India
Delhi / Main Slide / Politics

“Delhi Excise Policy Case: Kejriwal Skips Seventh ED Summons Again”

- by Chirag Goyal

Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has once again evaded appearing before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning regarding the alleged money laundering case related to irregularities in the now-defunct Delhi excise policy of 2021-22. This marks the seventh instance of Kejriwal skipping the summons.

In response, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released a statement asserting Kejriwal’s decision not to comply with the ED’s summons, citing that the matter is currently sub-judice. The party emphasized that the next court hearing is scheduled for March 16, urging the ED to await the court’s decision rather than persistently issuing summons.

Despite the ED’s filing of a complaint against Kejriwal for non-compliance, the court has granted him an exemption from appearing personally until March 16. Kejriwal, appearing virtually before the court, explained his inability to attend physically due to the ongoing Budget session of the Delhi assembly.

The AAP reiterated its commitment to the Opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), affirming that they will not withdraw from the alliance despite pressure from the central government. They condemned what they perceive as attempts to coerce them through the repeated summons.

Kejriwal has consistently labeled the summons as “illegal” since November and has demanded their withdrawal. Meanwhile, he was scheduled to address the assembly session on Monday before commemorating the one-year imprisonment of his former deputy, Manish Sisodia, in connection with the excise policy case.

In response, leaders from the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized Kejriwal’s actions, accusing him of evading investigation and condoning corruption. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva described Kejriwal’s decision to commemorate a person’s jail term for corruption as “shameful,” asserting that the people of Delhi will not forgive such actions.

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India / Sports / Top News

India Clinches 17th Consecutive Home Test Series Win, Defeats England in 4th Test

- by Chirag Goyal

India’s home dominance continued as Rohit Sharma’s squad secured a hard-earned five-wicket victory over England in the fourth Test, marking their 17th consecutive series win on home soil. This triumph served as a stark reminder of the limitations of England’s one-dimensional strategy, affectionately dubbed as ‘Bazball’.

Starting the day at 40/0 in pursuit of 192, India overcame stumbling blocks to secure victory. Captain Rohit Sharma (55 off 81 balls) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (37 off 44 balls) set a solid foundation with their 84-run opening partnership. Despite tense moments after their dismissals, Shubman Gill (52 not out) and Dhruv Jurel (39 not out) guided India across the finish line with an unbeaten 72-run partnership.

Left-arm spinner Tom Hartley (1/64) took the prized scalp of Rohit, while Shoaib Bashir was the most successful English bowler, scalping 3/79 in the second innings for a match haul of eight wickets.

India leads 3-1 in the series with the last game scheduled in Dharamsala from March 7. The team’s last home series loss was a 1-2 defeat to an Alastair Cook-led England in 2012-13. Since then, India has won 39 out of 50 Tests at home.

The victory marked a stunning downfall for ‘Bazball’, now facing criticism for being too rigid and lacking depth.

Conceptualized under Brendon Mc Cullum as coach and Ben Stokes as captain, England’s plan to attack irrespective of circumstances found its match in India’s unflappable approach.

The opening loss in Hyderabad was expected to unsettle the home side, but the team was galvanized by the arrival of rookies, who seized their opportunities.

On Monday, Rohit and Jaiswal started positively. Rohit brought out his swat flick to dispatch James Anderson for a maximum over wide long-on.

With nothing going their way, Stokes brought in Joe Root to unsettle the rhythm, exploiting the rough against the Indian left-hander. Jaiswal failed to control his shot, and Anderson took an absolute stunner with a forward diving catch at backward point.

Stokes operated with spinners Bashir and Hartley, who did a decent job in stopping the run flow. Hartley finally rewarded for his spell with the prized scalp of Rohit.

Bashir raced to his eight-wicket match haul by sending back Jadeja and Sarfaraz Khan off successive deliveries after the lunch break. Despite this, Gill and Jurel steadied the ship.

Jurel’s lovely cover drive off Bashir brought relief, and the Indian victory did not seem remote anymore. Gill joined in the party smashing Bashir for back-to-back sixes.

India Clinches 17th Consecutive Home Test Series Win, Defeats England in 4th Test Read More
Haryana / Main Slide / News

Nafe Singh Rathi News: Haryana INLD Chief Shot Dead, Another Companion Also Killed

- by Chirag Goyal

Nafe Singh Rathi, the state president of INLD in Haryana, has been fatally shot, along with another individual, in a tragic incident. On Sunday, individuals traveling in an i10 car unleashed a hail of bullets on Rathi, leading to his demise. He succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.

The attack on Nafe Singh Rathi, a former MLA from Bahadurgarh, occurred on Sunday, resulting in critical injuries. After the assault, he was rushed to the hospital, where he tragically passed away during treatment. Another individual traveling with Rathi also lost their life in the incident. The assailants targeted them while their vehicle was passing through Barahi Phatak, firing indiscriminately.

In this incident, Rathi and three others sustained injuries. It’s reported that the three other injured individuals were Rathi’s security personnel. Although the attackers have not yet been identified, locals state that the assailants arrived in an i10 vehicle and opened fire on Rathi’s vehicle. The sound of gunfire drew locals to the scene, where they witnessed the vehicle riddled with bullets from all sides.

The Superintendent of Police in Jhajjar provided information regarding the incident. All the injured, including Rathi, were admitted to Brahmashakti Sanjivani Hospital. According to doctors treating him, Nafe Singh sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the neck, back, and thigh. One other individual has tragically lost their life, while the condition of the remaining two injured individuals is serious.

Upon receiving information about the incident, local police promptly arrived at the scene. Arpit Jain, the SP of Jhajjar, stated in an initial statement, “We received information about gunfire. The CI and STF are investigating. The suspects are in custody.” Rathi had previously been elected as a legislator in two consecutive assembly elections. Additionally, he had served as the Chairman of the Bahadurgarh Municipal Corporation.

Nafe Singh Rathi News: Haryana INLD Chief Shot Dead, Another Companion Also Killed Read More
Hot News / Jammu kashmir / Main Slide / Punjab

Viral Video: Indian Railways Goods Train Runs 80km Without Driver, Oversight on Hand Brake

- by Chirag Goyal

A startling incident unfolded as a goods train, unmanned and laden with 53 wagons, traversed 80km from Jammu’s Kathua to Punjab’s Hoshiarpur, echoing scenes reminiscent of the Hollywood thriller “Unstoppable.”

In a scenario akin to the movie’s plot, the train, accelerating to 90kmph, embarked on its journey without a driver, attributed to an alleged halt for a tea break by the drivers, inadvertently leaving the engine running. Unlike the protagonists in the film who raced against time to prevent disaster, the train’s momentum was eventually subdued by a steep gradient in Punjab, averting catastrophe.

Following the incident, six railway officials, including the drivers, were suspended. However, videos capturing the train’s eerie odyssey over an hour-and-a-half had already gone viral, with some accounts suggesting the absence of the guard’s cabin.

According to railway sources, the train’s downward journey was propelled by a diesel locomotive, necessitating intervention to activate emergency brakes when it decelerated at Unchi Bassi in Punjab.

Ferozepur divisional railway manager Sanjay Sahu commended the swift response of railway authorities, who alerted all stations along the route, halted down trains, and secured crossings to facilitate the train’s passage. Tragedy was averted, and an inquiry was ordered, resulting in the suspension of the officials involved.

This incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety measures such as the placement of wooden wedges under train wheels during stops to prevent unintended movement. Instances from the past, including derailments due to the absence of wedges, serve as stark reminders of the significance of stringent safety protocols in railway operations.

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"Indian Navy Recruitment 2024: Apply Now for 254 SSC Officer Posts
India / Main Slide / Top News

“Indian Navy Recruitment 2024: Apply Now for 254 SSC Officer Posts at joinindiannavy.gov.in”

- by Chirag Goyal

The Indian Navy has commenced the registration process for eligible unmarried men and women to apply for Short Service Commission (SSC) officer posts in the executive, education, and technical branches.

NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy has initiated the online application process for Short Service Commission (SSC) officer posts. The registration window opened today, February 24, and interested candidates can visit the official website at joinindiannavy.gov.in to submit their applications.

The application window will remain open until March 10, 2024. Unmarried men and women aspiring to join the executive, education, and technical branches of the Indian Navy can apply for this recruitment drive. The course is scheduled to commence in January 2025 at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala.

How to Register for Indian Navy Recruitment 2024?
Step 1: Visit the official website at joinindiannavy.gov.in
Step 2: Click on the link for Indian Navy SSC Recruitment 2024 on the homepage.
Step 3: Fill in the registration form with personal details.
Step 4: Log in using the created credentials.
Step 5: Complete the application form with personal, professional, and educational information.
Step 6: Upload the required documents and pay the online application fees.
Step 7: Submit the form and download the confirmation page.

DIRECT LINK 

This recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 254 SSC officer posts under the executive, education, and technical branches.

Applicants who qualify will be granted a short service commission for an initial period of 10 years, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 4 years in two terms. The decision to extend will be based on service needs, individual performance, medical eligibility, and candidate willingness.

Following the submission of applications, candidates will undergo a shortlisting process based on their marks in the qualifying degree. Shortlisted candidates will then participate in the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview. The final selection will be based on a merit list, considering the candidates’ performance during the SSB interview.

Who Can Apply?
Candidates who have graduated/post-graduated or are in the final year with a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate or equivalent CGPA.
The university should be incorporated by an Act of Central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared as deemed Universities/Autonomous Universities under UGC Act 1956; IIT Act, 1961; AICTE Act, 1987; NITSER Act, 2007; IIIT Act, 2014.

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From Plants to Pumps: Haryana's Ambitious Plan for 6,000 MW Solar Power by 2030"
Haryana / Main Slide

“From Plants to Pumps: Haryana’s Ambitious Plan for 6,000 MW Solar Power by 2030”

- by Chirag Goyal

Haryana has set an ambitious target of increasing its solar energy capacity by 22 times, aiming to install 6,000 MW of solar power by 2030, according to its new draft solar policy. Currently, the state’s installed solar capacity stands at 265.8 MW. The new policy places a strong emphasis on rooftop installations, ground-mounted solar plants, and the development of solar-powered EV charging stations.

To achieve this goal, the Haryana renewable energy department has devised a series of strategies, including generating 1,600 MW of solar power from rooftop installations, 3,200 MW from ground-mounted solar plants, and an additional 1,200 MW from solarising irrigation pumps.

Furthermore, the policy allows the department to lease panchayat land for 30 years, with the Haryana power generation corporation serving as the nodal agency for establishing solar projects on such land. Collaborations with the Haryana irrigation department will identify suitable locations with shade-free space on canal banks, promoting large-scale solar projects on canal tops, riverbanks, and other water bodies.

The new policy ensures no restrictions on the installation of solar power plants for self-consumption by entities. Both net metering and gross metering arrangements are included, with limitations on the rated capacity of rooftop solar systems based on connected load or contract demand.

S. Narayana, the director general of the state’s renewable energy department, revealed that discoms have already made tie-ups to meet 43.33% of the renewable purchase obligations (RPO) of 2029-30 by 2028-29. Tenders for 500 MW solar power projects and 1,200 MW solar projects in Haryana are being floated. Additionally, the department has initiated the process for inviting tenders for 800 MW solar power in round-the-clock (RTC) mode through SECI, with a ceiling tariff of Rs 4.6 per unit.

The focus is also on encouraging independent power producers to set up rooftop systems ranging from 250 kW to 1 MW on public and private buildings. Currently, Haryana’s solar share in the energy mix within the state is 8.6%.

Furthermore, the state aims to integrate solar power projects with other renewable resources, such as hybrid projects, and enhance government subsidies on storage systems for utility-scale solar power projects supplying power to discoms.

The plan also includes installing around 1 lakh systems in the domestic sector, adding approximately 1,000 MW capacity. The state is exploring the use of a virtual metering system for easy billing, especially in cities where rooftop solar mechanisms face challenges.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s new solar policy also targets 6,000 MW of installed solar capacity by 2025, aiming to increase the share of solar energy in Delhi’s annual electricity demand from 9% to 25% in three years.

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I am not Malala, I am Free in India": Kashmiri Journalist's Speech in British Parliament Goes Viral
Delhi / India / Main Slide

“I am not Malala, I am Free in India”: Kashmiri Journalist’s Speech in British Parliament Goes Viral

- by Chirag Goyal

Kashmiri social activist and journalist Yana Mir was honored with the Diversity Ambassador Award in the UK Parliament in the presence of British MPs Bob Blackman and Virendra Sharma. Virendra Sharma, a British MP of Indian origin from the opposition Labour Party representing Ealing Southall near London.

London: Kashmiri social worker and journalist Yana Mir was honored with the Diversity Ambassador Award in the UK Parliament. Yana Mir’s speech in the British Parliament against the spreading “propaganda” about Jammu and Kashmir is going viral. In her speech, she said, “I am not Malala Yousafzai.” Malala is a Pakistani child and women’s rights activist.

In a program organized by the UK’s Jammu and Kashmir Study Center, Mir said, “I am not Malala Yousafzai. Because I am safe and free in my homeland Kashmir, which is a part of India. I will never come to your country (UK) seeking refuge, leaving my land. I cannot be made into Malala Yousafzai.” She targeted Nobel Prize winner for defaming India by calling Kashmir “oppressed” and tarnishing India’s image.

Yana Mir said, “I object to all the toolkit members of social media and foreign media who never raised the issue of visiting Kashmir but created stories of oppression… I appeal to you to stop demonizing Indians based on religion. We will not let you divide us.”

She concluded her speech with an appeal, “Stop thinking about us and let my Kashmir live in peace.” Yana Mir was honored with the Diversity Ambassador Award in the presence of British MPs Bob Blackman and Virendra Sharma. Virendra Sharma, a British MP of Indian origin from the opposition Labour Party representing Ealing Southall near London.

Yana Mir’s speech has received considerable praise. Several users on the social media platform X, including veteran actor Anupam Kher, have congratulated her.

The Jammu and Kashmir Study Center UK hosted ‘Resolution Day of India’ at the House of Commons in London. JKSC is a think tank that studies issues related to Jammu and Kashmir and its surroundings.

In her speech on ‘Resolution Day’, Yana Mir said, “I hope that anarchists living in the UK and Pakistan will stop defaming my country on international media and human rights forums. They will dispel the unwarranted anger from their comfortable homes… Stop coming after us… because thousands of Kashmiri mothers have lost their children due to the darkness of terrorism.”

“I am not Malala, I am Free in India”: Kashmiri Journalist’s Speech in British Parliament Goes Viral Read More
Delhi / Main Slide

Protest on the Streets as Thousands of Competitive Students Demand Cancellation of RO-ARO Exam, UPPSC Faced Siege

- by Chirag Goyal

The RO/ARO exam was conducted on February 11 in 58 districts of the state. Out of 1,076,004 candidates, 64% appeared for the exam. Candidates allege that the paper of the exam has been leaked. Protest was staged by candidates in Gazipur during the examination. Competitive students started demonstrating outside the commission’s premises from the next day of the exam.

The Review Officer (RO)/Assistant Review Officer (ARO) Recruitment Examination-2023 faced strong protest from competitive students on Friday demanding its cancellation. A large number of competitive students gathered outside the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) premises. The crowd swelled by noon. The crowd of candidates surrounded all the gates of the commission. Candidates stayed outside the commission until late at night, and officials and employees of the commission remained confined inside. Police, PAC, and Rapid Action Force personnel were deployed at several places upon seeing the crowd of candidates. Barricading was done on both sides of the commission’s roads diverting traffic. Late at night, Police Commissioner Ramit Sharma and DM Navneet Singh Chahal arrived for talks, but students remained adamant on their demand for cancellation of the exam.

The RO/ARO exam was conducted on February 11 in 58 districts of the state. Out of 1,076,004 candidates, 64% appeared for the exam. Candidates allege that the paper of the exam has been leaked. Protest was staged by candidates in Gazipur during the examination. From the next day of the exam, competitive students started demonstrating outside the commission’s premises. They allege that all candidates had access to the answer key of this exam, so the exam should be cancelled.

Responding to the demand of the candidates, the commission formed an internal committee for investigation. Its report has not been received yet, but candidates are continuously protesting for its cancellation. On Friday, the students’ protest intensified. Police and RAF personnel were deployed upon seeing a large number of candidates outside the commission. Fire brigade vehicles were also stationed. Deputy Secretary Vinod Gaur of the commission arrived to talk to the protesters.

He mentioned that a decision will be taken only after the completion of the investigation. Candidates said they do not trust the commission’s investigation. No decision has been made yet on previous investigations. Protesters raised slogans against the state government, alleging that even the soldier recruitment paper has been leaked.

Protest on the Streets as Thousands of Competitive Students Demand Cancellation of RO-ARO Exam, UPPSC Faced Siege Read More
Congress and AAP Finalize Seat-Sharing Deal:
Delhi / Main Slide / Politics

Congress and AAP Finalize Seat-Sharing Deal: AAP to Contest 4 Seats, Congress to Contend in 3 Including Chandni Chowk

- by thesundayheadlines

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, a coalition has finally been formed between AAP and Congress. In a joint press conference held today in Delhi, details regarding seat-sharing were disclosed. Congress leader Mukul Wasnik informed that after extensive discussions, a final agreement on seat-sharing between AAP and Congress has been reached. According to Wasnik, AAP will contest on 4 seats in Delhi, while Congress will compete on 3 seats, including Chandni Chowk. Additionally, Congress will field its candidate in the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat.

New Delhi: Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have announced seat-sharing for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, with AAP contesting on four seats and Congress on three seats in Delhi. A senior Congress leader shared this information. Furthermore, AAP will also contest in Gujarat’s Bharuch and Bhavnagar constituencies, as well as Haryana’s Kurukshetra Lok Sabha seat. Congress senior leader Mukul Wasnik, along with AAP leaders Sandeep Pathak, Sourav Bharadwaj, and Atishi, made the announcement during a joint press conference.

They stated that AAP will contest in South Delhi, West Delhi, East Delhi, and New Delhi parliamentary constituencies, while Congress will contest in Chandni Chowk, North West Delhi, and North East Delhi seats. The national capital has a total of seven Lok Sabha seats, all of which were won by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the previous Lok Sabha elections. Wasnik mentioned that AAP will also contest in Gujarat’s Bharuch and Bhavnagar Lok Sabha seats, as well as in Haryana’s Kurukshetra seat. It was decided after lengthy discussions that Congress will field its candidate from the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat.

There has been a deadlock between both parties regarding Bharuch as senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel’s son Faisal Patel and daughter Mumtaz Patel opposed AAP being given this seat. Faisal and his sister Mumtaz were being considered for the Congress ticket from this seat. AAP had already announced its MLA Chetan Vasava as its candidate from the Bharuch Lok Sabha seat. Congress and AAP have decided to contest separately in Punjab. The Lok Sabha elections are proposed for April-May.

Congress and AAP Finalize Seat-Sharing Deal: AAP to Contest 4 Seats, Congress to Contend in 3 Including Chandni Chowk Read More
The Motion Picture & Television Producers Association group photo
Cinema / Delhi / Entertainment / Faridabad / Haryana / Hot News / Main Slide / Mumbai

The Motion Picture and Television Producers Association Announces Key Decisions at Annual Meeting

- by thesundayheadlines

The annual meeting of The Motion Picture and Television Producers Association convened under the chairmanship of Captain Dinesh Bhatnagar at the prestigious Aravali Golf Club, NIT, Faridabad. The gathering witnessed the culmination of significant deliberations, reflecting the association’s commitment to navigating the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.

President of MPTPA, Satish Sharma, shed light on the challenges encountered due to the pandemic-induced hiatus but emphasized the renewed resolve to support stakeholders within the Indian cinema fraternity. He reiterated the association’s core mission of facilitating direct or indirect engagement of cinema producers with the mainstream, thereby fostering the seamless development of Indian cinema.

Chandan Mehta appointed as gen secretory of MPTPA

A poignant tribute was paid to the late Shri Rajesh Dua, the esteemed first General Secretary of the association. Recognized for his contributions to both television and theater, Mr. Dua’s legacy as an actor and director continues to resonate within the industry.

In a unanimous decision, Shri Chandan Mehta, a versatile actor, director, and producer, assumed the mantle of General Secretary. Mr. Mehta’s rich experience, coupled with his leadership at esteemed film festivals, promises to invigorate the association’s endeavors. Additionally, Shri Nafe Singh, a seasoned film producer with a background in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, was appointed Vice President.Tribute to rajesh dua

Captain Dinesh Bhatnagar, esteemed for his tenure as the City Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, assumed the role of media in-charge, bringing a wealth of experience to the association’s communications strategy.

The meeting also heralded the commencement of member registration activities, opening avenues for film producers nationwide to engage with the association’s initiatives. Notable attendees included Mr. Naresh Gupta, serving as Cashier and Owner of Triumph Auto Faridabad, Mr. Rakesh Roshan Roy, a prominent journalist, and distinguished members.Nafa singh appointed as gen secretory
The Motion Picture and Television Producers Association reaffirms its commitment to championing the interests of Indian cinema and looks forward to a future marked by collaboration, innovation, and growth.

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