Illiterate Or Less Educated PM Is Very Dangerous For Country, Says Kejriwal

Source: PTI

Does not the country have the right to know the academic qualifications of the prime minister, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asked on Friday after the Gujarat High Court set aside an order of the Central Information Commission for providing information on Narendra Modi's degree to him.

Allowing the Gujarat University appeal against the seven-year-old order of the Central Information Commission (CIC), Justice Biren Vaishnav also imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on Kejriwal and asked him to deposit the amount within four weeks to the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority (GSLSA).

Reacting to the high court verdict, Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi, "Doesn't the country even have the right to know how much the PM has studied? He vehemently opposed showing the degree in the court. Why? And those who demand to see the degree will be fined? What's happening?"

"Illiterate or less educated PM is very dangerous for the country," the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief alleged in the tweet.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson Sanjay Singh termed the high court verdict "surprising".

"CIC passed an order and asked Gujarat University to provide information on Narendra Modi's degree. Then, the university files an appeal against the CIC order but fine has been slapped on Arvind Kejriwal. What kind of decision is this?" Singh said at a press conference in New Delhi.

"This proves that the prime minister is actually not educated and he doesn't want the people of the country to know about his educational qualification," he charged, asking "will the country continue to pay the price for having an illiterate prime minister?"

The AAP leader took a swipe at Modi and asked him to at least show his "entire political science degree" which he once mentioned.

"Yesterday, some posters were pasted which asked if the country's prime minister should be educated. Modi ji sent police to tear these posters," he charged.

 

Canadian Police Say 6 Dead Found Near Quebec Border With US

Source: PTI 

The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service said late on Thursday it was investigating the discovery of six bodies in a marshy area of Quebec near Canada's border with New York state.

Police said they were awaiting the results of post-mortem and toxicology tests to determine the cause of death.

They said they were still trying to identify the dead and their status in Canada. It wasn't immediately known if they were migrants trying to cross the border.

The first body was located around 5pm in a marsh area in Tsi Snaihne, Akwesasne, Quebec, police said in a statement on social media. There is no threat to the public at this time.

Last month, the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police reported a recent increase in illegal entries through their lands and waterways.

The statement said some migrants required hospitalisation. And in January, the force noted people involved in human smuggling had attempted to utilize shorelines along the St. Lawrence River in the area.

US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a plan last week to close a loophole to an immigration agreement that allowed thousands of asylum-seeking migrants to move between the two countries along a back road linking New York state to Quebec.

The deal closing an illegal border crossing point about 105 kilometers (66 miles) east of Akwesasne took effect Saturday.

Include More Millets, Coarse Grains In Diet Of Schoolchildren: Parliamentary Panel

Source: PTI

The Centre should include more millets and coarse grains in diets of school-going children under the PM-POSHAN scheme, a Parliamentary panel has recommended.

It noted that there is an increase in student enrolment in schools and recommended that the Ministry of Education should ensure that the increased number of students are covered under the PM-POSHAN scheme by making necessary augmentation in the budget allocation.

"It is encouragingly evident that there is increment in enrolment of children from 11.80 crores to 12.21 crores in 2021-22. The committee, accordingly, recommends that the department should make sure even the increased number of enrolled students are covered under the blanket of PM-POSHAN scheme and make necessary augmentations in the budget allocation, student data and policy ambit," the panel said in its report.

The panel has suggested that the department should conduct a fresh survey or evaluation in coordination with an independent agency, especially in view of inclusion of millets (SHRI ANNA) under the scheme, so that PM-POSHAN scheme could be consistently implemented in a better way and the report of the survey becomes contextual, relevant and helpful in encouraging more students from disadvantaged backgrounds to avail the scheme's benefit.

"In addition to a plethora of health and nutritional benefits, millets are also good for the environment with low water and input requirements, hence being suitable for being grown even in harsh climates. It is strongly recommended that the department should include more millets and coarse grains in diets of school going children of the country under PM-POSHAN scheme," it said.

The Department of School Education and Literacy administers the PM Poshan scheme under which funds are provided to states, based on proposals received from them, for providing one hot cooked meal to eligible children from classes I to VIII and those in Balvatika (below Class I).

The PM-Poshan scheme benefits about 11.80 crore children in the country studying in 11.20 lakh government and government-aided schools.

Is Rahul Gandhi A Victim Of Congress Conspiracy?

Source: PTI

Why no eminent lawyer of the Congress came to the aid of Rahul Gandhi when he was convicted in a defamation case leading to his disqualification from Parliament, Union Minister Anurag Thakur asked on Tuesday and wondered if it was deliberate and part of a conspiracy within the party.

Mr Thakur, addressing the 'Times Network India Digital Fest', also described Gandhi as a "loose cannon" and a "serial offender" who has seven cases of defamation in various courts even after being cautioned by the apex court.

The Information and Broadcasting Minister made it clear that neither the government nor the Lok Sabha secretariat had any role to play in the former Congress president's disqualification from the Lok Sabha.

Mr Thakur said that according to the Representation of the People Act, Rahul Gandhi stood disqualified the moment he was sentenced to a two-year jail term in a criminal defamation case.

The senior BJP leader wondered why none of the eminent lawyers sent by the Congress to the Rajya Sabha could be of any help in the defamation case against Mr Gandhi.

"Was it deliberate? Is there a conspiracy within the Congress? It is surprising that an entire battery of lawyers came to the rescue of Pawan Khera within an hour. Why did the Congress leader not move court in support of Rahul Gandhi? This is a big question," Mr Thakur said.

"Who are these persons who hatched the conspiracy against Rahul Gandhi?" the Union minister asked.

Anurag Thakur said that even after issuing a written apology to the Supreme Court, Mr Gandhi continued to make defamatory remarks against communities, people and organisations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

He also slammed Gandhi for speaking harshly to a journalist during a press conference on Saturday.

"Some people do not know that the person who was spoken harshly to had covered the Congress party for 15 years. He lashed out at the journalist and still he talks of freedom of the press," the Union minister said.

Mr Thakur dismissed suggestions that the BJP was over-obsessed with Gandhi and said it was the Congress that has been unable to come out of the influence of the Gandhi family.

He also accused the Congress of derailing the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament after it realised that the BJP would insist on an apology from Gandhi for his remarks "maligning India" on foreign soil.

The minister also rejected the opposition charge that the BJP government was on the defensive on the Adani issue and said that SBI, LIC, RBI, SEBI had come out with statements on the matter.

He said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman too had made a statement on the issue and an investigation by a Supreme Court-appointed committee was underway.

"There is nothing to hide. Our institutions are strong. We have to trust them. Had this not been the case, everything would be haywire," he said.

Mr Thakur slammed the Congress party and claimed that it was obsessed with the Gandhi family and prioritised them over the nation.

"Since 2013, 12 lawmakers have lost their Parliament membership due to their involvement in a criminal offence. But, Congress prioritises only a family over the country's judiciary and people and Parliament proceedings," the senior BJP leader said.

Cheetah Sasha Dies Due To Kidney Ailment In MP's Kuno National Park

Source: PTI

Namibian cheetah Sasha died due to a kidney ailment on Monday at Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park (KNP), a top forest department official said. 

The more than four-and-a-half years old female cheetah was among the eight cheetahs translocated from Namibia and housed in the KNP in Sheopur district since September 17. 

"Cheetah Sasha passed away due to a kidney problem as her creatinine level was very high," Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF-Wildlife) JS Chauhan told PTI. 

The feline was not keeping well since her arrival more than 6 months ago and was recently taken back to a quarantine enclosure at the KNP for treatment, he said. 

Sasha's creatinine level was above 400 (an indicator of poor kidney function) which resulted in her death, Chauhan added.

Indian-Led Team Develops Technique To Use Discarded Face Masks For Carbon Capture

Source: PTI

An international team led by a researcher from India has developed a new technique that uses discarded face masks to effectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air.

The researchers converted used face masks into porous activated fibrous adsorbents -- materials which capture molecules from a gas, liquid or dissolved solid to a surface.

These adsorbents possess multiple benefits such as a higher absorption rate, more capturing sites, higher adsorption capacity, and ease of handling compared to granular and powdered materials.

The team led by Associate Professor Sunanda Roy, from Alliance University in Bengaluru, developed an approach by which a large number of pores, suitable for heavy CO2 adsorption, can be formed on the developed fibres.

The surface of the fibres was further modified by amine containing compounds, which have nitrogen, to further enhance the CO2 capture.

The new material, described in a paper published in the journal Carbon, shows an absorption capacity higher than found in many contemporary studies.

The adsorbed CO2 can be readily regenerated and the adsorbent can be used for several cycles. The regenerated CO2 can be utilised for green fuel, beverages and dry ice based on the purity, according to the researchers.

The team, including researchers from Birla Institute of Technology in Jharkhand, Newcastle University, UK, Inha University and Hanyang University, both in Korea, has also developed a graphene foam-based catalyst that can convert CO2 into fuel.

The fibrous adsorbents obtained from the recycled face masks can also be utilised for separating various dyes from aqueous solutions, the researchers said.

The efficiency of the dye removal properties remained above 94 per cent even after nine cycles of adsorption-desorption, they said.

The research suggests that the porous absorbent has potential applications in treating polluted waste water that has been discharged from industries such as textiles and leathers.

Ram Is Not Just God Of Hindus, But of Everyone: Farooq Abdullah

Source: PTI

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and NC chief Farooq Abdullah on Thursday hit out at the BJP saying that the party only uses Ram's name to stay in power, but Ram is not Hindus' god alone.

"Bhagwan Ram is not the god of Hindus only. Please remove this notion from your mind. Bhagwan Ram is god of everyone -- be it a Muslim or Christian or American or Russian, who has faith in him," he told a rally organised by the Panthers Party.  

"Those who come to you saying we are only disciples of Ram -- they are fools. They want to sell in the name of Ram. They do not have a love for Ram but for power," he said. "I think when elections are announced in J&K, they will inaugurate Ram temple to divert the attention of the common man," he said.

On unity among non-BJP parties, he said, "There will be no hurdle in our unity. Whether it is Congress, NC, or Panthers. We will fight and die for people. But we all will remain united."

He raised questions about electronic voting machines and asked people to remain cautious about its use. He also warned people against religious polarisation ahead of the election in the Union Territory. "They will use 'Hindus are in danger' a lot during the elections... but I request you to not fall prey to it."

Editors Guild Voices Concern Over Arrest Of J&K-Based Journalist

Source: PTI

The Editors Guild of India on Wednesday voiced "deep concern" over the arrest of Jammu and Kashmir-based journalist Irfan Mehraj and "excessive use" of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against mediapersons.

It said earlier journalists Aasif Sultan, Sajad Gul and Fahad Shah too were arrested. "The space for media freedom has progressively eroded in Kashmir," the Guild said in a statement.

"Irfan Mehraj's arrest continues a trend in Kashmir of security forces arresting journalists because of their critical reporting of the establishment," it said.

Mehraj was arrested by the National Investigation Agency in connection with a terror funding case.

The Guild urged the administration to respect democratic values and stop the harassment of journalists in the name of national security. Mehraj had started his career as a journalist in 2015 and covered politics and human rights extensively, it said.

Mehraj has written for several publications about the situation in Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 and also runs an online publication called Wande Magazine, the Guild said.

Nagaland Scientist’s Tiny, Inexpensive Sensor To Tell If Food Is Spoiled

Source: PTI

An Indian researcher in the US has developed a small and low-cost acidity sensor that can tell in real time when food has spoiled.

The flexible pH sensor is just two millimetres in length and 10 millimetres wide, making it possible to incorporate the device into current food packaging methods, such as plastic wrapping.

Industries typically use much bulkier metres — roughly one inch long by five inches tall — to measure pH levels or how acidic or basic the food is, so they are not suitable to be included in every package of food to monitor its freshness in real time.

“The pH sensors we developed work like a small wireless radio-frequency identification device — similar to what you find inside your luggage tag after it has been checked at airports,” said Khengdauliu Chawang, a Ph.D. student at Southern Methodist University in Texas, US, who created the device.

“Every time a food package with our device passes a checkpoint, such as shipping logistics centres, harbours, gates or supermarkets’ entrances, they could get scanned and the data could be sent back to a server tracking their pH levels,” Chawang said in a statement by the university.

Such configuration, Chwang said, would allow continuous pH monitoring and accurately detect freshness limits along the entire journey — from farms to consumers’ houses.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, roughly 1.3 billion metric tonnes of food produced around the world goes waste every year. 

Creating the device was personal for Chawang, who is originally from Nagaland where the population relies heavily on agricultural crops.

“Food waste in Nagaland means undernourished children and extra fieldwork for the elderly to compensate for the loss,” Chawang said.

“The need to prevent food waste motivated me to think of a device that is not expensive or labour-intensive to develop, is disposable and can detect freshness levels,” the researcher explained.

Not only does food waste contribute to food insecurity and lost profits to food manufacturers, but food wastage is also bad for the environment, the researcher noted. Food freshness level is directly correlated to pH levels, Chawang explained.

For example, food with a pH level higher than the normal range indicates spoiled food, as fungi and bacteria thrive in high-pH environments.

Sudden pH changes in food storage during production and shipping can indicate possible food spoilage.

The pH level is measured by the concentration of hydrogen ions found in a substance or solution. The latest pH sensor has successfully been tested on food items like fish, fruits, milk and honey, Chawang said.

The sensor is made with a very small amount of biocompatible materials and uses printing technologies on flexible films.

“The entire process is similar to printing newspapers. The processing does not require expensive equipment or semiconductor cleanroom environment. Thus, the costs are low and make the sensor disposable,” said J. C. Chiao, a professor at SMU, who helped in the development of the device.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineer’s (IEEE) Big Ideas competition at the 2022 IEEE Sensors Conference honoured Chawang with the Best Women-owned Business Pitch for her invention, the university added.

 

 

ISI Instigating Protests In Support Of Amritpal Singh: Officials

Source: PTI

Pakistani intelligence agency ISI, which has been the brain behind the rise of radical preacher Amritpal Singh, has now instigated overseas Khalistan supporters to organise protests and demonstrations abroad including in London, San Francisco and Canberra in his support, officials said on Monday.

They said the overseas protests were a desperate attempt by the ISI to build Amritpal's followers, who has been hiding from the Punjab Police for the last three days.

While pro-Khalistan supporters vandalised the Indian High Commission in London and the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, there were sporadic protests in Australia.

All theses acts by the pro-Khalistan elements were orchestrated by ISI agents operating in different countries, the officials said.

Citing recent incidents in different parts of the world, they said there has been a design by ISI agents to organise protests, vandalism of places of Indian interests through Khalistani elements exploiting their religious sentiments.

Last week, the Honorary Consulate of India in Australia's Brisbane city was forced to close down due to safety concerns after Khalistan supporters organised an unauthorised gathering and blocked the entry of the office, days after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured India that his government will not tolerate "extreme actions".

Several Hindu temples in Melbourne were also vandalised by Khalistan supporters in recent months.

Canada has also seen a rise in anti-India activities recently by Khalistani supporters who have vandalised some Hindu temples.

Last September, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement condemning the rise of hate crimes against Indians and anti-India activities in Canada, expressing concern using stern language.

The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) has also blamed Pakistan's spy agency ISI for instigating and funding Sikh radicalisation with false propaganda.

The Punjab Police on Saturday carried out a massive crackdown on Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal and members of his group 'Waris Punjab De', following which the radical preacher has been on run.

Amritpal was last year anointed head of 'Waris Punjab De', which was founded by actor and activist Deep Sidhu, who died in a road accident in February 2022. The event was held at Moga's Rode, the native village of slain militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

Sikh Student Assaulted In Canada, Turban Ripped Off

Source: PTI

In an apparent hate crime, a 21-year-old Sikh student from India was attacked in Canada's British Columbia province by a group of unknown men who ripped off his turban and dragged him across the sidewalk by his hair, according to a media report. 

Gagandeep Singh was assaulted when he was heading home on Friday night, CTV news reported. 

Councillor Mohini Singh said she heard of the attack shortly after it happened and went to visit Gagandeep.

"I was horrified when I saw him. He could only speak in soft tones and he couldn't open his mouth,"' she told the news channel.

She said the young man's eyes were swollen shut and that he was obviously in significant pain.

The councillor says she was told that Gagandeep was heading home around 10:30 pm after grocery shopping when he encountered a group of between 12 and 15 other young people on the bus. It was St. Patrick's Day and Mohini Singh says a rowdy group was on the bus, throwing a wig around. 

"They were harassing him and they threw the wig at him. He told them not to bother him or he'd call the police, and they continued to harass him," she said.

Gagandeep got off the bus.

"They got off after him, waited for the bus to leave and then they swarmed him, they beat him in his face, in his ribs, arms, and legs and then proceeded to grab his turban, pull his hair and drag him," Mohini Singh said, adding that the group took the turban with them when they left Gagandeep in a pile of "dirty snow" on the side of the road.

"Taking his turban was the worst, it feels like they've taken it as a trophy."

After he regained consciousness, Gagandeep called a friend who came to the scene and called 911.

Mohini Singh said that Gagandeep's friends and fellow international students have been left shaken and scared by the attack, prompting a gathering at the bus stop Sunday where they spoke out about how they feel less safe in their community.

The councillor says the fact that Gangandeep is Sikh and from India was "undoubtedly" a factor in the assault.

"I entirely believe this is racism and it should be treated as that. It should be looked at through the lens of being a hate crime. This is so wrong on so many levels. This is not something that is acceptable anywhere -- not in Kelowna, not anywhere," she said.

"This is intolerable, it's absolutely disgusting."

The Kelowna Royal Canadian Mounted Police, in a statement, confirmed that they are investigating after someone was "hit from behind and assaulted" by a group of people at the bus stop Friday evening and that responding officers found the victim "laying on the ground." No details about injuries were provided but authorities said the victim was taken to hospital by paramedics.

"The Kelowna RCMP take this very seriously and are concerned that this type of crime has happened in our city," spokesperson Constable Mike Della-Paolera said.

"This assault is the top priority for our investigators."

 

Elite Israel Military Officers Plan Walkout Protesting Overhaul Of Judicial System

Source: PTI

Hundreds of elite officers in Israel's military reserves say they will not show up for duty starting on Sunday in protest over the government's plans to overhaul the judicial system.

This makes for an unprecedented political protest within the security services.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial legal overhaul has sparked weeks of mass protests across Israel amidst a deteriorating security situation in the occupied West Bank and rising tensions with Palestinians.

In two separate letters published on Thursday, about 750 elite officers from the Air Force, special forces, and Mossad threatened to stop volunteering for duty.

The typically taboo talk underlines how deeply the overhaul plan has divided Israel and is now tearing at what Israeli Jews see as their most respected institution, the military.

After completing three years of mandatory service, many Israelis continue in the reserves until their 40s, when service becomes voluntary. Reservists are the backbone of the force when security crises erupt and regularly serve in complex operations overseas.

One hundred elite Air Force officers, including two former chiefs, said in an open letter reported by Channel 12 News, Israel's top television programme, that Netanyahu's government was subverting the nation's security and democracy.

“We fear that following military orders would be a violation of our oath, our conscience and our mission," read the Air Force reservists' letter.

About 650 more officers from the reserves' special forces and cyber units said in a separate letter, “We will not serve a dictatorship. The contract was broken. We are ready to give our life and soul and the government should give responsibility and sanity."

The officers pointed to a statement in early March by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, in which he suggested erasing a Palestinian town in the West Bank that was attacked by Jewish settlers.

Smotrich later backtracked, saying he didn't mean for the Hawara to be erased but for Israel to operate surgically within it against Palestinian militants.

“You want a dictatorship -- you will pay the full price," they wrote.

Israel's military chief of staff, Herzi Halevi, has met with protesting officers and warned Netanyahu about the rising discontent in the ranks.

 

No Change In India's Position On Not Recognising Taliban: MEA

Source: PTI

India on Thursday asserted that there has been no change in its position on not recognising the Taliban regime in Kabul, in comments that came amid reports of an Afghan foreign policy body asking officials to attend an online programme under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) initiative.

The Institute of Diplomacy under the Afghan Foreign Ministry reportedly conveyed to officials in Kabul to register for the ITEC course which was to be hosted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Kozhikode.

At a media briefing, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi also said that the Indian side does not issue any note verbales (diplomatic communication) to any entities that are not recognised by New Delhi.

A letter issued by the Institute of Diplomacy informing officials about the ITEC programme also referred to a note verbale from the Indian embassy in Kabul on the course.

However, Bagchi said there is no question of sending such communication to entities that are not recognised.

"India has been extending capacity building assistance to developing countries across the world through what is called the ITEC programme. This includes online courses," he said.

Bagchi said these scholarship courses cover numerous topics and are conducted by different Indian institutions.

"These courses are also open to nationals of various countries, including Afghanistan. A number of Afghan nationals, both based in India as well as in Afghanistan, have been participating in these ITEC courses," Bagchi said.

"Of course, the online courses do not involve travel to India," he said.

The MEA spokesperson said there has been no change in India's position on the Taliban regime.

"Our position on how we see developments in Afghanistan has not changed. I do not think anything should be read into ITEC courses vis-a-vis that. We certainly would not be issuing note verbales, which are inter-governmental notes, to entities that are not recognised," he said.

India has not yet recognised the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and has been pitching for the formation of a truly inclusive government in Kabul besides insisting that Afghan soil must not be used for any terrorist activities against any country.

India has been pitching for providing unimpeded humanitarian aid to Afghanistan to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis in the country.

In June last year, India re-established its diplomatic presence in Kabul by deploying a "technical team" in its embassy in the Afghan capital.

India had withdrawn its officials from the embassy after the Taliban seized power in August 2021 following concerns over their security.

The ITEC is the leading capacity building platform of the Ministry Of External Affairs.

Instituted in 1964, ITEC is one of the oldest institutionalised arrangements for international capacity building, having trained more than 200,000 officials from 160+ countries in both the civilian and in the defence sector.

Building on India's vast and rich network of governance and development-related expertise available in higher educational institutions and training facilities, the ITEC offers nearly 10,000 fully-funded in-person training opportunities through nearly 400 courses offered at 100-plus eminent institutes in India each year.

 

Swedish PM Says Finland Likely To Join NATO Before Sweden

Source: PTI

Sweden's prime minister acknowledged on Tuesday that it is likely that neighbour Finland will join NATO before his country does, due to Turkey's opposition to the Swedish bid.

Ulf Kristersson said during a news conference in Stockholm on Tuesday that it has been clear since NATO's Madrid summit in June that Finland's road to membership has been smoother than Sweden's, and that it is now increasingly likely that Finland will enter NATO first.

Turkey accuses both nations, but particularly Sweden, of being too soft on groups it deems to be terror organisations or existential threats to Turkey, including Kurdish groups.

Last month, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Ankara has fewer problems with Finland joining.

Since announcing their intention to join the military alliance in May last year, Finland and Sweden have consistently stressed that they would become members of the military alliance at the same time hand in hand.

Now, however, Kristersson told reporters, "It's not out of the question that Sweden and Finland will be ratified in different stages.”

All 30 existing members of NATO have to approve a new member. They all signed the accession protocols for Finland and Sweden last year, and 28 of them have ratified the texts for both countries.

Hungarian lawmakers earlier this month started debating the Nordic duo's membership bids and Budapest may ratify them by the end of March, leaving Turkey as the final holdout.

It says it is still seeking guarantees and assurances from the two countries.

Kristersson said that the ultimate decision is in Turkey's hands and that Sweden is ready to handle a situation where Finland enters NATO without Sweden. He repeated what NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said previously, that it would only be a delay.

"Basically, this is not about whether Sweden becomes a NATO member but about when Sweden becomes a NATO member,” Kristersson told reporters.

 

IMF Treating Pakistan Llike A 'Colony': Maryam Nawaz

Pakistan is a "hostage" to the IMF which is treating the cash-strapped country like a "colony", senior leader of PML-N Maryam Nawaz has said while lambasting former prime minister Imran Khan for flouting the previous agreements with the global lender.

Pakistan's economy is in dire straits. The country is awaiting a much-needed USD 1.1 billion tranche of funding from the Washington-based International Monetary Fund (IMF).

"The IMF is not ready to trust us. Pakistan is a hostage to the IMF and it is treating the country like a colony. Even if we try to come out of its clutches, we can't," Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) leader Maryam said while addressing youth and social media activists on Monday.

She castigated Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan for flouting the previous IMF agreement, the Dawn newspaper reported.

"Because of this today we are begging for Rs 1 billion," the 49-year-old leader said.

She made a comparison between her father Nawaz Sharif's government and that of Khan, saying the cricketer-turned-politician was "launched to destroy the country".

Maryam, who is the daughter of former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, has launched several attacks on Khan for selling off gifts presented to him when he was the prime minister and has accused him of pushing Pakistan to the brink of default.

She also said Imran should be arrested.

"Why is he hiding behind the party workers? He again wants to become the prime minister. I ask what he has done that they (a reference to the establishment) make him prime minister again. Imran Khan tried to have the support of a few generals and judges. Now he is banking on the judiciary to return to power," she said.

Pakistan entered a USD 6 billion IMF programme during Khan's government in 2019, which was increased to USD 7 billion last year.

The programme's ninth review is currently pending with talks being held between IMF officials and the government for the release of USD 1.1 billion.

Pakistan and the IMF have been holding virtual talks after the two sides held 10 days of intensive negotiations with an IMF delegation in Islamabad from January 31 to February 9, which failed to reach an agreement.

Pakistan, whose foreign exchange has dropped below USD 3 billion, is in desperate need of financial assistance and a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund in order to avoid an economic collapse.

Bhopal Gas Tragedy: SC Verdict On Centre's Plea For Addl Funds From UCC's Successor Firms Today

Source: PTI

The Supreme Court is scheduled to pronounce its verdict on Tuesday on the Centre's curative plea seeking an additional Rs 7,844 crore from Union Carbide Corporation's successor firms to extend higher compensation to the victims of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy that killed over 3,000 people and caused environmental damage.

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul will pronounce the verdict. The bench, also comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Abhay S Oka, Justice Vikram Nath and Justice J K Maheshwar, had on January 12 reserved its verdict on the Centre's curative plea.

On January 12, the successor firms of UCC told the top court that the depreciation of the rupee since 1989, when a settlement was arrived at between the company and the Centre, cannot be a ground to now seek a "top-up" of compensation for the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy.

The firms had told the top court that the Government of India never suggested at the time of the settlement that it was inadequate.

"There are series and series of affidavits starting from 1995 and ending as late as 2011, where the Union of India has opposed every single attempt to suggest that the settlement (of 1989) is inadequate. Affidavits upon affidavits were filed," senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the UCC successor firms had submitted. Now, the actual argument before the court is that the settlement has become inadequate because the rupee depreciated, he had contended.

The top court had, during the hearing, told the Centre that it cannot act like a "knight in shining armour" and decide the curative plea seeking additional funds from UCC as a civil suit, and asked the government to "dip into its own pocket" to provide enhanced compensation.

The Centre wants another Rs 7,844 crore from the UCC's successor firms over and above the USD 470 million (Rs 715 crore) it got from the American company as part of the settlement in 1989.

A curative petition is the last resort for a plaintiff after an adverse judgement has been delivered and the plea for its review is rejected. The Centre had not filed a review petition for rescinding the settlement which it now wants to be enhanced.

The Centre has been insisting that the enormity of the actual damage caused to human lives and the environment could not be assessed properly at the time of the settlement in 1989.

On January 10, the top court had questioned the Centre for pursuing its curative plea seeking additional funds from UCC, saying the government cannot reopen a settlement that was reached with the company after over 30 years.

The UCC, now owned by Dow Chemicals, gave a compensation of Rs USD 470 million (Rs 715 crore at the time of settlement in 1989) after the toxic methyl isocyanate gas leak from the Union Carbide factory on the intervening night of December 2 and 3, 1984 killed over 3,000 people and affected 1.02 lakh more.

The survivors of the tragedy have long been fighting for adequate compensation and proper medical treatment for ailments caused by the poisonous gas leak.

The Centre had filed the curative petition in the apex court in December 2010 for enhanced compensation. On June 7, 2010, a Bhopal court had sentenced seven executives of Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) to two years' imprisonment.

The then UCC chairman Warren Anderson was the prime accused in the case but did not appear for the trial.

On February 1, 1992, the Bhopal CJM court declared him an absconder. The courts in Bhopal had issued non-bailable warrants against Anderson twice in 1992 and 2009 before his death in September 2014.

Ukraine Confirms Identity Of Captive Soldier Executed By Russia

Ukraine's SBU security services on Sunday confirmed the identity of a Ukrainian soldier killed by a hail of bullets, in an execution video that went viral.

SBU investigators named the soldier as 42-year-old Oleksandr Igorovich Matsievsky, a sniper with the 163rd battalion of the territorial defence brigade in the Chernihiv region in northeastern Ukraine.

On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Matsievsky's "bravery" in his daily address, awarding the soldier the Hero of Ukraine title.

President Zelensky said Matsievsky was "a soldier, a person who will be remembered forever" by Ukrainians.

The soldier's identity had been unclear, with conflicting statements from the military, which initially named two different servicemen.

The video footage appears to show a detained Ukrainian combatant standing in a shallow trench being shot dead by multiple automatic weapons after saying "Glory to Ukraine".

According to the regional department of the Northern section of the Ukrainian armed forces, Moldova-born Matsievsky had been taken prisoner with four other Ukrainian soldiers in the region of Donetsk.

In recent days, his mother had confirmed her son's identity in a television report.

The SBU said it identified Matsievsky based on "communication with relatives of the deceased, analysis of photos and videos and the forensic medical examination".

"He is a true hero who, even in the face of death, has shown the whole world the character and how indomitable Ukrainians are," SBU chief Vasyl Malyouk said in a press release.

Malyouk added that the Ukrainian security services were working to identify the Russian soldiers who "committed this bloody crime".

You Can Trouble Me By Putting Me In Jail But Cannot Break My Spirit: Manish Sisodia

Source: PTI

Former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia has sent a message from the Tihar Jail, saying imprisonment may pose difficulties for him but it cannot break his spirit.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader on February 26 in connection with alleged corruption in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy for 2021-22. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) too earlier this week.

"Saheb, you can trouble me by putting me in jail, but you cannot break my spirit. The British rulers also troubled the freedom fighters but their spirits did not break -- Manish Sisodia's message from jail," read a tweet in Hindi from the AAP leader's official Twitter handle.

A few days ago, Sisodia tendered his resignation from the Delhi Cabinet following his arrest by the CBI.

Multiple Dead In Jehovah's Witness Hall Shooting In Germany

Source: PTI

Shots were fired inside a building used by Jehovah's Witnesses in the northern German city of Hamburg on Thursday evening, with several people killed and wounded, police said.

"We only know that several people died here; several people are wounded, they were taken to hospitals," police spokesman Holger Vehren said of the shooting in the Gross Borstel district of Germany's second-biggest city.

He said he had no information on the severity of the injuries suffered by the wounded. Police did not confirm German media reports, which named no sources, of six or seven dead.

The scene of the shooting was the Jehovah's Witnesses' Kingdom Hall, a modern and boxy three-story building next door to an auto repair shop.

Vehren said police were alerted to the shooting about 9.15 pm local time and were on the scene quickly.

He said that after officers arrived and found people with apparent gunshot wounds on the ground floor, they heard a shot from an upper floor and found a fatally wounded person upstairs who may have been a shooter. He said police did not have to use their firearms.

Vehren said there was no indication that a shooter was on the run and that it appeared likely that the perpetrator was either in the building or among the dead.

Police said in the early hours Friday that they were still working to verify that no further perpetrators were involved.

Student Laura Bauch, who lives nearby, said "there were about four periods of shooting," German news agency dpa reported. "There were always several shots in these periods, roughly at intervals of 20 seconds to a minute," she said.

She said she looked out her window and saw a person running from the ground floor to the second floor of the Jehovah's Witnesses hall.

Gregor Miesbach, who lives within sight of the building, was alerted by the sound of shots and filmed a figure entering the building through a window. Shots can then be heard from inside. The figure later apparently emerges from the hall, is seen in the courtyard and then fires more shots inside.

Miesbach told German television news agency NonstopNews that he heard at least 25 shots. After police arrived, one last shot followed about five minutes later, he said.

Police had no information on the event that was under way in the building when the shooting took place.

They also had no immediate information on a possible motive. Vehren said that "the background is still completely unclear."

Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher tweeted that the news was "shocking" and offered his sympathy to the victims' relatives.

Jehovah's Witnesses are part of an international church, founded in the United States in the 19th century and headquartered in Warwick, New York. It claims a worldwide membership of about 8.7 million, with about 170,000 in Germany.

Members are known for their evangelistic efforts that include knocking on doors and distributing literature in public squares. The denomination's distinctive practices include a refusal to bear arms, receive blood transfusions, salute a national flag or participate in secular government.

Raj Minister's Son Accuses Rahul Gandhi Of 'Insulting' Country

Source: PTI

Rajasthan Minister Vishvendra Singh's son has accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of insulting the country on foreign soil and attacked the party's government in the state, saying it does not care about people's problems.

The tourism minister's son, Anirudh, is considered close to Congress leader and former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot, who had rebelled against the Ashok Gehlot government in 2020, sending the state into a political crisis.

Singh, who too had rebelled against Chief Minister Gehlot, had lost his Cabinet position, but was later reinstated after talks with the Congress leadership. "He (Rahul Gandhi) has gone bonkers. Who insults ones' own country in another country's Parliament. Or perhaps he considers Italy his homeland," Anirudh said in a tweet.

Speaking at a function in London, Gandhi had alleged that the structures of Indian democracy were under "brutal attack" and regretted that democratic parts of the world, including the US and Europe, have failed to notice it.

"Can he not speak all this garbage in India? Or he genetically prefers European soil?" Anirudh tweeted. He mentions in Twitter bio -- "An independent voice. @sachinpilot school of thought on most matters surrounding #Rajasthan"

There was no immediate reaction from Vishvendra Singh on his son's remarks.

Anirudh also remarked on the demand of families of CRPF personnel belonging to Rajasthan who were killed in the Pulwama terrorist attack that they be given state government jobs on compassionate ground. They have been demonstrating since February 28 for their demand.

"This will continue forever. The Congress party doesn't care about such matters - they think these matters are too trivial to disturb their Italian handlers!" Anirudh said in reply to a tweet showing the families demonstrating.

 

Climate Activists Deface Artwork Near German Parliament

 

Source: PTI

Climate activists on Saturday splashed a dark liquid over an artwork near the German parliament building engraved with key articles from the country's constitution, drawing condemnation from the speaker of parliament and other lawmakers.

The Last Generation group said supporters 'symbolically soaked in oil' the outdoor installation -- a series of glass plates on which 19 articles from the German Constitution setting out fundamental rights are engraved. They pasted posters over the work that read, “Oil or fundamental rights?”

The group said in a statement that the German government is not protecting their fundamental rights and argued that continuing to burn oil is incompatible with doing so.

Parliament Speaker Brbel Bas said she was appalled by the action and has no understanding of it. She said the work by Israeli artist Dani Karavan, titled Grundgesetz 49 after the German name of the post-World War II constitution and the year when it was drawn up, is a reminder to respect and protect rights such as freedom of expression and assembly.

“Those are the fundamental rights on which the demonstrators from Last Generation themselves base the justification for their actions," Bas said in a statement. “I can only hope that the glass plates of the artwork were not permanently damaged.”

The work was wiped clean by Saturday afternoon. Last Generation has repeatedly drawn attention and anger over the past year with actions that have included blocking major roads and throwing food at famous paintings.

Assam’s ‘Maidams’ Clear Technical Requirements For UNESCO Tag: Sarma

Source: PTI

India’s sole nomination for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site this year, ‘Maidams’ or the burial mounds of Ahom royalty in Assam’s Charaideo district, have met the technical requirements, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

The nomination will be next evaluated by the International Council on Monuments and Sites, he said.

“With great pride, happy to share a landmark achievement in our endeavour to get World Heritage Site status for Charaideo Maidams. The 'maidams' have met all technical requirements of the UNESCO Secretariat,” Sarma said on Twitter on Friday.

He also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the nomination of ‘Assam’s Pyramids’.

“The nomination will now be evaluated by the International Council on Monuments and Sites. We look forward to the Evaluation Mission’s visit,” the CM added.

The ‘Maidams’ or the mound burial system of the Ahom dynasty in Charaideo was first included in the tentative list of UNESCO’s World Heritage site in April 2014, Sarma had said earlier.

The ‘Maidams’ will be under the cultural segment as per the categorisation of World Heritage sites. There is currently no World Heritage site in the category of cultural heritage in the northeast out of the 32 listed in the country.

Manas and Kaziranga National Parks, both in Assam, are World Heritage sites under the natural category, of which there are seven in India.

The state Directorate of Archaeology had prepared the dossier to push the case for the Charaideo Maidams which was submitted to the Archaeological Survey of India, following which the chief minister had written to the Prime Minister.

In 2019-20, the state government made a provision of Rs 25 crore for the protection, conservation and development of the Charaideo Archaeological site.

‘Maidams’ represent the late medieval (13th-19th century CE) mound burial tradition of the Tai Ahoms dynasty which ruled for 600 years in Assam.

Out of 386 ‘Maidams’ explored so far, 90 royal burials at Charaideo are the best preserved, representative, and most complete examples of this tradition, the chief minister had said.

Initially, the deceased, with their personal belongings and other paraphernalia were buried, but after the 18th century, the Ahom rulers adopted the Hindu method of cremation and later entombed the cremated bones and ashes at the ‘Maidams’ at Charaideo.

Charaideo for the Tai Ahoms, who are ancestor worshippers, is the final resting place of their ‘Swargadeos’ (kings who are like gods), other royals and ancestors.

King Charles Chooses France, Germany For First Overseas State Visit

Source: PTI

Britain's King Charles III will undertake his first overseas State Visit as monarch to the neighbouring European countries of France and Germany towards the end of this month, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.

The King, 74, and Queen Consort Camilla, 75, will travel to Paris, where they will be hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, and then head to Berlin and Hamburg to be hosted by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

In Berlin, King Charles will address the Bundestag, making him the first British monarch to make a speech in the German parliament.

“The visit will celebrate Britain's relationship with France and Germany, marking our shared histories, culture and values,” the palace statement said.

“It will also provide an opportunity to look forwards and demonstrate the many ways the UK is working in partnership with France and Germany, whether that be to tackle climate change; respond to the conflict in Ukraine; seize trade and investment opportunities or share the best of our arts and culture,” it said.

The choice of the countries is being seen as significant in the wake of Brexit to reiterate the UK's bilateral relations with the European Union (EU) member-states.

"As well as speaking to the strength of the UK's bilateral relationships with France and Germany, their Majesties' visits will include engagements highlighting the importance of sustainability and community -- key themes which have been embraced by citizens of all our countries.”

"There will also be opportunities to reflect on the sacrifices and challenges of our shared past, out of which has come an enduring legacy of cooperation and reconciliation,” Buckingham Palace added.

The visit, between March 26 and 31, will include state banquets and several ceremonial events in both countries, including the opening of the British Consulate in Bordeaux and meeting Ukrainian refugees displaced by the conflict with Russia.

The King's late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by his father Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, last undertook State Visits to France and Germany in 2014 and 2015 respectively, before the EU referendum in favour of Brexit in June 2016.

 

India Doesn't Need Socialism, Will Be Run Through Ram Rajya: Adityanath

Source: PTI

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said India does not need socialism, which is the "biggest hypocrisy" of leaders who want to make their people powerful, and instead it will be run through Ram Rajya.

Socialism is a mirage which makes the rich poor and turns the poor into slaves, Adityanath said while replying to the debate on the Uttar Pradesh Budget 2023-24 in the state assembly.

His remarks came a day after Samajwadi Party (SP) president and Leader of Opposition Akhilesh Yadav said in the House that Ram Rajya is not possible without socialism.

Adityanath said socialism has not brought development anywhere.

"This country will be run only through Ram Rajya. This Budget is going to be the foundation stone of Ram Rajya. A grand temple of Lord Ram is going to be built this year. Socialism has not brought prosperity anywhere in the world," the chief minister said.

"It has been said repeatedly that it (socialism) is a mirage, it makes the rich poor, turns the poor into slaves, and the intellectuals into fools. Socialism is the biggest hypocrisy of the leaders who want to make their people powerful," he said.

"India does not need socialism. Uttar Pradesh is the land of Ram Rajya and it is moving ahead with this spirit. Only economic prosperity, a development-oriented society and creation of political integrity can bring happiness in the life of every citizen," he added.

Speaking in the House on Tuesday, SP's Akhilesh Yadav had said the government has to understand the socialist principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' (inclusive development) and Ram Rajya is not possible without socialism.

During his speech, Adityanath also took a dig at SP leader Shivpal Yadav, who merged his Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) with his nephew Akhilesh Yadav-led party last year.

"Shivpal ji is the real model of socialism at this time. It is a 'bahurupiya' (impersonator) brand," the chief minister said.

"Where has your Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party gone?" he asked Shivpal Yadav.

There are many kinds of socialism -- democratic socialism, progressive socialism and family socialism. Will they be able to do welfare of the state? Adityanath asked.

The chief minister further said provisions have been made in the Budget to make the Kumbh Mela a unique programme.

Over 26,000 Evacuated As Floods Hit Malaysia Again

Source: PTI

Rescuers in boats retrieved families trapped on rooftops and hauled others to safety as villages and towns in parts of Malaysia were submerged in floodwaters, leading to over 26,000 people being evacuated as of Thursday. One person died when his car was swept away by floodwaters.

The southern Johor state, neighbouring Singapore, was the worst hit with some 25,000 people moved to relief centers in schools and community halls. The figure more than doubled from Tuesday, officials said. Five other states were also hit by floods after incessant rain on Wednesday deluged the area.

The country is experiencing its sixth episode of continuous heavy rain from the annual monsoon season that started in November, the Meteorological Department said, warning it could drag on until April. 

In December, tens of thousands of people were also evacuated due to flooding. 

The department warned that rain will persist in Johor and other parts of the country that could cause further flash floods Thursday.

Social media posts showed photos of a road that had collapsed due to overflowing water after a heavy downpour, vehicles and homes submerged in muddy waters, and shuttered shops. 

In Johor, authorities said a man driving to work in a palm oil plantation was found dead after rescuers retrieved his car, which had been washed away by floodwaters.

Images posted by the National Flood Disaster Agency showed rescuers wading chest-deep in some areas in Johor to help victims trapped in their homes and carrying a baby in a bucket to safety. 

The agency warned that waters in 25 rivers nationwide have reached dangerous levels. Data showed that 102 landslides have occurred since November due to heavy rain, it said.