmai Labs) and Binance. Zanmai Labs has a no-tolerance policy towards any illegal activities using WazirX.”

After this, Binance, a popular global cryptocurrency exchange platform distanced itself from the Indian exchange. Chief executive officer Changpeng Zhao said that Binance did not own a stake in WazirX’s parent entity Zanmai Labs.

“As a result of the recent regulatory action taken against Zanmai Labs Pvt Ltd, in relation to their operations of the WazirX Exchange, it has come to our attention that some users were given to believe that funds deposited in WazirX were managed by Binance. This is not the case,” said Patrick Hillmann, chief communications officer, Binance. (ANI)

As India celebrates its 75th year of Independence, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav has brought a wave of celebration in the country. Har Ghar Tiranga is the campaign launched by the Government of India to encourage every citizen of our great nation to bring home the tricolour and hoist it with pride.

Women and young girls in the Baramulla District of North Kashmir are not far behind to contribute to this proud initiative. Women from self-help groups established by the Indian Army in far-flung villages of Trikanjan and Bernate in Boniyar Tehsil close to the Line of Control (LoC) rose to the occasion.

These self-help groups in a bid to contribute towards the nation’s efforts in Har Ghar Tiranga campaign volunteered to stitch Tiranga for the houses of these inaccessible villages. The Indian Army provided them with all necessary assistance for the noble cause. This effort by women of Kashmir will facilitate in providing Tiranga to every household. The residents appreciated the efforts and have hoisted the Flags high at their houses. Tiranga fluttering high in all houses close to LoC is a matter of pride and determination.

Sabreena (Trainer of the centre) told ANI, “I’m the trainer here; we’ve been working here for two days, and it is a part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. We have manufactured 250-250 flags and are grateful to the Indian Army for this opportunity.”

“I am overjoyed because I have been given the opportunity to serve my country, and have manufactured 25 to 30 flags. So, I want the women who stay inside the house, those who are unaware of all this, to have the opportunity to also get a chance to serve their country. It is an honour for me that the flags that we stitched in our houses would be unfurled in the homes of everyone around the country”, Rafia Jan, a member of the self-help group said.

Local resident Ghulam Ahmad Bhat said that people are very happy that the Army has given this opportunity. He appreciated the efforts made by the Indian Army and said that he is with this campaign.

Member of a self-help group, Insha Jan said, “I am thankful to the Indian Army that they gave us a chance to serve the country.” (ANI)

We all have our own ways to believe in things we find are lucky for us! Some people have a lucky number, some have a lucky date night outfit! Aamir Khan is also one of us, except the reason is not the same date night plans! It’s his movie – Laal Singh Chaddha.

Aamir has, this year, worn a white T-shirt and layered it with a pink shirt on three occasions and we think it could be his lucky charm!

Aamir was seen being the perfect host at the star-studded premiere of his film ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ on Wednesday night. He looked quite dapper in a white T-shirt layered under a pink shirt. However, we couldn’t help but notice that he wore the same outfit at the trailer launch of the film. And prior to that, on his 57th birthday in March this year. Coincidence? We don’t think so!

Well, actors have made every event so grand with perfect outfits and styling that it’s difficult to wrap our head around the fact that Aamir repeated his pink shirt for the third time on the premiere of his own film! Fans also believe that it could be because he considers this outfit lucky.

If not lucky, kudos to the actor for showcasing his simplicity by not giving much importance to a designer outfit. If not anything, he did give a message that he just wanted to be himself at the event.

Aamir is known to choose comfort over fashionable outfits. Even on ‘Koffee With Karan’ he was very casually dressed up and owned it! He also said on the show that he doesn’t care about clothes and brands more and that he likes to dress in comfortable clothes.

Speaking about ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’, the film hit the theatres on Thursday. The film is the official Hindi remake of the 1994 Academy award-winning film ‘Forrest Gump’ that had actor Tom Hanks in the lead role. (ANI)

Twenty-five Taliban fighters have been reportedly killed in an attack by the National Resistance Front (NRF) of Afghanistan.

Reports say that the attack occurred in the Dara district of Panjshir province. The province has witnessed frequent clashes between NRF members and Taliban. The Taliban have yet to respond, and tensions in Panjshir appear to have escalated.

Earlier in June, Afghanistan’s National Resistance Front (NRF) claimed that it had shot down a Taliban helicopter and captured four of the group’s members in the country’s Panjshir province.

Ahmad Massoud, the leader of the National Resistance Front (NRF) in Afghanistan, has at various times stressed the need for political dialogue to solve the current Afghan problems following the recent clashes between NRF forces and Taliban. The head of the NRF, who has a small foothold in the mountains of Panjshir has claimed that as long as the Taliban do not reach an understanding with his group, there is no other option but to stand against them.

Last month, Human Rights Watch (HRW) in a report said Taliban security forces in northern Afghanistan’s Panjshir province have unlawfully detained and tortured residents accused of association with an opposition armed group.

Since mid-May 2022, fighting has escalated in the province as National Resistance Front (NRF) forces have attacked Taliban units and checkpoints.

The Taliban have responded by deploying to the province thousands of fighters, who have carried out search operations targeting communities they allege are supporting the NRF.

During search operations in other provinces, Taliban forces have committed summary executions and enforced disappearances of captured fighters and other detainees, which are war crimes. (ANI)

Amid the growing outcry over the women’s rights situation in Afghanistan, a top Taliban official has said that the schools for female students are closed for religious issues and that there is a need for agreement of Islamic scholars on this matter.

Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said efforts are underway to reopen girls’ schools. “If (we) were acting on Pakistan’s instruction, the problems of the schools and other problems would have already been solved. This is a religious issue and it needs Islamic cleric’s agreement,” Mujahid was quoted as saying by TOLOnews.

The Taliban official said that opposing the decision of the Islamic clerics regarding the schools will have negative consequences.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) last month released a report outlining the human rights situation in Afghanistan ever since the Taliban takeover.

The report summarises UNAMA’s findings with regards to the protection of civilians, extrajudicial killings, torture and ill-treatment, arbitrary arrests and detentions, the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, fundamental freedoms and the situation in places of detention.

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) today said the Taliban have broken multiple pledges to respect human rights and women’s rights since taking over Afghanistan a year ago.

After capturing Kabul in August last year, the Islamic authorities have imposed severe restrictions on women’s and girls’ rights, suppressed the media, and arbitrarily detained, tortured, and summarily executed critics and perceived opponents, among other abuses.

The New York-based rights group in its report said Taliban human rights abuses have brought widespread condemnation and imperilled international efforts to address the country’s dire humanitarian situation.

The economy has collapsed, largely because governments have cut foreign assistance and restricted international economic transactions. More than 90 per cent of Afghans have been food insecure for almost a year, causing millions of children to suffer from acute malnutrition and threatening serious long-term health problems.

“The Afghan people are living a human rights nightmare, victims of both Taliban cruelty and international apathy,” said Fereshta Abbasi, Afghanistan researcher at HRW. “Afghanistan’s future will remain bleak unless foreign governments engage more actively with Taliban authorities while pressuring them vigorously on their rights record.”

Since taking power, the Taliban have imposed rules that comprehensively prevent women and girls from exercising their most fundamental rights to expression, movement, and education, and affect their other basic rights to life, livelihood, health care, food, and water. (ANI)

Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was appointed as the brand ambassador of Uttarakhand by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in a programme organised at Uttarakhand Sadan in New Delhi on Thursday.

On this occasion, while congratulating Rishabh, the Chief Minister said that the way Rishabh Pant accomplished the goal with his determination and strong willpower in very normal circumstances would inspire everyone.

“Pant has made a mark in the world. He has brought laurels to the country and the state,” added Dhami.

CM Dhami said that honouring cricketer Rishabh Pant as Uttarakhand brand ambassador would inspire youth in the field of sports in the state.

“A better environment is being created by the state government for the youth of the state to make their mark at the national and international level,” he added.

Dhami said that according to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is becoming a leader in every field. “Players like Rishabh Pant will inspire everyone by doing the work of inspiring everyone. A good environment will be created for sports in the state,” he added.

Cricketer Rishabh Pant expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for being honoured as the Uttarakhand brand ambassador. He said, “Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has given him an opportunity to do something for the state. The state government is working towards providing a better sports environment to the youth,” he added.

Special Principal Secretary Abhinav Kumar was also present on the occasion.

Pant has emerged as one of India’s biggest match-winners in a while. Though he shot to fame with his exploits in the T20 format in the Indian Premier League for Delhi Capitals (formerly known as Delhi Daredevils), his Test record has brought him a lot of acclaims.

In 31 Tests, he has scored 2,123 runs at an average of 43.32. His individual best score is 159* in this format. Pant has scored five centuries and ten fifties in the format.

In 27 ODIs, Pant has scored 840 runs in 27 matches with an average of 36.52. His individual best score is 125*. Pant has scored one century and five half-centuries in the format.

Pant has also played 54 T20I matches in which he has scored 883 runs at an average of 23.86. His best score in the format is 65* and has scored three half-centuries in the format.

In IPL, he represents Delhi Capitals and is captain of the team. (ANI)

On the occasion of Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez’s 37th birthday, celebrities took to their social media handles and sent their warm birthday wishes to the ‘Judwaa 2’ actor.

Taking to Instagram, actor Sonam Kapoor, dropped a throwback picture with Jacqueline, which she captioned, ” Happy happy birthday my doll…miss you and can’t wait to see you @jacquelinef143.”

Actor Anushka Sharma dropped a picture of the ‘Kick’ actor and wrote, “Happy Birthday Jacqueline. Wishing you love and light always.”

The ‘Hero’ actor Athiya Shetty shared a picture and wrote, “Happy Birthday Jacqueline. Love and happiness in abundance.”

Singer Guru Randhawa shared a video in which he captioned, ” Wishing Jacky a very happy birthday.”

Actor Riteish Deshmukh shared a picture,” Happy birthday dear @jacquelinef143 have a stupendous one my friend.”

The ‘De De Pyaar De’ actor Rakul Preet Singh shared a picture with Jacqueline which she captioned, “Happy Birthday Jacqueline. Wishing you all the love and success. “

Meanwhile, talking about her work front, Jacqueline Fernandez was seen in an action thriller film ‘Attack: Part 1’ alongside John Abraham and Rakul Preet Singh in April 2022. The film failed to impress the audience at the box office.

Recently, the actor was seen in a guest appearance role in south actor Kichcha Sudeep’s action thriller film ‘Vikrant Rona,’ which was a Pan India film and gathered a massive response from the audience.

She will be next seen in director Abhishek Sharma’s next film ‘Ram Setu’ alongside Akshay Kumar and Nushrratt Bharuccha. The film is all set to hit the theatres on the occasion of Diwali 2022. (ANI)

Two terrorists attempting to infiltrate an army company operating base in Pargal in the Darhal area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri were neutralised, an Army official said on Thursday.

According to officials, in the attack that took place 25 km from Rajouri and three Army personnel lost their lives.

Security officials have cordoned off the area and additional parties have been dispatched to the location.

Mukesh Singh, Additional Director General of Police, Jammu Zone said, “Someone tried to cross the fence of the Army camp at Pargal in Darhal area of Rajouri. Exchange of fire took place. Additional parties despatched for the location, 6 km from Darhal PS. Two terrorists killed.”

The attack comes days ahead of the celebration of the 75th Independence Day.

The operation is underway.

The attack comes a day after three LeT terrorists were neutralised by security forces in Budgam. One of the killed terrorists was involved in the killing of civilians Rahul Bhat and Amreen Bhat. (ANI)