NATO Upbeat On Sweden Bid As US Urges Turkey To Say Yes

NATO's chief voiced guarded optimism Tuesday on welcoming Sweden to the alliance as the United States pressed holdout Turkey to drop its objections, two days after President Tayyip Recep Erdogan won re-election.

Sweden and Finland last year reversed decades of hesitation and formally applied to join NATO after Russia invaded Ukraine, which had unsuccessfully sought to enter the alliance whose members promise to defend one another.

But decisions must be unanimous and Turkey has used its leverage to push the two countries over the presence of Kurdish militants, letting Finland join NATO in April but still blocking Sweden.

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said it was "within reach" for Sweden to join in time for the July 11-12 NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius.

"There are no guarantees but it's absolutely possible to reach a solution and enable the decision on full membership for Sweden by then," Stoltenberg told reporters in Oslo on the eve of a NATO foreign ministers' meeting to prepare for the summit.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, visiting Sweden on his way to Oslo, said the Swedish government had addressed Turkish concerns.

"The time is now to finalise Sweden's accession," Blinken told a news conference with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in the northern Swedish city of Lulea.

"We urge both Turkey and Hungary -- which also has not yet ratified -- to ratify the accession as quickly as possible," Blinken said.

"There is no reason for any further time. Sweden is ready now."

Blinken said the United States wanted the process to be "completed in the weeks ahead" but stopped short of saying if he was certain it would be finished by the summit.

- New Turkish anger -

Erdogan, Turkey's leader for two decades, won another five-year term on Sunday after a campaign in which he vowed to stand up to the West.

He has accused Sweden, with its generous asylum policies, of being a haven for "terrorists", especially members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) that is outlawed by Ankara.

Despite the rising hopes of accession, Sweden once again drew Turkish ire on Tuesday as Turkey deplored an "unacceptable" protest by activists in Sweden aimed at Ankara.

The pro-Kurdish Rojava Committee of Sweden posted an anti-Erdogan video on social networks on Monday showing a PKK flag being projected onto the Swedish parliament, the latest of several similar provocations by the group.

Stoltenberg said he was in "constant contact" with Turkish authorities to try to lift the final obstacles to Sweden's accession.

Blinken played down any connection between Sweden's membership and a potential US sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, though President Joe Biden appeared to draw a link in remarks to reporters after a congratulatory call to Erdogan.

"These are distinct issues. Both, though, are vital in our judgement to European security," Blinken said.

The Biden administration earlier this year indicated its support for a $20 billion F-16 package for Turkey including 40 new jets and upgrades on 79 existing planes.

But Congress looks likely to block the sale, with Bob Menendez, the powerful chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, voicing alarm that Erdogan would use the advanced war planes to intimidate or even attack fellow NATO ally Greece.

Sweden and Finland, while close defence partners of the West, had officially remained non-aligned militarily out of fear of angering their giant neighbour Russia.

Kristersson told Blinken that Lulea, where US and European officials will meet Wednesday on trade and technology issues, was a six-and-a-half-hour drive from the border with Russia.

"Filling the territorial gap in the North will be one of Sweden's many security contributions to NATO when we join the alliance," Kristersson said.

Hungary, whose hard-right government has tense relations with much of the European Union, has also refused to give its blessing to Sweden, though it is largely seen as following Turkey's lead.

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UN Nuclear Watchdog Asks Russia, Ukraine To Protect Zaporizhzhia Plant

U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi on Tuesday asked Ukraine and Russia to respect five principles to safeguard Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, suggesting he had not secured their agreement on protecting the facility.

Grossi has been trying for months to establish an agreement to reduce the risk of a catastrophic nuclear accident from military activity like shelling at Europe's biggest nuclear power plant, which is in Ukraine and has been occupied by Russia for more than a year.

His five principles included that there should be no attack on or from the plant and that it not be used as a base for heavy weapons such as multiple rocket launchers, artillery systems and munitions, and tanks or for military personnel that could be used for an attack from the plant.

In a briefing to the U.N. Security Council, Grossi also called for off-site power to the plant to remain available and secure; for all its essential systems to be protected from attacks or acts of sabotage; and for no action to be taken that undermines these principles.

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Russia Says 1 Killed, 2 Injured In Ukrainian Strikes In Belgorod

One person was killed and two others injured on Tuesday in a Ukrainian bombardment on a centre for displaced people in the border region of Belgorod, the regional governor said.

"Ukrainian armed forces fired artillery at a centre for displaced people housing elderly civilians and children... a security guard was killed and two people were injured," the governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram.

The two people injured are in intensive care in a "serious condition", he said.

In the post Gladkov added photographs of a damaged building with shattered windows, one showing a hole in the ground apparently caused by the impact of a strike, and another showing adults and children being loaded onto buses.

The Belgorod region, bordering Ukraine, has in recent weeks been hit by dozens strikes from across the border and seen attempted incursions from armed groups.

The Russian capital Moscow was itself targeted by drones early Tuesday morning in the first such attack since the beginning of the Kremlin's assault on Ukraine.

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Day Before Retirement, Special Protection Group Chief Re-Hired On Contract Basis

The Special Protection Group Director was re-employed by the Centre today for one year on a contract basis, just a day before he was to retire.

According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Tuesday, Arun Kumar Sinha (a 1987 batch IPS officer) was re-employed as Director, SPG for one year.

"This was done according to rules. An IPS can only be given an extension for six months and if one needs to be given an extension beyond that, then the SPG rules need to be amended. So to bypass that Mr Sinha was re-employed on a contractual basis," explained a senior home ministry official.

"The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet has approved the re-employment of Mr Sinha on a contract basis for a period of one year beyond the date of his superannuation (May 31) or until further orders, whichever is earlier," stated the DoPT order.

Earlier last week, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notified a fresh set of rules for the SPG empowering the Centre to frame standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be followed by the state Governments, Army, local and civic authority to aid the SPG in performing its duties.

The rules also provide that the IPS officer appointed to the post of Director should not be less than the Additional Director General (ADG) rank. The latest decision assumes significance in the backdrop of the fact that on several occasions SPG was headed by an Inspector General rank officer and ADG rank officer as no specific rule was notified.

As per the MHA officials, the security of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was breached many a time recently in many states and that's why rules have been changed by the government.

"Ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections, these changes are crucial," stated an official adding that PM would be visiting the entire country for the election campaign and that includes opposition-ruled states like Punjab, West Bengal, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and many more," they said.

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To Birthday Boy Krushna Abhishek, With Love From Kapil Sharma

Comedian-actor Kapil Sharma had the sweetest message for his friend Krushna Abhishek on his birthday. Kapil Sharma, who has worked with Krushna Abhishek in The Kapil Sharma Show, wished his co-star by sharing an image on them on Instagram alongside a heartfelt post. In the candid picture, we can see the duo sharing a laugh while twinning in black suits. Sharing the image, Kapil Sharma wrote, "Happy birthday mere bhai Krushna hamesha khush raho,tandrust raho aur aise hi duniya ko entertain karte raho bahut sara pyaar(Happy birthday my brother Krushna. Always stay happy and healthy and keep entertaining the world like this. Lots of love)."

Replying to the post, Krushna wrote, "Thank u kappu. Love u and what a pic our best pic to date."

Take a look at the post here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kapil Sharma (@kapilsharma)

A few weeks back, Kapil Sharma walked the ramp at an event with his three-year-old daughter Anayra.

 The comedian who got married to Ginni Chatrath in 2018, gave birth to Anayra in 2020. The father-daughter duo walked the ramp in style, wearing matching black outfits. However, it was Anayra, who stole the show as she blew kisses at the audience and smiled widely as she walked the ramp holding her father's hand. A video of the walk was also shared by Kapil Sharma with the caption, "Beti fashion show! a movement & an initiative by Anu Ranjan to support girl child education. Always happy to be part of this wonderful cause." Needless to say, this is the cutest video on the Internet today. Television actress Mahhi Vij and Comedy Nights with Kapil co-star Kiku Sharda left heart emojis below the post.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kapil Sharma (@kapilsharma)

On the professional front, Krushna Abhishek is an integral part of The Kapil Sharma Show. He is seen on the show with Kapil Sharma, Bharti Singh, Chandan Prabhakar, Sudesh Lehri, and Archana Puran Singh. Meanwhile, Kapil Sharma was last seen in a leading role in the film Zwigato directed by Nandita Das.

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IIT Bombay Student's Death: Chargesheet Mentions Grades, Depression

A chargesheet filed by Mumbai police in connection with the alleged suicide of Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) student Darshan Solanki stated that he had sought help from someone for improving his academic performance and also mentioned depression.

The special investigation team of police on Tuesday filed a chargesheet against Arman Khatri, a fellow student, who had allegedly threatened Solanki over a religious comment. Khatri, arrested for allegedly abetting suicide, is currently out on bail.

Solanki, a first-year student of B Tech (Chemical) course hailing from Ahmedabad, allegedly jumped to death from the seventh floor of a hostel building on IITB campus in suburban Powai on February 12, 2023, a day after the semester exams ended.

Three weeks later, the SIT found a one-line note from Solanki's room saying "Arman has killed me".

Police had said earlier that Khatri allegedly threatened to kill Darshan with a paper cutter after the latter had spoken offensively' about religion.

The investigators recorded the statements of 55 witnesses including students and professors, the chargesheet said. Most of the student witnesses lived on the same floor of the hostel as Solanki.

Referring to certain phone chats between Solanki and Khatri, police said it was clear that Darshan was apologizing for the alleged communal remark he had made.

Some witnesses spoke about Darshan shivering when Arman threatened him and others trying to comfort him, the chargesheet said.

Solanki had told some witnesses that Khatri was influential and would not spare him, the chargesheet claimed.

He wanted to leave Mumbai but was scared that Khatri would come after him even then, some witnesses allegedly told the SIT.

On February 11 and 12 Solanki had fever, and his roommate gave him a blanket; it is assumed that he wrote the note mentioning Khatri on the back of a question paper before ending his life, the chargesheet said.

It also mentioned that a few days before his death, Solanki had a chat with another person on social media and spoke about some family issues as well as issues with the studies.

As per this conversation, he was unable to study well and did not score good marks which led to depression.

He requested the other person for guidance for improving his marks, the chargesheet said.

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US Says China Declined Request To Meet Its Defence Chief In Singapore

Beijing has declined a US invitation for a meeting in Singapore between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu, the Pentagon said Monday.

"Overnight, the PRC informed the US that they have declined our early May invitation for Secretary Austin to meet with PRC Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu in Singapore this week," Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said in a statement, refering to the People's Republic of China.

"The PRC's concerning unwillingness to engage in meaningful military-to-military discussions will not diminish (the Defense Department's) commitment to seeking open lines of communication with the People's Liberation Army," Ryder said.

A senior US defense official described the declined invitation as "just the latest in a litany of excuses," saying that since 2021, China has "declined or failed to respond to over a dozen requests from the Department of Defense for key leader engagements, multiple requests for standing dialogues, and nearly ten working-level engagements."

Li was sanctioned by the US government in 2018 for buying Russian weapons, but the Pentagon says that does not prevent Austin from conducting official business with him.

Austin is due to travel to Singapore later this week to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue, a defense summit where he met Li's predecessor Wei Fenghe last June.

Austin and Wei met again in Cambodia later in 2022, but tensions between Washington and Beijing soared this year over issues including Taiwan and an alleged Chinese spy balloon that was shot down by a US warplane after traversing the country.

Austin and other US officials have been working to shore up alliances and partnerships in Asia as part of efforts to counter increasingly assertive moves by Beijing, but there have also been tentative signs that the two sides were working to lower the temperature.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi in Vienna earlier this month, and President Joe Biden recently said ties between Washington and Beijing should thaw "very shortly," citing the spy balloon incident as a factor that had boosted tensions.

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"Strictest Punishment Should Be Given": BJP Leader On Delhi Murder Case

BJP MP Hans Raj Hans on Monday termed the brutal killing of a minor girl in northwest Delhi "very painful" and said youth sometimes get "carried away by emotions" and act like "fools".

The 16-year-old girl was stabbed multiple times and then bludgeoned with a stone by a youth on Sunday. The accused, identified as Sahil (20), was arrested by the police from Bulandshahar in Uttar Pradesh on Monday.

Mr Hans who, along with local BJP leaders, met the family of the victim, said the "strictest" punishment should be given to the guilty in the murder of the girl in the Shahabad Dairy area of his northwest Delhi constituency.

He said it was a "very painful" incident that came to his knowledge on Sunday night and since then he was in touch with the police for quick action to arrest the accused.

However, while talking about the present young generation, Mr Hans told PTI, "It was unfortunate. Youth sometimes get carried away by emotions...they act like fools sometimes." Mr Hans, who is a Sufi singer called love as "pious", noting that it turns into a crime when mixed with "hate".

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva described the murder of the minor girl as a case of "love jihad" and demanded its trial in a fast-track court.

Police said that the accused and the victim were allegedly in a "relationship" that had turned sour and the two had a fight on Saturday.

A purported CCTV footage of the gruesome killing that splashed on tv channels and social media handles sent shockwaves among people. In a shocking display of public apathy, people can be seen passing by, with some bystanders staring in alarm, but not doing anything to stop the brutal attack.

The accused is seen walking away from the victim in a casual manner only to turn back and again hit her with a slab before leaving the site.

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Internet Cut In UP Town Following March By Gurjar Community

Authorities on Monday suspended the internet services here as a precautionary measure after a march flouting prohibitory orders by the Gurjar community and stopped a Samajwadi Party MLA who was headed to the district to attend a panchayat.

Officials said the Gurjar community's decision to take out a 'gaurav yatra' in honour of King Mihir Bhoj Pratihar had been opposed by the Rajput community. To avoid any confrontation between the two, the administration denied permission for the procession.

"There were talks about a 'gaurav yatra' by members of the Gurjar community for a long time. No procession based on caste should be taken out in Saharanpur as CrPC section 144 is imposed here. Despite no permission for the procession, it was taken out," District Magistrate Dinesh Chandra said.

Senior Superintendent of Police Vipin Tada said action would be initiated against those who had taken the law into their own hands and vitiated the atmosphere.

"Seeing a possible confrontation between the Gurjar and Rajput communities, amid rumours on social media, it was decided to suspend the internet services in Saharanpur, as a precautionary measure," he said.

Meanwhile, police stopped Samajwadi Party MLA from Meerut's Sardhana assembly constituency Atul Pradhan in Baghpat while he was headed for Saharanpur to attend a Gurjar community panchayat, officials said.

Following the police action, there was a scuffle between the cops and Pradhan's supporters. The MLA was sent back to Meerut.

While Pradhan alleged that a circle officer misbehaved with him, police officials dismissed the allegations.

"After casting my vote in the MLC bypolls in Lucknow, I came to Delhi by flight and was going to Saharanpur. There were only three people in the vehicle. At Gaurimorh, we were detained by Baghpat police. This is a dictatorship. They want to forcibly stop us," Pradhan alleged.

In his response, Superintendent of Police of Baghpat Arpit Vijayvargiya said, "No misbehaviour was done with the MLA. Police only stopped him from going to Saharanpur. There is no problem of traffic jams on the national highway."

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Mumbai School Coach Gets 5 Years In Jail For Sexually Assaulting Students

A special POCSO court in Mumbai on Monday sentenced a municipal school sports coach to five years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting minor girls during training sessions and when they had gone on a trip.

Special Judge S C Jadhav held the "lagori" coach guilty under section 10 (aggravated sexual assault) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code for molestation.

Besides sentencing him to five years of rigorous imprisonment, the court also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the convict.

Lagori is a traditional sport that is primarily played with two teams and a tower of flat stones or wooden blocks.

As per the prosecution, the informant (one of the targeted girls) was a student of Std IX of a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) school where the man had been appointed as a lagori coach for students between Std VII and Std IX.

The coach had selected 15 girls from the BMC school to play lagori. He also used to call the girls for practice from 9 am to 12.30 pm on Sundays at Mumbai's Lalbaug area.

The informant never attended the practice on Sunday as her parents did not allow her to take part in the sessions. The coach also used to tell the girls that he would teach them sports like wrestling and kabaddi.

In July 2016, while teaching wrestling, the coach touched one of the girls inappropriately, the court was told.

Later that year, the coach with 14 students from the school and two girls from his club went to Alibaug near Mumbai for a lagori tournament.

During their stay at a resort there, he touched the girls inappropriately on multiple occasions, said the prosecution.

In one of the incidents, when the girls were playing in a water pool, when the coach asked them to come out. Despite the girls being in their wet clothes, he told them to stand. He talked with girls while staring at them and making them feel awkward, the informant said.

Once it was raining while they were going to board a bus and the coach took the informant and another girl under his umbrella and put his hand on the shoulder of the informant and started rubbing it.

The informant did not like his touch and she rushed to the bus, said the prosecution.

On the bus too, the coach touched the girls inappropriately, the court was told.

On their return, the informant narrated the incident to her parents and they approached the police.

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Video: Drone Scans For Threats As Army Evacuates Civilians In Manipur

The Indian Army today undertook a civilian evacuation mission under challenging conditions in violence-hit Manipur.

In a tweet, the army's Spear Corps posted visuals of the evacuation mission taken from unmanned ariel vehicles (UAVs) in Manipur's Kakching district.

In one such footage, a long line of military trucks with civilians travelling in them are seen passing through the narrow streets of a village. The UAV keeps monitoring their movement and scanning ahead for potential threats.

Manipur has been seeing constant gunfights in many areas at the same time. The army's mission to evacuate citizens today has not been without dangers.

"Army and Assam Rifles undertake rescue operations in Kakching district in Manipur. UAVs, mine-protected vehicles, QRTs (quick response teams) tasked to ensure safe move of 2,000 civilians from Serou to Pangaltabi in vehicles. 328 civilians moved from Sugnu to Sajik Tampak," the Spear Corps tweeted.

In another tweet, the army posted visuals of people cheering along a road as the convoy with the evacuated civilians reached a town.

"Everyone is safe, everyone is safe. We have got everyone," a man is heard saying in the video amid the clapping and cheering.

Army & Assam Rifles undertake rescue operations in Kakching distt #Manipur. UAVs, Mine Protected Vehicles, QRTs tasked to ensure safe move of 2000 civilians from Serou to Pangaltabi in vehicles. 328 civilians moved from Sugnu to Sajik Tampak(1/2)#ManipurRescue@adgpi pic.twitter.com/ygMlQ7uGS5

— SpearCorps.IndianArmy (@Spearcorps) May 29, 2023

Since the start of the law and order problem in Manipur on May 3, the Indian Army has been using UAVs to keep an eye on sensitive areas as the authorities work to restore normalcy.

Commandos of the Manipur Police had also engaged insurgents for nearly 10 hours yesterday in several areas of Manipur. Chief Minister N Biren Singh told reporters they have got reports that "40 terrorists" have been shot dead.

Manipur has been without internet for nearly a month.

The ethnic violence between the Meiteis, who live in and around Imphal valley, and the Kuki tribe, who are settled in the hills, over the Meiteis' demand to be included under the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category has claimed over 80 lives since clashed started on May 3.

Home Minister Amit Shah reached Manipur tonight. Army chief General Manoj Pande also went to the state on a two-day visit to review the security situation.

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Rain, Dust Storm Predicted In Delhi In "Next 2 Hours": Weather Office

Rain along with dust storms is expected to hit parts of Delhi-NCR in the next two hours, the India Meteorological Department predicted Sunday night.

"Dust storm/Thunderstorm with rain and gusty winds speed of 40-60 Km/h would occur over and adjoining areas of few places of Delhi, NCR ( Bahadurgarh, Gurugram) Hansi, Meham, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Farukhnagar, Nuh (Haryana) during next 2 hours," tweeted India Meteorological Department in its latest bulletin.

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority on Sunday said light to moderate spells of rain coupled with thunderstorms and gusty winds are very likely to occur in Delhi in the next 24 hours.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday shared the latest satellite and Radar images which shows the possibility of moderate to intense spells of rain accompanied by thunderstorms over some parts of Rajasthan and adjoining areas of Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat Region and adjoining Madhya Pradesh.

"Latest satellite and Radar images shows the possibility of moderate to intense spells of rain accompanied with thunderstorms/lightning/gusty winds/Squall activity over some parts of Rajasthan and adjoining areas of Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat Region and adjoining Madhya Pradesh," IMD tweeted.

"Light to moderate isolated thunderstorms/lightning/gusty winds activity over Himachal Pradesh, southeast Uttar Pradesh, south Odisha-north coastal Andhra Pradesh-south Chhattisgarh, Gangetic west Bengal, Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu and adjoining south interior Karnataka and north Interior Karnataka, Vidarbha, Telangana and Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands during night time," IMD further said.

Earlier on May 27, parts of Delhi-NCR witnessed heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. The sudden change in weather brought respite from the hot weather conditions prevailing over North India.

IMD on Saturday issued an orange alert for Haryana, North-East Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and said that there is a possibility of thunderstorms in Delhi for the next 3-4 days.

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Siddaramaiah's "Need For New Parliament" Query Amid Wrestlers' Detention

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah questioned the need for a new Parliament building after protesting wrestlers were detained by the police on Sunday for demanding justice.

Security personnel stopped and detained protesting wrestlers as they try to march towards the new Parliament building from their site of protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

In a tweet, the Karnataka Chief Minister said, "What's the need for the new Parliament building if it can't give justice to the Wrestlers who are protesting? It is unfortunate to know that few wrestlers have been detained for demanding justice. We as humans and Indians should stand with them and voice their concerns. They had made Indians proud by winning medals for us and we should make them feel proud to be Indians!!"

The ongoing wrestler protest in the national capital has taken a new toll as star grappler Bajrang Punia said the Mahila Mahapanchayat will definitely take place in front of the new Parliament building which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Several ace grapplers including Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshee Mallik have been protesting at the Jantar Mantar accusing the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment and demanding his arrest.

Wrestlers were trying to march towards the new Parliament as they want to hold a women's Maha Panchayat in front of the new Parliament.

"Democracy is being killed in the country, no one is getting the justice they deserve," Bajrang Punia told reporters ahead of the protesting wrestlers' march towards the new Parliament building.

Mr Punia said, "Many people are very cooperative with us but there are few police officials who are misbehaving with us, they are not allowing our family members to go inside."

Asked about whether the Mahapanchayat will take place or not, the 29-year-old wrestler said, "Mahapanchayat will definitely take place. We have given a letter to seek permission. Police are just making a fool out of us and are constantly keeping us under pressure."

Without naming Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Punia said, "The one, who is accused of offences, is roaming freely. He banters about changing the law, defaming POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act controlling the government, no harm is done to that person, whereas, those who are peacefully protesting are getting ill-treated."

Further attacking WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Bajrang Punia said, "He is only doing politics, he wants to change the POCSO Act."

Bajrang Punia stated that about 2,500 persons have been detained by police.

"Police are camping at the home of our coaches, players, and leaders of Kisan Union and Khap Panchayat. Whether it be Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, or Rajasthan," he said.

"I request to the government and to the police department to release our people who have been detained because we want to establish this as a peaceful protest and carry it on in the same manner. We are protesting for the self-respect of our sister and daughter, we are not protesting for any political motive," the Olympic Bronze medalist added.

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"No Central Discrimination Against Bengal": BJP State Chief

West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar on Sunday asserted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's "pet phrase" of central discrimination against the eastern state was wrong as facts and figures show the opposite.

Mr Majumdar, while presenting the nine-year "report card" of the BJP government at the Centre, said that from constructing roads to providing water connection to households, the Narendra Modi government has always helped the state.

Sukanta Majumda claimed that even though the faulty land policy of the TMC government prevented land acquisition for highway expansion, the Centre never plugged the fund flow for building new highways in the state.

"Take the example of the slow pace of widening of National Highway 34. While it takes only five hours to reach Lucknow from Delhi, it takes around a whole day to reach Balurghat from Kolkata. Why is it so? There is no central discrimination in this," he said.

Majumdar said he wants the state to be known as a place of job-givers and not job-seekers.

"There is only one fully functional airport in the state. Andal has very few flights and the Centre has sanctioned Rs 1,884 crore for the expansion of Bagdogra airport," he said.

Mr Majumdar said the state government never acknowledged the Centre's help in developing medical colleges in the state, including AIIMS, Kalyani.

He, however, praised the state for cooperating with the Centre in child immunisation.

BJP state spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said, "Our efforts in presenting our rich ancient history are shown as saffronisation effort in some quarters and this perception should change."

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Man Smuggles Diamonds In Underwear, Arrested At Mangaluru Airport

Diamonds worth Rs 1.69 crore have been seized from a Dubai-bound passenger during pre-embarkation security check at the Mangaluru International Airport (MIA), a customs release said on Sunday.

The CISF personnel intercepted the passenger on Thursday and retrieved two pouches concealed in his underpants on suspicion that they contained precious stones.

The passenger, hailing from Kasaragod in Kerala, was handed over by the CISF to the Customs officers at the airport for further investigation.

The two pouches were found to contain 13 small packets with diamonds of different sizes totally weighing 306.21 carat and were valued at Rs 1.69 crore.

The passenger was arrested and produced before the jurisdictional magistrate who remanded him to judicial custody. Further investigations are in progress, the release said.

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6 Dead After Car Collides With Lorry In Karnataka's Koppal District

Six people including two children and a woman died on the spot in a road accident involving a car and a lorry in Kushtagi taluk here on Sunday, police said.

The incident happened on Sunday evening on the national highway near Kalkeri village here.

According to initial reports, all the deceased are said to be from Vijayapura, police sources said, adding that the car was en route to Bengaluru from Vijayapura and the lorry was said to be on its way to Gujarat from Tamil Nadu.

They said the impact of the accident was such that the car has entered the lower part of the lorry's front side, in what seems to be a head-on collision.

Crane was used to remove the car, and the bodies were shifted to hospital, officials said, adding that a case has been registered.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressing grief over the accident has announced a solatium of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased. 

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CPI(M) Says Centre Trying To Suffocate Kerala With "Fiscal Ban"

The ruling CPI(M) on Saturday said the Union government's decision to cut down the borrowing limit of Kerala by half was an "attempt to suffocate the state" by any means necessary.

The CPI(M) state secretariat said the BJP-led Centre has been torpedoing Kerala's development initiatives by interfering in its financial matters.

The secretariat also urged civil society organisations to raise protests against the "fiscal ban" imposed on Kerala.

The Left party said the Union government had earlier given the permission to borrow Rs 32,442 crore but the borrowing limit has now been reduced to Rs 15,390 crore.

Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal had on Friday said the central government has put the borrowing limit to Rs 15,390 crore, which is half of what Kerala is entitled to borrow.

"The Union government does not even accept the legislation on fiscal responsibilities. They have not yet revealed the reason behind the slashing of the borrowing limit," the statement said.

The CPI(M) said that for the past seven years, the Centre has been conducting "research on" methods to harass the Kerala government.

The BJP-led government at the Centre has refused to honour the Constitution or democratic values, it said.

"The state government has been implementing welfare measures for the people of Kerala despite the financial crunches caused due to the policies of the Union government. They wanted to hamper the development and growth of the state," the party said.

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Delhi Court Summons Manish Sisodia On June 2 In Liquor Policy Case

The Rouse Avenue court on Saturday took cognizance of the supplementary charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation against former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and others in the Excise policy case.

The court after taking cognisance issued a summons to Manish Sisodia and three other accused persons for June 2.

It is alleged that Manish Sisodia formulated and implemented the Excise policy in a way to facilitate monopolisation and cartelization of the liquor trade in Delhi.

Special judge MK Nagpal took cognizance of the supplementary charge filed against Manish Sisodia, Arjun Pandey, Butchi Babu and Amandeep Dhal.

The court had reserved the order on the cognizance of the supplementary charge sheet on May 19.

This supplementary charge sheet was filed on April 25 in connection with the Delhi liquor policy alleged scam case.

This supplementary charge sheet has been filed under sections of the Prevention of Corruption (POC) Act and criminal conspiracy, cheating and Disappearance of evidence under IPC.

Manish Sisodia was arrested in this case on February 26 by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

While filing the chargesheet CBI informed the court that sanction under Section 19 of the PC Act to prosecute Manish Sisodia has been taken and is enclosed with the supplementary chargesheet.

CBI had stated that then Excise Commissioner Arava Gopi Krishna's name is also mentioned in the chargesheet in column 12 as a suspect in the chargesheet.

This chargesheet is accompanied by a list of witnesses as well as documents and articles.

Further, this chargesheet is accompanied by a DVD containing the chargesheet as well as statements of witnesses and RUD. One hash value certificate with respect to the DVD is also filed on record with the supplementary chargesheet.

The CBI case is related to alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD).

It is claimed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that former deputy CM Manish Sisodia that he admitted to destroying two phones which he was using before July 2022.

The two handsets which were used prior to July 22, 2022, have been admittedly destroyed by accused Manish Sisodia as confirmed by him in his response to Notice under section 91 CrPC", the agency has alleged.

The CBI had said that the investigation has revealed that during the period from January 1, 2020, to August 19, 2022, accused Manish Sisodia used three mobile handsets.

The last handset which was used by him was seized during the searches in the case.

The main charge sheet has already been filed by the CBI.

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IIFA 2023: Inside Pics Of Hosts Abhishek Bachchan And Vicky Kaushal From The Show

The 23rd edition of the IIFA Awards are being hosted by Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal and we got a glimpse of some inside pictures, courtesy IIFA's official Instagram handle. In the pictures, the Manmarziyaan stars can be seen greeting the audience. The IIFA Awards are being held in Abu Dhabi. "Get ready for showtime. The dynamic duo of Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal take the stage as our charismatic hosts of the NEXA IIFA Awards 2023," read the caption on the post shared by IIFA.

See the pictures here:

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Speaking about hosting the awards at the IIFA press conference earlier this week, Abhishek Bachchan said, "There is a huge responsibility when you are hosting, we have to ensure that we celebrate our cinema in the most correct, dignified and respectful way possible. I am not somebody who likes to take digs at other people. I find that incorrect, so you won't see too much of that. Do stuff that is entertaining, keep it light and keep the audience engaged," news agency PTI quoted Abhishek Bachchan as saying.

The award ceremony was opened by Anil Kapoor.

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Ahead of the big award night, Abhishek Bachchan posted pictures from the IIFA press conference with Vicky Kaushal and he wrote, "Getting into the groove of IIFA 2023 with the talented Vicky Kaushal. Looking forward to hosting and entertaining all of you."

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A post shared by Abhishek Bachchan (@bachchan)

The awards in the technical category were announced at the IIFA Rocks on Friday. Gangubai Kathiawadi led the pack with three awards. The list of winners of the main category will be announced tonight.

source https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/iifa-2023-inside-pics-of-hosts-abhishek-bachchan-and-vicky-kaushal-from-the-show-4072421#publisher=newsstand

"He Talks Bad About...": Union Minister On Rahul Gandhi's US Visit

As Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is all set to visit the USA at the end of this month, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Saturday took a jibe at the former Wayanad MP saying he visits abroad 60-times in a year and every time "tears down" the country.

"I usually don't comment on Rahul Gandhi because I scratch my head to try to understand why he is saying what he is saying. When PM Modi travels abroad, he speaks about our country's achievements and earns respect for India. This man (Rahul Gandhi) goes abroad 60 times a year. On every visit, he tears down India and our institutions. He talks bad about our democracy, about EVMs, the justice system, media, and everything," the Minister said.

He further slammed the Congress leader and said that only Rahul Gandhi has a problem with Indian democracy.

As per the sources, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who was scheduled to fly to the United States for 10 days on May 31 has rescheduled his tour and will now embark on his journey on May 28.

Rahul Gandhi will attend a program at Stanford University and meet the Indian expatriates on May 29-30.

He was earlier scheduled to embark on a 10-day visit to the USA beginning on May 31.

Rahul Gandhi dominated the headlines as he returned from London after giving speeches at Cambridge University, critical of the government and throwing light on Indian democracy.

In March 2023, Rahul Gandhi delivered a speech at Cambridge University, at a convention organized by the Association of Journalists in London, and finally during an in-conversation session at the Chatham House think tank in London.

"Everybody knows and it's been in the news a lot that Indian democracy is under pressure and under attack. I am an Opposition leader in India, we are navigating that (Opposition) space," Rahul Gandhi said at Cambridge University in the UK.

"The institutional framework which is required for a democratic Parliament, free press, the judiciary, just the idea of mobilization, moving around all are getting constrained. So, we are facing an attack on the basic structure of Indian democracy," he had added.

The remarks by the Congress MP gave fresh ammunition to the ruling BJP, who demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi.

Several of his statements in the UK stoked controversy in India. BJP intensified its attack on Rahul Gandhi with party chief JP Nadda alleging he is a "permanent part of the anti-India toolkit".

The BJP leader demanded an apology from the former Wayanad MP.

The second leg of the Budget session of Parliament witnessed deadlock.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wanted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to apologize for remarks that he made in London about democracy in India; the Congress insisted on the constitution of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe allegations of dubious financial transactions and dishonest business practices against the Adani Group of companies.

On April 11, Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from his position as a Member of Parliament after his conviction in a defamation case. He was disqualified in accordance with Article 102(1)(e) of the Indian Constitution read with Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951.

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Watch: Anupam Kher Takes Satish Kaushik's Daughter Out For Lunch, Internet Calls Him "True Legend"

Anupam Kher may be a busy actor but he always makes sure to take time out for his late friend and actor Satish Kaushik's daughter Vanshika. The two recently dined together at the 10-year-old's favourite hotel, the JW Marriot in Mumbai. 

Sharing a video from the lunch outing, Vanshika Kaushik wrote, "Papa and I came often to Marriott for breakfasts and lunch's. Wonderful to repeat the routine with my favourite Anupam uncle. And how can we not make a reel together? Bullet for u (heart emoji) with the one and only #Anupam Kher". 

Watch the clip below: 

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A post shared by vanshika kaushik (@vanshika_kaesthetics)

In the short video, Anupam Kher is seen making goofy faces with Vanshika. 

The 10-year-old shared the clip just a few hours ago, and since then it has accumulated more than 530,000 views and over 35,000 likes. In the comment section, internet users praised the actor for keeping his promise to spend a lot of time with Vanshika. 

"More n more respect for you sir. God bless both of you. U r not just a good human being but a good friend in every sense," wrote one user. "@anupampkher in my life i really wish before I die I earn a frnd like you like you have been to Mr Kaushik. Salute to you," said another. 

A third user wrote, "Anupam sir is a true legend in every way, May god grant him long life". A fourth added, "Everyone needs one Anupam in their lives. Everyone". 

Also Read | Rare Sun Halo Spotted In Delhi After Rains, Twitter Users Share Stunning Pics

Satish Kaushik died on March 8. He is survived by his wife Shashi and daughter Vanshika. In his three-decade-long, the actor played many memorable roles such as Calendar in 'Mr India', Pappu Pager in 'Deewana Mastana', Chanda Mama in 'Mr and Mrs Khiladi' among others.

In April, Mr Kher hosted a musical evening on the occasion of Mr Kaushik's birth anniversary. At the event, he promised Vanshika that he will take care of her and will love her like her father. He even promised to spend time with her. 

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Over 9,000 Afghans File Asylum Applications In EU In A Month: Report

The European Census Bureau has reported that over the past month, more than 9,000 Afghan citizens have applied for asylum applications in the EU member states, a record-high number of asylum applications by any single country, according to Khaama Press.

According to the European Census Bureau, asylum interests in the EU member states at the beginning of the current year have increased by 40 per cent compared to last year.

While releasing the monthly report on Thursday, the European Census Bureau said that 76,500 people have submitted asylum applications to the EU in February alone, indicating a 40 per cent increase compared to that of last year.

The EU has added that based on the available statistics, the number of initial asylum requests in February last year was 54,370.

It is reported that Syrians and Afghans are the largest groups of asylum seekers in the EU member states over the past years.

The statistics indicated that 77 per cent of the asylum application have been recorded in Spain, Germany, France and Italy respectively. Germany alone received more than 25,000 applications in February, making it the largest number of asylum requests in the country, as per Khaama Press.

According to European Union statistics, among the new asylum seekers, 2,745 are unaccompanied minors of which 1,025 were Afghan citizens.

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Imran Khan Calls For Immediate Talks With Pak Government Amid Row: Report

Former Pakistan Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Friday appealed for immediate talks with state officials. This comes as pressure mounts on him amid a crackdown on his top aides and supporters that saw thousands arrested as well as many leaving his party, Pakistan based The Express Tribune newspaper reported.

The clampdown started earlier this month when Imran's supporters were involved in violent protests following his brief arrest on May 9.

"I would like to appeal for talks because what is currently happening is not a solution," Imran said in a live talk streamed on YouTube, warning that the country was headed towards anarchy, as per The Express Tribune.

The political unrest worsened as Pakistan faced its worst economic crisis in decades. Inflation was at record highs, economic growth was anaemic, and there were fears that the country could default on external debts unless the International Monetary Fund unlocked delayed disbursements.

Meanwhile, three Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders on Thursday announced quitting the Imran Khan-led party. With this, a huge list of leaders have deserted the party following the May 9 riots, Geo News reported.

Maleeka Bokhari in a press conference in Islamabad, said: "I condemn the events that transpired on May 9. For every Pakistani, the events that took place on May 9 are very painful."

Announcing her "dissociation" from the party, Bokhari said she wasn't under duress and "no one forced me into making this decision".

Cheema in a a separate press conference, said he and his wife could not continue with the Khan-led party due to the violence that ensued after the PTI chief's arrest.

"I was there at the Corps Commander House myself. It saddened me to see what was happening there. The people who were involved in it should be punished," he said.

He said it is a party's failure if its workers are violent.

Former Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar has also stepped down as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)'s Secretary General. The announcement by Umar came shortly after he was released from the Adiala Jail, Pakistan based The Express Tribune newspaper reported.

Umar announced his decision during a press conference at National Press Club in Islamabad on Wednesday.

"Not possible for me to lead the party under these circumstances. I am resigning as Secretary General and core committee member of PTI," he said while addressing the press conference.

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5 Arrested Over Involvement In Fake Gold Smuggling From Assam: Cops

Police on Friday arrested five persons and recovered a fake gold statue of Jesus Christ, biscuit in two separate operations in Assam's Nagaon and Sonitpur districts, police said.

In the first operation, police conducted an operation at Namdoboka Pathar area under Doboka police station in Nagaon district and arrested three persons.

The police team recovered one fake gold statue of Jesus Christ weighing 1.700 kg in possession from them.

A police officer of Doboka police station said that they launched the operation based on secret information.

"We have recovered one fake gold statue of Jesus Christ and arrested three persons. The arrested have been identified as Aslam Talukdar, Zubair Hussain and Iqbal Hussain. Our investigation is on," the police officer said.

In a separate operation, Sonitpur district police arrested two persons and recovered a fake gold biscuit from the Tezpur Salanibari area.

The arrested persons were identified as Ikramul Hussain and Jamal Ali.

Further investigation is underway.

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India Likely To Witness "Below Normal" Rainfall In June

India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said that the rainfall all over India in the month of June will remain 'below normal' levels adding that states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha, and northern India will witness above normal temperatures.

While talking to ANI, RK Jenamani said,"In June, the rainfall all over India will be below 92 per cent, which is below normal. In states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Orissa, and northern India the temperature is likely to stay above normal, the probability that temperature will be above normal is 70-80 per cent."

Earlier today the IMD had said that monsoon is expected to make onset in Kerala on June 4 and that it will most likely be normal this year.

"We are expecting the monsoon to arrive in Kerala around June 4. Before June 1, we are not expecting the monsoon to arrive. Monsoon is most likely to be normal this year," IMD said.

IMD also said that as per the predictions that stand as of now northwest India will get below-normal rain this year.

"There is no cyclone probability in the Arabian Sea for next week. In northwest India, as of now, below normal rainfall will be there," IMD officials said.

Southwest monsoon normally sets in over Kerala on June 1 with a standard deviation of about 7 days. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been issuing operational forecasts for the date of monsoon onset over Kerala from 2005 onwards.

Last year, the monsoon over Kerala occurred on May 29, two days after IMD's prediction on May 27. The operational forecasts of the date of monsoon onset over Kerala during the past 18 years (2005-2022) were proved to be correct except in 2015, the IMD said.

The southwest monsoon over the Indian mainland is marked by monsoon onset over Kerala and is an important indicator characterizing the transition from a hot and dry season to a rainy season.

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"Imran Khan's Mental Stability Questionable": Pakistan Health Minister

Pakistan's Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel on Friday said that Imran Khan's "mental stability is questionable" and alleged that the former prime minister's urine sample showed evidence of toxic chemicals like alcohol and cocaine.

Addressing a press conference on the medical reports of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party chief issued after the collection of samples at the premier Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) here following his arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case on May 9.

"This is your prime minister about whom a five-member panel of senior doctors is saying that his mental stability is questionable. There was some inappropriate gesture," he said, adding that 70-year-old Imran Khan's medical report will be shown to the nation, as it was a "public document".

"The medical report is saying that when we talked to Imran for a long time, his actions were not that of a fit man," Dawn News quoted the minister as saying.

Mr Patel also alleged that the initial report of Imran Khan's urine sample revealed findings of toxic chemicals, "the likes of alcohol and cocaine".

The minister also claimed that there was no mention of any fracture on the leg in Imran Khan's medical reports while he "went around with a plaster on his leg for five to six months".

Imran Khan survived an assassination attempt on November 3 last year during a march against the federal government in Punjab province. He was shot in the shin and thigh on the right leg.

"Have you ever seen anyone having himself plastered for a wound on the skin or muscle?" Mr Patel asked.

The minister said he would write to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) disciplinary body on doctors "wrongly" declaring the cricketer-turned-politician's leg fractured.

While terming the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman a narcissist, Patel said the former prime minister "should be kept in a museum".

"Being a narcissist, he is insistent on his lies and calls them the truth. This narcissist has been inciting people and diverting the youth to the wrong path," he added.

Imran Khan's medical report was made public amid a crackdown on the PTI and its supporters for the violence that erupted across Pakistan following the arrest of Khan from the premises of the Islamabad High Court in a corruption case.

Official figures estimate the violence left more than 10 persons dead while the PTI claims more than 40 of its workers were killed and thousands injured in the May 9 mayhem.

The Pakistan government and the Army have termed the violence on May 9 as a "Black Day" in the history of Pakistan.

Some of the top leaders of PTI are in jail while some others have quit the party and public life.

Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi and more than 600 leaders and former assembly members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party have been barred from leaving the country.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Wednesday the government was mulling a possible ban on Khan's PTI party following the attacks by his supporters on military installations after the former prime minister's arrest.

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