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Biden Says "Working Every Day" For US Journalist's Release From Russia

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Biden Says 'Working Every Day' For US Journalist's Release From Russia

Evan Gershkovich became the first US journalist to be arrested on spying charges in Russia

Washington:

President Joe Biden said on Friday the U.S. will impose costs for Russia’s “appalling attempts” to use Americans as bargaining chips in a statement to mark the one-year anniversary of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich’s arrest in Russia.

Gershkovich, 32, became the first U.S. journalist arrested on spying charges in Russia since the Cold War when he was detained by the Federal Security Service (FSB) on March 29 last year.

“As I have told Evan’s parents, I will never give up hope either. We will continue working every day to secure his release,” Biden said in a statement released by the White House that called the journalist’s detention “wholly unjust and illegal.”

“We will continue to denounce and impose costs for Russia’s appalling attempts to use Americans as bargaining chips,” Biden added.

The Kremlin said on Thursday complete silence was needed when it came to discussions about possible prisoner exchanges involving Gershkovich.

The reporter, the Journal and the U.S. government all deny he is a spy. The FSB, the main successor to the Soviet-era KGB, said Gershkovich had been trying to obtain military secrets.

He has now spent a year at Moscow’s high-security Lefortovo prison, which is closely associated with the FSB, and his detention has been extended to June 30.

Top leaders in the U.S. Congress from both parties including Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson also issued a joint statement on Friday calling the journalist’s arrest baseless and unjust.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Gershkovich’s arrest had made Russia’s already restrictive media landscape “more oppressive.”

In their statements on Friday, Biden and Blinken also condemned the detention of Paul Whelan, an ex-Marine arrested in Moscow in 2018 and sentenced to 16 years in prison on spying charges in 2020. He and the U.S. government deny the charges.

“To Evan, to Paul Whelan, and to all Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad: We are with you. And we will never stop working to bring you home,” Biden said.

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

Hyderabad

Rare Indian art treasures up for auction

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A preview is being held at Kalakriti Art Gallery till April 1

Published Date – 29 March 2024, 10:40 PM


Rare Indian art treasures up for auction


Hyderabad: Indian sculptures from the Solanki period to bronzes from the Pala era to Deccani Mukhalingas will be up for auction on April 16, at Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace. Ahead of the auction, a four-day preview is being held at Kalakriti Art Gallery, in Hyderabad, commencing Friday.

Organised by Mumbai- based Todywalla Auctions, known as the auctioneers of coins and paper money, the sale of classical Indian art features 160 lots. Among these, 60 pieces, encompassing Indian miniature paintings, bronze and stone sculptures, and decorative items, are available for preview at the gallery.

“We’ve chosen to exhibit these pieces exclusively in Hyderabad and Delhi. Hyderabad is very welcoming in terms of art and has many enthusiasts who understand and appreciate art and vintage pieces,” said the curator, Malcolm Todywalla.

“We hope to cater to people who are interested in Indian art and are looking for genuine, well-curated and well-researched pieces,” he added. The collection features sculptures and miniatures sourced from India, spanning from ancient 1,200- year-old stone carvings to 300-year-old bronze depictions of deities, with some obtained from Europe.

Additionally, it comprises ornate silver jugs, tea sets, and centrepieces, as well as polychrome wooden figures and vibrant textiles. The highlights of the auction include a masterful depiction of Diwali by Imperial Mughal artist Muhammad Afzal, painted in the early 18th century, an 11th-century Pala Vishnu Stele, a variety of Indian painting genres such as Pahari and Deccani, as well as artworks from the British colonial era, including iconic illustrations from the ‘Ramayana’ and ‘Shahnama’.

“Many paintings and sculptures in this auction have been imported from various parts of the world. Acquiring these antiquities is akin to preserving a cultural legacy for future generations to cherish as they appreciate their value over time,” said Todywalla. Todywalla Auctions has previously conducted numerous coin auctions in Mumbai and across India over the past two decades. Their current event marks the third auction centred on classical Indian art and antiquities. This extensive collection, highlighting India’s artistic legacy from the 9th and 10th centuries, is available for public viewing at the Kalakriti Art Gallery until April 1.

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"Want To Fill Shortcomings Of Teachers With Technology": PM To Bill Gates

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'Want To Fill Shortcomings Of Teachers With Technology': PM Modi To Bill Gates

PM Modi spoke about how India has democratised technology for the benefit of its citizens

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he wants to bring the best education for children in the country and fill any gaps created by shortcomings of teachers with technology.

In an interaction with philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, PM Modi said that visual content is being developed to cater to children’s interests.

“I want to bring the best education to our children. The shortcomings of teachers, I want to fill with technology. If a child’s interest lies in visuals, in storytelling, we are developing content in that direction. I have conducted some surveys, I have seen, children are really enjoying it,” he said.

In the candid, free-wheeling chat, PM Modi spoke at length on how India has democratised technology for the benefit of its citizens, embracing the power of digital for improving lives, and exuded confidence that the country will take remarkable strides in the fourth industrial revolution, that has digital at its core.

PM Modi also cautioned that a powerful technology like AI in unskilled, untrained hands holds significant risk of misuse, as he advocated the need for clear ‘dos and don’ts’ and use of watermarks on AI-generated content to curb misinformation and deepfake-related harms in the society.

The prime minister said he used to hear about digital divide in the world and had decided that he will not allow this to happen in India.

“When I used to hear about the digital divide in the world, I used to say, I will not let this happen in my country, that there be a digital divide. And digital public infrastructure is itself a big requirement. Today, I want to bring the digital facilities to villages,” he said.

Lauding the “digital government”, Bill Gates said India is not just adapting technology but is actually leading the way and some of the digital systems create efficiency by getting rid of the middlemen, which is super beneficial.

“I sometimes say that I want to run such a government, as far as the middle class is concerned, the government should move out of their life, there shouldn’t be any need for the government in their life. Where there is a poor person, where the government is needed, there the government should be fully there. But where there is no need, without reason the government keeps doing – bring this, bring that, do this, do that. So, that will stop,” PM Modi said in response. 

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

Hyderabad

Bandi urges CM to release Rs 270 crore for Bathukamma saree Bills

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Bandi Sanjay Kumar, the BJP national general secretary and Karimnagar MP, has called upon Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to promptly settle outstanding bills amounting to Rs. 270 crore related to Bathukamma sarees.

Updated On – 29 March 2024, 09:20 PM


Bandi urges CM to release Rs 270 crore for Bathukamma saree Bills

File Photo

Hyderabad: BJP national general secretary and Karimnagar MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar urged Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to immediately clear Rs. 270 crore bills pertaining to the Bathukamma sarees and place fresh bulk orders for weavers to help the textile industry in Sircilla surmount the present crisis.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister on Friday, Bandi Sanjay stated that around 20,000 power loom workers were facing severe financial constraints due to the closure of power looms in Sircilla mainly due to lack of orders and high cost of production.

Sanjay requested the Chief Minister to understand the weavers’ problems and release the bills immediately, along with implementing the “Worker to Owner” scheme keeping in view welfare of the weaver’s community.

Surge in expenditure, lack of remunerative price and marketing facility for polyester have forced the weavers to stop looms, he said, adding that the present and previous governments were responsible for the present situation of Sircilla weavers. “If you send the proposal, I will persuade the Centre to grant this cluster,” he assured.

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NDTV Battleground: Modi Factor vs Congress Guarantees – What Karnataka Wants

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With Lok Sabha elections just about a month away, we decoded Karnataka’s political landscape at ‘NDTV Battleground’. We also discussed the challenges faced by the capital city Bengaluru, including water crisis and inadequate transportation system.

We deciphered state’s politics, growth, seat distribution in upcoming elections, challenges for the current government and the opposition and much more.

Here are the highlights on ‘Battleground Karnataka’:

Get NDTV UpdatesTurn on notifications to receive alerts as this story develops.

Social Media’s Role In Politics
Social media plays critical role in influencing. All politicans are on Instagram, X, says Shraddha Sharma, YourStory Founder, CEO.

BJP’s South Push
The narrative is that the BJP does not have a presence in the south except Karnataka. In Tamil Nadu alone, the PM has made 26 visits between January and now. He has been consistently pursuing the cultural agenda, taking Sengol to the new parliament. Rajinikanth is on his side. He took the Chinese president to Tamil Nadu. The kind of emphasis he has laid, says Sugata Srinivasaraju, senior journalist and author.

“Siddaramaiah’s guarantee is over. MLAs are upset too. And people want Modi’s development. PM Modi has made sure every Indian has a bank account, food on the table, health insurance etc. Deprivation is less. It is there on the ground. Jobs are there, but 80% of jobs pay less than Rs 20,000. South is job surplus. Internal migration has shifted,” says TV Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Arin Capital Partners.

“What’s big today is that we are not in apologetic India. The young are looking at next 10 years. This is new India. Women and young India will vote confidently,” says Shraddha Sharma, YourStory founder, CEO.

On The Opposition Narrative
“The narrative that opposition is trying to build is one about lack of jobs,” says Sugata Srinivasaraju.

However, he also added, “The Congress does not have a cultural narrative or emotional connect. It makes a technocratic point. With BJP, they have Mandir, Modi, etc.”

Changing Demographics And What It Means?
“How young voters vote this time will be the precursor. Now there are more women voters. Now people want ‘Modi ka guarantee’,” says TV Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Arin Capital Partners.

“We embrace diversity. When I speak to Gen Z everyone is concerned about the future of the country. We need to shed this caste, class thing. They are angry about corruption. I hope ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ happens,” says Nooraine Fazal, founding CEO and managing trustee of Inventure Academy.

The ‘Modi Factor’ In Karnataka
“Modi factor is key to BJP victory. They are bringing caste and class together. If you see their campaign, candidates say that you are voting for the PM not us. Congress is focusing on regional narrative,” says Sandeep Shashtri, Director -Academics, NITTE Education Trust and National Coordinator, Lokniti.

Battleground On NDTV: “Politics Of Sub-Caste” In Karnataka
When it comes to Karnataka, there is politics of sub-caste. Why the BJP lost in 2023 is because Lingayats did not support them. There’s a very good reason why BS Yediyurappa was brought back, says Sugata Srinivasaraju, senior journalist and author.

“When it comes to India, Kannadigas want to see who will take India forward. There is cash politics in Karnataka. When it comes to national politics, Karnataka votes differently,” says TV Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Arin Capital Partners.

Does Caste Factor Matter In Karnataka?
Karnataka is a caste-centric state. BJP has now spread almost evenly across the state, says Sugata Srinivasaraju, senior journalist and author.

Decoding How Karnataka Votes
We are not thinking about cash or subsidies. Bengaluru welcomes everybody. Karnataka’s voting is how Indians are looking at the future. It is richest in per capita terms, says TV Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Arin Capital Partners.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Lack of bus shelters hits commuters hard

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Most bus stops in Hyderabad ill-equipped with insufficient space

Published Date – 29 March 2024, 10:20 PM


Hyderabad: Lack of bus shelters hits commuters hard

People waiting for bus under the blazing sun at Ameerpet bus stop in Hyderabad. — Photo: Anand Dharmana

Hyderabad: With daytime temperatures in Hyderabad crossing 40 degrees Celsius, bus shelters across the city offer little to no respite to those waiting for their ride in scorching heat. Forced to sweat it out, the ill-equipped bus shelters are becoming a cause of annoyance for commuters. Boasting around 11 lakh ridership every day, there are nearly a thousand bus stops across the city.

Scores of people spend considerable time waiting for buses with the sun blazing over their heads. “As far as I know, in our city only big junctions like Rathifile or Koti have complex bus stops. Even other stops in Secunderabad have no bus shelters. In rush hours, the existing shelters are nowhere enough to accommodate everyone and we end up standing here and in the buses as well,” says Ravi Kiran, a tailor at a readymade clothes store in Secunderabad.

Most bus stops have a set of three metal rods as seats and a shelter overhead. This does not provide enough shade to shield individuals from direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

Moreover, many say that the seats are not only insufficient at the busy stops but are uncomfortable and torrid throughout the day. “The roof in some shelters has holes. And they are so dirty that even if there is space, I don’t feel like sitting. In summer, it is so difficult and every day I end up sweating,” laments Supriya, a college student who takes a bus from Musheerabad stop. Others also complain of bus shelters being occupied by homeless persons who use them to take a nap. Unfortunately, some minor stops have no shelters at all.

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Zee Reduces Staff By About Half At Bengaluru's Tech And Innovation Centre

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Zee Reduces Staff By About Half At Bengaluru's Tech And Innovation Centre

Zee is locked in legal battles over the failed Sony and cricket deals (Representational)

Bengaluru:

Zee Entertainment on Friday said it has reduced the workforce at its Technology & Innovation Centre in Bengaluru by about half, following recommendations by a company-formed review panel to cut costs. 

The decision was made by the managing director and chief executive officer Punit Goenka, the company said. 

The committee, comprising company chairman R. Gopalan and audit committee chairman Prakash Agarwal, had suggested that Zee should substantially reduce losses in its businesses, including its English-language TV channels, and cut costs in other areas to meet a key profit target, the broadcaster said on Tuesday. 

The committee had also advised halving the costs at Zee’s technology and innovation centre in fiscal 2025, from the 6 billion rupees ($72 million) a year back, the company added. 

Zee, besides being locked in legal battles over the failed Sony and cricket deals, has to also contend with new competition after Disney and Reliance merged their Indian media assets to create an $8.5 billion media behemoth.

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

India

NRI caught at Delhi airport while trying to smuggle ‘wildlife trophy’

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The incident involved Paljit Singh Paul Lalvani, a resident of New York, USA, who was apprehended on March 24 while attempting to transport a suspicious wildlife trophy presumed to be from an antelope/carved species, out of the country.

Published Date – 29 March 2024, 01:11 PM


NRI caught at Delhi airport while trying to smuggle ‘wildlife trophy’


New Delhi: A Non-Resident Indian (NRI), on his way to the United States, was caught at Delhi Airport for allegedly smuggling a ‘wildlife trophy’, a police official said on Friday.

He said that an FIR was registered by Delhi Police on March 26 following the complaint filed by the Department of Forest and Wildlife which detected a serious violation on March 24 at IGI airport.

The wildlife trophy is known as an animal (or its head, skin or any other body part) that the hunter keeps as a souvenir.

The incident involved Paljit Singh Paul Lalvani, a resident of New York, USA, who was apprehended on March 24 while attempting to transport a suspicious wildlife trophy presumed to be from an antelope/carved species, out of the country.

Despite being initially booked under the Customs Act, 1962, Lalvani’s case was later directed to the Wildlife Department by the Duty Magistrate, Patiala House Court, with instructions to register an FIR.

“I am writing to bring to your attention a serious violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which occurred at Indira Gandhi International Airport on March 24. I urge you to kindly register an FIR against Paljit Singh Paul Lalvani, who was supposed to travel to the US by Air India,” reads the complaint filed by Rajesh Tandon, the Deputy Range Officer, West Forest Division, Delhi.

Tandon added that on the scanning of the baggage of Lalvani, a doubtful image was noticed in one of the suitcases.

“The recovered article is presumed to be Antelope/Cerved Species covered under Schedule I and II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The incident took place on March 24 when Lalvani was apprehended by DIAL (Airport Security) while attempting to transport the aforementioned wildlife trophy out of the country,” read the FIR, accessed by IANS.

Lalvani was handed over to the Customs Officials and they booked him under relevant sections of the Customs Act, 1962.

Lalvani was produced before the Duty Magistrate, Patiala House Court and was granted bail under Customs Acts. However, the Duty Magistrate further directed the Custom Officials to hand over the seized article to the Wildlife Department with further direction to intimate the Station House Officer(SHO) IGI police station for registration of FIR.

“This act is a clear violation of several sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, including but not limited to Sections 39, 40, 48A, 49, 49B, and 51. As per Section 39 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, possession and transport of trophies of scheduled species without proper authorisation are strictly prohibited,” read the FIR.

The FIR further stated that under Section 40, any attempt to export such trophies without requisite permits is punishable under the law.

“Given the gravity of the offence and the need to uphold wildlife conservation laws, I implore you to take immediate action by registering an FIR against Lalvani. It is crucial to send a strong message that such unlawful activities will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will be held accountable under the law,” Tandon noted in the complaint.

A senior Delhi Police official said that a case under Sections 39, 49 and 51 of the Wild Animal Protection Act, 1972 has been registered and further probe has been initiated.

Hyderabad

Keshava Rao’s son Viplav Kumar urges him to reconsider Congress move

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Speaking at a media conference at Telangana Bhavan here on Friday, Viplav Kumar rejected notions of political offers motivating his father’s decision.

Published Date – 29 March 2024, 09:43 PM


Keshava Rao’s son Viplav Kumar urges him to reconsider Congress move

Keshava Rao

Hyderabad: BRS leader K Viplav Kumar express disappointment over his father K Keshava Rao‘s decison to join the Congress, urging him to rethink his move. He opined that the decision appears to have been made out of pressure or love for his sister and GHMC Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi who is joining the Congress.

Speaking at a media conference at Telangana Bhavan here on Friday, Viplav Kumar rejected notions of political offers motivating his father’s decision. He reminded that Keshav Rao held numerous positions and had vast experience in politics. He stressed the need for his father’s experience for the BRS, especially during trying times.

He highlighted his sister’s political trajectory within the BRS including election as corporator for two terms in 2016 and 2021, followed by her nomination as the GHMC Mayor. He underscored the party’s contributions to their family. He demanded that all those who were deserting the BRS should resign to all the posts they got from the party, before joining the Congress.

Viplav Kumar slammed Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for poaching leaders from the BRS, in sharp contrast to his assurance to respect people’s verdict. He accused Revanth Reddy of attempting to divide his family for political gains. However, he reaffirmed his commitment to the BRS and dismissed all speculations of him quitting the party.

BRS senior leader Dasoju Sravan expressed anger over senior leaders leaving the BRS after the Congress came to power, dubbing it as opportunistic politics. He criticised them for enjoying various posts and benefits during the BRS regime, but making allegations that they were quitting the party as they were disrespected. He demanded them to resign to the posts that they gained from the party, if there is any self-respect left in them and join the Congress.

BRS leader Manne Govardhan Reddy, Vikarabad Zilla Parishad vice-chairman Baindla Vijay Kumar and others were present.

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Mercury inches towards 2016 extreme in Hyderabad

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According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the year 2016 witnessed a similar onslaught of intense heat in March, making it the hottest in a decade.

Published Date – 29 March 2024, 09:58 PM


Mercury inches towards 2016 extreme in Hyderabad

— PHOTO: ANAND DHARMANA

Hyderabad: The scorching heat gripping Hyderabad has intensified, with temperatures reaching levels reminiscent of 2016’s extreme heat. On Friday, the city recorded an average maximum temperature of 40.2 degrees Celsius, marking a significant escalation in the summer heat.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the year 2016 witnessed a similar onslaught of intense heat in March, making it the hottest in a decade. On March 19, 2016, Hyderabad experienced a searing 41.2 degrees Celsius, just a degree higher than Friday’s recorded temperature.

Localities across the city bore the brunt of relentless heat on Friday. Areas like Kukatpally sizzled at 42.3 degree Celsius, while Maredpally and the Serilingampally sweltered at 41.9 degree Celsius each. Other areas, including Borabanda at 41.8 degree Celsius and Uppal at 41.7 degree Celsius, also grappled with soaring temperatures.

The IMD’s forecast paints a worrisome picture for Hyderabad residents, as the intense heat is predicted to persist for the next five days.

Highest temperatures in city on Friday (degree Celsius):

Kukatpally – 42.3

Marredpally – 41.9

Serilingampally – 41.9

Borabanda – 41.8

Uppal – 41.7

Asifnagar – 41.7

Moula Ali – 41.7

Nacharam – 41.5

Saroornagar – 41.5