Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Archive News of March 21, 2023

Local boys Chinglensana, Suresh look to shine in the Imphal sun

Manipur has probably never been as ready as it is on Tuesday as the Blue Tigers set foot in Manipur for the first time as a single unit. The matches against Myanmar (on March 22) and the Kyrgyz Republic (on March 28) in the Tri-Nation International Football Tournament are on everyone's minds in Imphal, as the Manipur capital gets ready for the upcoming games.

US report raises concerns over human rights violations in Pakistan

The US has raised serious concerns over human rights violations in Pakistan in an annual report. The State Department's 2022 Country Report on Human Rights Practices points out incidents of extrajudicial killings, arrests and enforced disappearances at the hands of government forces in Pakistan.

Mexican economy healthy despite US banking crisis: President

Mexico's economy is "solid" and able to withstand external shocks such as the crisis roiling several banks in the US, said President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. With Mexican banks registering record profits, "the majority of Mexicans are doing well", Lopez Obrador said at a press conference. "There is macroeconomic stability in the country and no crisis is on the horizon".

LaLiga: Five things learned from FC Barcelona's dramatic win in ElClasico

FC Barcelona now boast a 12-point lead at the top of the LaLiga Santander table, thanks to their 2-1 victory against Real Madrid in Sunday's ElClasico. The Catalans came from behind to win what was a thrilling game, packed with end-to-end action. The title is within reach for FC Barcelona

Google suspends Chinese app Pinduoduo after finding malware in versions

Google has suspended the Chinese shopping app Pinduoduo after finding malware in versions of the software. In recent weeks, several Chinese security researchers have accused Pinduoduo, a rising e-commerce giant with nearly 800 million active users, of developing Android apps that contain malware designed to monitor users.C

'Class' actor Chintan Rachchh reveals the epiphany he had on its sets

Actor Chintan Rachchh, who played the role of Faruq in the streaming series 'Class', recently revealed the 'epiphany' that he had on the sets of the show. The actor heaped praise on his director Ashim Ahluwalia and spoke about the most important life lesson that he got from him. He said: "Firstly, I very fondly call him Awesome Ahluwalia and not Ashim. This man is not just the reason behind me being on the show but also the reason behind this version of me that I am today. 

For Himanshi Khurana, not followers but talent and hard work matter

Former 'Bigg Boss 13' contestant Himanshi Khurana said that having a number of followers on social media can never assure good work and for getting opportunities, what matters is talent and hard work. She said: "When I started my career in the industry, I didn't have the same number of followers as I do today but getting work was never an issue and, I don't think followers are more important, the talent and hard work get you good projects."

Mohammad Nazim reveals why he took 7 years for a comeback in Punjabi films

TV actor Mohammad Nazim, who is known for his role in 'Saath Nibhaana Saathiya', is making a comeback in Punjabi films after his debut movie 'Big Daddy'. He spoke about doing Punjabi film 'Rockstar Munda' after a gap of seven years. He said: "After my first film, I was trying to find a good script. I was in talks for a few Punjabi films and web shows but things didn't work out back then. Finally after 7 years I took up this project and I am very excited for this one.

'I am not dead,' says Tollywood actor Kota Srinivasa Rao

Veteran Tollywood actor Kota Srinivasa Rao said on Tuesday that social media has killed him, and has appealed to people not to believe rumours of his death. He released a video to dismiss rumours about him circulating on social media. The 75-year-old said that those spreading rumours should not play with the life of anyone.

Gorakhpur Link expressway to be ready soon

The Gorakhpur Link Expressway will soon be ready for operation, giving a major boost to roadways development in Uttar Pradesh. According to the latest audit, more than 62 per cent of the construction work on the expressway has been completed. The entire project, which is 91.35 km long and begins from Jaitpur in Gorakhpur and culminates at Azamgarh, will cost Rs 5,876 crore.

Australian special forces soldier charged with murder in Afghanistan

Federal police have launched the first war crimes prosecution in Australia's history over an alleged battlefield murder in Afghanistan. Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers have arrested Oliver Schulz, 41, and charged him with one count of war crime, murder under the Criminal Code Act.

Biden okays bill to declassify intelligence info on Covid origins

US President Joe Biden has signed a bill to declassify intelligence information on the origins of the Covid pandemic, which has so far claimed more than seven million lives globally. "Today, I am pleased to sign into law, the 'Covid-19 Origin Act of 2023'," Biden said in a statement on Monday. "We need to get to the bottom of Covid-19's origins to help ensure we can better prevent future pandemics. In implementing this legislation, my administration will declassify and share as much of that information as possible,

Death toll from cyclone Freddy in Malawi rises to 499

The death toll from tropical cyclone Freddy in Malawi has increased reached 499, with the number of displaced people reaching 508,244. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, undertaken by the Malawi Defence Force, the Malawi Police Service and the UK with support from neighbouring countries, including Tanzania and Zambia.

Low birth rates problematic for ageing EU population: Expert

The average age of the European population has gone up by 2.5 years in the past decade, according to Eurostat data published recently. In Spain, the average age has climbed by 4.3 years, the highest rise in the EU behind Portugal (4.7 years). However, a Spanish expert told that although half of Europeans are now over 44.4 years old, the main concern is the lack of children being born.

B'luru: Inspector flirts with woman complainant, report sent to Commissioner

Police have completed the investigation in connection with the case of a police inspector attached to Kodigehalli police station in Bengaluru city, allegedly flirting and misbehaving with a lady complainant. According to the police, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of Yelahanka Sub-Division has submitted the report in this regard to South-East DCP Lakshmi Prasad.

Amritpal matter: NIA team reaches Punjab, likely to take over case

As Amritpal Singh, the self-styled Sikh preacher and head of 'Waris Punjab De', continues to evade police, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) may take over the case on Tuesday, sources said. A team of NIA has reached Punjab and is speaking to the senior officials of Punjab Police. There are now high possibilities that the NIA may take over the case on Tuesday. The sources said that the NIA is seeking details and documents related to the case.

NIA makes first arrest in NGO terror-funding case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested one Irfan Mehraj from Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) in connection with the NGO Terror funding case, an official said on Tuesday. The arrest follows comprehensive investigations into the case registered in October 2020. "Irfan Mehraj was a close associate of Khurram Parvez and was working with his organisation, Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Societies (JKCCS). Investigation revealed that the JKCCS was funding terror activities in the valley and had also been in the propagation of a secessionist agenda in the Valley under the garb of protection of human rights," the official said.

Delhi: Woman pushed inside car in viral video says it was misunderstanding with fiance

Days after a video went viral showing a woman being pushed inside a car by a man in a busy road in Delhi, she said that the incident took place following a fight with her fiance, adding that it was misunderstanding which has since been resolved. "It was a misunderstanding between my fiance and me. We had a fight over a personal matter and later we had patched up," the woman said in a video message while thanking Delhi Police for being protective.

Netflix to bring 40 more games this year

Streaming giant Netflix has announced that it will bring 40 more games later this year, and also 70 titles are in development with its partners. "That's in addition to the 16 games currently being developed by our in-house game studios," the company said in a statement. "Our goal is to develop a broad portfolio of games-- in different genres and formats-- because we believe everyone can find joy in games if they discover the one (or many!) that is right for them."

Assam: Burmese betel nuts worth 1 cr seized, 10 held

In a bid to foil the smuggling attempt of Burmese betel nuts, Assam police have arrested 10 people in Cachar district, officials said on Tuesday. Police have seized around 20 tonnes of Burmese betel nuts worth a market value of 1 crore. Ten vehicles were also seized during the police operation.

Smuggled gold worth Rs 1 crore seized from Howrah station

Smuggled gold and unaccounted cash worth over Rs 1 crore were seized from Howrah railway station in Kolkata and one person was arrested in this connection. The arrested has been identified as Chandrabhan Mishra, a resident of the Motiganj area in Uttar Pradesh. The recent recovery and arrest have added to apprehension of Income Tax department and intelligence agencies in the state that Howrah station is slowly turning out to be a choicest transit point for operators dealing in smuggled gold and unaccounted cash.

IMF emphasises importance of anti-corruption, governance reforms for SL bailout

After Sri Lanka secured the $2.9 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout, the global lender emphasised on the importance of anti-corruption and governance reforms to obtain the package amid the ongoing economic crisis in the island nation. On Monday night, the IMF approved the 48-month extended arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) of $2.9 billion.

Pak ruling coalition hints at banning PTI

Pakistan's ruling coalition has hinted at banning Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as the government claims that the party has become a terrorist outfit after its involvement in attacking state institutions, including the army, judiciary, and law-enforcement agencies.

TN govt to launch five-year Tamil Nadu Millet Mission

Tamil Nadu government has decided to provide subsidy to bring cultivation of millets in fallow lands and crop diversification to millets in 50,000 acres under its Tamil Nadu Millet Mission, said the Minister for Agriculture M.R.K.Panneerselvam. Presenting the state's Agriculture Budget for FY24 in the Assembly on Tuesday, Panneerselvam said with the United Nations declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets, the state government will implement the Tamil Nadu Millet Mission for five years.

DC deserve the top spot after playing such good cricket: Punam Raut

Mumbai Indians, who were initially the dominant side in the inaugural edition of the WPL, winning their first five matches, suddenly find themselves in a slightly challenging position after back-to-back defeats as the competition enters its business end. MI, who were beaten by UP Warriorz on Saturday, lost to Delhi Capitals by nine wickets on Monday night at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, and surrendered their position at the top of the table to DC.

Amanda Bynes put in psychiatric care after roaming on the street naked

Actress Amanda Bynes has reportedly been placed on a psychiatric hold after she was found walking the streets naked. The actress, who was in a conservatorship from August 2013 to March 2022, was seen walking naked and alone in Los Angeles on Sunday morning, March 19.

Big B gifts his iconic 'Shahenshah' jacket to 'considerate' friend in Saudi Arabia

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan gifted the iconic jacket from his 1988 film 'Shahenshah' to his friend based out of Saudi Arabia. Big B's friend took to Twitter, where he thanked the cine icon for the gift. Big B's friend tweeted: "@SrBachchan To the legendary and one of the best actors in the entertainment world in all time, You are an honour not to India only but to the world. Thank you for the gift that you sent it means a lot."

ChatGPT suffers mega outage, chat history unavailable for most users

As key social media websites suffer outages every now and then, it was the turn of AI conversational service ChatGPT to go down for most of the users, including paid subscribers, and their chat history also went unavailable for several hours. ChatGPT, a product of Microsoft-owned OpenAI, suffered a day-long outage as users were unable to process writing, coding as well as taking its assistance for several topics.

Twitter to soon increase long-form tweets to 10k characters: Musk

Twitter CEO Elon Musk on Tuesday said that the micro-blogging platform will soon increase the long-form tweets to 10,000 characters, along with simple formatting tools. When a user posted, "Genius, @twitter and @elonmusk decision to allow long form content on Twitter is brilliant product design. There will be less click bait type of articles and people staying on Twitter for longer."

Covid linked to irritable bowel syndrome: Study

Covid-19 is associated with an increased risk of developing long-term gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, according to a global study conducted in 14 countries including India. Irritable bowel syndrome tends to be chronic, characterised by a number of intestinal disorders affecting the colon, including altered bowel motility, bloating, and abdominal cramping.

Inmate killed in Bihar jail

An inmate at the Khagaria district jail in Bihar died on Tuesday following a brutal assault by a group of prisoners. Confirming the incident, Khagaria District Magistrate Alok Ranjan Ghosh said the victim, Rajan Kumar, was taken to the Sadar hospital following the assault where doctors declared him brought dead.

Fire at plastic factory in Delhi's Karawal Nagar area

A fire broke out at a plastic factory in Delhi's Karawal Nagar area on Tuesday morning, a fire department official said. According to Atul Garg, the Director of Delhi Fire Service (DFS), the call regarding the blaze in a factory near Sardar Patel School in Karawal Nagar area was recieved at around 9.25 a.m.

As 'Pandya Store' completes 700 episodes, Kanwar Dhillon is especially thankful

Kanwar Dhillon, who is seen playing the role of Shiva Pandya in the daily soap 'Pandya Store', shared his feelings as the show completed 700 episodes recently and also spoke about the kind of response his character is getting from the audience. He credited the show for giving him fame and thus, he considers it to be the most important project of his career.

B'desh commissions first naval submarine base

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has commissioned the first naval submarine base, calling it a proud moment for the country. On Monday, the premier virually unveiled the nameplate of the "BNS Sheikh Hasina" from her official Ganabhaban residence in Dhaka. She said that the previous BNP government did not take any measures to protect Bangladesh, only the Awami League did after 21 years of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu's assassination.

Amritpal's uncle flown to Assam, lodged in Dibrugarh Central Jail

Self-styled Sikh radical preacher Amritpal Singh's uncle Harjit Singh was flown to Assam and lodged in Dibrugarh Central Jail on Tuesday morning, a police source said. A team of Punjab police first brought Harjit Singh to Guwahati and then took him to Dibrugarh by road. Assam police received the Punjab police team at Guwahati airport and in tight security, Amritpal Singh's uncle was shifted to Dibrugarh Central Jail. Four other aides of Amritpal Singh have been kept at Dibrugarh since Sunday.

HP launches new laptop 'Pavilion Aero 13' in India

PC and printer major HP on Tuesday launched its latest laptop -- Pavilion Aero 13, powered by AMD Ryzen 7 Processor with Radeon Graphics in India. The new HP Pavilion Aero 13 comes available in Rose Pale Gold, Warm Gold, and Natural Silver colour options at a starting price of Rs 72,999.

Ibrahim cheers for 'dear sister' Sara, says 'Gaslight' will be 'banging'

Being a supportive brother to his actress sister, Ibrahim Ali Khan has cheered for Sara Ali Khan and said that he doesn't doubt that her upcoming film 'Gaslight' will be 'banging'. Sara took to Instagram, where she shared a slew of pictures dressed in white. Alongside the image, she wrote: "Wearing White, Waiting for gaslight, Hope you'll have a fright, But also a great night, So sit tight."

Int'l donors pledge $7.5bn for quake-hit Turkey, Syria

A total of 7 billion euros ($7.5 billion) were pledged by the international community for Turkey and Syria where devastating earthquakes earlier this month killed more than 57,300 people. The "Together for the people of Turkey and Syria" conference was hosted by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson on Monday.

Half-burnt body of woman recovered in K'taka, human sacrifice suspected

In a ghastly incident, Karnataka police on Tuesday recovered the half-burnt body of a woman in Koppal district, with preliminary investigations suggesting that she was sacrificed for treasure. The body of the woman, identified as 26-year-old Nethravathi Kuri, was found near her home in Gabbur village. Kuri was the mother of a one and a half year old child.

Nurses at Hyderabad's NIMS go on flash strike

Nurses at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) went on a flash strike to protest against the alleged harassment by the incharge director. Alleging that the official is harassing them by assigning them additional duties, nurses boycotted their duties, affecting the healthcare services since Monday night.

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