Chirag Goyal, Author at The Sunday Headlines

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli Welcome Baby Boy, Named Akaay

February 21, 2024February 21, 2024 - by Chirag Goyal

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli joyously announce the arrival of their second child, a baby boy named Akaay, born on February 15. The couple shared the heartwarming news on social media, expressing their gratitude and seeking blessings while also requesting privacy during this special time.

The comments section flooded with congratulatory messages from friends and colleagues, including Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Shweta Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, and Rakul Preet Singh.

Virat Kohli, who recently took leave from cricket, was speculated to be awaiting the arrival of their second child. Although no official announcement was made, cricketer AB de Villiers inadvertently revealed the news, later retracted. Industrialist Harsh Goenka’s recent post hinted at the baby’s imminent arrival, sparking excitement with hopes for a bright future.
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, married since 2017, are already proud parents to daughter Vamika, born in 2021. Anushka continues to shine in her career, having recently completed filming for ‘Chakda Xpress,’ a biopic on cricketer Jhulan Goswami. She was last seen in the 2018 film ‘Zero’ alongside Shah Rukh Khan.

Main Slide / Politics

Tear Gas Fired at Punjab-Haryana Border as Farmers Demand MSP Legalization

February 21, 2024February 21, 2024 - by Chirag Goyal

Tear gas shells have been deployed at the Punjab-Haryana border as farmers, advocating for legal backing for Minimum Support Price (MSP), gear up for a march towards Delhi. In response to escalating tensions, the government has convened for a fifth round of talks, aiming to prevent a recurrence of the violent protests witnessed in 2020/21.

Here are the Top 10 points in this significant development:

Farmer leaders rejected the government’s offer to purchase select crops at the old MSP, citing dissatisfaction with the limited coverage and pricing formula.
The proposed pricing formula, based on A2+FL+50%, was deemed insufficient by farmers, who advocate for the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s C2+50% formula.
Concerns were raised over the clause linking MSP to crop diversification, prompting the farmers to reject the proposal.
Previous rounds of talks in Chandigarh failed to yield a resolution, with Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda highlighting attempts by disruptive elements to influence negotiations.
Around a lakh farmers stationed at Shambhu on the Punjab-Haryana border await resolution while fortified highways and heightened security measures surround Delhi.
Preparations akin to a defensive stance are evident, with barriers and drone surveillance along the highways leading to Delhi.
Security measures have been intensified, with border crossings barricaded and a month-long ban on public gatherings imposed in Delhi.
Despite their determination, farmers emphasize peaceful protest and appeal to the government to refrain from using force.
In addition to MSP legalization, farmers advocate for farm loan waivers, stable electricity tariffs, and resolution of police cases from 2020/21 protests.
Their demands extend to a public sector crop insurance scheme, pension for elderly farmers, and accountability for the Lakhimpur Kheri incident involving junior Home Minister Ajay Mishra Teni.

Education / Main Slide

St. Stephen’s College Students Allegedly Barred from Exams Over Morning Assembly Absence

February 20, 2024February 21, 2024 - by Chirag Goyal

More than 100 first-year students of St. Stephen’s College at Delhi University reportedly faced suspension and were debarred from the second semester examination for failing to attend morning assembly, as per claims by teachers and students.

According to an email sent by the students to Principal John Varghese, they were allegedly suspended and barred from exams after not meeting with the principal alongside their parents due to missing the assembly. The situation has sparked controversy, with students highlighting challenges such as parents’ non-residency in Delhi-NCR, making it difficult to comply with the request on short notice.

An email purportedly from the personal secretary to the principal informed parents of the suspension and exam debarment due to non-compliance with the meeting request.

Criticism has been directed towards the college for what some faculty members view as coercion into religious activities and for potentially violating university regulations. Sanjeev Grewal, head of the economics department, emphasized that attendance at the morning assembly is a college-specific tradition and not a valid ground for suspension or exam debarment as per university rules.

Politics

Meity Issues Emergency Blocking Orders Against 177 Social Media Accounts Amid Farmers’ Protests

February 20, 2024 - by Chirag Goyal

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) has taken decisive action by issuing emergency blocking orders against 177 social media accounts and links associated with the ongoing farmers’ protests. This move, aimed at maintaining public order, comes in response to a request from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The emergency orders, finalized by Meity on Monday, supplement the earlier blocking orders issued on February 14, following the MHA’s directive. Both sets of orders, issued on February 19 and 14 respectively, are temporary and conditional, intended to be effective for the duration of the agitation. Once the situation stabilizes, social media platforms have the option to restore visibility to the blocked accounts and channels in India.

Monday’s orders target a variety of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and Reddit. Notably, this marks the first instance of a blocking order being issued against Snapchat. YouTube channels or videos, however, were not affected by the latest tranche of orders.

This isn’t the first time such temporary blocking orders under Section 69A have been implemented during protests. In the context of the farmers’ protests of 2021, similar actions were taken by the government, leading to legal challenges from platforms like Twitter (now X).

Bollywood / Entertainment / Main Slide

Farhan Akhtar Announces Kiara Advani’s Inclusion in ‘Don 3’, Pairing Up with Ranveer Singh

February 20, 2024February 21, 2024 - by Chirag Goyal

Kiara Advani has secured the coveted female lead role in the highly-awaited ‘Don 3’, joining Ranveer Singh in the spotlight. Farhan Akhtar delighted fans with the revelation after much anticipation. In a video shared on X, Farhan extended a warm welcome to Kiara, officially confirming her participation in the project.

Fans have been abuzz with excitement, eagerly anticipating the dynamic chemistry between Kiara and Ranveer. With her stellar acting prowess and versatility, Kiara Advani promises to infuse the ‘Don’ franchise with electrifying energy through her action-packed role.