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President Confers Bharat Ratna On LK Advani With Veep, PM In Attendance

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President Confers Bharat Ratna On LK Advani With Veep, PM Modi In Attendance

The family members of LK Advani were also present at the ceremony

New Delhi:

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday conferred Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honour, on Bharatiya Janata Party stalwart and former deputy prime minister LK Advani at his residence here.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and the family members of Mr Advani, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a post on X.

President Murmu presented the Bharat Ratna to Mr Advani at his residence, it said.

Mr Advani, a doyen of Indian politics, has served the nation with unwavering dedication and distinction for over seven decades, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

Born in Karachi in 1927, he migrated to India in 1947 against the backdrop of partition.

With his vision of cultural nationalism, he toiled hard for decades, across the length and breadth of the country, and brought about a transformation in the socio-political landscape, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

“When the Emergency put India’s democracy at risk, the indefatigable crusader in him helped guard it against authoritarian tendencies,” it said in the post on X and shared pictures of the ceremony.

Mr Advani (96) served as the deputy prime minister from June 2002 to May 2004 and as the Union Home Minister from October 1999 to May 2004. He had been BJP president multiple times — from 1986 to 1990, 1993 to 1998 and 2004 to 2005. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Middle East

Pro-Palestinians in US states mark Land Day, protest Gaza war

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Pro-Palestinian protesters take part in a march through New York’s streets marking Land Day on March 30, 2024. (Photo by AFP)

Pro-Palestinian supporters took to the streets of New York City and Seattle on Saturday to mark the 48th anniversary of “Land Day” and protest the Gaza war.

Protesters waved Palestinian flags, wore keffiyehs, and chanted “Free Palestine” and “Gaza”, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. 

Land Day has been commemorated every March 30 since 1976, when six Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces during protests against the seizure of their land.

(Source: Agencies)

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Uorfi tells all about dating ‘MTV Splitsvilla X5’ on ‘MTV Splitsvilla X5’

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In the upcoming episode, contestants will be shocked as Uorfi in her own quirky way introduces the exes in the show.

Published Date – 31 March 2024, 01:13 PM


Uorfi tells all about dating ‘MTV Splitsvilla X5’ on ‘MTV Splitsvilla X5’


Mumbai: Social media personality Uorfi Javed, who plays the role of a mischief maker in youth-based reality show ‘MTV Splitsvilla X5 ExSqueeze Me Please’, has talked about dating ‘narcissistic men’ and toxic relationships in the upcoming episode.

In the upcoming episode, contestants will be shocked as Uorfi in her own quirky way introduces the exes in the show.

Uorfi unveils a quirky challenge, where contestants must burn frames to reveal hidden surprise.

She said: “Mujhe aag lagana bohot pasand hai, it’s my favourite hobby (I like to ignite the fire. That’s my favourite hobby).”

As the flames dance on the frames, shocking images of exes are revealed.

Uorfi then drops the news, announcing, “Welcome to Ex Isle, where you will get front-row seats to see your exes spicing it up in Splitsvilla,” leaving everyone stunned.

Contestant Nayera’s hiccup-filled relationship with her ex-flame Siwet, starting and abruptly ending on another reality show, added an extra kick to the drama.

Uorfi told Nayera: “Girl, we have all been there and dated some narcissistic men.”

Meanwhile, Deekila’s unresolved feelings for her ex Aniket, who cheated on her, adds to the emotional drama. Uorfi comforts her by sharing her own wild adventures and possessive relationships, knowing firsthand the toll it takes on you.

‘MTV Splitsvilla X5: ExSqueeze Me Please’ airs on MTV and on JioCinema.

Middle East

Voting begins in Turkey's high-stakes local elections

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A voter casts his ballot during the Turkish municipal elections, in Istanbul on March 31, 2024. (Photo by AFP)

Turks began voting on Sunday in municipal elections focused on President Tayyip Erdogan’s bid to reclaim control of Istanbul from rival Ekrem Imamoglu, who aims to reassert the opposition as a political force after bitter election defeats last year.

Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu dealt Erdogan and his AK Party the biggest electoral blow of two decades in power with his win in the 2019 vote. The president struck back in 2023 by securing re-election and a parliament majority with his nationalist allies.

Sunday’s results could now reinforce Erdogan’s control of NATO-member Turkey, or signal change in the major emerging economy’s divided political landscape. An Imamoglu win is seen fuelling expectations of him becoming a future national leader.

Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. (0400 GMT) in eastern Turkey and elsewhere at 8 a.m., with more than 61 million people registered to vote. Voting ends at 5 p.m. and initial results are expected by 10 p.m. (1900 GMT).

In Istanbul, a city of 16 million people that drives Turkey’s economy, polls suggest a tight race as Imamoglu faces a challenge from AKP candidate Murat Kurum, a former minister.

While the main prize for Erdogan is Istanbul, he also seeks to win back the capital Ankara.

(Source: Reuters) 

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Sports

Iran crowned champion of 2024 IIHF women's Asia,Oceania Cup

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Team Melli Banovan won the title without conceding a single goal.

The Iranian women had defeated the UAE 16-0, Kyrgyzstan 6-0, and India 10-0 at the Gorodskoi Katok in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

The 2024 IIHF Women’s Asia and Oceania Cup is an international women’s ice hockey tournament run by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

This edition of the tournament took place from March 24 to 30 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

The tournament followed a single round-robin format.

SD/TSN

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Armed Forces vow to safeguard Iran's security, independence

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Iran’s Armed Forces have announced to make their utmost efforts to realize the ideals of the Islamic Revolution and safeguard national security and independence.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran said in a Saturday statement on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Islamic Republic. 

It said the day is one of the most important and detrimental juncture in the history of Iran which manifested the Iranian nation’s resolve to determine its fate and oppose foreign powers’ domination over the country. 

The powerful and democratic Islamic establishment places its emphasis on political independence and freedom and has turned into a model for all the freedom-seeking nations across the world, it added. 

The statement emphasized that despite the enemies’ continuous conspiracies, the ideals and policy of the Islamic Republic are beyond the geographical borders given its anti-tyranny and anti-arrogance nature, religious democracy and support for the oppressed around the world.

It said the Islamic Republic raised the hopes of all nations who seek to get rid of the arrogant system and foreigners, especially the US, Britain and some European countries, and to determine their destinies.

Anti-imperialism uprisings around the world, the formation of the resistance front and its speedy spread, the collapse of the flimsy power of the Great Satan – the United States — and also the revival of anti-Israeli spirit are signs of the expansion of the Islamic Revolution’s culture beyond Iran’s borders, the statement pointed out.

In a landmark two-day referendum held on March 30-31, 1979, some 98.2 percent of eligible Iranians voted “yes” for the establishment of an Islamic Republic in the country.

The vote, which was held less than two months after the victory of the Islamic Revolution, is considered a turning point in the modern history of Iran.

The Islamic Republic was established in line with the popular motto of the 1979 Islamic Revolution that called for “Independence, Freedom and the Islamic Republic” for Iran.

Since then, the nation annually celebrates Farvardin 12 (April 1) on the Iranian calendar as the Islamic Republic Day.

The Islamic Revolution, led by the late Imam Khomeini, culminated in the overthrow of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and put an end to 2,500 years of monarchical rule in Iran.

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How Shaheen Reacted To Babar's 'Unfair' Return As Captain, Report Reveals

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Star batter Babar Azam was on Sunday reappointed as Pakistan’s white-ball captain, two months ahead of the T20 World Cup. Babar replaces fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as the T20 captain. The pacer has been removed after just one series which Pakistan lost 1-4 to New Zealand in January. The decision to reinstate Babar was taken after a unanimous recommendation from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) selection committee.

“Following unanimous recommendation from the PCB’s selection committee, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi has appointed Babar Azam as white-ball (ODI and T20I) captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team,” the PCB said in a media release.

During a recent meeting in Lahore with PCB Chief Naqvi, Babar allegedly sought assurances about his tenure and asked to be appointed captain of the Test side as well.

However, a reliable source within the PCB disclosed that Naqvi clarified the board’s stance, indicating that while Babar would be given a proper run in the white-ball formats a decision on the Test captaincy will be made later.

Shan Masood is currently leading the red ball team.

“Naqvi made it clear to Babar that PCB will decide on the Test captaincy after appointing the red ball foreign coach and Pakistan has no Test commitments until after the World Cup,” the source added.

Babar had stepped down as captain from all three formats after a disappointing outing at the ODI World Cup in India in November last year.

He had relinquished his role after the then PCB Chief Zaka Ashraf told him he would no longer be captain the white-ball formats and would only lead the Test team.

Under Babar’s captaincy, Pakistan reached the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. The latest edition of the marquee event will begin on June 1 in the USA and the West Indies.

The source said the announcement was made after selectors — Muhammad Yousuf, Asad Shafiq, Wahab Riaz, Abdul Razzaq and Bilal Afzal — met with Shaheen in the training camp in Kakul on Saturday evening and informed him that they wanted him to focus on his bowling and felt it was better if a batter leads the white ball teams.

Insiders revealed that Shaheen accepted the change and didn’t protest much but pointed out that it was unfair on him to be judged on just one series.

According to the source, Shaheen’s inability to effectively lead the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League, resulting in their last-place finish, coupled with his own inconsistent performance, were key factors influencing the decision to replace him.

“The PCB Chairman had made it clear to the selectors that they must decide who should be the captain and also said they would be answerable for the performances of the national team in the future,” the source added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Cash-Strapped Pak Bans Red Carpets At Official Events To Cut Costs

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Cash-Strapped Pak Bans Red Carpets At Official Events To Cut Costs

A ban has been imposed on the use of red carpet on Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s directives

Islamabad:

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has banned the use of red carpets at government events, reserving them exclusively for diplomatic receptions, as part of austerity measures to cut down unnecessary expenditures in the cash-strapped nation.

Sharif expressed annoyance over the use of red carpets during the visits of federal ministers and senior authorities at government functions.

According to the Cabinet Division, a ban has been imposed on the use of red carpet on the prime minister’s directives.

According to a notification issued by the Cabinet division, the prime minister has instructed that the red carpet will not be used for federal ministers and government figures at official events in the future. However, it could be used as a protocol only for foreign diplomats, The Express Tribune newspaper reported.

The decision to ban red carpets is more than just a symbolic gesture. It represents a tangible effort to curb unnecessary expenditures and redirect resources to more critical areas of governance.

By eliminating the use of red carpets, the government aims to save funds and promote a more responsible and prudent approach to public finances.

Last week, Prime Minister Sharif and members of the Cabinet decided to voluntarily forego their salaries and perks as part of the government’s efforts to promote austerity.

Last month, the prime minister stated that austerity measures were the government’s top priority.

Earlier, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari decided against taking salary and perks, owing to economic challenges being faced by the country.

Sharif earlier this month took oath as the prime minister for a second time since 2022 amidst staggering economic and security challenges.

Sharif on Tuesday said his government is planning to approach the International Monetary Fund for “another programme”, days after the country struck a staff-level agreement with the global lender regarding the disbursal of the final tranche of USD 1.1 billion. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

India

Home Minister Amit Shah in Rajasthan today to review BJP poll preparations

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He will be reviewing the preparations made by the BJP to win all 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

Published Date – 31 March 2024, 12:00 PM


Home Minister Amit Shah in Rajasthan today to review BJP poll preparations


Jaipur: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be in Rajasthan on a two-day tour from Sunday.

He will be reviewing the preparations made by the BJP to win all 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

The Home Minister will be attending cluster core committee meetings in Jaipur for Churu, Jhunjhunu, Karauli, Dholpur, Dausa and Nagaur Lok Sabha seats. Thereafter he will attend a mega roadshow in Sikar.

On Monday, he will be in Jodhpur to attend another cluster core committee meeting.

The Union Minister will land at the Jaipur airport at 2.15 p.m. on Sunday. From here, he will directly go to a private hotel to attend the cluster meeting after which he will leave for Sikar at 3.05 p.m. At 3.35 pm, he will reach Sikar and at 3.55 pm, he will attend the roadshow and then will leave for Jaipur at 4.55 p.m. From 5.40 p.m. to 9 p.m., he will attend different meetings with social organisation groups, and at 9 p.m. will again attend a core committee meeting in Jaipur.

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"I Had To Dissent": Justice Nagarathna On Demonetisation Judgment

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'I Had To Dissent': Justice Nagarathna On Demonetisation Judgment

Justice Nagarathna spoke on her dissent on the demonetisation case.

New Delhi:

Supreme Court Judge BV Nagarathna has cautioned against instances of governors sitting indefinitely on bills passed by elected legislatures, referring to the case involving the Punjab Governor.

In her keynote address at the inaugural session of the fifth edition of Courts and the Constitution Conference, held at the NALSAR University of Law here on Saturday, Justice Nagarathna spoke about the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly case as another instance of gubernatorial overreach, where the governor lacked sufficient material to declare the floor test.

“This is not a healthy trend under the Constitution to bring the actions or omissions of the Governor of a state for consideration before constitutional courts,” she said.

“I think I must appeal that the office of a governor, though it is called a gubernatorial post, the governor’s post is a serious constitutional post, the governors must discharge their duties under the constitution in accordance with the Constitution so that this kind of litigation before the law courts is reduced,” Justice Nagarathna added.

She said it was quite embarrassing for the governors to be told to do or not to do a thing.

So, a time has come where they would be now told to discharge their duties as per the Constitution, she said.

Justice Nagarthna’s comments came days after a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud expressed “serious concern” over the conduct of Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi for his refusal to reinduct DMK leader K Ponmudi as a minister in the state cabinet.

Justice Nagarathna also spoke on her dissent on the demonetisation case.

She said she had to dissent against the move by the central government as in 2016, when the decision was announced, the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes comprised 86 per cent of the total currency notes in circulation, and 98 per cent of it came back after they were banned.

In October 2016, the Indian government demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 banknotes, purportedly in a blow against the black money.

“I thought it was a way of converting money into white money by this demonetisation because firstly, 86 per cent of the currency was demonetised and 98 per cent of the currency came back and became white money. All the unaccounted money went back to the bank.

“Therefore, I thought it was a good way of getting unaccounted cash accounted. Therefore, this common man’s predicament really stirred me. Therefore, I had to dissent,” the judge said.

The conference heard addresses from judges of the Supreme Courts of Nepal and Pakistan Justices Sapana Pradhan Malla and Syed Mansoor Ali Shah.

Telangana High Court Chief Justice Alok Aradh and NALSAR Chancellor Justice S Ravindra Bhat also spoke at the conference, a press release from NALSAR said. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)