Month: February 2025

Rajiv Kumar, who served as the 25th Chief Election Commissioner of India, bid farewell to the Election Commission of India on Tuesday, describing it as “the place of worship of democracy.”

He expressed optimism about the institution’s future, stating that it would “rise higher than where it stands today” under the leadership of the incoming team.

Kumar emphasised the pivotal role of voters and political parties in strengthening India’s democracy and extended his best wishes to all voters.

Speaking to ANI, Rajiv Kumar said, “This building is the place of worship of democracy. Through great hard work, it has amassed heritage in the last 75 years. I am very hopeful that in the time to come, this will rise higher than where it stands today. This is going to very capable hands. The new team will take it even higher.”

“The country’s democracy will remain strong and intact and will earn honour before the world. I hope that people will remember and learn lessons from Indian democracy and Indian elections. The biggest contribution towards this is by the voters and political parties. I wish all the best to everyone, all voters,” he said.

Meanwhile, Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar will take charge as the new Chief Election Commissioner of India tomorrow, February 19, 2025.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday bid farewell to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, Rajiv Kumar, who will be demitting the office on February 18.

According to the statement released by the Commission, Kumar joined the ECI as Election Commissioner on September 1, 2020, and assumed charge as the 25th CEC of India on May 15, 2022.

His tenure spanning 4.5 years in the Commission was characterised by silent yet deep-rooted reforms across various domains spanning structural, technological, capacity development, communication, international cooperation and administration.

Kumar, during his tenure, had completed one full electoral cycle with the conduct of elections in 31 states and Union Territory, the Presidential and Vice Presidential elections in 2022, Lok Sabha elections of 2024 and Rajya Sabha renewals–a rare and monumental feat in electoral management. The elections were conducted peacefully with near-zero repolls and incidents of violence, the Commission stated.

In his farewell address, CEC Kumar thanked the 15 million polling officials for their dedication to upholding democratic values. He asserted that the trust of close to nearly a billion voters was unfazed by motivated and uncorroborated attacks on India’s democratic institutions.

As a proponent of technology, Kumar outlined a path for strengthening the conduct of elections while guarding against the threats of cyber-attacks and misinformation on social media. He lauded the voters for their vibrant participation, especially women voters and said that the electoral process is marching towards more inclusivity.

He also called for biometric authentication at polling booths to efficiently tackle impersonation and said that online reporting of political party expenditures has begun and must be made mandatory for better financial transparency and analytics.

He also stated that unregulated social media algorithms pose a serious risk to elections worldwide and must be addressed urgently.

Kumar further added that India’s expertise in electoral management is one of the biggest soft power of the country.

The Election Commissioners, Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu conveyed their appreciation for the inclusive, transformative and purpose-driven leadership of Kumar.

CEC Kumar’s tenure was marked by a slew of electoral reforms, including operationalising four qualifying dates for voter registration with an advanced application facility for 17+ youngsters; simplified forms for voter registration; redefining electoral boundaries with delimitation in Assam; and ensuring voting by polling personnel at the Voter Facilitation Centre to avoid any intimidation, delays and wrong-doing. These initiatives were aimed at empowering every eligible citizen while modernising election administration.

According to the Commission, Kumar also championed technology-driven electoral reforms to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. Under his leadership, ERONET 2.0, managing the largest electoral databases, strengthened voter roll management with multi-layered security, and seamless, and real-time application processing.

Kumar also established mechanisms to tackle the challenge of misinformation and fake news on social media platforms with the launch of the ‘myth vs reality’ register during the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

Kumar’s contributions were both systemic and profoundly human. His hands-on leadership was evident in his actions. On the global stage, his efforts amplified India’s voice in advancing democratic values, with the Election Commission spearheading ‘Cohort on Election Integrity’ and training officials from many election management bodies. (ANI)

Educator and YouTuber Faizal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir along with hundreds of Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants took to the streets and demanded re-examination of the 70th Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) prelims on Tuesday during protest march in Patna.

The aspirants have been protesting over their demand for the re-examination of the 70th BPSC preliminary test and alleged irregularities in the exam.

“We only have one demand – a re-exam. Nothing short of that will be acceptable,” said Khan Sir while marching with the protesters.

The BPSC aspirants also marched in a protest on Monday.

Faizal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir, who has been vocal about the alleged malpractice, addressed the gathering on Monday, claiming that there is substantial proof of a question paper leak, and it has also been submitted to the High Court.

Speaking to ANI, Khan Sir said, “We have evidence that question papers were changed on the instruction of Joint Secretary Kundan Kumar, especially in Khagaria and Bhagalpur. Question papers were stolen from the treasury in Nawada and Gaya. More students are going to come for the protest tomorrow. No one is allowing us to meet the Chief Minister. We request the officials to listen to our demands. We want a re-exam. If the leaders want to join us, they should come with their MLAs and MPs.”

When asked if he is willing to join politics, he said, “If demanding re-exam is politics, then this is politics. We only demand re-examination. I am going to stay with the students until a re-exam is conducted. We have presented all the evidence to the High Court. Students are going to win.”

The protests began after lakhs of candidates appeared for the BPSC exam across different centres in Bihar and raised concerns over the integrity of the process, alleging that the question papers had been leaked.

Later, on December 13, 2024, a protest started demanding an exam. Since then, it has gained momentum, with students marching in large numbers, pressing for the exam’s cancellation and fresh conduct.

Earlier, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan met with a delegation of BPSC aspirants and heard their grievances, assuring them of issuing necessary instructions to relevant authorities.

The matter also reached the Supreme Court; however, the court refused to interfere and dismissed the plea that raised allegations regarding the BPSC preliminary examination. (ANI)

Karachi is witnessing a disturbing increase in respiratory diseases, as reported by the Sindh Health Department on Monday, as reported by ARY News.

The Sindh Health Department has reported a troubling total of 248 cases of respiratory illnesses in Karachi as of February 13 this year.

Among these cases, the highest number 119 were identified as H1N1 influenza, with many reported in hospitals across Karachi. Of these, 99 were detected in private hospitals, while 20 cases were found at Dow University Hospital, the health department confirmed, as reported by ARY News.

Additionally, the department’s data reveals that 95 cases of Influenza A and B have been confirmed. Other respiratory infections causing concern include 8 cases of coronavirus, 15 cases of Rhinovirus, and 2 cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

The report also highlighted that these statistics indicate a significant rise in respiratory infections compared to previous years.

As per reports, health experts have urged the citizens of Karachi to take immediate precautions. To avoid contracting the easily transmissible influenza virus, they strongly recommend wearing facemasks and regularly washing hands. Those who are infected are advised to stay home for at least 24 hours, limit contact with others, and avoid travelling to curb the spread of the virus.

Despite being a hub for economic and cultural activities, the city suffers from a severe lack of adequate healthcare facilities. Public hospitals are overcrowded, underfunded, and often lack essential medical supplies and equipment, leading to substandard care. Private hospitals are costly and inaccessible for a large portion of the population.

The growing population and increasing burden of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and infectious diseases place immense pressure on an already overstretched healthcare infrastructure.

As a result, many residents are forced to rely on informal healthcare providers, leading to health inequities and poor health outcomes across the city. (ANI)

Bollywood fans are in for a treat this Eid as superstar Salman Khan unveiled the poster of his upcoming film, ‘Sikandar’.

The actor took to his Instagram to share the striking new look, where he appears intense, holding a sword, with green and red tones in the background.

Along with the poster, Salman added a caption that read, “Sikandar on Eid #SajidNadiadwala’s #Sikandar Directed by @a.r.murugadoss.”

The film is directed by A.R. Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. It marks Salman Khan’s reunion with Sajid after their 2014 blockbuster, ‘Kick’.

‘Sikandar’ marks Salman Khan’s return to the big screen after more than a year, with his last film being ‘Tiger 3’.

Last year, Salman shared a glimpse from the sets of ‘Sikandar’. In May 2024, the production house officially announced Rashmika Mandanna’s role in the film, posting, “Welcoming the fabulous @rashmika_mandanna to star opposite @beingsalmankhan in #Sikandar! Can’t wait for their on-screen magic to unfold on EID 2025!”

Sikandar is slated for release on Eid this year. In the coming months, Salman will also appear in ‘Kick 2’.

In Sikandar, Salman will be seen with Rashmika Mandanna.

Meanwhile, Rashmika’s latest release, Chhaava, has been making waves. She plays Maharani Yesubai in the film, a cinematic adaptation of Shivaji Sawant’s Marathi novel Chhava. (ANI)

The movie stars Vicky Kaushal as Chattrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Akshaye Khanna plays the role of Aurangzeb.

Rashmika also has a lineup of movies, including ‘Kubera’ featuring Dhanush and ‘Thama’ alongside Ayushmann Khurrana in the upcoming months. (ANI)

Indie singer and Gen Z sensation Anuv Jain, is now married.

The 29-year-old singer tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend, Hirdi Narang, in a traditional wedding ceremony “over the weekend.”

Anuv took to his Instagram account on Tuesday to share glimpses of their special day.

The pictures showed the couple smiling as they posed for the cameras. However, the singer did not mention his partner’s name in the post. Alongside the pictures, the singer added a caption that read, “Aur haan dekho yahan kaise aayi do dilon ki yeh baraat hai,” and later commented, “Got married over the weekend.”

The cutest picture from the set was the one where Anuv romantically kissed his bride. The wedding had a traditional touch, with Hirdi dressed in a stunning red lehenga, while Anuv looked elegant in a beige sherwani. The singer also gave fans glimpses of the pre-wedding celebration.

Soon after he posted the pictures from his dreamy wedding, fans flooded the comment section with love and congratulations.

One fan joked, “No more heartbreak songs?” while another wrote, “You both look so adorable!”

Take a look

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGNcQvIP0De/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Anuv Jain is one of India’s most popular indie artists, known for hit songs like “Baarishein,” “Alag Aasmaan,” and “Husn.” His music, often centred around love and heartbreak, has made him a favourite among Gen Z listeners. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday, with the two leaders discussing trade, investment and energy and recalling historic trade linkages and deep-rooted people-to-people ties between the two countries.

PM Modi appreciated the Amir of Qatar for bringing a large delegation of top Qatari business for business on this visit.

India and Qatar have also signed an agreement to elevate the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership.

Addressing a special briefing, Secretary (CPV & OIA) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, said the two sides have to set a target to double the bilateral trade in the next five years.

He said Qatar Amir is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials and business leaders.

“Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani last visited India in March 2015. When PM Modi paid his second visit in February 2024, he had invited His Highness Amir to pay a state visit to India…..this morning, His Highness Amir was received by President of India Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome. President will meet His Highness Amir in the evening today and also host a banquet reception in honour of Amir and accompanies delegation…PM Modi held bilateral talks with His Highness Amir at Hyderabad House. Both leaders recalled the historic trade linkages, deep-rooted people-to-people ties and robust bilateral relations between both countries,” Chatterjee said.

“To elevate the relationship to a strategic partnership, India and Qatar have signed an agreement in this regard today. Trade, investment and energy were among the major topics of discussion between the two leaders today. The trade today between India and Qatar is about USD 14 billion annually. Both sides have agreed to set a target to double this in the next 5 years,” he added.

The senior MEA official said that Qatar is also an important partner for investments in India.

Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, Qatar Investment Authority currently has about USD 1.5 billion FDI in India…both leaders today identified a number of areas in which Qatar Investment Authority can increase investments in India…Prime Minister appreciated His Highness Qatar for bringing a large dedication of top Qatari business for business on this visit. Joint Business Forum was held today under the Co-chairmanship of the Ministers of Commerce and Industry of India and Qatar, in which top industrialists, companies and institutions of both countries held very productive interactions,” he said.

Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad AL Thani arrived in Delhi on Monday on a two-day state visit during which he held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Amir of Qatar at the Palam Technical Airport in the national capital. (ANI)

Mool Pravah Akhil Bharat Nepali Ekta Samaj president Rekam GC on Tuesday said that the government of Nepal will make arrangements for the sending back the body of the Nepali student, who was found dead in her hostel room at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar on February 16.

Speaking to ANI, Rekam GC said, “We want a proper investigation into the case. We were told that it was a suicide case. The police have made arrests in the case. The body of the girl will be taken to Nepal by flight. The government will make the arrangements. We have already spoken with the family of the deceased.”

The third-year BTech student was found dead in her hostel room on February 16, following which Nepali students staged a protest claiming that she was harassed by her fellow student and demanded justice for her.

An accused student, identified by police as Advik Srivastava, was arrested on February 17 and sent to judicial custody on the same day, as per a press statement by Police Commissionerate, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack.

“Investigation of the case is continuing, including the seizure of the documents and electronic gadgets as evidence. Commissionerate Police is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all the students including Nepali students,” the release said.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage among students, who are now demanding justice and transparency from the college administration.

The protesting students are now demanding an independent student body that can protect their rights and interests. They also expressed their apprehensions about the safety of their fellow students.

“We only want a student body that is independent of the college itself and will protect us. Transparency from the faculty should be given on why such incidents are happening. An international student was treated like this, someday, we too can be treated like this,” said one of the protesting Nepali students.

Meanwhile, Nepali Ambassador to India, Shankar P Sharma, held a telephonic conversation with Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) founder Achyuta Samanta in light of the incident.

The KIIT Founder briefed the Nepali envoy about the actions taken by KIIT, which included issuing a public apology letter from the Vice Chancellor and the subsequent termination of a few staff members.

Before this, Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that his government has taken cognisance of the death of a student from Nepal at a private college in Bhubaneswar, which sparked protests and is pursuing the matter with India through diplomatic channels.

“It has come to our attention through media and social media that a Nepali student has died in the hostel of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Odisha, India, and that Nepali students have been forcibly evicted from the hostel,” Oli said in a statement posted on his Facebook account.

KIIT, Bhubaneshwar on Tuesday said that disciplinary action has been initiated against security staff and officials in connection with the death of an engineering student from Nepal on its campus, and also issued an apology for distress caused by remarks made that were made following the incident.

In a notice, the college said that two senior hostel officials and one senior administrative officer of the International Relations Office (IRO) were suspended, pending a thorough enquiry which is taking place.

In a letter of Apology from the Vice-Chancellor, KIIT-DU which was posted on the college’s X account read, “KIIT has always been a home to students from across the world, fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and care. We deeply regret the recent incident and reaffirm our commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all our students, including our dear Nepali students.

The college further said that it has urged students to return to campus and has also set up a 24/7 control room for assisting students.

On February 17, the college termed the demise of the third-year engineering student, who was found hanging in the girl’s hostel, as “unfortunate” and claimed that the university has taken “all-out efforts to restore normalcy in the campus and hostels to resume the academic activities.

“Further, it said that the police had apprehended the accused and appealed to “Nepali students who have or plan to leave the campus to return and resume the classes.”

Initially, KIIT had issued a notice stating that it was “closed sine die for all international students from Nepal” and directed them to vacate the university campus.

Late on Sunday evening, the college issued a release announcing that it has agreed to allow over 700 Nepali students to return to their hostels and resume their studies.

Father of the deceased girl, Sunil Lamsal, told ANI that he believes his daughter was ‘harassed and emotionally blackmailed.’

“We just know that an investigation is being done. The post-mortem report will come soon. We have the information that she was harassed and emotionally blackmailed, due to which she committed suicide,” the father said. (ANI)

A firing incident took place in Patna’s Kankarbagh locality on Tuesday when four criminals opened fire outside a house around 2 pm.

Following the attack, the assailants took refuge in a nearby house, promoting the Special Task Force (STF) accompanied by Patna Police, to cordon off the building and demanding the criminals to surrender.

Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and other senior officials are present at the site, overseeing the search and containment operation. The STF team is combing the entire area to prevent any escape attempts by the suspects.

Speaking about the incident, SSP Awakash Kumar said, “Four rounds of firing were done… Four people have been detained and taken into custody in the incident… No one was injured in the incident…All the civilians inside the building are safe…We are also trying to find out some of the goons who have absconded…The situation is normal…We are conducting raids at several places to find the other accused…We have not found Dharmendra…”

The motive behind the firing has yet to be ascertained. Meanwhile, a chaotic situation has developed in the locality, with large crowds gathering at the site.

Further details are awaited as the operation unfolds. (ANI)

Ahead of the Champions Trophy, Pakistan’s premier batter Babar Azam received his International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20I Team of the Year for 2024 cap.

Last month, the 31-year-old prolific batter was named in the star-studded ICC T20I Team of the Year 2024 for his blistering run in the format.

On the eve of the Champions Trophy opener between Pakistan and New Zealand, ICC shared a video on Instagram of the former skipper receiving the cap.

“The ICC T20I Team of the Year 2024 cap fits perfectly on Babar Azam,” the ICC captioned the post.

In 2024, Babar continued to shine as Pakistan’s batting anchor, amassing 738 runs in 24 matches, including six half-centuries. Ofter recognised and praised for his consistency and sublime stroke play, Babar played a starring role for the Men in Green last year.

He began 2024 with three consecutive fifties against New Zealand and continued to be the backbone of Pakistan’s top-order. His ability to deliver under pressure reaffirmed his place among the world’s finest cricketers in 2024.

After establishing his dominance in T20Is last year, Babar will look to weave his magic in the ODIs in the Champions Trophy, which begins on Wednesday in Karachi.

During the build-up to the marquee event, Pakistan tried to find its rhythm in the ODI tri-nation series against New Zealand and South Africa. On the home turf, the Blackcaps left the defending champions exposed twice.

Pakistan lost the opener and then lost the final against the Kiwis. Along with Pakistan, Babar fell flat in his attempt to find consistency. In three matches, he mustered up a mere 62 runs at an underwhelming average of 20.67. The Men in Green would hope that their star batter returns to form in their title defence.

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi. (ANI)