In a move to provide safe transport to women and girl students, the police here have set up three ‘She Auto’ stands, the first of its kind in the state, on Friday.
Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, MLA, along with city Mayor Dr R Sireesha and Urban Superintendent of Police Venkata Appala Naidu inaugurated the dedicated auto stands at the RTC Bus Stand, Mahila University and Ruia Hospital.
The MLA appreciated SP Naidu for focusing on the safety of women auto-rickshaw drivers. The SP said the aim behind the She Auto stands was to provide safe transportation to women.
Naidu has set up special stands for women auto drivers in different parts of the city, giving priority to women. “Tirupati is the first state in the state to set up special auto stands for women like this. Proved that women have a special place in society by setting up auto stand by setting up auto stand in RTC bus stand in Tirupati, Women’s University and Rua Hospital. Earlier, women auto drivers use to keep their vehicles with men at other auto stands,” the MLA said.
The SP said that it is a well-known fact that women drivers have an apex level of driving skills. “Accidents involving women-driven autos are very rare,” the police official added. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took to Twitter and extended wishes for the sacred month of Ramzan.
PM Modi tweeted, “Greetings on the commencement of Ramzan.” The message further said, “May this holy month inspire people to serve the poor. May it also further enhance the spirit of peace, harmony and compassion in our society.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also tweeted, “Ramzan Mubarak! May this pious month bring good health, peace and prosperity to all.”
Ramzan ‘Chand’ (moon) has been spotted on Saturday, and the first ‘Roza’ will be observed on Sunday.
This annual observance of Ramzan is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam. It lasts between one sighting of the crescent moon and the next. (ANI)
Sri Lanka imposed a nationwide curfew starting at 6 pm in the evening today till the morning 6 am on Monday (April 4) following unrest in the country with protests outside the residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa amid the ongoing economic crisis in the Island country.
“Under the powers given to the president curfew has been imposed countrywide from 6 pm on Saturday to 6 am on Monday,” the government’s information department said in a statement. Earlier on Friday evening, President Rajapaksa had issued an Extraordinary Gazette declaring a state of public emergency in Sri Lanka with immediate effect.
“In order to ensure public security and maintenance of public order and to continue with supplies and services essential to the life of the people, according to the powers vested in the President under Section 2 of the Public Security Ordinance, a state of public emergency has been declared right throughout the country with effect from April 01, 2022,” Information Department of the Government of Sri Lanka informed in a statement.
Rajapaksa said the emergency was declared in the interests of public security, protection of public order and the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community.
On Friday evening, Sri Lanka had also imposed a police curfew in the Western Province for six hours amid unrest after protests were held outside Sri Lankan President’s residence over the worsening economic crisis in the island nation.
Several protestors gathered outside the residence of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday as the island nation faces an unprecedented economic crisis.
The protest was staged over the government’s failure to address the existing issues in the island nation. The protesters clashed with the police outside the residence of President Rajapaksa in Mirihana.
After the protest, at least ten people were injured including journalists.
Meanwhile, fifteen individuals arrested over the protest held in Mirihana were ordered to be released on bail after being produced before Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court, Daily Mirror reported.
It further reported that each of them was ordered to be released on a surety bail by Magistrate Prasanna Alwis.
Sri Lanka’s economy has been in a free fall since the COVID-19 pandemic due to the crash of the tourism sector.
Sri Lanka is presently facing a foreign exchange shortage which has led to a food, fuel, power and gas shortage and has sought the assistance of friendly countries for economic assistance.
Sri Lanka is witnessing at least 10-hour daily power cuts. Sri Lanka’s currency has been also devalued by almost SLR 90 against the US dollar since March 8. (ANI)
With several reports citing the emergence of a new mutant of the novel Coronavirus known as XE which is more transmissible than the BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron, the Tata Institute for Genetics and Society has urged citizens of the country not to panic and closely monitor the development of the variant. Speaking exclusively to ANI today, Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS) Director Rakesh Mishra said, “The new mutant XE emerged for the first time in mid-January, but I believe that there is no need to push a ‘panic button’. So far, only 600 cases have been reported across the world. But we need to keep a close watch on it.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s latest report, the new mutant called XE may be more transmissible than any strain of COVID-19 reported so far.
He further said that there is no indication that it can cause a wave of COVID-19. “No indication is present at the moment highlighting that this new variant is so strong that it can cause a wave. We need to wait for some more time to make comments on how transmissible it can be,” he said.
Dr Mishra also stressed that it is important to take all safety measures to curb the spread of the virus.
“It is unfortunate that a certain section of the society seems to be eager to declare that the pandemic is over. People should take care by using masks, administering vaccines as per rules and boosters wherever allowed and avoiding unnecessary clustering in crowded spaces, especially in close spaces. Act civil by wearing masks.”
Meanwhile, India today reported 1,260 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of Coronavirus infections to 4,30,27,035. India also recorded 83 COVID-related deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the Health Ministry.
Today morning, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage exceeded 184.52 crore (1,84,52,44,856) as per provisional reports till 7 am today. COVID-19 vaccination for the age group 12-14 years was started on March 16, 2022. So far, more than 1.81 crore (1,81,21,823) adolescents have been administered with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. (ANI)
Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba hailed his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi’s leadership, saying Kathmandu has seen his visionary and effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic while also receiving the first vaccine aid as well as medicines, equipment and logistics.
The two Prime Ministers jointly launched multiple projects which are likely to boost connectivity between the two countries while they expressed hope that the key initiatives being taken by them would take India-Nepal relations to new heights.
“I admire the progress that India is making under the visionary leadership of PM Modi. We’ve seen India’s effective management in battling COVID-19 and Nepal received the first vaccine aid from India as well as medicines, medical equipment and logistics to combat the virus,” he said.
He further said that both the countries had friendly talks and fruitful discussions on various aspects of India-Nepal relations.
“We had friendly talks and fruitful discussions on various aspects of India-Nepal relations. We shared our perspectives on further strengthening our friendly ties,” he said at Hyderabad House.
Both PMs first inaugurated a 35-km long cross-border rail link from Jayanagar in Bihar to Kurtha in Nepal and also a passenger train service built under India’s Grant Assistance in a joint address at Hyderabad House. Deuba is on a three-day India visit.
“PM Deuba and I also agreed to give priority to trade and cross-border connectivity initiatives in all respects. The beginning of the Jayanagar-Kurtha rail line is part of this initiative. Such schemes will make a great contribution to the smooth, hassle-free exchange of people between the two countries,” said PM Modi.
They also jointly inaugurated “Solu Corridor 132 KV Power Transmission Line and Substation” in Nepal built under the Government of India’s Line of Credit.
“PM Deuba is an old friend of India. As the PM, this is his fifth visit to India. He has played an important role in shaping India-Nepal relations. The friendship between India and Nepal, relations between our people is an example that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world. Our civilization, culture, and the threads of our exchange have been linked since ancient times. We have been companions of each other’s happiness and sorrow since time immemorial,” said PM Modi.
Both leaders also jointly launched RuPay in Nepal.
Talking about the “Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP)” to be developed in Mahakali River bordering Nepal and India, PM Modi said, “Our joint vision statement on power cooperation will prove to be a blueprint for future cooperation. We emphasized the importance of moving ahead at a fast pace in the Pancheshwar project. This project will prove to be a game-changer for the development of this region.”
He also stated that the two countries discussed various aspects of cooperation, besides reviewing the progress of projects and also discussed the blueprint of the future. Both of us agree that we must reap the benefits of the opportunities for cooperation in the power sector, he added.
PM Modi further reiterated India’s firm support in Nepal’s journey of peace, prosperity and development. (ANI)
The Bharatiya Janata Party Tamil Nadu unit president and K Annamalai has been given Y security in the wake of heightened threat perception by the Ministry of Home Affairs while he is aggressively seen working to raise the footprint of the party in the state.
The “Singham” fame former IPS officer is allegedly facing threats from Maoists and religious extremists.
The Union Home Ministry on Saturday ordered the ‘Y’ security by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for Annamalai. The move has come on the back of three petrol bombs having been hurled at the party’s headquarters in Chennai in February this year.
“The CRPF is requested to provide ‘Y’ category security cover to K Annamalai in Tamil Nadu, over and above the security cover provided to him by the State Police, till further review, under intimation to this ministry,” an official statement read.
As many as three petrol bombs were hurled at the Tamil Nadu BJP headquarters ‘Kamalalayam’ at T Nagar in Chennai in February this year. Annamalai had demanded that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) should probe the incidents of throwing bombs, besides alleging a larger conspiracy.
The BJP leader Karate Thiagarajan had blamed the Tamil Nadu government for the alleged bomb attack at the state party office.
Annamalai, the policeman-turned-politician took charge of the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit in July 2021. A former IPS officer from Karnataka cadre, he joined the BJP in August 2020 after quitting civil services.
Notable, Annamalai was also given ‘Y’ security last year following the threats to his life by religious extremists when he was serving as the vice-president of the Tamil Nadu BJP unit.
He also earned praises from the BJP top brass after taking the party to a credible performance in this year’s civic polls. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) swept the Tamil Nadu civic polls in February 2022. However, the BJP managed to increase its vote share in the state and bagged an important seat in Chennai Corporation. (ANI)
Five-time World Chess Champion Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand is delighted as India secured the bid to host FIDE Chess Olympiad 2022 in Chennai earlier this year and credits the All India Chess Federation for making it happen in his hometown.
“I am delighted it is, first of all, happening in India and secondly it is happening in my hometown. So, that’s just great news so full credit to the Tamil Nadu government and AICF for moving so fast. I mean the Tamil Nadu government gave all the guarantees in just a few days and was able to happen, ” said Viswanathan Anand while speaking to ANI.
The prestigious competition, which has been organized since 1927, will be held in India for the first time and in Asia after 30 years. The FIDE Chess Olympiad 2022 will take place from 28 July 2022 to 14 August 2022 in Chennai. Over 2000 participants will battle it out for the top prize in the competition.
“It is a historic event. I am sure that the teams here with the help of the FIDE team will be able to organize the best ever Chess Olympiad here in India. We have never hosted a Chess Olympiad in Asia. It is a rare event but India is a country that produces more grandmasters than any other country and it deserves to host the Olympiad. So, they are looking to the big festival with all teams coming, competing and promoting chess,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich to ANI.
The Indian Chess legend Viswanathan Anand is also happy to see the progress of young Indian chess players like R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh and he is also working with them to guide them in the right direction.
“They are all very gifted, very talented but still I want to see them break to the next level. I am working with many of them and trying to push them in the right direction but I am very excited with their progress, ” said Viswanathan Anand.
Praggnanandhaa had recently created history by beating the world number one chess champion, Magnus Carlsen, of Norway in an online chess tournament and for players like him to get guidance from five-time World Chess Champion Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand is going to do his game and confidence a world of good. (ANI)
Tom Latham on Saturday broke the record of the highest individual ODI score made on a birthday that earlier belonged to legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar.
New Zealand on Saturday defeated Netherlands by 118 runs as the hosts took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series here in Hamilton. Tom Latham was the architect of the victory. New Zealand were in dire straits against the sprightly opponents, reduced to 89/6 within 23 overs.
However, Latham played the ultimate captain’s knock, his 123-ball 140* reviving the hosts and eventually taking them to a mammoth 264/9. His knock – it was his career-best score in ODI cricket – was laced with 10 fours and five sixes. It was his birthday, and he couldn’t have rung in his thirties any better.
With the unbeaten 140 on April 2, Tom Latham broke the 24-year-old record of Sachin Tendulkar of the highest ODI score made on a birthday. Tendulkar played an innings of 134 runs on his birthday in 1998.
Another Kiwi batter Ross Taylor is at number three in the list of players who have scored a big ODI score on their birthday, he made 131 runs in the year 2011.
Sanath Jayasuriya is at number four after hitting 130 runs in the year 2008 while Vinod Kambli scored 100 runs on his birthday in 1993. (ANI)
Jashan Gill, a Punjab voter who defied family loyalties to pick AAP over Akali Dal and Congress, says the party stands at a juncture from where it can make or break its future
In 2014 General Election, it was for the first time that I voted for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Punjab has been enthusiastic about the party since its inception. And this was the reason, four AAP candidates were elected to the Lok Sabha on their debut contest from the state.
In the assembly election of 2017, the AAP emerged as the main opposition with 20 seats. And now, in 2022, eight years since its journey began in Punjab, the party has been able to form government in the state with a clear mandate. Punjab’s voters found them as a viable alternative to the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal.
This change was impending for long. Both the SAD and the Congress had been unable to fulfil the expectations of the people of Punjab. The border regions of the state have been infested with drugs menace and there is widespread belief that the SAD has a vested interest in it. During their rule, the corruption in the state also reached at its zenith.
Punjabis therefore rooted out the Badal government in 2017 in favour of the Congress. But the Congress didn’t fulfil its promises either. Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh became too complacent after the win and forgot about his poll promises of development.
The situation at the party further deteriorated when inside scuffle broke out in the open, making it a laughing stock. The chaos was too much to bear. Even during election people didn’t know who would be the chief minister of the state if the Congress came to the power.
Gill (left) says Punjab has high expectations from Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal
This clearly turned people’s attention towards the AAP leadership. The party projected Bhagwant Mann as the chief ministerial candidate in the state election and the decision found favour with the voters. For, in the past eight years, since 2014 general election, Mann has done commendable work in his constituency and showed his commitment towards the people. It was no surprise that Punjab gave him a chance to work for the entire state.
We have already started witnessing the change since AAP came to power in the state. The first priority of the party, which was about stopping corruption has already been enforced. The government employees, who would brazenly ask for bribes earlier, are now scared of making such demands from people. They are afraid of stern actions now.
The conditions of hospitals and schools in the state is already showing improvement. You can visit a hospital and feel the change in the atmosphere. We believe that Mann government will also address the issue of drugs soon. Farmers too have a lot of expectations from this new government. They believe that the AAP leadership will find a solution to receding water table and provide minimum support price for all their crops.
If the party successfully fulfils its promise in the state, it will pave a path for the party to emerge as an alternative to the BJP in other states and eventually at the Centre. As an AAP supporter I hope that it emerges as a challenger in states like Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana where elections are likely to happen late this year.
AAP is standing at a crucial juncture in Punjab from where it can write its own future. Punjabis have put their faith in AAP and if they fail to keep their promises, the people will never forgive them. It will be uprooted from the state once and for all. The people of Punjab have voted for development and they will not settle for anything except development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba met and held delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Saturday.
“Wide-ranging talks on our multifaceted partnership are on the agenda,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
This is Prime Minister Deuba’s first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office for the fifth time in July last year.
Deuba, who is accompanied by a high level delegation. is visiting India at the invitation of PM Modi.
Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi informed that the wide-ranging talks between India and Nepal’s multifaceted partnership are on the agenda during the meeting.
“Working together to take India-Nepal relations to newer heights. The meeting between PM @narendramodi and PM @SherBDeuba of Nepal gets underway. Wide-ranging talks on our multifaceted partnership are on the agenda,” Bagchi tweeted.
Earlier in the day, the Nepal PM paid respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi.
Yesterday, Nepal Prime Minister met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla in the national captial.
Earlier, he met Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) President JP Nadda at the party headquarters in a courtesy meeting.
“Had a courtesy meeting with Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba today. India and Nepal are not just neighbours but are very close to each other even from religious, cultural, linguistic and historic viewpoints,” Nadda said in a tweet.
The last Head of State/Head of Government-level visit from Nepal was in May 2019, when then PM K P Oli visited India for the swearing-in ceremony of PM Narendra Modi and the Union Council of Ministers. Before that PM Modi had visited Nepal in August 2018 for the 4th BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu, which was preceded by a State Visit to Nepal in May 2018.
PM Modi had extended a congratulatory message to Sher Bahadur Deuba soon after he won the Vote of Confidence in Nepal’s Parliament. This was followed by a congratulatory telephonic conversation on 19 July 2021. The most recent meeting between PM Modi and Sher Bahadur Deuba took place on November 2, 2021, on the sidelines of COP 26 in Glasgow.
Sher Bahadur Deuba is a veteran politician of the Nepali Congress with a political career spanning over seven decades. This is Deuba’s fifth tenure as PM. His first term was from September 1995 to March 1997.
He has visited India several times, both when in and out of power. This will be his fifth visit to India as PM, with the last visit being in August 2018. The previous three visits took place in 2004, 2002 and 1996. (ANI)
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