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“Jaishankar Challenges China’s ‘Renaming’ of Arunachal Pradesh: ‘If I Change Your House’s Name, Does It Become Mine?'”

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has once again criticized China for issuing new names for Indian territories, rebuffing Beijing’s attempts to assert its claims over the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Jaishankar’s remarks came in response to China releasing a fourth list of 30 new names for various places in Arunachal Pradesh. India has consistently rejected China’s attempts to rename places in Arunachal, emphasizing that the state is an integral part of India and that assigning “invented” names does not change this fact.

Addressing the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce, Jaishankar posed a rhetorical question, saying, “If today I change the name of your house, will it become mine? Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be a state of India.” He reiterated India’s stance, stating that changing names does not alter the reality on the ground, particularly highlighting the presence of the Indian army along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

China’s recent actions to assert its claims over Arunachal Pradesh began with lodging a diplomatic protest over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the region. In response, Jaishankar dismissed China’s claims as “ludicrous” and affirmed Arunachal Pradesh’s status as a natural part of India during a lecture at the Institute of South Asian Studies.

The United States also weighed in on the issue, reaffirming its recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and opposing any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control.

As tensions persist between India and China over territorial disputes, Jaishankar’s remarks underscore India’s firm stance on the matter and its commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity.

Guwahati Airport Ceiling Collapses Amid Storm, Passengers Escape Unharmed

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“Watch the live footage of the Airport Ceiling Collapse.”

A dramatic scene unfolded at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati as a part of the terminal’s ceiling collapsed during a heavy storm on Sunday. Videos circulating on social media captured the chaos as drenched flyers hurried to safety, escaping without any reported injuries.

The storm, accompanied by heavy rainfall, also uprooted a large tree near the airport, blocking a nearby road. Operations were briefly halted, and six flights had to be diverted to other destinations, according to a senior official.

Chief Airport Officer Utpal Baruah described the incident, stating, “When the rain and storm lashed the area, a portion of the roof was blown away in the forecourt area. It was very old and could not withstand the impact.” Baruah confirmed that no injuries occurred and that the situation is now under control.

A shopkeeper at the airport reported, “Due to heavy rain, water had collected in a portion of the roof, making the ceiling heavy. After some time, the part of the roof fell… Some stalls inside the airport have also been affected due to heavy rains.”

However, a statement from Guwahati airport operator Adani Airport Holdings Ltd later clarified that no damage was reported and no injuries occurred. The statement attributed the incident to heavy downpours and wind, causing water to overflow roof outlets and instill water inside the terminal building. Outside, a small portion of the ceiling fell open due to the pressure of water and wind.

Flight operations were briefly affected, with six flights diverted to Agartala and Kolkata. Normal operations have since resumed at the airport.

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The Year as Declared: Telangana Government’s Focus on Inclusive Growth…

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Government’s intentions are commendable, but effective implementation is crucial. Delay or negligence may lead to criticism from opposition and the public.

In a resolute declaration of intent, the Congress government under Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has embarked on a mission to ensure the comprehensive and inclusive growth of all sections of society in the state. With a firm commitment to prioritize the welfare of farmers, empowerment of women, and the advancement of youth, the government has set a clear agenda for the year ahead.

Over the past few months, a series of initiatives and decisions have underscored the government’s unwavering dedication to addressing the pressing needs of these crucial sections of society. While not neglecting other segments, the government has swiftly implemented schemes and measures aimed at uplifting farmers, empowering women, and providing opportunities for the youth.

One of the standout initiatives is the Free RTC Bus Travel (Mahalakshmi) for women, launched within days of assuming office by the Chief Minister. Despite facing opposition criticism, this move has garnered widespread acclaim for its commitment to gender equality and accessibility.

Moreover, the introduction of subsidized cooking gas cylinders priced at Rs 500 has directly benefited women and their families, easing their financial burden and enhancing their quality of life. The government’s emphasis on supporting Women Self Help Groups and promoting women entrepreneurs further demonstrates its commitment to gender empowerment.

In a significant move towards addressing housing needs, the launch of the Indiramma Housing scheme, with houses allocated to women members of families, aims to uplift communities and foster economic empowerment at the grassroots level. This aligns with the government’s vision to empower women economically and socially, aiming to transform them into millionaires.

Turning to the youth, the government has taken proactive steps to fulfill its promises and provide employment opportunities. The issuance of appointment letters to over 30,000 youth across various departments and the announcement of Group-I and DSC notifications reflect the government’s determination to restore confidence and provide a path to progress for the younger generation.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by farmers, the government has initiated various schemes and measures to alleviate their plight. From the establishment of a Rythu Commission to the disbursement of Rythu Bandu to eligible farmers, concerted efforts are underway to address the needs of those engaged in agriculture.

However, while the government’s intentions are commendable, the true test lies in the effective implementation of these initiatives. Any delay or negligence in delivering on these promises could invite significant criticism from opposition parties and the public alike.

As the Congress government progresses with its agenda for inclusive growth, it must remain steadfast in its commitment to uplift the marginalized sections of society, ensuring that the year ahead truly becomes a testament to social empowerment and progress for all.

Congress Releases List of Star Campaigners for Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2024

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New Delhi, April 1, 2024: The Congress party has unveiled its list of 40 star campaigners for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh. The list includes prominent leaders such as party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The announcement was made by the state unit of the Congress on Sunday.

Other notable figures featured in the list are state party chief Ajay Rai, General Secretary Avinash Pande, and chief ministers Siddaramaiah (Karnataka), Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (Himachal Pradesh), and Revanth Reddy (Telangana).

Additionally, senior leaders like Salman Khurshid, Meira Kumar, Ashok Gehlot, Digvijaya Singh, Bhupesh Baghel, Harish Rawat, and Sachin Pilot have been named as star campaigners.

For the complete list of star campaigners, visit the Congress’s official Twitter handle: twitter link

Congress to Unveil Manifesto on April 5

The Congress has announced that it will release its manifesto on April 5, taking a dig at the BJP for setting up a manifesto committee at the “last moment.” The BJP recently formed a 27-member committee, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, to prepare its manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted that the party had already released its ‘Paanch Nyay’ and ‘Pachees Guarantees’ on March 16. The ‘Ghar Ghar Guarantee’ campaign, aimed at distributing eight crore guarantee cards across the country, will commence on April 3.

Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Poll Schedule

The 80 seats of Uttar Pradesh will go to polls for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 in seven phases, starting from April 19 to June 1.

List of Constituencies and Voting Dates:

  • Phase 1 | April 19: Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina, Moradabad, Rampur, Pilibhit
  • Phase 2 | April 26: Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Mathura
  • Phase 3 | May 7: Sambhal, Hathras, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Etah, Badaun, Aonla, Bareilly
  • Phase 4 | May 13: Shahjahanpur, Kheri, Dhaurahra, Sitapur, Hardoi, Misrikh, Unnao, Farrukhabad, Etawah, Kannauj, Kanpur, Akbarpur, Bahraich
  • Phase 5 | May 20: Mohanlalganj, Lucknow, Rae Bareli, Amethi, Jalaun, Jhansi, Hamirpur, Banda, Fatehpur, Kaushambi, Barabanki, Faizabad, Kaiserganj, Gonda
  • Phase 6 | May 25: Sultanpur, Pratapgarh, Phulpur, Allahabad, Ambedkar Nagar, Shrawasti, Domariyaganj, Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar, Lalganj, Azamgarh, Jaunpur, Machhlishahr, Bhadohi
  • Phase 7 | June 1: Maharajganj, Gorakhpur, Kushi Nagar, Deoria, Bansgaon, Ghosi, Salempur, Ballia, Ghazipur, Chandauli, Varanasi, Mirzapur, Robertsganj

Congress Receives Fresh ₹1,745 Crore Tax Notice; Total Demand Hits ₹3,567 Crore

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New Delhi, March 31, 2024: The Congress party finds itself under the scrutiny of the Income Tax department once again, as fresh notices amounting to over ₹1,745 crore have been issued to the party. This development comes shortly after the department demanded ₹1,823 crore in taxes from the party.

The new tax notices pertain to the assessment years spanning from 2014-15 to 2016-17, as per PTI reports. This adds to the cumulative tax demand facing the Congress, which now stands at a staggering ₹3,567 crore.

According to sources, the fresh income tax notices are specifically linked to the financial years 2014-15 (₹663 crore), 2015-16 (approximately ₹664 crore), and 2016-17 (around ₹417 crore).

These demands have been calculated based on the entirety of the party’s collections, following the cessation of tax exemptions previously enjoyed by political parties. Furthermore, the department has levied taxes on what it terms as “third-party entries,” allegedly found in diaries seized during raids on some Congress leaders.

This latest development follows the issuance of notices on Friday, where the Congress was asked to pay ₹1,823 crore in taxes. Additionally, the tax authorities have already debited ₹135 crore from the party’s accounts to meet previous tax demands.

Amidst these developments, Congress Treasurer Ajay Maken has accused the BJP of significant tax violations. Maken claims that using the same criteria applied to the Congress, the BJP should be liable to pay ₹4,600 crore in taxes. He has called upon the income tax department to demand this amount from the BJP.

The Congress has alleged selective targeting by the Income Tax department, accusing the government of engaging in what it terms as “tax terrorism.” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asserted that despite such pressure, the party remains resolute in its stance.

The Delhi High Court recently dismissed the Congress party’s plea challenging the initiation of tax reassessment proceedings against it for a four-year period. These developments come amidst heightened political tensions in the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections.

Mohammad Siraj’s Sportsmanship Shines: Helps Tie Iyer’s Shoelace During IPL Match

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Hyderabad, April 1, 2024: In a touching moment that captured the essence of sportsmanship, Mohammad Siraj, representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), displayed a heartwarming gesture during the recent IPL 2024 match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Amidst the competitive atmosphere of the game, Siraj extended a helping hand to Venkatesh Iyer from the opposing team, assisting him in tying his shoelace.

The scene unfolded amidst the intense action on the field, reminding spectators of the values that transcend the boundaries of cricket teams. Siraj’s gesture exemplified the spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect that characterize the sport, showcasing a moment of unity despite the differences among fans and players.

Despite this display of sportsmanship, Siraj encountered challenges in leading RCB’s pace attack during the match. Despite his efforts, he conceded 46 runs in three overs, with Phil Salt’s formidable performance contributing to Kolkata Knight Riders’ victory by seven wickets in the 17th over.

Kolkata’s triumph underscored their strong performance in the IPL tournament, while Siraj’s act of kindness served as a reminder of the enduring values of sportsmanship and goodwill in cricket.

Rahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi of Attempting Match-Fixing in Lok Sabha Polls

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He claimed that while the BJP is rallying for 400 seats, they won’t surpass 180 without resorting to EVM manipulation, match-fixing, pressuring opposition leaders, and influencing media.

New Delhi, March 31, 2024: Speaking at the “Loktantra Bachao (Save Democracy)” rally organized by the INDIA bloc at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging attempts at “match-fixing” in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Gandhi drew an analogy with ongoing IPL cricket matches, stating, “When umpires are pressurised, players are bought, and captains are threatened to win matches, it is called match-fixing in cricket. We have Lok Sabha polls before us; umpires were chosen by PM Modi.”

Referring to the BJP’s election slogan of securing 400 seats, Gandhi asserted, “The BJP is raising the slogan of getting 400 seats, but without EVM manipulation, pressure on opposition leaders, and controlling media narratives, they will not be able to cross even 180 seats.”

The rally, aimed at showcasing Opposition unity, occurred amidst growing political tension as the elections draw near. It follows the recent arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate in a now-scrapped excise policy case. Kejriwal has been in custody since March 21, with his detention extended until April 1.

Commenting on Kejriwal and former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s arrests, Gandhi remarked, “Two players from our team have been arrested before the match.”

Expressing concern over the financial challenges faced by the Congress, Gandhi highlighted that all their bank accounts have been closed. He questioned, “We have to run campaigns, send workers to states, put up posters, but all our bank accounts have been closed. What kind of election is this?”

The rally witnessed the presence of several opposition leaders, including Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, former Jammu and Kashmir CM Farooq Abdullah, and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti. Delhi CM Kejriwal’s wife Sunita Kejriwal and Hemant Soren’s wife Kalpana Soren were also in attendance.

Telangana Government Shifts Optional Holiday for Shahadat Hazrat Ali to April 1st

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Hyderabad, March 31, 2024: The Telangana State Government has made an amendment regarding the optional holiday commemorating Shahadat Hazrat Ali. Initially slated for March 31st, the holiday will now be observed on April 1st.

In a press release from the Shahadat Hazrat Ali (SPL.E) Department, it was announced, “In partial modification of the orders issued in G.O.Rt No 1633, GA (SPL.E) Dept. dated 12.12.2023, notifying the General Holidays and Optional Holidays, Government hereby declares 1.04.2024 as an optional holiday on the occasion of Shahadat Hazrat Ali (RA), instead of 31.02.2024, declared earlier.”

This change aligns the holiday with the correct date, ensuring that the occasion is observed on the appropriate day. The decision aims to facilitate the commemoration of Shahadat Hazrat Ali with due reverence and respect.

BRS Leader Kadiyam Srihari and Daughter Kadiyam Kavya Jump Ship, Join Congress

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Hyderabad, March 31, 2024: In a significant political move, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) stalwart and MLA, Kadiyam Srihari, along with his daughter Kadiyam Kavya, have officially embraced the Congress party. The announcement was made today amidst a warm reception by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and AICC in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi.

The decision follows a recent invitation extended by Congress leaders, culminating in a meeting where Srihari and his daughter deliberated with their supporters.

Srihari, a former Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, represents Station Ghanpur constituency in the Assembly. Meanwhile, Kavya, initially slated as the BRS candidate for the Warangal Lok Sabha seat, opted out of the contest on March 28.

Amid speculation regarding potential candidacies for the Warangal Lok Sabha seat, the Congress party’s intentions remain unclear.

Kavya’s withdrawal from the electoral fray was accompanied by a scathing letter to BRS chief KCR, citing allegations of corruption, encroachments, and other scandals tarnishing the party’s reputation. She lamented a lack of cohesion among BRS leaders, exacerbating the damage.

The political landscape in Warangal witnessed further upheaval with former MP Pasunuri Dayakar defecting to Congress, expressing discontent over being denied a BRS ticket.

Kadiyam Srihari, a seasoned leader with roots tracing back to the 1980s Telugu Desam Party, has held key positions in state politics. His entry into Congress signals a significant shift in regional alliances.

This move comes hot on the heels of Hyderabad Mayor Vijayalaxmi Gadwal’s defection from BRS to Congress, adding momentum to the ongoing political realignment.

The dynamics in Telangana politics are evolving rapidly, with key figures recalibrating their affiliations, setting the stage for a potentially transformative electoral landscape.

Unveiling Nature’s Miracle: Viral Video Captures Water Spouting from Wild Tree in AP

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In a captivating display of nature’s wonders, a mesmerizing video clip depicting water cascading out from the trunk of a wild tree has taken the internet by storm, sparking intrigue and admiration across social media platforms. The enchanting footage, shot in Papikondalu National Park, located in the scenic Kintukuru forest region of Andhra Pradesh, has garnered widespread attention for its remarkable portrayal of the Terminalia elliptica tree, commonly known as Indian Laurel or Nalla Maddi tree.

The video captures the moment when forest officials, stationed in the tranquil expanse of the national park, witness the astonishing phenomenon as water flows generously from the trunk of the majestic Nalla Maddi tree. Reports indicate that approximately 20 litres of crystal-clear water gushed forth from this natural reservoir, leaving onlookers in awe of the tree’s mystical properties.

Botanists have long been fascinated by the unique characteristics of the Terminalia elliptica tree, which is indigenous to the verdant landscapes of southern and southeast Asia. Renowned for its ability to store water within its trunk, this botanical marvel not only sustains itself but also offers potable water with medicinal benefits. The water extracted from the tree is revered for its curative properties, known to alleviate stomach ailments and serve as a natural remedy.

Beyond its role as a water bearer, the Nalla Maddi tree boasts a diverse array of uses and benefits. Its bark exhibits fire-resistant properties, making it invaluable in fire-prone regions. Additionally, the wood derived from this species is highly sought-after for crafting fine furniture and musical instruments, attesting to its versatility and enduring appeal.

Moreover, the leaves of the Nalla Maddi tree play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems, serving as a primary food source for the Antheraea paphia silkworms. The silk produced by these silkworms, known as tussar silk, holds significant commercial value, contributing to the livelihoods of many communities across the region.

Situated in the picturesque village of Kintukuru, nestled within the Rampachodavaram mandal of erstwhile East Godavari district, this awe-inspiring natural spectacle serves as a testament to the rich biodiversity and ecological marvels of Andhra Pradesh. As the video continues to captivate audiences worldwide, it underscores the importance of preserving and cherishing our natural heritage for generations to come.

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