Month: March 2025

Nepal’s former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has accused former King Gyanendra Shah of inciting violence on Friday, which claimed lives of two people. He urged government to take actions against the former monarchy.

Speaking exclusively to ANI, Dahal, who toured the vandalized office of the Socialist front on Saturday morning, called on the government to limit the freedom given to the former King.

“Now it has become crystal clear that Gyanendra Shah is behind all these acts. Gyanendra Shah’s intent is culpable. It was seen in the past as well as seen now. Now is the time that government take a strict action, investigation should be conducted to bring the criminals to justice and Gyanendra Shah now cannot be spared- given absolute freedom, it is unacceptable for the Nepali citizens and the government should

be serious on this issue,” Dahal told ANI.

Further adding, Dahal, also the chairman of the opposition CPN- Maoist Center, also accused government of falling short in preparations for the pro-monarch protest.

“First thing is lack of preparation from the Government and the Police. After reporting the start of attack it took about 45 minutes is paradoxical. It has been accepted by the security bodies on Friday itself have accepted that they hadn’t expected this level of violence but in the heart of the capital, in accessibility of the security at the required time, this kind of vandalism, criminally intended, indiscreet activity needs serious review from the government and should make preparations to avoid similar incidents in future,” Dahal told ANI.

Nepal’s Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak also inspected the violence hit areas on Saturday morning taking stock of the situation. Minister Lekhak denied to make any statement to media about the further actions that the government will be taking further against those involved in arson and vandalism on Friday.

Two people – one protestor and a media person lost their lives on Friday’s violent pro-monarch protest which by the end of the day resulted in imposition of curfew and deployment of the Nepal Army. The violent clash which started the ramming of vehicle breaking a barrage of Police by Durga Prasai, a pro-monarch businessman resulted in arson, stone pelting and firing of the bullets by police as it progressed. The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), a right-wing pro-monarchist, also the fifth largest party in parliament had supported the protest.

Former King Gyanendra Shah also had held interaction with Prasain within this week as the protest plans were announced. Sources say that the government might also indict Shah for his involvement in instigating the violence of Friday.

“My children’s are in state of terror; they’re searching for favorable environment to continue with their studies. They’re timely consoling each other over the call. We are in state of fear; how will we be able to attend the exams and are worried about it,” Nirmala Karki, one of the shopkeeper who operates a shop near the point of clash of Friday told ANI.

Karki further added, “Incidents as such should not be repeated. There should be a peaceful demonstration,

there should be understanding amongst all. These sort of situations aren’t good; things slowly are turning dangerous. It is the public who have to face the consequences, it is the lives of people which has been claimed, property of citizens has been damaged. They’re the one who are in the powerful positions and public aren’t subjected to face the hardships.”

On Friday, the police arrested 17 people including senior vice-chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party Rabindra Mishra, General Secretary Dhawal Sumsher Rana, pro-monarchy activists like Swagat Nepal, Shepherd Limbu and Santosh Tamang as well some other leaders for instigating violence during Friday’s pro-monarchy demonstrations that led to deaths, vandalism of private properties and arson.

The police has also kept the chief coordinator of pro-royalist movement, Nawaraj Subedi, under house arrest. Meanwhile, security agencies have continued search for Durga Prasai, the ‘chief commander’ of the ongoing royalist movement.

A total of 51 people, including above-mentioned leaders and protestors, have been arrested on Friday, according to the home ministry. The government also decided to take all necessary steps to curb possible demonstrations and protests by pro-monarchy and pro-Hindu parties, a minister said.

Demanding the restoration of monarchy and a Hindu state, several pro-monarchy and Hindu groups have come together for Kathmandu-centric protests. On March 9, they welcomed former king Gyanendra Shah upon his return from Pokhara.

Besides the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, several pro-Hindu and pro-monarchy groups and organisations have formed an alliance led by Subedi, 86. In the 1980s, he served as the chairman of the Rastriya Panchayat, legislative body during the partyless Panchayat system.

Nepal in the year 2006 had abolished centuries old constitutional monarchy after then-King Gyanendra seized power and imposed emergency sending all the leaders under house arrest. The movement also referred as “People’s Movement II” witnessed a bloodshed with dozens killed in crackdown against protestors by the government.

After weeks of violent protest and increasing international pressure, Gyanendra gave up and reinstated the dissolved parliament, the dawn of new democracy is highlighted as Lokantantra (People’s Rule).

Formed in the 1990’s after lift of ban in formation of political parties by then monarchial system, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) since then serves as the force always supporting the Kingship. It also has been taking part in periodic elections and presenting its demands forth.

In the year 2008 right after the overthrow of monarchy rule from Nepal, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) had secured 8 seats in then Constituent Assembly out of the 575 seated strong parliament. In the 2013 election it was able to secure 13 seats while in the year 2017 it fell down to 1 seat while it bounced back in the election of 2022 with 14 seats.

Since its inception, the party has been supporting Hindu State and the Kingship as interdependent in the tiny nation buffered between two giants India and China. The Himalayan Nation of Nepal has a population of 30.55 million has a Hindu population of 81.19 per cent as per the census of 2022. (ANI)

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra inaugurated and launched the scholarship distribution for higher education for Wayanad Landslide survivors on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, Priyanka Gandhi asserted that when she visited Wayanad after the landslide, and saw the devastation, pain, and suffering the people went through.

“We saw it from outside, but it was you who lost their houses, loved ones, schools and many things. We can try to make life easier for you in the future. Everybody across political parties and ideologies, everybody has contributed to try to help and rebuild the life that you lost,” she said.

“It was worrisome to see how many children lost their families and were left more or less on their own. Many students who were studying outside the area lost their entire families. In such circumstances, we are all very concerned about how they will be able to continue their education,” Priyanka Gandhi said.

The Wayanad MP further mentioned that the United Democratic Front (UDF) took a decision that they will try their best to see that all of the affected students can complete their education.

“I am proud to say that a dedicated office has been established focused on education rehabilitation. I am very happy to know that 121 students from Wayanad are currently studying in Kanyakumari. I am happy to congratulate the Malabar Gold Foundation for distributing Rs 62 lakhs until now and for their proposal to fund college fees to the tune of Rs 2 crore till students finish their education,” Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said.

“We are all here to support you and help you rebuild your lives and build a better future for yourself,” she added.

Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi also met with a group of elected representatives, leaders and delegations in Wayanad. The Congress General Secretary listened to their problems and discussed various issues.

On July 30, 2024, the state of Kerala was hit with a landslide, the deadliest one in the state, killing more than 300 people and destroying scores of houses and other buildings. (ANI)

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut demanded special protection for satirist Kunal Kamra on Saturday, after three more cases were filed against him at Khar police station for his alleged controversial remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Sanjay Raut said that just like Bharatiya Janata Party MP Kangana Ranaut was given protection following her “rift” with Shiv Sena, Kamra should be provided the same.

“I also demand that the Maharashtra Govt should provide special protection to Kunal Kamra. Kangana Ranaut was also provided special force for her security when she had a rift with us,” Raut said during a press conference.

Meanwhile, 3 more complaints have been filed against the stand-up artist. One of the complaints against Kunal Kamra has been filed by the Mayor of Jalgaon city, while the other two complaints came from a hotelier and a businessman from Nashik, as per the Mumbai Police.

On March 27, the Mumbai police asked the comedian to appear on March 31 at Khar police station for further questioning in the case. This is the third summon issued to Kamra in the case filed by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel at the Khar police station. He has failed to appear before the police in the first two summons.

On Friday, the Madras High Court granted interim anticipatory bail to Kunal Kamra in connection with multiple FIRs lodged against him. Justice Sunder Mohan ordered interim anticipatory bail until April 7 with conditions.

Kunal Kamra had approached the Madras High Court to seek transit anticipatory bail, claiming he has been receiving many threats following his recent satirical comments.

Earlier on Thursday, Kunal Kamra criticised the mainstream media, accusing it of serving as a mouthpiece for the ruling party. Kamra labelled the media as “vultures” and expressed his disdain for the media’s role in perpetuating misinformation and distracting from pressing issues.

Kamra had sparked a row with his “gaddar” (traitor) joke allegedly aimed at Eknath Shinde. Several political leaders condemned his remarks and demanded action against him. (ANI)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday stated that Indian Navy Ships INS Satpura and INS Savitri have headed to Yangon port in Myanmar carrying aid under Operation Brahma.

The ships are carrying 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid for earthquake-hit Myanmar.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Operation Brahma Indian Navy ships INS Satpura & INS Savitri are carrying 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid and headed for the port of Yangon.”

Meanwhile, an aftershock of magnitude 4.7 on Richter Scale jolted the region, as per the National Center for Seismology.

“EQ of M: 4.7, On: 29/03/2025 14:50:55 IST, Lat: 19.94 N, Long: 95.96 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Myanmar,” NCS said in a post on X.

At least 1,000 people are dead after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay in Myanmar and rocked neighboring Thailand. The quake was the largest to hit Myanmar in more than a century. The US Geological Survey estimated that the death toll could top 10,000, CNN reported.

The quake triggered the collapse of buildings hundreds of miles away. At least 10 people have died in the Thai capital, with authorities racing to free more than 100 others believed to be trapped under the rubble of an under-construction high-rise.

The Thai king, Maha Vajiralongkorn, along with the country’s queen and prince, expressed their “deep sorrow and condolences” to the families of those killed in the quake. The royal family announced that they have instructed for all earthquake victims from across the country to be admitted as patients under their “royal patronage” in a statement on Saturday, as per CNN.

The death toll from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar has jumped to 694, and 1670 people have been injured, the country’s military junta said on Saturday, CNN reported. The figures were only for the Mandalay region in the center of the country, and near the epicenter of the earthquake. (ANI)

Three separate cases have been filed against Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra at Khar police station over his alleged controversial remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

One of the complaints was filed by the Mayor of Jalgaon city, while the other two complaints came from a hotelier and a businessman from Nashik, as per the Mumbai Police.

Khar police have called Kamra twice for questioning, but he has not yet appeared for the investigation.

Earlier, the Madras High Court on Friday granted interim anticipatory bail to Kunal Kamra in connection with multiple FIRs lodged against him. Justice Sunder Mohan ordered interim anticipatory bail until April 7 with conditions.

Kunal Kamra had approached the Madras High Court to seek transit anticipatory bail, claiming he has been receiving many threats following his recent satirical comments.

On March 27, the Mumbai police asked the comedian to appear on March 31 at Khar police station for further questioning in the case. This is the third summon issued to Kamra in the case filed by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel at the Khar police station. He has failed to appear before the police in the first two summons.

Earlier on Thursday, Kunal Kamra criticised the mainstream media, accusing it of serving as a mouthpiece for the ruling party.

Kamra labeled the media as “vultures” and expressed his disdain for the media’s role in perpetuating misinformation and distracting from pressing issues.

“To all those hounding for a quote – “The mainstream media at this point is nothing but a miscommunication arm of the ruling party. They are vultures who report on issues that don’t matter to the people of this country. If they all shut shop from tomorrow till eternity, they will be doing a favour to the country, its people, and their own children,” Kamra posted on X.

Kamra sparked a row with his “gaddar” (traitor) joke allegedly aimed at Eknath Shinde. Several political leaders condemned his remarks during a stand-up show and demanded action against him.

Following the controversy, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena youth group, Yuva Sena, vandalised the Habitat comedy venue where the show was filmed. The comedian, who has had several run-ins with the BJP-led Centre, has refused to apologise for his remark against Shinde. However, he has said that he would cooperate with the police.

“An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do. Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes, because you didn’t like the butter chicken you were served”, Kunal Kamra’s statement read.

Kunal Kamra also replied to political leaders ‘threatening’ him to teach a lesson in his official statement. Kamra stated that the ‘inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change’ the nature of his right. He added that it is not against the law as far as his knowledge.

“Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not only to be used to fawn over the powerful and rich even though today’s media would have us believe otherwise. Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right. As far as I know, it is not against the law to poke fun at our leaders and the circus that is our political system”, Kunal Kamra’s statement added. (ANI)

Security forces have neutralised 16 Naxalites in an ongoing encounter in the Kerlapal area of Sukma district in Chhattisgarh on Saturday, said an official.

Bastar Inspector General (IG) of Police, Sundarraj P, said that 16 Naxals were killed and two jawans sustained minor injuries during the encounter.

The exchange of fire began following a joint anti-Naxal operation launched by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Friday.

According to officials, the operation was initiated based on specific intelligence regarding the presence of Naxals in the Kerlapal area under Sukma police station limits.

The joint team moved out for the search mission on March 28, and intermittent firing has continued since early morning on Saturday (March 29).

Security forces are currently conducting an intensive search of the encounter site and surrounding forested terrain.

Sukma is one of the worst-affected districts in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, which has seen several Naxal attacks in the past.

Earlier on Friday, a jawan was injured and hospitalised after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Naxalites went off in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district.

Bastar Inspector General said, “One jawan injured during an IED blast planted by Maoists towards Bedmakoti. The injured soldier is being given first aid at the District Hospital in Narayanapur.”After initial treatment, the IG said that the condition of the injured soldier became stable.

Earlier on March 22, Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed Parliament that by March 31, 2026, Naxalism will be eradicated from the country. The Union Home Minister stated that between 2004 and 2014, there were 16,463 violent incidents, but in the last ten years, this number has decreased by 53%.

He mentioned that from 2004 to 2014, 1,851 security personnel were martyred, but in the past ten years, the number of security personnel killed dropped to 509, a reduction of 73%. The number of civilian deaths decreased from 4,766 to 1,495, which is a 70% reduction. The Union Home Minister stated that from 2014 to 2024, 11,503 kilometers of highways were constructed in Naxal-affected areas.

Additionally, 20,000 kilometers of rural roads were built. In the first phase, 2,343 mobile towers were installed, and in the second phase, 2,545 towers were set up. The work of installing 4,000 mobile towers is still ongoing. Shah mentioned that the entire Naxal-affected region will be equipped with mobile connectivity by December 1st. (ANI)

India has launched ‘Operation Brahma’ to support earthquake-impacted Myanmar. Indian Air Force C-130 J aircraft carrying approximately 15 tonnes of relief material, including tents, blankets, sleeping bags, food packets, hygiene kits, generators, and essential medicines, landed in Yangon on Saturday.

In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, “Operation Brahma – India acts as a First Responder to assist the people of Myanmar affected by yesterday’s massive earthquake. Our first tranche of 15 tonnes of relief material, including tents, blankets, sleeping bags, food packets, hygiene kits, generators, and essential medicines, has landed in Yangon.

According to the MEA, aircraft carrying relief material landed in Yangon and relief material is being handed over to the Myanmar side.

Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India had dispatched the first tranche of urgent humanitarian aid for the people of Myanmar on Saturday after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar and rocked neighbouring Thailand. A search and rescue team, as well as a medical team, is accompanying this flight. Jaishankar stated that India will continue to monitor the developments and more aid will follow.

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, “India dispatches first tranche of urgent humanitarian aid for the people of Myanmar. @IAF_MCC C-130 is carrying blankets, tarpaulin, hygiene kits, sleeping bags, solar lamps, food packets and kitchen set. A search & rescue team and medical team is also accompanying this flight. We will continue to monitor the developments and more aid will follow.”

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Myanmar stated that it is coordinating the speedy delivery of assistance and relief supplies from India with the Myanmar authorities.

“Following yday’s devastating earthquake, we are coordinating speedy delivery of assistance & relief supplies from India with Myanmar authorities. We are also in constant touch with Indian community. Reiterate our emergency number for needy Indian nationals:+95-95419602,” Indian Embassy in Myanmar posted on X.

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand and expressed readiness to offer all possible assistance.

“Concerned by the situation in the wake of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and well-being of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch with the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand,” he posted on the social media platform X.

An earthquake of magnitude 7.7 struck Myanmar on Friday, killing scores of people and prompting the country’s military junta to ask for international assistance, CNN reported.

The death toll from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar has jumped to 694, and 1670 people have been injured, the country’s military junta said on Saturday, CNN reported. The figures were only for the Mandalay region in the center of the country, and near the epicenter of the earthquake.

Myanmar’s military junta said 68 people were missing in the Mandalay region. The death toll from the earthquake that struck central Myanmar could exceed 10,000, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimated according to their early modeling on Friday.

The USGS issued a red alert for the estimated fatalities of the earthquake, indicating “high casualties and extensive damage.” Myanmar’s military junta has made a plea for international assistance following the massive earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday.

Tremors were felt through rural villages caught in the middle of Myanmar’s civil war, all the way to the high-rises of Thailand’s capital, Bangkok. Shaking was even felt across the border in China’s Yunnan province, CNN reported.

At least 14 aftershocks have hit Myanmar since the 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday, an interactive map on the USGS website shows. The majority of the tremors that happened over several hours following the major earthquake occurred shortly after midday local time – had a magnitude of between 3 and 5.

The strongest was the tremor of 6.7 magnitude that jolted about 10 minutes after the major quake, CNN reported. Two earthquakes of magnitude – a 4.9 and the 6.7 – occurred about 20 miles from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-biggest city, which sustained substantial damage. Others spread north and south from the main earthquake. (ANI)

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who is known magnetic screen presence, is gearing up for the release of his much-awaited film, ‘Sikandar’. While promoting the movie, Salman opened up about various aspects, including controversies and fan expectations.

While speaking to ANI, Salman was asked if controversies have become a trend with every film release. Responding to this, the actor made it clear that he does not want any controversy surrounding ‘Sikandar’.

“Arey nahin chahiye bhai humko koi controversy. Bohot saare controversies se guzar chuke hain hum. Humko nahin chahiye koi controversy,” the actor said.

“And I don’t think controversies make a film a hit. We’ve seen, in fact, that sometimes a film’s release is delayed due to controversies, for example, from Friday to the next Tuesday,” he added.

“Abhi bhi hain time bhai. 3 4 din nikal jaane do aur picture release ho jaane do uske baad bhi koi controversy chaie nahi,” he further said.

Talking about what fans can expect from Sikandar, Salman assured that the film has much more to offer beyond what is seen in the trailer.

He said, “This is just a 3.5-minute trailer. When you see a 2 hours 25 mins long film, you will understand that this trailer was nothing. We cannot put everything in the trailer. There are a lot of things in the film that you are going to like…For an action film, emotions are very important…”

On being asked about Film Producer and his father Salim Khan attending the trailer launch of ‘Sikandar’, Actor Salman Khan said. “The love and respect he has earned is still intact. When I was leaving from home to attend the trailer launch, he told me he would join me too. Every member of our family looked at Dad and asked what has happened to you? When he came there, he climbed more than 8-10 steps to sit behind. He wanted to see the reaction of the press.”

The film is directed by A.R. Murugadoss, renowned for his Tamil and Hindi blockbusters like Ghajini and Thuppakki. Sajid Nadiadwala has produced the project, marking Salman Khan’s reunion with him after their 2014 blockbuster, Kick.

‘Sikandar’ is set to release on March 30, 2025. (ANI)

The Cabinet Committee on Security on Friday gave its nod for the biggest ever deal to buy 156 Light Combat Helicopters worth over Rs 62,000 crore for the Indian Army and Air Force from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

This would be the biggest order for the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited so far, and the choppers would be built at their plants in Bengaluru and Tumkur in Karnataka.

The 156 choppers would be divided between the Indian Army (90) and the Indian Air Force for operations along the China and Pakistan borders and would be a major step towards creating jobs and expanding the aerospace ecosystem within the country,” defence sources told ANI.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) received the tender for 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) in June last year.

The IAF is the lead agency for this joint procurement, they said.

The LCH, which is also known as the Prachand, is the world’s only attack helicopter that can land and take off at an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), which makes it ideal to operate in the high-altitude areas of the Siachen glacier and Eastern Ladakh.

The Prachand is also capable of firing a range of air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles and can destroy the enemy’s air defence operations.

The government has been emphasising the intention to go for self-reliance in defence manufacturing through Make in India as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The government has placed the biggest order for indigenous defence systems including the 83 Light Combat Aircraft and is in the process of ordering 97 more for which the negotiations have been concluded.

The Cabinet Committee on Security recently cleared the deal for 307 ATAGS howitzers and the deal for it is scheduled to be signed on Wednesday this week. The Rs 7,000 crore deal is divided between two companies, including Bharat Forge and the Tata group. (ANI)