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India / Main Slide / Mumbai / News / Technology

Former Intel India Chief Killed in Cycling Accident in Navi Mumbai

- by Chirag Goyal

Avtar Saini, renowned for his contributions to the development of Intel microprocessors, including the Pentium, tragically lost his life on Wednesday in Navi Mumbai after being hit by a speeding cab while cycling.

The former India country head of Intel, Avtar Saini, passed away after a fatal collision with a speeding cab while cycling in Navi Mumbai. The police have initiated an FIR in the case and issued a notice to the taxi driver, Hrishikesh Khade.

According to police reports, the incident occurred around 5:50 am on Wednesday when Saini, aged 68, was cycling alongside others on Palm Beach Road in Nerul. The cab struck Saini’s bicycle from behind, and despite attempts to flee, the driver was caught with the cycle’s frame wedged beneath the vehicle’s front wheels.

Saini was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival, confirmed a police officer.

Gokul V Subramaniam, President of Intel India, expressed condolences on social media, stating, “At Intel, we are saddened by the demise of former country manager & director Intel South Asia, Avtar Saini. Avtar played a key role in setting up Intel R&D center in India. He had an illustrious career at Intel from 1982 to 2004 during which he was instrumental in the design of several processors.”

Residing in Chembur, Saini was lauded for his work on Intel 386 and 486 microprocessors, along with leading the design of the Pentium processor.

The police have filed an FIR against the cab driver under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicles Act, including 279 (rash driving), 337 (causing hurt by rash or negligent act), and 304-A (causing death by negligence).

Saini’s tragic demise echoes another incident less than a year ago when runner Rajalakshmi Vijay suffered a similar fate while cycling on Worli Sea Face.

Former Intel India Chief Killed in Cycling Accident in Navi Mumbai Read More
Main Slide / News / World

Leap Year Glitch Causes Shutdown of Petrol Pumps in New Zealand

- by Chirag Goyal

A nationwide disruption has gripped New Zealand’s fuel industry, affecting all major brands, due to a software malfunction attributed to the leap year’s occurrence on February 29.

New Zealand: On Thursday, self-service petrol pumps throughout New Zealand ceased operations, leaving motorists stranded, as several companies reported a leap year “software glitch.”

In the capital city of Wellington, numerous stations opted to close entirely, resulting in empty forecourts and bewildered customers encountering signs bearing the message “Nationwide Payment Outage – Site Unavailable.”

Julien Leys, spokesperson for petrol chain Gull, stated, “It is a nationwide issue affecting all fuel brands and it does appear to be a software glitch with the payment provider because it is Feb 29 — a leap year.”

Allied Petroleum, a competitor of Gull, reported a similar issue but noted that “manned service stations (forecourts with a shop on site)” were gradually resuming operations.

Expressing regret to customers, Z acknowledged the inconvenience, stating, “(We) want to reassure you that we are working closely with our third-party payment provider to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.”

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Crime / Main Slide / News / Uttar Pradesh

Noida College Student Murdered by Friends After Party Altercation, Body Concealed

- by Chirag Goyal
Yash Mittal, a student at a Noida-based university and the son of a businessman, had been reported missing from his hostel since Monday.

New Delhi: The investigation into a missing college student has uncovered a harrowing crime, with Noida police disclosing that four individuals killed a friend following a party dispute and buried his body in a field.

Yash Mittal, the son of a businessman and a student at a Noida-based university, had been unaccounted for since Monday. His father, Deepak Mittal, alerted the authorities after receiving ransom demands of ₹6 crore for his son’s release.

Upon reviewing CCTV footage from the campus, police observed Yash leaving the university premises on Monday while engaged in a phone conversation. The call records led them to his friend Rachit. Upon interrogation, Rachit revealed that Yash often socialized with him, along with Shivam, Sushant, and Shubham.

“On February 26, they lured Yash to a field in Gajraula, located approximately 100 km away in Uttar Pradesh’s Amroha, under the guise of a party. He joined them shortly after. During the gathering, a dispute escalated into violence, resulting in Yash’s tragic demise. His body was then buried in the field. We located the body after Rachit identified the burial site,” stated senior police officer Saad Miya Khan.

Police apprehended the other suspects in Dadri. Despite attempting to flee, the suspects were apprehended by police following an encounter. “We have detained three suspects following a thorough search of the area. One suspect, Shubham, remains at large. However, we are actively pursuing him and anticipate his swift capture,” added the officer.

The suspects confessed to sending ransom messages to Yash’s family as a diversionary tactic, police revealed. Multiple investigative teams were deployed to pursue leads in the case, the officer confirmed.

Heart-wrenching visuals captured the devastation of Yash’s parents as his body was recovered from the field. Yash, police disclosed, was pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in business administration at the Noida university before his tragic demise.

Noida College Student Murdered by Friends After Party Altercation, Body Concealed Read More
Delhi / Entertainment / India / Main Slide / News

Femina Miss India Tripura Rinky Chakma Passes Away at 29 Due to Cancer

- by Chirag Goyal

Rinky Chakma, the winner of Miss India Tripura 2017, has tragically passed away after battling cancer since 2022. On February 28, Rinky Chakma took her last breath.

New Delhi: A heart-wrenching news has emerged from the entertainment industry. Rinky Chakma, the titleholder of Miss India Tripura 2017, has passed away. At the age of 29, Rinky bid farewell to this world. Since 2022, Rinky was fighting cancer. According to reports, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

 

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A post shared by Femina Miss India (@missindiaorg)

As per the information, on February 22, her lungs stopped functioning, following which she was admitted to Max Hospital in Delhi in an emergency. According to reports, Rinky Chakma took her last breath on February 28.

Miss India Organization Posted The Miss India Organization has confirmed the sad news of Rinky’s demise on social media. The Miss India Organization wrote on their official Instagram page – It saddens us to inform you that Femina Miss India Tripura 2017 Rinky Chakma has passed away. She was a splendid and strong woman. Representing Tripura in Miss India 2017, she was awarded the title of Miss Beauty With A Purpose.

Further, the post stated that during this difficult time, our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends. Rinky, your legacy of purpose and beauty will always be remembered. All those who have had the privilege of knowing you will miss you dearly.

Fought Against Cancer for Two Years 
Rinky Chakma had shared information with her fans last month about her battle with cancer in 2022. She had shared a long post on Instagram, revealing that after her initial operation, cancer spread from her head to her lungs later on. Along with this, she appealed to people to continue the treatment of cancer and to donate money. Rinky had mentioned how she fought against the serious illness of cancer for two years.

Femina Miss India Tripura Rinky Chakma Passes Away at 29 Due to Cancer Read More
Main Slide / News / West Bengal

Ganga in West Bengal Deemed Unfit for Bathing Due to Untreated Sewage, NGT Issues Fine Warning

- by Chirag Goyal

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a stark warning to authorities in West Bengal following the revelation that the entire stretch of the Ganga River in the state is unsuitable for bathing due to elevated levels of faecal coliform bacteria. This alarming situation has been exacerbated by the discharge of a staggering 258.67 million litres per day of untreated sewage directly into the river, posing a severe health risk.

The NGT, entrusted with the mandate of environmental protection, uncovered this disturbing reality during a hearing focused on efforts to combat pollution in the Ganga River across various states. During the proceedings, the NGT scrutinized a report submitted by West Bengal in response to earlier directives aimed at addressing this pressing issue.

Expressing profound concern, Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson of the NGT bench, reviewed reports submitted by District Magistrates of several West Bengal districts, including North 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, Nadia, Malda, Hooghly, Purba Burdwan, Howrah, Purba Medinipur, and South 24 Parganas. These reports underscored a glaring deficiency in sewage treatment infrastructure across the state, with some districts, notably Purba Medinipur, lacking even a single Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).

In response to these findings, the NGT has cautioned West Bengal authorities of potential fines if they fail to demonstrate significant progress in addressing the issue of untreated sewage flowing into the Ganga.

The tribunal emphasized the urgent need for adequate sewage treatment facilities and expressed dismay over the absence of STPs in certain districts. It noted that the current situation, wherein 258.67 million litres per day of untreated sewage is discharged into the Ganga, is far from satisfactory.

The NGT’s warning underscores the gravity of the situation and serves as a call to action for swift and effective measures to combat pollution in the Ganga River in West Bengal.



NGT panel, consisting of judicial and expert members, acknowledged the absence of sewage treatment plants in certain districts and stressed the urgent need to address this critical situation. Additionally, the tribunal instructed District Magistrates (DMs) of nine districts, through which the river flows, to provide affidavits detailing deadlines for achieving 100% sewage treatment.

Moreover, the NGT mandated that DMs disclose the utilization of funds from the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the measures taken for floodplain demarcation in their respective districts.

Expressing dismay at the lack of progress, the NGT highlighted the elevated levels of faecal coliform in the Ganga, making the water unsuitable for bathing. The tribunal directed NMCG to conduct a performance audit of each district to evaluate pollution levels and waste management practices.

Failure to demonstrate significant progress may lead to the imposition of Environmental Compensation (EC) by the tribunal. The NGT has instructed concerned DMs and NMCG to submit updated reports within eight weeks, with further proceedings scheduled for May 2.

 

Ganga in West Bengal Deemed Unfit for Bathing Due to Untreated Sewage, NGT Issues Fine Warning Read More
India / Main Slide / Nagpur / News

Bill Gates Visits Famous Dolly Chaiwala’s Tea Stall in Nagpur, Orders a Cup of Tea, Goes Viral

- by Chirag Goyal
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates spent Wednesday on Instagram with a tea vendor from Nagpur. The tea vendor, popularly known as ‘Dolly Chaiwala,’ had the opportunity to share a video with Gates, who also lauded India’s innovation culture. The video of the American billionaire businessman’s visit to India is now going viral.

A tech giant and philanthropist, in a post shared with the video, emphasized that in India, innovation can be found everywhere, even in the making of a cup of tea. It’s worth noting that Dolly Chaiwala’s tea stall is located near the old VCA Stadium in the city’s central area. The true identity of the popular tea vendor remains unknown, but they are widely recognized as Dolly Chaiwala.

 

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A post shared by Bill Gates (@thisisbillgates)

Tour of Bhubaneswar’s Slum Area:
 Before this, Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, visited a slum area of Bhubaneswar in the morning and interacted with the residents there. Along with this, he also visited the Biju Adarsh Colony in Maan Mangala Basti with state government officials. Bill Gates inquired about the well-being of the residents of the slum area and also interacted with members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) working there.

Visit to India Development Center (IDC):
 Meanwhile, Gates also visited the India Development Center (IDC) of the company located in Hyderabad and discussed opportunities related to Artificial Intelligence (AI). In a statement, Microsoft said that Gates arrived at the IDC on Tuesday, where he addressed some of India’s most talented engineers. Rajiv Kumar, Managing Director of IDC, stated that Gates maintains an optimistic outlook on the opportunities emerging in India due to AI.

 

Bill Gates Visits Famous Dolly Chaiwala’s Tea Stall in Nagpur, Orders a Cup of Tea, Goes Viral Read More
Delhi / Main Slide / News

Delhi’s February Air Quality Hits Lowest Since 2016

- by Chirag Goyal

New Delhi: Data from the Central Pollution Control Board reveals that Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) for February stood at 220 until Monday, marking the lowest figure since 2016.

Although the average AQI was lower compared to previous years, the air quality remained in the “poor” category. Experts attributed this to favorable meteorological conditions, including rain and strong winds, which prevented a significant rise in AQI on most days.

An analysis of CPCB data, which has been calculating AQI since April 2015, indicates that the average air quality readings for February were as follows: 293 in 2016, 267 in 2017, 243 in 2018, 242 in 2019, 241 in 2020, 288 in 2021, 225 in 2022, and 237 in 2023.

However, there was a streak of four consecutive “very poor” days this month, with AQI ranging between 301 and 400. Wednesday’s AQI was recorded at 141, falling within the “moderate” range.

Experts noted that the city experienced strong winds during the daytime, facilitating the dispersion of pollutants. Additionally, excess rainfall in February helped in settling down the pollutants. According to data from the India Meteorological Department, Delhi received 32.5 mm of rainfall this February, representing a 53% excess.

Anumita Roy choudhry, the executive director for research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment, remarked, “We are now virtually out of the winter season with improved ventilation and stronger wind speed. This is helping in dissipating the ambient concentration. We need to watch this trend closely to understand the local and regional impacts of air pollution and to what extent the action is contributing to clean up the air.”

January witnessed the highest pollution levels since 2016, with an average AQI of 354. December 2023 was the most polluted in the past five years, while November 2023 was particularly severe, with AQI remaining in the near-severe category (an AQI of 390 and above) for 17 days.

 

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India / Madhya Pradesh / Main Slide / News

Tragic Accident in Dindori, Madhya Pradesh: Pickup Overturns, 14 Dead, 21 Injured, CM Responds

- by Chirag Goyal

An appalling accident occurred in the Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh when an uncontrolled pickup truck overturned, resulting in a major tragedy. In this horrific road accident, 14 people have lost their lives, while 21 others are reported injured. The Dindori district collector has confirmed the death toll of 14.

According to information, the tragic incident took place at the Badjhar Ghat in Dindori, where a pickup vehicle carrying passengers lost control and overturned. The victims were returning after participating in a community welfare program.

Upon receiving information, the police have sent all bodies for post-mortem. All the injured have been admitted to the hospital, with reports indicating that they are residents of the Gramin Devari village.

The accident occurred near Bichhiya Chauka. All passengers were traveling in the pickup truck with registration number MP-20 GB-4146. Among the deceased, nine were men and five were women. The injured, comprising nine men and twelve women, have been admitted to the hospital. Unfortunately, one person died on the way to Jabalpur referral, increasing the death toll.


Among the deceased are Madan Singh (son of Babulal Armo, aged 45, resident of Amhai Devari), Pritam (son of Govind Barkade, aged 16, resident of Pondi Mal), Punnu Lal (son of Ram Lal, aged 55, resident of Amhai Devari), Mahadi Bai (wife of Vishram, aged 35, resident of Sajaniya district Umaria), Sem Bai (wife of Ramesh, aged 40, resident of Amhai Devari), Lal Singh (son of Bhanu, aged 55, resident of Amhai Devari), Muliya (wife of Dholi, aged 60, resident of Amhai Devari), Titri Bai (wife of Kripal, aged 50, resident of Dhamni district Umaria), Savitri (wife of Nanasay, aged 55, resident of Pondi district Umaria), Sarju (son of Dhanua, aged 45, resident of Amhai Devari), Samhar (son of Fagua, aged 55, resident of Pondi), Maha Singh (son of Sukhlal, aged 72, resident of Pondi), and Lal Singh (son of Nanasay, aged 27, resident of Pondi). Kirpal (son of Sukali, aged 45, resident of Amhai Devari – died during referral).

The Chief Minister has expressed deep condolences for the tragedy and announced compensation of Rs. 4 lakhs to the families of the deceased. In accordance with the information received by the Chief Minister’s office of Madhya Pradesh, instructions have been given to the district administration for the proper treatment of the injured. And he has prayed for peace for the departed souls and strength for their families to bear this thunderbolt of grief.

 

Tragic Accident in Dindori, Madhya Pradesh: Pickup Overturns, 14 Dead, 21 Injured, CM Responds Read More
Himachal Pradesh / India / Main Slide / News / Politics

Congress Calls for Disqualification of 6 MLAs over Cross-Voting in 2024 Rajya Sabha Elections, Sources Say

- by Chirag Goyal

The Congress-led government in Himachal Pradesh is in turmoil following allegations of its MLAs engaging in cross-voting in favor of a BJP candidate during the Rajya Sabha polls held on Tuesday.

In the aftermath of the 2024 Rajya Sabha Elections, sources indicate that the Congress party has initiated proceedings to seek the disqualification of six rebel MLAs who allegedly engaged in cross-voting.

This move comes on the heels of revelations that these Six MLAs crossed party lines, thereby aiding the BJP candidate, Harsh Mahajan, in securing a Rajya Sabha seat from the hill state.

Despite being in power in Himachal Pradesh with 40 MLAs and the support of three independent MLAs in the 68-member house, the Congress suffered a setback as its candidate, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, lost the Rajya Sabha seat.

Acknowledging his defeat, Singhvi expressed gratitude to the MLAs whose cross-voting contributed to Harsh Mahajan’s victory. The final outcome tilted in Mahajan’s favor after a tie-breaker draw of lots.

Singhvi remarked, “I would also like to thank the nine persons (MLAs) because they have taught me a lot about human nature, its fickleness or its resoluteness. They supped with us…So, I think we are bad judges of human character, they are obviously better judges of human character.”

The cross-voting incident has thrown the state government into disarray, with the opposition BJP asserting that the Congress administration has lost its majority in the house.

The Congress’s move to seek the disqualification of rebel MLAs is perceived as an attempt to safeguard its government in the state.

Amidst political upheaval, Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania held discussions with Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla at Raj Bhavan on Wednesday.

This development unfolds against the backdrop of speculation that the BJP may introduce a motion of no-confidence in the assembly against the Congress government during the state’s Budget Session, which commences today.

In the 68-member Himachal Pradesh state assembly, the Congress holds 40 seats while the BJP holds 25. The remaining three seats are held by independents.

Congress Calls for Disqualification of 6 MLAs over Cross-Voting in 2024 Rajya Sabha Elections, Sources Say Read More
Rampur Court Declares Jaya Prada 'Absconder', Orders Arrest Before March 6
Entertainment / Main Slide / News / Politics / Uttar Pradesh

Rampur Court Declares Jaya Prada ‘Absconder’, Orders Arrest Before March 6

- by Chirag Goyal

Former MP and acclaimed actor, Jaya Prada, has been declared an ‘absconder’ by a Rampur court in Uttar Pradesh, following charges of violating election codes during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The court has instructed the police to arrest her and present her before it by March 6.

Jaya Prada, a prominent figure in both the film industry and politics, faced accusations of election code violations related to her candidacy as a BJP representative from Rampur in 2019. Despite being summoned multiple times by the special MP-MLA court, she failed to appear. Additionally, seven non-bailable warrants issued against her yielded no results, leading to the court’s declaration of her as an absconder.

The charges stem from alleged breaches of the Model Code of Conduct during the 2019 elections, with cases registered against her at Kemari and Swar police stations. Jaya Prada, who had previously served as an MP from Rampur under the Samajwadi Party banner, faced defeat in the 2019 elections against Azam Khan.

Efforts to locate and arrest Jaya Prada have been unsuccessful, with her known mobile numbers switched off. Consequently, Judge Shobhit Bansal issued the directive for her arrest and appearance in court.

The Rampur Superintendent of Police has been tasked with assembling a team to apprehend her before the scheduled hearing on March 6.

Despite her legal troubles, Jaya Prada remains a respected figure in the entertainment industry, having appeared in numerous films across various languages. Her entry into politics, initially with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and later the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), reflects her multifaceted career trajectory.

 

Rampur Court Declares Jaya Prada ‘Absconder’, Orders Arrest Before March 6 Read More