India

India Is World's Largest Democracy, An Important Strategic Partner: US

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India Is World's Largest Democracy, An Important Strategic Partner: US

The Biden administration asserted that India was an important strategic partner of the US.

The Biden administration asserted that India was an important strategic partner of the US and added that the status of the relationship is expected to remain unchanged.

US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller was responding to a question at a press conference on Monday on the US-India relationship in the context of some articles and opinion pieces critical of the Indian government published ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in India.

To a question on alleged “concerns about democratic backsliding in India” and the recent statements by the State Department regarding the alleged “crackdown on opposition”, Miller said, “India is the world’s largest democracy. It is an important strategic partner of the United States and I expect that to remain true.” US officials in the recent past have called India a “very important partner” and that the relationship between the two countries continues to grow.

However, after the historic Official State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House last year, there has been some unease in the bilateral relationship, particularly on the issue of the Sikh separatist movement in the US and the unusual statement by the State Department on the issue of the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

India had strongly objected to such a comment from the State Department.

India

Knife Attack At Sydney Church A Terror Incident: Australia Police

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Knife Attack At Sydney Church A Terror Incident: Australia Police

Police arrested a male teenager at the scene on Monday after the incident.

Sydney:

A knife attack during a service at an Assyrian church in Sydney was a terrorist act motivated by suspected religious extremism, Australian police said on Tuesday.

At least four people were wounded in the attack, including Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel of the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church, during a service live streamed at the western Sydney suburb of Wakeley on Monday.

The incident triggered clashes between angry crowds and police outside the church.

Police arrested a male teenager at the scene on Monday and were forced to hold him at the church for his own safety after a crowd gathered outside and demanded the attacker be brought out.

“We believe there are elements that are satisfied in terms of religious motivated extremism,” New South Wales state Police Commissioner Karen Webb said during a press conference.

The bishop, whose live-streamed sermons attract a global audience, was speaking during an evening service on Monday when a man lunged at him with a knife, according to video footage.

It was the second major stabbing attack in just three days in Australia’s most populous city after six people were killed in a knife attack at a beachside mall in the Bondi area on Saturday.

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

India

Trump Says Has "Real Problem" With Judge In New York Trial

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Trump Says Has 'Real Problem' With Judge In New York Trial

“We’ve got a real problem with this judge,” the former president Donald Trump said.

New York:

Donald Trump said Monday that he has a “real problem” with the judge handling his New York criminal case — and that he should be on the campaign trail instead of in court.

“We’re not going to be given a fair trial,” Trump told reporters outside the Manhattan courtroom after jury selection ended for the day in his “hush money” trial, one of four separate criminal cases he faces.

Trump also criticized Judge Juan Merchan for rejecting his request that he be allowed to attend a Supreme Court hearing next week.

Trump argues that as a former president he should be immune from criminal prosecution, a question the nation’s highest court is to weigh in arguments on April 25.

“The judge of course is not going to allow us to go to that,” Trump said. “He thinks he’s superior, I guess, to the Supreme Court.”

Trump has repeatedly criticized the judge presiding over the trial, and Merchan rejected a request by the former president’s attorneys on Monday that he recuse himself from the case.

“We’ve got a real problem with this judge,” Trump said. “He’s a very conflicted judge.”

Trump denounced the case — brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat — as a “political witch hunt,” and said he should be out campaigning in his 2024 White House bid.

“I’m not in Georgia, or Florida or North Carolina, campaigning like I should be,” the Republican presidential candidate said. “This is about election interference.”

Trump, the first ex-president to face criminal charges, is accused of falsifying business records for allegedly paying hush money to a porn star just days ahead of the 2016 presidential election, to cover up a 2006 sexual encounter.

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

India

"Irrelevant Piece Of Paper": S Jaishankar Mocks Congress Manifesto

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'Irrelevant Piece Of Paper': S Jaishankar Mocks Congress Manifesto

S Jaishankar said that this election is extraordinarily important.

Bengaluru:

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Monday said that there was no need to bother about the election manifesto of the Congress as it will become just a piece of paper with no relevance after the BJP registers victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The Union Minister said this while answering a question about Congress’ claims that “if BJP gets 400 seats, it will change the Constitution”.

EAM Jaishankar said that it was a matter of happiness that the Congress agreed that the BJP would cross 400 seats this time.

“We will put that 400 to use by taking the country forward. When you see Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at above 400 seats, you will see that we are doing more service towards the people of India,” S. Jaishankar said.

“From Jawaharlal Nehru to Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister is the leader of the country. How can you (referring to Rahul Gandhi) say that you won’t accept a leader? Rahul Gandhi disrespected former PM Manmohan Singh during the UPA regime. You think you are bigger than the PM as the party is a family enterprise?” the Union Minister questioned.

Talking about BJP’s hopes in south India in the upcoming elections, EAM Jaishankar stated that his party is “genuinely optimistic”.

“The kind of response PM Modi is getting from the public in Tamil Nadu and Kerala is phenomenal. We have been in a good position in Karnataka, and also got a good hold in Telangana.

“Most importantly, from the southern states, we are seeking votes not only on the manifesto but on our 10-year’s track record and achievements. We have delivered food, electricity, water, infrastructure, and education. When you look at our track record, you will strengthen our hands as we have bigger things to do for the nation. People of these states are very much part of all that has happened in 10 years. Every programme that has happened has impacted Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It will have an impact,” EAM Jaishankar said.

He further said: “This election is extraordinarily important. We have 10 years of foundation. We are planning to do something really big in the third term.”

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

India

Byju's Gets Shareholders' Approval For $200 Million Rights Issue

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Byju's Gets Majority Of Shareholders' Approval For $200 Million Rights Issue

The EGM held on March 29 was opposed by a group of investors in the company. (FILE)

New Delhi:

The majority of shareholders of edtech firm Think and Learn, owner of Byju’s brand, have approved the company’s resolution to increase its authorised share capital to absorb USD 200 million raised through the rights issue, a statement said on Monday.

The EGM held on March 29 was opposed by a group of investors in the company.

“The Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on March 29, 2024, has been approved by a majority of 55 per cent of the total votes polled. The voting process, which included both the EGM and a postal ballot that concluded on April 6, 2024, has been duly scrutinised by an independent third party,” the company said in a statement.

The approval of the EGM proposals paves the way for Think and Learn Private Limited, the parent company of Byju’s, to issue fresh shares and conclude the rights issue aimed at tackling the liquidity crunch, including unpaid salaries, regulatory dues and vendor payments, the statement said.

While the rights issue provides Byju’s with the necessary financial resources, the company is currently unable to utilise the proceeds.

“A National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) interim order, on a petition filed by four foreign shareholders, instructed the company to hold the funds received from the rights issue in an escrow account for now. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for April 23,” the statement said.

The group of four investors — Prosus, General Atlantic, Sofina, and Peak XV — along with support from other shareholders, including Tiger and Owl Ventures, had approached the NCLT against the EGM.

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

India

5 Dead, Many Injured After Kolkata-Bound Bus Falls From Bridge In Odisha

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5 Dead, Many Injured After Kolkata-Bound Bus Falls From Bridge In Odisha

Five people, including a woman, died and several others are reported injured after a Kolkata-bound bus fell from a bridge in Odisha’s Jajpur district on Monday evening, police said. 

The accident took place around 9 pm on Barabati bridge on National Highway-16, when the bus with 40 passengers was en route to Kolkata from Puri.

Jajpur’s Superintendent of Police, a team of doctors and other district administration officials are at the accident spot to supervise the rescue operations.

The fire personnel rescued the injured using gas cutters.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condoled the deaths and announced a compensation of Rs 3 lakh each for the families who lost a loved one. 

India

Quiz challenge to test students

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Quizzer Of The Year aims to give an exciting twist to traditional learning and explores the format of infotainment in India.

Published Date – 15 April 2024, 11:15 PM


Quiz challenge to test students


Hyderabad: Sony Liv is streaming Quizzer Of The Year (QOTY), a nationwide quiz challenge for school students in the age group of 9 to 12 featuring noted Indian grand quiz master Sidhdhartha Basu.

Quizzer Of The Year aims to give an exciting twist to traditional learning and explores the format of infotainment in India.

The competition provides students a platform to test their abilities and knowledge against peers from across the country, the press release said.

The zonal rounds of the quiz competition will be hosted by seasoned quiz masters Joy Bhattacharjya and Vembu Shankar. Winning teams will advance to the quarterfinals, semi-finals, and finals to be hosted by Siddhartha Basu.

India

Will BJP's Solo Run Be A Success? What Tamil Nadu Leaders Said

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Will BJP's Solo Run Be A Success? What Tamil Nadu Leaders Said

Battleground Tamil Nadu: Leaders and analysts discuss the Lok Sabha elections

New Delhi:

Can the BJP make inroads in Tamil Nadu this Lok Sabha elections? The BJP is hoping a shift from the ruling DMK and the AIADMK would happen and benefit the party.

“The BJP has a local face and then a national face. The youth vote will be critical,” Tamil Nadu BJP vice president Narayanan Thirupathy told NDTV during a discussion on the Lok Sabha elections.

However, the AIADMK is confident it will be able to rise again. AIADMK spokesperson Apsara Reddy said people in Tamil Nadu are more aware now, and it can be seen from how they are responding to manifestos.

“When it comes to Tamil Nadu, they recognise only the rising sun (DMK) and the two leaves (AIADMK). Somebody like K Annamalai (BJP leader) who is only a hashtag won’t create any impact,” Ms Reddy said.

Political strategist Amitabh Tiwari feels first-time voters in Tamil Nadu may vote for the BJP. “There is a big vote swing in Tamil Nadu. This is the vote the BJP is eyeing. It believes that first-time voters will help it win in Tamil Nadu,” Mr Tiwari told NDTV.

Another political analyst, Manisha Priyam, said Dravidian parties have been able to arm-twist the Centre in doing what they wanted to do. “Politics played here is very pragmatic. There was a time when DMK was against Congress, now it is with the Congress,” Ms Priyam said.

DMK spokesperson Manuraj Sundaram denied allegations of corruption and playing dynastic politics. “… Corruption allegations crop up every election season,” Mr Sundaram said.

Political strategist Amitabh Tiwari said the DMK alliance has more than five parties; AIADMK has four-five.

“And a lot of these are fighting on one or two seats. It is one of the best developed states and the OBC (Other Backward Classes) here is above 60 per cent. The BJP has cracked the OBC code in the rest of the country.”

The bottom line, Mr Thirupathy said, is that the entire country is growing. “Development came because of resources. We are concentrating on infrastructure and no revdi (freebies) culture. We have given an infrastructure budget for development of the entire country,” he said.

India

Salman's Brother Arbaaz Dismisses Claims Firing Outside House Was "Publicity Stunt"

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Salman Khan's Brother Arbaaz Dismisses Claims Firing Outside House Was 'Publicity Stunt' - Read Statement

Image was shared on Instagram. (courtesy: salmanKhan)

New Delhi:

On Sunday morning, assailants fired shots outside superstar Salman Khan’s house in Mumbai’s Bandra. Soon after several media reports claimed that the firing was indeed a publicity stunt. Putting out a clarification, Salman Khan’s brother Arbaaz Khan on Monday released a statement on their family’s behalf. He said that claims pertaining to the incident being a publicity stunt is “not true” and one should not take such views seriously. He wrote, “The recent incident of firing by two unidentified person on a motorcycle at Galaxy apartment the residence of the Salim Khan family is very disturbing and unnerving. Our family has been taken aback by this shocking incident that took place. Unfortunately some people claiming to be close to our family and pretending to be the spokesperson have been making loose statements to the media saying it’s all a publicity stunt and the family remains unaffected which is not true and these views should not be taken seriously.”

Calling out people for spreading false narratives, he further added, “No member of the Salim Khan family has made any statement regarding this incident to the media. At this time the family is helping and cooperating with the police in the investigation of this untoward incident. We have faith in the Mumbai police and we have been assured they will do everything in their capacity to protect and secure our family. Thank you everyone for your love and support.”

Take a look at Arbaaz Khan’s post below: 

ICYDK, gunshots were heard outside Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s Mumbai residence on Sunday morning, police said. At 5 am on Sunday, two unidentified men on a motorcycle fired five rounds in the air outside the Tiger actor’s home in Bandra and sped away from the scene.

India

Congress Releases Lok Sabha Poll Campaign Song, Focuses On 'Nyay'

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Congress Releases Lok Sabha Poll Campaign Song, Focuses On 'Nyay'

File photo

New Delhi:

The Congress on Monday released a campaign song for the Lok Sabha polls, focusing on the theme of “Nyay” for women, youngsters, farmers and labourers as well as on participatory justice.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh and spokesperson Supriya Shrinate released the song with the lyrics “Hum Saath Hain To Haath Ye Halat Badal Dega” at the AICC headquarters here.

The Congress leaders also spoke about the various phases of the party’s campaign, saying it started with the “mere vikas ka do hisaab” slogan and then moved on to “haath badlega halaat”, which is based on five “nyay” (justice) — naari nyay, kisaan nyay, yuva nyay, shramik nyay and hissedaari nyay.

“Our party is distributing our guarantee cards to eight crore households. About 80 per cent of the cards have been distributed in the constituencies that go to polls on April 19,” Ramesh said.

He claimed that the Congress’s “nyay patra” has rattled the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and “forced” Narendra Modi to use language that is unbecoming of a prime minister and use it for injecting a communal atmosphere into the campaign.

Shrinate said, “Our election campaign is based on the five pillars of justice, which the Congress has promised. These pillars of justice have been prepared by talking to the people, keeping in mind their dreams and hopes. We are talking about every issue on which Modiji has cheated people.” 

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