Month: February 2025

Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi was chosen as the Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly at a meeting of AAP MLAs here on Sunday, party leaders said.

Senior AAP leader, Gopal Rai, made the announcement at a press briefing following the AAP legislative meeting.

“In the legislative party meeting today, it has been unanimously decided that Atishi will be the leader of the opposition in the Delhi Assembly. In challenging times, Atishi has served the people of Delhi as the CM. AAP will fulfil the responsibility of a healthy opposition,” Gopal Rai said.

Atishi thanked AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and the elected party MLAs for their responsibility.

Addressing the press conference, Atishi said that AAP will make sure BJP fulfils their promises to women, noting that the decision to implement a scheme providing assistance of Rs 2500 to women was not passed in the first cabinet meeting under the new Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

“People of Delhi have selected AAP as the opposition and a strong opposition knows how to raise people voice in the assembly, AAP will fulfil that responsibility. BJP have made many promises and the basis of them, people have given their mandate to BJP. AAP will make sure those promises are fulfilled,” Atishi said.

“The most important promise that PM Modi himself made was that the scheme to provide Rs 2,500 to women would be passed on the first cabinet meeting. The first cabinet meeting has happened but the scheme was not implemented. AAP’s responsibility is to hold BJP accountable, and we promise to Delhi’s women that we will make sure that women receive Rs. 2500,” Atishi added.

AAP suffered a major defeat in the recent Delhi Assembly election winning only 22 seats to BJP’s 48 out of the 70 member Legislative Assembly of Delhi. (ANI)

In a bombshell announcement, US tech billionaire Elon Musk on Saturday, asked all federal employees to share the progress they had achieved in their work in the last week and said that failure to respond would be taken as a ‘resignation’.

The email came from the Office of Personnel Management’s new HR email address but had no signature. The subject line reads: “What did you do last week?”

“Please reply to this email with approx. 5 bullets of what you accomplished last week and cc your manager. Please do not send any classified information, links, or attachments,” the mail read, as cited by CNN.

“Consistent with President@realDonaldTrump’s instructions, all federal employees will shortly receive an email requesting to understand what they got done last week,” Musk stated in a post on X, adding, “Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation.”

This came hours after US President Donald Trump lauded Musk’s work, while suggesting him to be more ‘aggressive’.

“ELON IS DOING A GREAT JOB, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM GET MORE AGGRESSIVE. REMEMBER, WE HAVE A COUNTRY TO SAVE, BUT ULTIMATELY, TO MAKE GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE. MAGA!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

However, several of America’s national security agencies, including the FBI, and multiple other federal departments, advised staffers not to respond to the email immediately, suggesting that the broader executive branch was not informed of nor prepared for the demand.

According to CNN, deviating from the social media post, the email itself does not state that failure to answer will be taken as resignation. It says the deadline for submission is Monday at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Notably, FBI Director Kash Patel told bureau employees not to respond to the email immediately.

In an email to bureau employees obtained by CNN, Patel said, “The FBI, through the Office of the Director, is in charge of all of our review processes, and will conduct reviews in accordance with FBI procedures. When and if further information is required, we will coordinate the responses. For now, please pause any responses.”

After Musk’s post-Saturday, Trump called the X owner a “patriot” and said he was “doing a great job” during remarks at the Conservative Political Action Conference.

In the latest update shared upon this move, Elon Musk gave a call to give a promotion to the people who gave a response to the email. (ANI)

In a great relief to the Indian fans, pacer Mohammed Shami made a return to the field after encountering minor pain in his ankle during the early overs of the ongoing India-Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy clash in Dubai on Sunday.

Shami made his return for the fourth over of his spell in the 12th over of the innings after being off the field following the fifth over of the innings.

Shami started off the innings looking a little off-colour, delivering five wide balls in the first over itself and giving away total of six runs in the first over.

However, in the next two overs, he gave away just four and three runs. In his third over of the spell, the fifth over of the innings, Shami felt some pain in his ankle region after the fourth ball, causing the physio to come out in the middle to have a check.

After his over, Shami was off the field as suggested by the visuals on the live television, commentators and Cricbuzz live commentary.

Hardik Pandya came to deliver the seventh over.

Notably, Shami just recently made his return from an ankle injury that kept him away from the game for over one year during the white-ball series against England, playing two T20Is and ODIs each.

He made his Champions Trophy debut against Bangladesh in Dubai, marking the occasion with a thunderous return to form a five-wicket haul, his fifth fifer in ICC ODI events.

An official update on his fitness is awaited.

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first.

The last time India and Pakistan clashed in a Champions Trophy event was during the 2017 edition’s final, when Virat Kohli-led star-studded unit was humbled by Men in Green at the peak of star batters’ run-chasing powers, being skittled out for 158 runs while chasing a mammoth 338 runs which Pakistan reached on the back of a century from Fakhar Zaman.

Avenging this would be fresh on the minds of players who were part of this heart-wrenching defeat, and their fans would no doubt relish every moment of India dominating Pakistan with bat or ball.

Teams:

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav

Pakistan (Playing XI): Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed. (ANI)

The Bharatiya Janata Party is set to table the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) report in the Delhi assembly on February 25, which allegedly details corruption by the erstwhile ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), according to party’s MLA Harish Khurana.

Khurana expressed confidence that with the tabling of the reports, “many things will come to light,” whether it is detailing corruption and irregularities in excise policy, renovation of former CM’s residence (dubbed as Sheesh Mahal by the BJP) or in education policies.

“The report will be tabled in the House and many things will come to light. I think the truth will come out in the CAG report. Whether it is education, liquor, or Sheesh Mahal, many such issues will be raised in the House,” Khurana told ANI on Sunday.

The first day of the Delhi assembly will commence on February 24, where all the MLAs will be sworn in and elect a new Speaker for the Assembly.

BJP MLA Khurana hit out at AAP, saying that the previous ruling party should have tabled the report, but from now on the BJP-led government will be working “as per rules, as per Constitution.”

“The 8th assembly formed yesterday and its first session will begin tomorrow with the oath of the MLAs and the election of the Speaker and the next day the CAG report will be tabled. This report should have been tabled in the 7th Assembly, as per the rules. But now whatever work the Delhi government will do will be done as per the rules, as per the Constitution,” Khurana told ANI today.

Yesterday, AAP’s national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar slammed the BJP, questioning their commitment to the promises made, particularly the Rs 2,500 financial assistance scheme for Delhi women.

Kakkar alleged that the BJP is “imposing” its agenda instead of focusing on its promises as the ruling party aims to table the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on February 25 during the first session of the Legislative Assembly.

“BJP should display optimistic politics. They should work on the promises they made to the people of Delhi instead of imposing their agenda. They said that in the first cabinet meeting, a resolution would be passed that every woman in Delhi would get Rs 2500 per month in her account,” Kakkar said.

Kakkar noted the BJP’s lack of initiative in the first cabinet meeting towards their promises, Kakkar reminded them of AAP adhering to their promises in the first meeting when they came to power. (ANI)

In line with the preparations for the upcoming Maha Shivratri festival, the authorities have implemented extensive crowd control measures at Ayodhya Dham Railway Station to ensure smooth management and safety as a huge influx of devotees is expected on the auspicious occasion.

Speaking to ANI, Deputy Superintendent of Police Yashwant Singh said that devotees will only be allowed to go to the platform when the train arrives.

“We have increased alertness ahead of the Maha Kumbh snan on Mahashivratri. Additional security has been deployed here, after which the total number of personnel deployed here is more than 350. Barricading has been done all around. A holding area has been set up and passengers are being brought here. We are making regular announcements for trains so that they stay aware. They are being given entry only after their train arrives at the platform. We are ensuring that the platform’s passengers do not exceed its capacity… All arrangements are in place,” DSP Singh emphasized.

This came after a stampede happened at around 10 pm on February 15, at New Delhi Railway Station when thousands of devotees were heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025 festival, causing severe overcrowding at the station. The stampede claimed 18 lives, leaving several injured.

After the stampede incident at New Delhi station, the Ministry of Railways is planning to construct permanent holding areas at around 60 railway stations across the country, which are prone to crowd congestion.

According to ministry sources, this decision is part of a broader strategy to manage the large crowds that frequently gather at busy railway stations, ensuring smoother transit and reducing congestion-related issues.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has intensified preparations for the last major bath of Maha Shivratri, scheduled for February 26, at the ongoing Mahakumbh.

In line with the Chief Minister’s directives, Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh and Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar visited Mahakumbh Nagar to assess the arrangements and issued necessary instructions to officials, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

Speaking to the media, DGP Prashant Kumar stated, “We are making comprehensive arrangements for traffic control, crowd management, and ensuring a smooth experience for devotees, especially during the last bath and the upcoming weekend. Our constant endeavour is to ensure that devotees do not face any kind of inconvenience.” (ANI)

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called out the “double standards” of the global political left wing while highlighting how world leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donal Trump and Argentinian President Javier Milei are among those are now shaping a new global conservative movement.

“With Trump’s victory, their irritation has turned into hysteria. Not only because conservatives are winning, but because conservatives are now collaborating globally, Melonoi said while addressing a Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington DC via video link on Saturday.

Lending her support to Donald Trump’s leadership prowess, the Italian PM said that Left Wing is nervous with leaders from conservative parties winning and collaborating globally.

“When Bill Clinton and Tony Blair created the global leftist liberal network in the 90s, they were called statesmen. Today, when Trump, Maloni, Millay or maybe Modi talk, they are called a threat to democracy,” she said.

“This is the left’s double standard, but we are used to it. And the good news is, people no longer believe in their lies”, Meloni said.

The Italian PM noted that despite all the mud they thrown at them, citizens continue to keep voting for them because, “We defend freedom. We love our nations. We want secure borders. We preserve businesses and citizens… We defend family and life. We fight against wokeism. We protect our sacred right to our faith and our free speech. And we stand for common sense. So ultimately, our struggle is hard, but the choice is simple.”

Meloni also gave a call to bring lasting peace in Europe through strengthening security measures.

She said that there is a growing awareness in Europe that security is now the top priority and freedom cannot be defended if one lacks the means or the courage to do so.

“Happiness depends on freedom and freedom depends on courage. We proved this when we stopped invasions, won our independencies and overthrew dictators. And we have done it together the last three years in Ukraine, where a proud people fight for their freedom against the brutal aggression. And we must continue today. working together for a just and lasting peace, a peace that can only be built with the contribution of all, but above all, with strong leaderships”, the Italian PM said.

Praising US President Donald Trump’s leadership qualities, Meloni said, “I know that with Donald Trump leading the United States, we will never again see the disaster we saw in Afghanistan four years ago. So, border security, border security, energy security, economic security, food security, defence and national security, for a simple reason. If you are not secure, you are not free. And when freedom is at risk, the only thing that you can do is to put it in the wiser hands.”

In her speech Meloni also called for standing up to prevent the decline of civilisations, leaving the world stronger for the future generations. Meloni said, “I made my choice long ago, and I fight every day to honour it. And I know that I’m not alone in this battle, that you are all standing with me, that we are all standing together. And believe me, this makes all the difference.” (ANI)

Actress Tamannaah Bhatia took a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam at the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Saturday. She was joined by her family members on this sacred visit.

Tamannaah Bhatia, known for films like Aranmanai 4, Baahubali, and Rebel, among others, offered her prayers at the Mahakumbh Mela and sought blessings from Lord Shiva while taking a holy dip in the Sangam.

The actress donned a salwar kurta for the occasion. She also assisted her family members as they offered their prayers at one of the largest sacred gatherings in the world.

While talking to ANI, Tamannaah described her visit as a ‘once in a lifetime chance’ of her life. She said, “I got a once-in-a-lifetime chance. I actually see so many people here. I feel we all want to be happy and free from our own sufferings. I felt that everyone is here to say something of their own, don’t let it go kind of things. So I felt so good to do this with everyone. It is also the devotion and faith of people that we are all able to do such a big thing. At the same time, this is the belief of all of us that we are able to do so much together, and it is our grace.”

On the day of the actress’s sacred visit to Mahakumbh Mela, the makers of her upcoming film, Odela 2, released the teaser. Tamannaah plays a Sadhvi in the movie. It is directed by Ashok Teja and is a sequel to Sampath Nandi’s 2022 film Odela Railway Station.

Earlier this week, Bollywood actress Nimrat Kaur attended the Mahakumbh Mela, where she took a holy dip in Sangam.

She shared pictures on Instagram and wrote a long note that read, “Words fail me to describe this experience…as I assimilate what I have been so blessed to participate in. Having grown up in a Sikh family, the significance of the Kumbh Mela snan is a fairly new concept. The unparalleled historical event of the Mahakumbh actually made me dive deep into the mythology and history of this mesmerising festival. One that this year celebrated the coming together of an ocean of humanity, the largest ever our mortal eyes will witness. I am in immeasurable awe of the sheer faith and devotion that has fuelled people of all ages and backgrounds to take momentous journeys and efforts just to set foot here.”

She further paid gratitude to the officials at Mahakumbh for the grand arrangements.

Celebrities like singer Shaan, Vivek Oberoi, Vicky Kaushal, Vidyut Jamwal and Juhi Chawla, among others, attended the Mahakumbh Mela.

Meanwhile, devotees continue to arrive in large numbers at Prayagraj’s Mahakumbh to take a holy dip.

The Mahakumbh Mela will go on till February 26. (ANI)

Telangana Tunnel Collapse: 8 Workers Still Trapped, NDRF Intensifies Rescue Efforts

Rescue operations for the trapped workers in Telangana’s Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel continued on Sunday morning, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) making progress and advancing deeper into the tunnel with eight labourers are feared to be trapped inside.

However, due to debris blocking the area, the team has not yet been able to confirm their exact ‘location’, as confirmed By NDRF officials to ANI.

NDRF Deputy Commandant Sukhendu Datta told ANI that the force has covered around 13.5 kilometres inside the tunnel, primarily using locomotives and conveyor belts.

Speaking to ANI , Datta said, “Yesterday around 10 PM we went inside to check what the situation is like. The locomotives were used to go inside the tunnel. From the gate of the tunnel, we covered around 13.5 km in total. We covered 11 km by train and then we covered the rest of 2 km by conveyor belt and by walking.’

The official added that the last 200 meters of the collapsed section is completely blocked by debris, making it difficult to confirm the condition or exact location of the trapped workers.

“We had reached till the end of the Tunnel Boring Machine, TBM. We shouted and tried to get any reply from the trapped workers but unfortunately we could not know anything because there is a patch of around 200 meters which is filled with debris. Till the debris is cleared we cannot know the exact location of the victims,” the NDRF deputy commandant said.

The response force is currently working to remove the accumulated water inside the tunnel. “The patch between the 11 to 13 km is filled with water, so right now we are in the process of removing the water. When that is done, we will start the rescue operations.”” the official added.

Earlier today, both the NDRF and SDRF teams encountered severe challenges in reaching the collapsed section.

“There’s no chance to go to the spot inside the tunnel. It has completely collapsed and mud is reaching up to the knees. We will have to take another step,” an SDRF official said.

On Saturday morning, a three-meter section of the roof of an under-construction stretch of the SLBC tunnel collapsed at the 14 km mark near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana.

The collapse occurred just four days after construction work had resumed following a lengthy hiatus. While some workers managed to escape, the eight remained trapped.

In addition to the NDRF and SDRF, an Engineer Regiment of the Indian Army, under the Infantry Division at Secunderabad, has been placed on standby with an Excavator Dozer to assist in the rescue efforts.

Upon receiving a request from the Chief Secretary of Telangana, the Army quickly mobilized its Engineer Task Force (ETF) for the critical rescue operation. The ETF is equipped with specialized engineering teams, a medical detachment from the Field Ambulance of the Army Medical Corps, an ambulance with three high-capacity pumping sets, armoured hoses, and other essential equipment. (ANI)

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called and spoke to Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Sunday morning to enquire about the ongoing rescue operations at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel.

In the nearly 20 minute call, CM Reddy illustrated the urgency with which the government responded on getting the news, rushing Minister Uttam Reddy to the spot, and deployment of the NRDF and SRDF rescue squads, according to a statement released by the CM’s office.

CM Revanth Reddy elaborated on the steps taken for the medical relief on those injured and the reach out to the families of those trapped inside.

Rahul Gandhi appreciated the action taken along with the constant vigil and monitoring; and asked the government to leave no stone unturned to try to save the trapped workers.

Telangana minister Uttam Kumar Reddy’s office shared the updates on the rescue operations currently ongoing in the SLBC tunnel.

The videos shared show National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) officials near the collapsed debris and shouting in the hopes of any workers hearing their calls. The officials however have not yet been able to confirm the location of the workers who are feared trapped in there.

The officials shouted the names of Manoj, Srinivas, Dwivedi, some of the workers who are feared trapped. The video also showed some water flowing in the tunnel, which the rescue officials are trying to drain out too.

Earlier today, NDRF intensified rescue efforts to rescue the 8 workers who are feared rapped behind the debris in the tunnel. However, due to debris blocking the area, the team has not yet been able to confirm their exact ‘location’, an NDRF official told ANI.

NDRF Deputy Commandant Sukhendu Datta told ANI that the force has covered around 13.5 kilometres inside the tunnel, primarily using locomotives and conveyor belts.

Speaking to ANI, Datta said, “Yesterday around 10 PM we went inside to check what the situation is like. The locomotives were used to go inside the tunnel. From the gate of the tunnel, we covered around 13.5 km in total. We covered 11 km by train and then we covered the rest of 2 km by conveyor belt and by walking.”

NDRF and Indian Army Engineer Task Force of Engineer Regiment and Medical Detachment from Field Hospital mobilised with water pumps and excavators are on site for rescue ops.

Union Minister G Kishen Reddy said, “The Govt. of India is closely monitoring and working with the state authorities in the rescue efforts and is providing all necessary support.” (ANI)