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iPad Air and iPad Pro launched in Apple event, know 5 features of both

In a much-anticipated Apple event, the tech giant has unveiled its latest offerings, the iPad Air and iPad Pro. These two devices are poised to set new standards in the realm of tablets, boasting cutting-edge features and powerful performance enhancements. 1. Stunning Display Technology iPad Air: The new iPad Air features a remarkable Liquid Retina display, offering users an immersive viewing experience with vivid colors and crisp details. With True Tone technology and P3 wide color support, the display adapts to ambient lighting conditions, ensuring optimal visual comfort in any environment. iPad Pro: Taking display technology to the next level, the iPad Pro is equipped with a stunning ProMotion display featuring a high refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This results in ultra-smooth scrolling and fluid animations, making interactions with the device feel incredibly responsive and lifelike. 2. Powerful Performance iPad Air: Powered by the groundbreaking A14 Bionic chip, the iPad Air delivers exceptional performance and efficiency. With its advanced neural engine, this chip enables seamless multitasking, smooth graphics rendering, and enhanced AI capabilities, empowering users to tackle demanding tasks with ease. iPad Pro: Setting a new benchmark for tablet performance, the iPad Pro is equipped with the M1 chip, the same chip powering the latest MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac models. With its desktop-class performance and advanced architecture, the M1 chip ensures unparalleled speed and responsiveness, making the iPad Pro a powerhouse for productivity and creativity. 3. Cutting-Edge Camera System iPad Air: The iPad Air features a sophisticated camera system, including a 12-megapixel rear camera with Focus Pixels for sharp and detailed photos, as well as support for 4K video recording at 60fps. Additionally, the front-facing 7-megapixel FaceTime HD camera enables crystal-clear video calls and selfies. iPad Pro: Taking photography and videography to the next level, the iPad Pro boasts a groundbreaking camera system with a 12-megapixel Ultra Wide camera and a 10-megapixel Wide camera, along with LiDAR technology for advanced depth sensing. This enables immersive augmented reality experiences and professional-quality photography and videography. 4. Enhanced Connectivity iPad Air: With support for Wi-Fi 6 and optional 5G connectivity, the iPad Air ensures lightning-fast wireless speeds and reliable network performance, allowing users to stay connected wherever they go. Additionally, the inclusion of USB-C connectivity enables seamless integration with a wide range of accessories and peripherals. iPad Pro: Building on the connectivity capabilities of its predecessor, the iPad Pro features Thunderbolt support for high-speed data transfer and connectivity to external displays and peripherals. Combined with 5G compatibility, this ensures unparalleled versatility and productivity on the go. 5. Sleek Design and Advanced Features iPad Air: The iPad Air boasts a sleek and modern design, with a slim profile and lightweight construction that makes it highly portable and easy to carry. Available in a range of vibrant colors, including Space Gray, Silver, Rose Gold, Green, and Sky Blue, the iPad Air allows users to express their personal style. iPad Pro: Setting the standard for premium design and craftsmanship, the iPad Pro features a sleek and minimalist design with a precision-engineered aluminum chassis and edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display. The inclusion of Face ID technology enables secure and convenient authentication, while the new Magic Keyboard with Trackpad provides a seamless typing and navigation experience. The launch of the iPad Air and iPad Pro marks a significant milestone in Apple's ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence. With their stunning displays, powerful performance, cutting-edge camera systems, enhanced connectivity, and sleek designs, these two devices are sure to delight users and set new benchmarks for the tablet industry. Apple New iPad Pro Unveiled: Here Are the Top 5 Features Pixel 8a or OnePlus 12R? Deciphering India's Budget Phone Dilemma These Step-by-Step Meditation Techniques for Instant Anxiety Relief

News Track 8 May 2024 6:05 pm

Japan bowl out Mongolia for 12, second lowest total in T20I history

In a humiliating display of cricketing prowess, Mongolia suffered a crushing 205-run defeat against hosts Japan in Sano on Wednesday, just seven months after their international debut at the Asian Games. The Mongolian team was skittled out for a paltry 12 runs, the second lowest score in T20 International history, after Isle of Man's 10 all out against Spain on February 26, 2023, in response to Japan's commanding total of 217 for 7. The Japanese bowling attack was spearheaded by 17-year-old left-arm seamer Kazuma Kato-Stafford, who claimed an impressive 5 for 7 from his 3.2 overs.

The Times of India 8 May 2024 6:04 pm

Sonakshi Sinha, Fardeen Khan share look tests from 'Heeramandi'

Sonakshi Sinha Fardeen Khan share look tests from Heeramandi

India Today 8 May 2024 5:58 pm

Palestinian supporters detained at Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC amid Israeli advance into Rafah

Pro-Palestinian encampment around NYC's Fashion Institute of Technology dismantled, while several arrested. New York Police Department, in fullriot gear, arrested several pro-Palestinian demonstrators outsideNYC's Fashion Institute of Technology on Tuesday night. According to CBS News, hundreds of protesters reportedly gathered in Union Square, demanding a ceasefire as Israel enteredRafahcity in southern Gaza. Raising alarms about [] The post Palestinian supporters detained at Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC amid Israeli advance into Rafah appeared first on Northlines .

The Northlines 8 May 2024 5:48 pm

Sonakshi Singh Responds To Criticism About Heeramandi's Historical Inaccuracies: 'Same People Love Bridgerton'

Heeramandi has been criticised online for deviating from real history. Sonakshi Singh addresses Heeramandi criticism which the show is facing online, defending the Sanjay Leela Bhansali show.

mashable 8 May 2024 5:38 pm

BRS complaint against ex-Telangana Guv for Ram Mandir replica distribution

Hyderabad: The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) against former Telangana Governor and BJP leader Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan for allegedly distributing replicas of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir at the MLA Colony, Secunderabad on Wednesday, May 8. In its complaint, the BRS alleged that Soundararajans act of distributing the replicas Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 8 May 2024 5:31 pm

'Looks like birdie': Kangana Ranaut slams Sam Pitroda's 'racist' remarks

Kangana Ranaut, Bollywood actor-turned-BJP candidate from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, has publicly expressed her disagreement with the head of Indian Overseas Congress Sam Pitroda's recent comments about India's ethnic diversity.

NewsBytes 8 May 2024 5:27 pm

Israeli extremists sabotage humanitarian efforts: Jordanian aid trucks targeted, 6 arrests made

Israeli activists intercept, halt, and attack aid destined for Gaza from Jordan, sparking controversy. Reports suggest around 250 Israelis targeted the aid truck near Jerusalem, blocking the road for hours. Allegedly affiliated with the right-wing organization Tzav 9, protesters punctured tires and vandalized goods, demanding hostages' release by Hamas. U.S. Secretary of State condemns the disruption as 'unacceptable.' Meanwhile, Israel reopens Erez Crossing but closes Kerem Shalom Crossing after a Hamas attack. Gaza aid convoys face relentless attacks, including an IDF airstrike killing seven aid workers, drawing global criticism. Hamas agrees to a ceasefire proposal, but Israel rejects it, citing unmet demands.

The Times of India 8 May 2024 5:26 pm

Shruti Sharma on 'Heeramandi' getting trolled for Urdu, historical facts

Shruti Sharma on Heeramandi getting trolled for Urdu historical facts

India Today 8 May 2024 5:20 pm

Highest paid actor on OTT: Know who it is?

In recent years, the world of OTT streaming services has seen remarkable growth, especially since the closure of theaters during the Covid-19 pandemic. OTT platforms like Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, ZEE5, SonyLiv, and others have become increasingly popular, attracting renowned actors such as Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sonakshi Sinha, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. These stars are now seeking quality scripts to showcase their talent on these platforms. As the popularity of OTT platforms continues to soar, actors are also demanding substantial fees for their appearances. Some top-tier actors are earning substantial sums through their OTT projects. Among them, Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn stands out as the highest-paid actor in the OTT realm. Ajay Devgn ventured into OTT in 2022 with Hotstar's crime thriller series Rudra: The Edge of Darkness. Renowned for his performances in Bollywood, Ajay Devgn's foray into OTT further enhanced his status as one of the highest-paid actors. Reports indicate that Ajay Devgn commanded an impressive fee of Rs 125 crores for seven episodes of Rudra: The Edge of Darkness, making him the highest-paid actor in the Indian OTT landscape. His fee reportedly amounted to Rs 18 crores per episode, a testament to his star power and market demand. Ajay Devgn's estimated net worth stands at a staggering Rs 427 crores, underlining his formidable presence in the entertainment industry. Another notable actor in the OTT arena is Manoj Bajpayee, known for his versatile performances. Bajpayee gained acclaim for his portrayal of Srikant Tiwari in the crime thriller series The Family Man. For his role, Bajpayee commanded a fee of Rs 10 crores, highlighting the lucrative opportunities available to talented actors in the burgeoning OTT space.

Deccan Chronicle 8 May 2024 4:50 pm

Pakistani netizens reveal real 'Heeramandi' after Sanjay Leela Bhansali series premiere

Sanjay Leela Bhansali marked his digital debut with Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Across social media platforms, netizens are engrossed in discussions surrounding Bhansali's latest offering. Recently, several videos depicting the 'real Heeramandi' have gone viral online, shared by Pakistani netizens. These glimpses offer a sneak peek into the current appearance of 'Heeramandi', capturing the attention of viewers worldwide, evident from the inundation of reactions flooding the comments section. Bhansali's series intricately delves into the lives of courtesans in Lahore's historic red-light district. Featuring an ensemble cast including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Sharmin Segal, 'Heeramandi' promises to be a compelling exploration of intrigue and drama amidst a culturally rich backdrop.

The Times of India 8 May 2024 4:47 pm

Best iPad 2024: Compete and updated guide to which iPad to buy

Macworld Which iPad should you buy? There are a lot of choices and it can be confusing. There are four different varieties of iPad, listed below, and each is available with or without cellular (including 5G on certain models), which costs extra. Thats before we get into storage capacity, colors, and second-hand alternatives. Our in-depth buying guide assesses the whole range of iPads sold by Apple and explores all the factors that should influence your iPad buying decision such as value for money, how much storage you need, and whether or not to buy a cellular version. We also reveal whether an updated version of each device is likely to be launched soonanswering the question of whether now is a good time to buy an iPad. If youre thinking of buying an iPad for college or university you might also like to read our guide to the best iPad for students . You may also like to read our best iPad for kids guide. Update May 7: Added new iPad Air and iPad Pro models and new 10th-gen iPad pricing. The iPad mini price has also dropped outside the U.S. Apple iPad comparison chart The table below summarizes the main features of the iPads in Apples current lineup and highlights the price for each. We have more information about the individual iPads and buying advice below. Click the links in the table of contents to go to the section most relevant to you. Model (launch date) Key features + specs Storage + cellular options Price + buy link iPad 10.9-inch 10th generation (October 2022) Medium 10.9-inch screen Touch ID on the Power button A14 Bionic processor 12MP/12MP cameras Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil 1 248.6mm x 179.5mm x 7mm 481g 64GB 256GB 64GB (5G) 256GB (5G) $349 / 349 $499 / 499 $499 / 499 $649 / 649 iPad mini 6th generation (September 2021) Small 8.3-inch screen Touch ID on the Power button A15 processor 12MP/12MP cameras Supports Apple Pencil 2 195.4mm x 134.8mm x 6.3mm 293g 64GB 256GB 64GB (4G) 256GB (4G) $499 / 499 $649 / 649 $649 / 649 $799 / 799 iPad Air 11-inch 6th generation (May 2024) Medium 11-inch screen Touch ID on the Power button M2 processor 12MP/12MP cameras Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil Pro 247.6mm x 178.5mm x 6.1mm 462g 128GB 256GB 512GB 1TB 128GB (5G) 256GB (5G) 512GB (5G) 1TB (5G) $599 / 599 $699 / 699 $899 / 899 $1,099 / 1,099 $749 / 749 $849 / 849 $1,049 / 1,049 $1,249 / 1,249 iPad Air 13-inch (May 2024) Largest 13-inch screen Touch ID on the Power button M2 processor 12MP/12MP cameras Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil Pro 280.6mm x 214.9mm x 6.1mm 618g 128GB 256GB 512GB 1TB 128GB (5G) 256GB (5G) 512GB (5G) 1TB (5G) $799 / 799 $899 / 899 $1,099 / 1,099 $1,299 / 1,299 $949 / 949 $1,049 / 1,049 $1,249 / 1,249 $1,449 / 1,449 iPad Pro 11-inch 5th generation (May 2024) Medium 11-inch screen Face ID M4 processor 12MP/12MP cameras Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil Pro 249.7mm x 177.5mm x 5.3mm 446g 256GB 512GB 1TB 2TB 256GB (5G) 512GB (5G) 1TB (5G) 2TG (5G) $999 / 999 $1,199 / 1,199 $1,599 / 1,599 $1,999 / 1,999 $1,199 / 1,199 $1,399 / 1,399 $1,799 / 1,799 $2,199 / 2,199 iPad Pro 13-inch 7th generation (May 2024) Largest 13-inch screen Face ID M4 processor 12MP/12MP cameras Supports Apple Pencil (USB) and Apple Pencil Pro 281.6mm x 215.5mm x 65.1mm 582g 256GB 512GB 1TB 2TB 256GB (5G) 512GB (5G) 1TB (5G) 2TB (5G) $1,299 / 1,299 $1,499 / 1,499 $1,899 / 1,849 $2,299 / 2,299 $1,499 / 1,499 $1,699 / 1,699 $2,099 / 2,099 $2,499 / 2,499 Every iPad Apple sells Apples iPad lineup is perhaps one of the most expansive product lineups presented by the company. Below we offer information about each model, but we also answer questions further down the article such as which iPad is the best value for money, which size is best, how much storage you need, and whether to get cellular (you can jump to these sections from the table of contents above). The iPad that is best for you will depend on what you need from an iPad. If you just want an iPad for reading books, watching movies and TV shows, email, and web browsing, then you dont need all the bells and whistles. An iPad or iPad mini might be best here. If you are looking for an iPad that will do everything that a laptop can, then you might want to consider a model that is more powerful and supports additional components, including one of Apples newer keyboards or the Apple Pencil, the iPad Air might suit you. And if you will be using your iPad for gaming, video editing, photo editing, or anything high-powered and graphic intensive, then you will probably be looking at an iPad Pro. Below we will run through every iPad you can buy so you can find the one thats best for your needs. Apple iPad (2022, 10th gen) Best value Price When Reviewed: Now: $349 (64GB) | $499 (256GB) [Was $449 (64GB) | $599 (256GB)] Best Prices Today: $349 at Apple $349 at B&H $349.99 at Amazon 64GB: $349 / 349 256GB: $499 / 499 64GB (cellular): $499 / 499 256GB (cellular): $649 / 649 The 2022 iPad (10th generation) is the cheapest iPadit was reduced by $100 in May 2024 from $449 ro $349. It offers a lot of features for the price and its available in an assortment of fun colors. It has a 10.9-inch screen, a USB-C connector, and supports the Apple Pencil 1 or the Apple Pencil (USB). Its also capable of 5G (if you were looking at the cellular model you wouldnt want the 4G-capable 9th gen). Pros: A14 chip will be powerful enough for a good few years. No more Home Button but there is Touch ID (on the Power button). Cons: Still feels cheap due to the unlaminated screen (will Apple ever update this?). Not as thin and light as the iPad Air. Best for: Anyone who needs a big screen (not a huge screen; theyll want the 12.9-inch iPad Pro) but is on a budget, and can cope without the latest in processing. Its a good option for anyone who likes the look of the iPad Air, but not the price. Is now a good time to buy? While the iPad is about two years old, Apple reduced its price in May 2024 and its a fantastic bargain. See : Best iPad (9th/10th gen) deal Read our full 10th-gen 10.9-inch iPad (2022) review Apple iPad mini (6th gen, 2021) Best for kids and travelers Price When Reviewed: $499 (64GB) | $649 (256GB) Best Prices Today: $399.99 at Amazon $399.99 at Target $469 at Walmart 64GB: $499 / 499 256GB: $649 / 649 64GB (cellular): $649 / 649 256GB (cellular): $799 / 799 This generation of iPad mini launched in September 2021. The iPad mini is available in four colors: silver, gold, Space Gray and purple. The iPad mini is Apples smallest iPad with an 8.3-inch display. The biggest draw of the iPad mini is probably its diminutive stature. This is the smallest and lightest iPad and as such is perfect for carrying around in a bag or handing to children when they need entertaining. Whichever version you go for, youll get an A15 Bionic processor chip, a Liquid Retina screen, and 12MP/12MP rear/front cameras. It might be small, but it is actually more powerful than the standard iPad thanks to its A15 processor, which is a generation newer than the A14 in the 10th gen iPad. Pros: Very portable and respectably powerful. The cheapest version has a decent amount of storage (64GB). Supports second-gen Apple Pencil. Cons: Small screen, which may not be great for those who get eyestrain or who like immersive films and games. Best for: The portability-conscious. Gamers on the go. Tablet photographers. Ebook readers. Kids. Is now a good time to buy ? Apple did not update the iPad mini during its spring 2024 event, but it did reduce the price outside the U.S. Its possible Apple could update it later in the year, but it probably wont be a major upgrade. Keep up with the latest speculation with our iPad mini 7 guide . See : Best iPad mini deals Read our full Apple iPad mini (6th gen, A15, 2021) review Apple iPad Air 11-inch (6th gen, 2024) Best for power in an affordable package Price When Reviewed: $599 (128GB, Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: $599 at Apple 128GB: $599 / 599 256GB: $699 / 699 128GB (cellular): $749 / 749 256GB (cellular): $849 / 849 The 11-inch iPad Air has an M2 processor that is powerful and energy-efficient (you may remember it from its widely praised performance in the Mac). The M2 pushes the iPad Air far ahead of the iPad mini and standard iPads with their A-series chips. The M2 also makes the Air an appealing alternative to the more expensive Pro models, with their faster M4 processors. Like all recent iPads, the Air features an all-screen design with no Home button. As with the 10th-gen iPad and the iPad mini, biometric security is handled by a fingerprint sensor in the power button rather than Face ID, which is reserved for the Pros. It has superb cameras (the front-facing 12MP camera and Center Stage), supports a wide range of Pro accessories, and now features 5G. Pros: Beautiful design. Superb processing and graphics power. Cheaper than the iPad Pro. Cons: Screen doesnt feature ProMotion. Ideal for: Tablet gamers and anyone who wants to be able to run the most demanding apps now and in the future. Pro users (business, creative, design) who cant afford an iPad Pro. Is now a good time to buy? Absolutely. It was updated in May of 2024 and will be around for a while. See : Best iPad Air deals 11-inch iPad Pro (5th gen, 2024) Best for power in a small package Price When Reviewed: $999 (Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: $999 at Apple 256GB: $999 / 999 / 128GB (cellular): $1,199 / 1,199 512GB: $1,199 / 1,199 / 256GB (cellular): $1,399 / 1,399 1TB: $1,599 / 1,599 / 1TB (cellular): $1,799 / 1,799 2TB: $1,999 / 1,999 / 2TB (cellular): $2,199 / 2,199 The current generation of iPad Pro models went on sale in May 2024. The iPad Pro comes in two sizes and a variety of capacities all the way up to a massive 2TB. The 2024 Pros feature M4 chips and are incredibly powerfulsome might say more powerful than it has any right to be. The 11-inch iPad Pro features a display it calls Ultra Retina XDR, which is an implementation of OLED technology that offers deeper blacks, better details in shadows and low light, and better response to motion. Apple uses two OLED panels in an implementation it calls Tandem OLED to address the brightness concerns of a single OLED panel. The Tandem OLED generates 1000 nits of SDR/HDR brightness and 1600 nits of peak HDR brightness. The front-facing camera is now on the longer side of the iPad Pro for use in landscape mode and the rear 10MP ultra-wide camera is gone. The 12MP main camera now has an adaptive True Tone flash that works while scanning documents, which uses AI to sense shadows when scanning and uses the flash to fill in the spot, and multiple photos are taken and stitched together to create the best scan. Pros: Slim and light; dual cameras; Face ID; devastatingly quick and power-efficient processor. Cons: Very expensive. Its power could be overkill for many. Ideal for: Creative types who dont need the absolutely largest screen. Its great for watching films and TV shows (and offers quad-speaker audio to match), but there are other screens in the range that are a similar size and a lot more affordable. Is now a good time to buy? The 11-inch M4 iPad Pro was released in May 2024, so its a good time to buy. Apple likely wont update it for a good amount of time. See: Best iPad Pro deals 13-inch iPad Pro (7th gen, 2024) The ultimate iPad power package for creative pros Price When Reviewed: $1,299 (Wi-Fi only) Best Prices Today: $1299 at Apple 256GB: $1,299 / 1,299 / 256GB (cellular): $1,499 / 1,499 512GB: $1,499 / 1,499 / 512GB (cellular): $1,499 / 1,699 1TB: $1,899 / 1,899 / 1TB (cellular): $2,099 / 2,099 2TB: $2,299 / 2,299 / 2TB (cellular): $2,499 / 2,499 The iPad Pro 12.9-inch, updated in May 2024, offers the biggest screen ever on an Apple tablet, squeezed into a relatively small and very thin chassis. In other respects its largely the same as the 11-inch Pro (above): super-fast processor (the M4) with lots of RAM, excellent cameras, and a user experience that looks more than capable of replacing a laptop. The 13-inch iPad Pro, like the 11-inch version, has an Ultra Retina XDR. This is based on OLED technology, but Apple uses two OLED panelsit calls Tandem OLED and it generates 1000 nits of SDR/HDR brightness and 1600 nits of peak HDR brightness. This is all thoroughly impressive. But on the downside, the 12.9-inch Pro is far less portable than the mid-size iPads (it remains admirably slim, but the sheer screen area makes it a handful) and ruinously expensive, particularly at those upper storage tiers. Pros: Largest screen (13-inch); extremely fast processor with lots of RAM; landscape camera with Face ID; four speakers; Ultra Retina display. Cons: Least portable iPad currently available (although it is very slim); very expensive; processor speed will be overkill for many prospective buyers. Ideal for: Creative types most of all, but anyone who needs a big screen will be interested. Gamers and those who enjoy consuming media on the go will like the combination of a sumptuous screen and a quad-speaker audio system. Is now a good time to buy? The current Pros came out in May 2024. Apple probably wont update it again for at least a year, maybe longer. See : Best iPad Pro deals iPad Buying Guide: What to look for when buying an iPad As you can see from the above there are a lot of iPads sold by Applethat doesnt even include the many previous-generation iPads that are still on sale at various resellers and at Apples Refurbished Store . When confronted by so much choice what should you consider when deciding which iPad to buy? For many the choice will be based on price and value for money. Some may be influenced by the screen size, others by the weight. The ability to get more than 256GB storage may be important, as may the inclusion of Face ID or Touch ID. Finally, the decision of whether to get a cellular version, which invites the assessment of the minefield of network contracts, will no doubt be a factor for some. We will look at each of those factors below. Which iPad is the best value for money? One persons value for money is another persons extravagance. You might be looking for the cheapest iPad. That would be the 10th generation iPad , launched in 2022. In May 2024, Apple reduced the price from its original $449 price to $349 (price drops were matched around the world). It has a 10.9-inch screen, a 12MP rear-facing camera, an A14 Bionic processor, and 5G as an option. If you are happy to buy an older iPad model then there are plenty of discounts available while they are still in stock. There are also some great savings to be had on refurbished models. We recommend you check the following deals roundups, where you can see the best prices right now on various iPads : Best iPad Pro deals Best iPad (9th/10th gen) deals Best iPad Air deals Best iPad mini deals If you have more to spend, what can you get for your money? The iPad mini more than justifies its slightly higher price tag of $499/499 (especially now that the price has dropped from the staggering 569 in the U.K.) with its faster A15 processor, True Tone flash, and a fully laminated, better quality, display, among other things.But its biggest draw will probably be its size for those who want a small iPad. The iPad mini is not much bigger than a hard-backed book making it the perfect size to carry around in a bag and a great size for kids. The 2022 iPad The 2022 iPad Apple The 2022 iPad Apple Apple Next up is the iPad Air , which starts at $599/599 for the 11-inch model. It might be worth every extra penny if you want a faster M2 processor. The iPad Air display is still superior to that of the iPad, fully laminated and with an antireflective coating (like the iPad mini). The iPad Pro , updated in May 2024 is the ultimate in this category. Starting at $999/999, the Pro has a lot to offer, with an incredible display and an M4 chip for starters. But we think these features are probably more than the average person needs. Those are the prices that Apple sells its iPads for, but you dont have to pay that much. Take a look at our regularly updated iPad deals page for the lowest prices and best discounts on iPads new and old. iPad screen size: Which size iPad to choose Size is a question of taste rather than simply going for the biggest iPad you can get your hands on. Bigger isnt necessarily better if what you need is small and light. The most obvious aspect of this decision comes down to screen size. All screens are measured diagonally from corner to corner, or from the place where the corners would be. Youve got four options: 8.3-inch iPad mini 10.9-inch iPad (10th gen) 11-inch iPad Air and iPad Pro 13-inch iPad Air and iPad Pro But how big a screen do you really need? You can think of the tablets in terms of print publications: the mini is roughly the height and width of a paperback book; the mid-size iPads are closer to a hardback (albeit much slimmer); and the 13-inch iPad Pro is like a magazine. The larger screen is obviously better for immersive entertainment. Whether watching films or playing games, its a more enjoyable, richer experience. But really this is a question of priorities. Are you more set on getting maximum screen space, or are you willing to compromise on that front in order to get a lower price tag and improved portability? iPad Pro 13-inch (2024): 281.6mm x 215.5mm x 65.1mm; 579g/582g (Wi-Fi/cellular) iPad Pro 11-inch (2024): 249.7mm x 177.5mm x 5.3mm; 444g/446g iPad Air 13-inch (2024): 280.6mm x 214.9mm x 6.1mm 617g/618g iPad Air 11-inch (2024): 247.6mm x 178.5mm x 6.1mm; 462g/462g iPad 10.9-inch (2022): 248.6mm x 179.5mm x 7mm; 477g/481g iPad mini 8.3-inch (2021): 195.4mm x 134.8mm x 6.3mm; 300.5g/308.2g Also read: Every iPad display compared . Want the lightest iPad? As youd expect, the iPad mini is a lot lighter than the other iPads. Theres a big gap between that device and even the mid-size iPads. As well as its markedly lower weight the mini also has a smaller body, which slips easily into a rucksack or jacket pocket. If you plan to mainly use your iPad out and about, on vacation, or commuting, or perhaps youre buying an iPad for a child , the mini is your best bet. The iPad, 11-inch iPad Air, and 11-inch Pro are pleasingly portable, but they still cant match the mini for portability. The iPad has a similar length and width to the Air, but is thicker and heavier; the Pros are slimmer still. The 13-inch Pro and Air are considerably less portable than their smaller cousins, but we think Apple has done well to keep the weight down, especially with the Pro: it remains a slender, relatively lightweight, and portable alternative to a laptop. How much storage do you need? The five iPads offer anywhere from 64GB to 2TB of storage, but if you are looking at an old, refurbished, or preowned iPad you could be confronted with as little as 32GB storage, which isnt enough. But what storage capacity do you really need for an iPad? Well, first of all, remember that you cant upgrade the storage of an iPad at a later date: this is your limit from now until you buy another iPad, so aim high and buy as much storage as you can afford. Its better to spend an extra few pounds now than to buy an entire new iPad in six months time. Storage capacity is mainly used up by three things: music, photos, and videos, in increasing order of storage drain. If you want to keep lots of films or TV showsor even a few, to be honestthen you need high storage: probably 128GB or higher for video fans. (If youre buying an iPad with the kids in mind, remember that youll want storage space for multiple episodes of their favorite show on a long car journey.) The same applies to large photo or music libraries, to a lesser extent, although iCloud Photos and iTunes Match make it possible to keep your stuff in the cloud and access it remotely (if you pay the fees for iCloud storage). The other thing that will fill up your storage is apps, especially games which will use up a lot of space. For that reason gamers should aim high on storage: The iPad Ait starts with 128GB and the Pro has 256GB, while the mini and 10th-gen iPad both start at 64GB. We recommend getting what you can afford See: How much storage do you need on an iPhone or iPad? for more advice. Should you get the most powerful iPad? The iPad Pro models are, as you would expect, faster than their smaller and cheaper equivalents, next up is the Air, then the iPad mini and finally the iPad. You can get an idea of relative speed by looking at a few relevant specs: iPad Pro 13-inch (2024): M4; 8GB/16GB RAM iPad Pro 11-inch (2024): M4; 8GB/16GB RAM 13-inch iPad Air (2024): M2; 8GB RAM 11-inch iPad Air (2024): M2; 8GB RAM iPad mini (2021): A15 Bionic; 4GB RAM iPad 10.9-inch (2022): A14 Bionic; 4GB RAM The M-series chips have won widespread acclaim in the Mac range and produce outstanding performance in the iPads. But that doesnt mean the A chips are sub-standard or incapable of running modern apps; keep in mind that much of the software on the App Store was designed with A chips in mind, and even now most developers will want to make their software accessible for as many iPad owners as possible. There is a good reason to choose the M-series chips over the A-series though. Some of the best iPadOS 16 features will only work with the M-series iPads . These include features like Stage Manager , which is a new feature for organizing your windows. There are also rumors that one day Apple may make a cutback version of macOS available on the iPad but this will be probably be restricted to the M-series chip, if indeed it ever happens.. But speculation aside, how powerful you need your iPad to be will be based on your your requirements (and how long you intend to use your iPad for). The most demanding graphic-design, video-editing, and audio apps will see better performance on the M4 and even M2 processor, so if youre looking at high-level workloads multiple years down the line the M4 and M2 would be a better option. But for most users, the A15 will be comfortably fast enough for the mid- and quite long-term, and even the A14 (from 2020) performs perfectly well on todays apps. Another important factor to consider is memory. The iPad mini and iPad 10.9-inch have 4GB. The Air gets a jump up to 8GB, while the Pros have either 8GB or a whopping 16GB of RAM, depending on your storage tier: the 1TB and 2TB versions get the higher RAM allocation. Overall, we would advise those who want to use highly demanding apps, such as video and image editors and graphically advanced games, to choose an iPad Pro or Air. If youre going to be using your tablet for the odd bit of email and web surfing, youll find an iPad or iPad mini perfectly decent. With these general observations out of the way, its time to look at each device in more depth. For each iPad we record the essential information, its pros and cons, which buyer should pick it, and whether now is a good time to buy. Should you get a Cellular iPad? For most people cellular connectivity is a luxury, even if its a nice one to have. For an extra $100 or so, youll be able to access the web and email, and use connected apps, away from a Wi-Fi network. You need to factor in the cost of a data plan and find a network provider. Consider carefully how often youre going to do that: with an iPad mini theres likely to be more on-the-go use than with a full-size iPad, but its still a lot to pay for something you may only use from time to time. Have you got a regular (overground) commute where youd enjoy catching up on news headlines or e-mail? Then it could be worth the extra. We think the best option, if you want to be able to get data on your iPad when you are out and about, is to create a hotspot and share it from your iPhone. Then you can use your iPad as if it is on the cellular network. Read about how to create an iPhone hotspot to share your mobile web connection to your iPad. Just bear in mind that the cellular option also brings with it a GPS radio, meaning youll be able to input accurate location data when using your device on the go. The other concern when buying a cellular iPad is whether to buy your iPad on a contract. Network providers will allow you to pay for your iPad and the data contract over a number of months but after that term is up, and certainly not before, you may not be able to switch to a different data provider. Buying on contract may also mean that the iPad is locked to the original contract provider which can also be a problem if you want to sell it in the future. Heres how to unlock an iPad from its network , once youve fulfilled your contractual obligations. Should you buy a refurbished iPad? You can buy a refurbished iPad from Apple You can buy a refurbished iPad from Apple Apple You can buy a refurbished iPad from Apple Apple Apple Well mention this only briefly because its covered in detail here: Why a refurbished iPad could be the best tablet for you , but one option you should absolutely consider is Apples Refurbished Store . Its a sort of halfway house between new and second-hand: the devices are generally ones that have been returned within the 28-day period in which you are legally allowed to change your mind about a purchase, or they have been returned due to a fault that has been rectified, or they were ex-display or ex-demo units from Apples stores or marketing. You can rest assured that Apple has checked all the refurbished iPads that it sells thoroughly, replaced any problematic components, and rated them as good as new (and you get a full one-year warranty to prove it). Apples not the only place to buy a refurbished iPad, so beware that all refurbished iPads are not the same, so do check the small print before you buy. Look for refurbished models that have been fully checked out by Apple-certified engineers, especially those that come with a guarantee. Our best advice is to only consider the current or previous generation iPads when looking at refurbished models, then you are less likely to be caught out by a sub-par tablet. Buying a refurbished iPad from a reputable company is definitely preferable to buying a used iPad from someone on eBay. Its too often the case that secondhand iPads sold that way end up as useless bricks because the person selling it didnt properly log out of their account. Another way to save money is to buy from a reseller who is selling discontinued stock at a discount. We often see resellers significantly dropping the price on older iPad models that are usually just one generation out of datejust beware, they sell out quick! Should you buy the newest iPad generation? Speaking of older iPads, even if functioning perfectly right now, older models will reach the end of their useful life sooner than the newest models and that is a good reason to avoid buying an iPad that is more than one or two generations old. But keep in mind that iPads tend to start slowing down at around two to three years of age; at the four- or five-year mark you should expect noticable loss of performance and you wont be able to get all the latest software updates. The current iPad range was mostly updated in 2024 and included the iPad Pro and the iPad Air. The 10th-gen iPad was released in October 2022 but had its price reduced in May 2024. The iPad mini came out in September 2021. Another reason to buy a recent iPad is the operating system it runs. Apple only supports the most recent three versions of iPadOS with security updates, so that means that only iPadOS 15, 16. and 17 are currently supported. See How long does Apple support iPads? for more information. The following iPads can run iPadOS 17 : iPad Pro 12.9 and 13 (6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd and 2nd gen) iPad Pro 11 (4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st gen) iPad Pro 10.5 iPad (10th, 9th, 8th, 7th and 6th gen) iPad mini (5th and 6th gen) iPad Air (6th, 5th, 4th and 3rd gen) The iPads that have been removed from support include: 2016 iPad Pro 9.7-inch with an A9X chip 2015 iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation) with an A9X chip 2017 iPad (5th generation) with an A9 chip So, while you dont have to buy the newest generation, we would recommend that you buy one that was launched relatively recently to be sure that Apple will support it for as long as you intend to own it. On that basis, any of the iPads listed above should be a safe bet because they support the iPadOS that Apple will support for the next three years, and for many the support will stretch on for more years. Buying advice: Which iPad should you buy? The iPad 10.9-inch is a good option for newcomers and those who will mostly use their iPad as a media consumption device with some light work. For most people, however, our recommendation is the iPad Air (2024) . The update in May 2024 brought it an M2 processor, which is more than enough for an iPad right now. Mind you, its still expensive compared to the standard iPad and the iPad mini, and to most rival tablets out there. The iPad mini is mainly recommended for those who see portability as their main priority. Its an excellent little device, although the smaller screen makes it less immersive for games and entertainment options. The remaining iPads will be too expensive for the average buyer. The 11-inch and 13-inch Pro models are amazingly powerful and well-made, and the arrival of the M4 is excellent news but probably more power than anyone really needs right now. But if youre a creative professional, the Pro is the iPad to get. Finally, before taking the plunge, have you considered if a laptop might suit your needs better? See iPad vs MacBook for more advice on that front. iPad

Macworld 8 May 2024 4:45 pm

Shekhar Suman ready to campaign for Kangana

Shekhar Suman and Kangana Ranaut have both joined the same political party, marking a significant development in Indian politics. Shekhar's entry into politics on Tuesday follows the path of his son Adhyayan Suman's alleged former girlfriend, Kangana, who is contesting in the Lok Sabha Elections from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Despite past differences, Shekhar expressed willingness to campaign for Kangana if invited, stating it's both his duty and right. Their history includes allegations from Shekhar and his son Adhyayan accusing Kangana of practicing black magic. This unexpected alliance sparked surprise and speculation among social media users. One user humorously pondered if they would campaign together, given their history.

The Times of India 8 May 2024 4:24 pm

Fact Check: This video DOESNT show Rahul Gandhi visiting Ram Mandir after Raebareli nomination

Fact Check This video DOESNT show Rahul Gandhi visiting Ram Mandir after Raebareli nomination

India Today 8 May 2024 3:54 pm

Sonakshi Sinha Opens About Same-S*x Foreplay Scene With Maid In Heeramandi

Sonakshi Sinha Same-s*x Foreplay Scene is one of the path-breaking scenes in Heeramandi. Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar has been buzzing due to Sonakshi Sinha, who plays Fareedan, the fierce antagonist. Heres what she said about her foreplay scene. Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, which premiered on Netflix last week, has [...] The post Sonakshi Sinha Opens About Same-S*x Foreplay Scene With Maid In Heeramandi appeared first on PagalParrot .

pagalparrot 8 May 2024 3:53 pm

Fardeen Khan Shares Pics From Heeramandi's Look Test. How He Became Wali Mohammed

These shots landed me the role of Wali Mohammed and I was beyond excited to bring him to life, wrote Fardeen Khan

NDTV 8 May 2024 3:37 pm

Chennai Super Kings tops IPL fan loyalty charts: Report

Crisp, a marketing analytics firm, in collaboration with Kadence, a global market research agency, has conducted a comprehensive study focusing on brand recognition during the Indian Premier League ( IPL ). The study, aimed at understanding the dynamics of fan followings and brand perceptions across IPL teams, has unveiled intriguing insights into the preferences and behaviours of cricket enthusiasts. While fan loyalty transcends mere performance, fans are not immune to team performance fluctuations. The IPL teams are remarkably different in terms of the size of their fan following. While 50% of the audience does not have a favourite team, just 4 teams between them account for the favourites of as many as 86% of the rest. They are as follows: Chennai SuperKings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Mumbai Indians (MI), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Among these, CSK emerges as the undisputed leader, commanding the hearts of a massive 32%, almost 1/3rd of those who have a favourite team! This statistic highlights their unwavering loyalty and positions them as the IPL 's most beloved franchise. CSK's dominance extends beyond geographical boundaries. While CSK undoubtedly boasts a staggering 86% following in Chennai , the most for any team in their home territory, their fan base transcends regional loyalty . CSK even commands a larger following than the home teams in Delhi and Lucknow, highlighting the team's powerful national appeal. CSK's loyal following isn't solely driven by victories. This team, with the most IPL titles under its belt, is fiercely followed by RCB, a team yet to lift the coveted trophy. Moreover, the data from eDART for Week 1 versus Week 5 highlights how fans respond to their team's performance over time. While CSK fans hold their team to a high standard, penalizing a modest win record, RCB fans exhibit more leniency, despite the team's lower standings. This data underscores the deep emotional connection fans have with their chosen team, illustrating that factors beyond on-field success influence fan allegiance. Even last year's champion, Gujarat Titans (GT), lags in terms of fan base compared to MI and CSK, despite playing in their home territory! However, the current method of valuing IPL teams seems to overlook a crucial factor: fan loyalty . For instance, CSK, with a fan base dwarfing even last year's champion Gujarat Titans (GT) by a factor of 30, is valued only 25% higher. This suggests a potential disconnect, with brands perhaps missing out on the immense potential of a passionate and dedicated fanbase.

Feed Burner 8 May 2024 3:37 pm

Indian Navy to hold maritime exercise with Singapore Navy to enhance operability

We look forward to further enhancing our operability and understanding of each other's operational philosophy and also increasing the competency of our bilateral exercise in keeping with the times that we are witnessing, said Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet Read Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar.

The Economic Times 8 May 2024 2:48 pm

Sonakshi Sinha Talks About Wage Gap, Heeramandi & Rekha Praising Her Performance I EXCLUSIVE

Sonakshi Sinha, by her own admission, is perhaps enjoying the best phase of her career. The actress is getting a lot of praise for her performance as Fareedan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar'. Watch her exclusive chat with CNN-News18's Titas Chowdhury for more.

News18 8 May 2024 2:45 pm

Meet 16-year-old actress, ranked most popular celeb in India, beat Shah Rukh, Salman, Alia, Deepika, Heeramandi cast

Lapataa Ladies' Nitanshi Goel becomes most popular Indian celebrity, as per IMDb list.

DNA India 8 May 2024 2:33 pm

Aditi Roy Hydari Looks Chic In Casuals And High Bun As She Gets Papped Outside Yoga Class, Watch

Aditi Rao Hydari is currently been seen in a period drama Heeramandi. Her performance has been getting an overwhelming response

News18 8 May 2024 2:20 pm

Sonakshi Sinha on 'Heeramandi' set rivalry: 'Try and get a 6-hero film together'

Sonakshi Sinha on Heeramandi set rivalry Try and get a hero film together

India Today 8 May 2024 2:01 pm

Wedding bells for Sonakshi Sinha? Actor hints at Kapil's show

In the upcoming episode of Netflix's The Great Indian Kapil Show, the cast of Heeramandi will make a grand appearance.

NewsBytes 8 May 2024 1:55 pm

Himachal: Only three women elected to LS polls till date, just two in fray this time

SHIMLA: Only three women have made it to the Lok Sabha from Himachal Pradesh in the past 72 years and this time, just two are in the fray. Women constitute almost 49 per cent of the total voters in the state. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Chandresh Kumari and Pratibha Singh, the three successful candidates till now belonged to royal families. Only the BJP and the BSP have nominated women candidates for the June 1 elections for the four Lok Sabha seats in the state. While the BJP has fielded actor Kangana Ranaut from Mandi, Rekha Rani is contesting on a BSP ticket from Kangra. Women from humble background rising high in politics and carving a niche for themselves is still a big challenge in the country and Himachal Pradesh is no exception. At present, women constitute about 49 per cent of the total voters in the state but representation is not even one fourth and this is a cause of serious concern, said Ramesh Chauhan, head of the department of political science at Himachal Pradesh University. In politics, what matters is who has the decision-making power. This power is normally with men and until women are given prominent positions, they would not emerge as empowered and surpass their dominant male counterparts, Chauhan told PTI. According to Kamal Manohar Sharma, who also teaches political science at Himachal Pradesh University, the status of women has been high in the state and even before reservation for women was introduced, women pradhans were elected in Mandi, Kinnaur and Kangra districts. But women were not so keen to climb the ladder to the assembly, he claimed. Moreover, the political parties also did not promote or encourage the women with humble background, he added. Political parties go all out to woo the women voters but when it comes to declaring candidates, women get few opportunities, the political experts felt. To add to it, participation of women voters surpass male voters especially in rural areas but still few women get elected, they added. Congress names 16 more candidates, Vikramaditya Singh to take on Kangana Ranaut in Mandi A total of 56,38,422 voters - 28,79,200 male, 27,59,187 female and 35 third gender persons - are eligible to exercise their franchise for the seats of Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, and Shimla (SC) in the seventh and last phase of polling on June 1. Amrit Kaur, India's first health minister who hailed from the royal family of Kapurthala, was elected to Lok Sabha from Mandi constituency in 1952. Thereafter, no woman got a ticket till 1984. However, in 1984, Chandresh Kumari from the royal family of Jodhpur who was married in Himachal Pradesh, was fielded by the Congress from Kangra and won as the party swept the election, riding on the sympathy wave following the assassination of the then prime minister Indira Gandhi. Pratibha Singh, wife of former chief minister Virbhadra Singh unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha polls in 1998. However, she won the elections in 2004 when her husband was the chief minister. In 2009, Virbhadra Singh was elected to Lok Sabha from Mandi but he quit after becoming chief minister in 2012 and his wife Pratibha Singh won the by-election in 2013. She again contested the Lok Sabha polls in 2014 but lost to Ram Swaroop of BJP, who was re-elected in 2019. But the seat fell vacant when Ram Swaroop died in March 2021 and Pratibha Singh won for the third time in the by-election held in November 2021 after the death of Virbhadra Singh. In 2014, the AAP fielded Kargil war hero Capt Vikram Batra's mother Kamal Kanta Batra from Hamirpur but she polled only 15,329 votes and lost. Even in the 68-member state assembly, the representation of women has been abysmally low and no woman was elected till 1967. Only one woman entered the assembly in 1977 and 2022. However, the highest number of seven women was elected to the state assembly in the 1998 elections. So far, eight women have been elected to Rajya Sabha from the state.

The New Indian Express 8 May 2024 1:32 pm

Prajwal Revanna Scandal Case | JDS Protest Against Congress Demanding CBI Enquiry In Case | News18

Prajwal Revanna Scandal Case | JDS Protest Against Congress Demanding CBI Enquiry In Case | News18

News18 8 May 2024 1:30 pm

Only three women elected to Lok Sabha from Himachal till date, just two in fray this time

While the BJP has fielded actor Kangana Ranaut from Mandi, Rekha Rani is contesting on a BSP ticket from Kangra

The Hindu 8 May 2024 1:22 pm

I am lucky I get to be face of exquisite period dramas: Aditi Rao Hydari

NEW DELHI: I own it and love it, says actor Aditi Rao Hydari, who feels lucky to be known as the face of period dramas but also enjoys playing the brat and is dying to do a fabulous mystery thriller. Hydari's latest is Sanjay Leela Bhansali's pre-Partition era series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar . Her tryst with period dramas goes back to Bhansali's 2018 magnum opus Padmaavat , in which she played the role of Alauddin Khilji's wife Mehrunissa. Since then, the actor has also starred in period drama shows such as Taj: Divided by Blood and Jubilee. While she is happy to be associated with projects belonging to another space and time, she said she doesn't want to limit herself to one genre. I'm lucky that I get to be the face of these exquisite period dramas. For some reason, people and directors feel that it works and I belong. I also feel very comfortable (working in period dramas). Maybe it's my love for music, dance, history, and culture. Period dramas take you into (a space) what is truly Indian. Even in Heeramandi , there is this whole Indian art aesthetic, dance, music. I really enjoy it, Hydari told PTI. Having said that, my contemporary life is very important for me. So, when I play contemporary parts, I enjoy that (too). In the South, I have done some work like that. I enjoy being a brat or fooling around on camera for a role, whether it's a rom-com or something else, she added. In Heeramandi , the director's debut web series, she plays a courtesan and freedom fighter named Bibbojaan, an embodiment of beauty, grace and character. The show is streaming on Netflix. Not everyone can do justice to starring in a period setting, said the Hyderabad-born actor, who said she won't push away what audiences and directors love about her. I'm saying, I love it, I own it. Especially with period, you may want to do it, but you need to organically belong there. People need to feel that you belong there otherwise it just seems off and people will not go into the suspension of belief, she said. The actor in me also wants to mix it up and be versatile and be contemporary too. Sometimes just do something very light and fun, said Hydari, adding that she would love to do films such as martial arts action adventure film Crouching Tiger , Hidden Dragon and psychological thriller Gone Girl. For many, Bhansali's name is synonymous with grandeur but she believes the director's insights are full of depth and layers. The fact that Sanjay sir gave that life (of Bibbojaan) to me and made her a part of mine, it's incredible. What an incredible journey a girl like that would have had at that point of time. She's artistic, kind, sweet, and vulnerable. But what makes her special is her fearlessness that she takes destiny on, Hydari added. Her vulnerability makes her fearless and her fearlessness makes her vulnerable. That juxtaposition is always there. It's uncommon to get heroic parts like Bibbojaan, she said. It's not just physical (appearance), it's the grace of her heart and soul. I find that very beautiful because as women, our characters can often become one tone. This also tends to happen in real life generally.There are so many layers to us. Somewhere, the value that Sanjay sir has for women, how he looks at women as complete human beings, that comes into many of his heroines, especially in Bibbojaan. I love that she has fire and grace, said the actor. There were no real references to playing the role and Hydari said she went in just listening to what Bhansali had to say. But my mother has done research on tawaifs and thumri and she also sings thumri. So I have heard stories as a child growing up and when that happens around you, you tend to take it for granted.But it still somewhere becomes a part of your consciousness, dance and music. Her mother is Hindustani classical singer Vidya Rao. One of the most anticipated series of 2024, Heeramandi has been praised for its drama, lavish set design, and well-crafted clothes. However, a section of viewers has called out the series for romanticising brothels, historical and linguistic inaccuracies. Addressing the varied reviews, Hydari said she would take criticism in her stride as long as it is of some value. What they are saying must have value and they must come with their own sense of knowledge and understanding that they are making these observations. Most of the people are making noise and it's just that. They have an opinion but I'm asking where your opinion is coming from? Do you have a lot of knowledge on filmmaking, or this subject, or art? You are entitled to your opinion, but I'm just saying don't be nasty. According to the actor, Heeramandi is not a historical but a series and hopes viewers watch it for what it is. Here is a filmmaker who is legendary, we should love the man.He is precious to us and our cinema.He has a voice, he is creating something that the world has never seen. The world is celebrating it, what is our problem? This is not a historical, it's a series about these six women and this whole world. It is Sanjay sir's blood, sweat, tears and love. I'm not defending it, I'm just saying why can't we be more expansive? Why can't our hearts be bigger? Why can't we celebrate art? There are different types of art and directors.See the intention and just flow. Enjoy it. Heeramandi also stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, Fardeen Khan, Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman, Adhyayan Suman, Farida Jalal, and Indresh Malik.

The New Indian Express 8 May 2024 1:22 pm

Richa's playful banter with Sharmin

The 'Heeramandi' cast, under Sanjay Leela Bhansali's direction, shares on-set anecdotes and character evolution insights in interviews. The series is available on OTT, highlighting the cast's performances and memorable moments.

The Times of India 8 May 2024 1:13 pm

The Great Indian Kapil Show: Sonakshi Sinha's Reply To Kapil Sharma's Wedding Question Is Major LOL

The stars of Heeramandi will attend The Great Indian Kapil Show

NDTV 8 May 2024 1:11 pm

BJP has plans to break BJD, after elections: V K Pandian

BHUBANESWAR: BJD leader and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's close aide V K Pandian on Wednesday alleged that the opposition BJP is not fighting elections in Odisha to win polls but to increase its seat number with an intention to break the Biju Janata Dal after elections. This was stated by the bureaucrat turned politician while meeting a group of television channel journalists at Gopalpur in Ganjam district on Wednesday. They (BJP) had a slogan of securing 120 assembly seats in 2014 but failed. I do not know their target for 2019. But, for 2024, they have been fighting elections to win 50/60 seats and aim to break BJD after the elections. This is their poll strategy, Pandian told journalists. Claiming that the BJP was not fighting elections to form government in Odisha, Pandian said: I openly say that this (breaking BJD) is their internal strategy as they have done in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. Asserting that the BJP's plan will not succeed, Pandian said many people from the national level are coming for campaigning in the state, but the people of Odisha have no trust on them. Naveen Babu is the trust of the people, he said. BJP cant get 10 percent votes if it names CM face: VK Pandian You have seen in 2014, 2019 and also in 2024, entire army of leaders from across the country come for campaigning. But, the people will not trust them. The people will bless Nabeen babu in a big way, Pandian said replying to a question on the BJP national leaders making queue for campaigning in the state during the twin polls for the Lok Sabha and Odisha Assembly. Asked whether he was confident of Patnaik becoming the chief minister of Odisha for the sixth consecutive time, Padian said: I have a strong conviction that Naveen babu will win the elections with flying colours. Had I not such conviction, I would not have said that Naveen babu will be sworn in as CM on June 9 with blessings of Maha Prabu Jagannath, he said. Pandian said that they (BJP) have no candidates in 60 of the 147 assembly segments in Odisha. They waited for the release of BJD's candidate list so that they could pick up candidates from among the leaders dropped or rejected by the regional party. This is the reality of BJP in Odisha, he said. Pandian also came down heavily on Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi and accused them of attempting to stop the Shree Mandir Parikrama Project (Jagannath temple heritage corridor project). Replying to a question on BJP raising the Odia Asmita (pride) issue during elections, Pandian said, the central government has not given a single rupee for the promotion of Odia language. Though the BJP has 8 MPs in Lok Sabha, all of them remained completely silent while the Centre was providing money for the promotion of other languages and not for Odia language. Only during election time, the union minister (Dharmendra Pradhan) shows his love for Odia language and talks about Asmita, the BJD leader said. BJP's Baijayant Panda accuses CM Naveen of keeping Odisha poor

The New Indian Express 8 May 2024 1:01 pm

Sonakshi on Heeramandi same-sexscene

Sonakshi Sinha, portraying Fareedan in 'Heeramandi,' reflects on her character's depth and the impact of past traumas. She values interactions with Rekha, her fashion moments, and the film's mixed audience reviews.

The Times of India 8 May 2024 12:59 pm

Congress conspiring to overturn SC verdict on Ram mandir: Modi

Hyderabad: In an indirect jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged that Yuvraj of the Shahi Pariwar, in a conversation with those close to him, had reportedly said that if Congress came to power, the Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya Ram mandir will be overturned. Modi claimed that a former chief Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 8 May 2024 12:52 pm

Sonakshi Sinha's Regal Look Gets Love From Heeramandi's 'Mallikajaan' Manisha Koirala

The enchanting pictures featuring Sonakshi Sinha in a black traditional ensemble are elegance personified.

News18 8 May 2024 12:47 pm

Netflix Revolutionizes Anime Streaming: A Bounty of Classics and Originals Await

Netflix is doubling down on its commitment to anime with an exciting lineup for May 2024, featuring both timeless classics and thrilling originals. With Studio Pierrot and Studio Bones leading the way, the streaming service aims to cater to all tastes, cementing its status as a top destination for anime lovers. The revamped selection promises an engaging experience for subscribers. In a bold move to solidify its standing as a must-visit platform for anime fans, Netflix has unveiled a captivating array of shows for May 2024. Mixing beloved favorites with fresh releases, the streaming giant is set to satisfy a broad spectrum of anime preferences, ensuring an immersive experience for its audience. Classic Gems: Yu Yu Hakusho and Mob Psycho 100 Subscribers can now dive into the timeless adventures of Studio Pierrot's Yu Yu Hakusho. This iconic shonen anime follows the exploits of Yusuke Urameshi, a former troublemaker turned spirit detective entrusted with safeguarding humanity from dark forces. With its gripping storyline and dynamic animation, Yu Yu Hakusho has held viewers spellbound for over thirty years. Also joining the lineup is Studio Bones' visually striking masterpiece, Mob Psycho 100, adapted from the manga by ONE. The series chronicles the life of Shigeo Kageyama, better known as Mob, a reserved young man with extraordinary psychic powers. As Mob grapples with the challenges of adolescence while battling supernatural threats, audiences are treated to a blend of humor, emotion, and stunning visuals. Meanwhile, Studio Colorido's My Oni Girl presents a whimsical adventure centered around the unlikely friendship between Hiiragi and the spirited Tsumugi. Against the backdrop of fantastical landscapes, the film explores themes of self-discovery and acceptance, captivating viewers of all ages with its charming characters and breathtaking animation. Netflix Unveils Exciting May Month Lineup: Dive into a World of Drama, Comedy, and More! Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi Debuts on Netflix to Much Anticipation Bridgerton Star Phoebe Dynevor Sparks Wedding Buzz with Cameron Fuller After Met Gala Appearance!

News Track 8 May 2024 12:46 pm

Richa Chadha SHOCKS Sonakshi Sinha, Reveals She Gave 99 Retakes For a Heeramandi Scene

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is currently streaming on Netflix.

News18 8 May 2024 12:43 pm

Shekhar Suman Says He's Ready To Campaign For Son's Ex Kangana Ranaut In Mandi After Joining BJP: 'Mera Farz Hai'

Agar bulayengi toh kyu nahi jayenge? After joining the BJP, Shekhar Suman says he is ready to campaign for his son's ex-girlfriend, Kangana Ranaut.

mashable 8 May 2024 12:36 pm

Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized

MEULABOH, INDONESIA: The boat glided across waters that were dark and still, under a night sky that was cloudless and calm. But on board, the 12-year-old girl quaked with fear. The captain and crew who she says had tortured her and three other women and girls were not finished. And the punishment for disobedience, the men warned, would be death. It was the third night that the girl and around 140 other ethnic Rohingya refugees had been trapped on the wooden fishing boat, floating off the coast of Indonesia. These children, women and men had fled Bangladesh and their homeland of Myanmar in a bid to escape violence and terror, only to face the same horrors with a crew that seemed to delight in their dread. Huddled among the other women and girls, the 12-year-old identified in this story only by the initial N, because she is a sexual assault survivor tried to hide her face. She had already survived a night in the captains bedroom, where she says he and several crew members had beaten and sexually abused her. Like most of the passengers, she had survived attacks by Myanmars military that forced her and her family to flee to neighboring Bangladesh. There, she had survived nearly seven years in violence-plagued refugee camps. And she had thus far survived this journey without her family, who hoped shed make it to Malaysia, where she was promised as a child bride to a man she had never met. Her young life had been one long battle to survive. And so, it seemed, this night would be no different. The captain was in a rage. He ordered more girls to join him and his crew in the bedroom. No one budged. If you dont come to us, the captain shouted, then we will capsize this boat! What happened next would force N and the other Rohingya on board into yet another battle for survival. For many, this would be the battle they finally lost. Indonesia rescues 69 Rohingya refugees after boat capsize incident Aboard a small fishing boat, Rohingya refugees faced abuse and other horrors In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from atop the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesias northern province of Aceh. Another 67 passengers, including at least 28 children, had been killed when the boat capsized, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Until now, little was known about how the boat capsized, or why. This account, as told to The Associated Press in separate interviews with eight surviving passengers, provides the first insight into what happened on board and why so many died. The men, women and children interviewed include witnesses of the events leading to the capsize and of the sexual abuse, as well as the only surviving sexual assault victim, N. The disaster is the latest in a string of tragedies to befall the Rohingya, a stateless Muslim minority that suffered mass slaughter at the hands of Myanmars military in 2017 in what the United States has dubbed a genocide. Over the past two years, the Rohingya have increasingly fled Bangladesh's refugee camps, where gang violence and hunger has surged, and Myanmar, where a bloody conflict between the ruling military junta and ethnic rebel groups has escalated. Muslim-majority Malaysia, which the Rohingya view as relatively safe, is the preferred destination. The results of this mass exodus have been catastrophic. Last year, 4,500 Rohingya two-thirds of them women and children fled Myanmar and Bangladesh by boat, the UNHCR reported. Of those, 569 died or went missing while crossing the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, the highest annual death toll since 2014. International indifference toward the Rohingya has, in many ways, worsened the crisis. In several cases, coastal countries in Asia have ignored pleas to rescue imperiled Rohingya boats, despite international laws mandating the rescue of boats in distress. Global donations for the nearly 1 million Rohingya languishing in overcrowded camps have plummeted, leading to slashed food rations. And no country is offering large-scale resettlement. Most Rohingya understand the risks of taking to the sea. But those who board the vessels say the world has left them with little choice. Dozens of Rohingya feared dead or missing after boat capsized off Indonesia: UN Ethnic Rohingya refugees stand on their capsized boat as rescuers throw a rope to them off West Aceh, Indonesia, on Thursday, March 21, 2024. And so it was that N arrived one night in March at a remote beach in southern Bangladesh, where she climbed into a small fishing boat that would take her away from everything she knew, including her family. Like an increasing number of underage Rohingya girls, she had been promised as a wife to a man in Malaysia shed spoken to only by phone. These marriages are rooted in desperation: Many parents in the camps can no longer feed their children or afford the traditional dowry demanded by grooms. The men in Malaysia forfeit dowries and often send money to the brides parents. The fishing boat ferried N and her fellow passengers to a larger boat, which took them deeper into the Bay of Bengal. One day later, they were moved again to an even bigger boat, with a crew from Myanmar. For around a week, they slid seamlessly through the sea. The crew was kind, providing enough food and water. The children had space to play. The waves were placid. For Rahena Begum, traveling with her 9-year-old daughter and 12- and 13-year-old sons, it almost felt too easy. Until suddenly, it wasnt. The captain told those on board the plan had changed. They would need to transfer everyone to an Indonesian fishing boat, with a crew who would take them the rest of the way to Indonesia. From there, the passengers would be smuggled into neighboring Malaysia. Though the captain gave no reason for the switch, the recent surge in Rohingya arrivals has put Indonesian authorities on alert for boats from Bangladesh and Myanmar. The sight of the rickety Indonesian vessel sent a chill through the passengers. Muhammed Amin, who had fished the waters off Bangladesh for years and spent countless hours on boats, estimated the Indonesian vessel was built to accommodate, at most, 60 people not 140. But the Myanmar captain and crew, he says, reassured him the boat was safe and that it would reach Indonesia in one day. Reluctantly, Amin, N, Rahena and the others climbed into the Indonesian vessel. The Myanmar boat soon disappeared into the distance. Dozens of Rohingya feared dead or missing at sea as Indonesia ends search Rohingya refugees rest on the deck of a National Search and Rescue Agency ship, after being rescued from their capsized boat off West Aceh, Indonesia, on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Almost immediately, the Indonesian captain and crew separated the men from the women. The men were forced into the boats cramped, stifling cargo holds, one of which was beneath the captains bedroom. Anyone who protested was beaten, Amin says. The captain and crew turned to the women and girls, but they did not speak Indonesian and could not understand their demands. A few Rohingya men who spoke the language were allowed out of the hold to translate. When the women understood what the captain wanted, they began to cry. The men told the crew to leave the women alone. The crew beat them, and then beat the women. Seventeen-year-old Samira, whose husband was stuck in the hold, became an early target. The captain and crew repeatedly ordered her into the bedroom. A relative of Samiras, Fatima Khatun, told the tearful teen to say she was sick, and used hand signals to explain to the captain that Samira was married. The crew moved on. N, however, had no one to protect her. And she quickly caught the captains attention. She was a child stuck in the middle of the ocean, facing a group of men who warned they were armed, though no one ever saw a gun. She had no choice. And so, N and four other women and girls entered the bedroom. It wasnt long before the stillness of the night was shattered by their screams. A wooden boat carrying dozens of Rohingya Muslim migrants capsizes off Indonesias Aceh province Through her terror, N struggled to make sense of what was happening, then struggled to make it stop. But inside the room, there was no pity, only pain. One of the women managed to slip out, but N and the others were trapped. Two of the girls were teenagers, and the third around 20, N estimated. All were in tears. The abuse by the captain and five of his six crew members lasted all night, N says. Attempts to fight back were met with beatings. From the cargo hold below the bedroom, the men could hear the cries. Those who dared to climb onto the deck could see the abuse unfolding through the rooms windows. But believing the crew was armed, they say, they were powerless to stop them. When morning finally dawned, N spotted a man she knew and signaled to him for help. He approached the room and was beaten by the crew but persuaded the captain to let N out to use the toilet. She hid among the other women and hoped the captain was finished with her. He was, at least for the moment. But he and the crew were not done with the other three girls, whose assaults continued for a second night. In the sweltering hold, 19-year-old Jannat Ullahs yearning for fresh air grew so intense he risked climbing on deck. When he emerged, he says, he looked through the bedroom window and saw the captain raping one of the teens. A crew member spotted Jannat and slapped his head until he retreated. But later, Jannat says, he watched through a gap in the wall as another crew member raped the same girl. The sun was rising again, along with the passengers desperation. The crew had given them no water and only tiny portions of rice, noodles and eggs. They wondered how much longer they could last. Fatima Khatun, sitting next to the captains room with her 8-year-old daughter, Ruma, had witnessed the abuse of the girls inside and could bear no more. She signaled through the window to the girls to come out. At last, that night, they did, emerging sobbing and speechless. Fatima and Samira told them to cover themselves with hijabs and tried to hide them. It was then that the captain and crew began demanding fresh victims. The women and girls refused. The crew kicked and punched them. The women wept but stood their ground. The captain and crew had been drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana, the passengers told the AP. The captain was growing angrier. If you dont come into the room, I will capsize this boat! he thundered, again and again. Samira told herself he must be joking. Out of options, Rohingya are fleeing Myanmar and Bangladesh by boat despite soaring death toll It was around 9 p.m. and many of the children had fallen asleep, oblivious to the chaos. As Fatima fretted over the captains threats, daughter Ruma slumbered against her arm. Fed up with the hold, Amin and Jannat had come up on deck. The captain, Amin says, looked drunk, his body wobbly. The captain went to the toilet and then headed to the helm. Which is when, Jannat says, he saw the captain push the steering wheel with his leg. The vessel tilted violently, sending passengers tumbling. And then it smashed into a wave. In the blackness of the water, people screamed for salvation, for God, for their children. RUMA! Fatima cried, searching wildly for her daughter, who had been ripped away when the boat overturned. RUMA! Fatima fought to stay afloat, but the water was swallowing her as fast as she was swallowing the water. Suddenly, hands closed around her arm and yanked upwards. Passengers who had climbed on top of the overturned hull were pulling her to safety. She screamed and screamed for her little girl. But Ruma was gone. Jannat could hear his 7-year-old cousin, Futika, shouting from somewhere inside the boat. Frantic, the teen swam back into the vessel and spotted Futika wedged with others inside the cargo hold. Jannat tried to yank him free, again and again. But it was futile. Jannat swam out, clambered onto the hull and wept. Those who were drowning desperately clutched at others struggling in a sea that was fast becoming a graveyard. Among the dying were mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, a 3-year-old boy and his parents. Scores of passengers found themselves trapped under heavy fishing nets that ensnared them when the boat overturned. Women wailed for help that did not come. N battled her way through the throngs until she made it onto the hull. Once again, she had managed to survive. But the three girls who were abused alongside her in the captains bedroom had not, their battered bodies disappearing into the depths. In the water, Rahena Begum spotted her 9-year-old daughter, Rema, but her two sons were nowhere to be seen. Other passengers pushed Rahena and Rema onto the hull, then began to pump the unresponsive childs chest and water-swollen stomach. Suddenly, Remas hand moved, and she sputtered a few words. Rahena pulled her daughter into her lap and cuddled her. Her baby was alive, at least for now. So was her 13-year-old son, whod also made it onto the hull. But her 12-year-old boy, Noor Aziz, was missing. She would never see him again. Amin knew they had to keep the vessel stable if they had any hope of surviving. He ordered the men to stand on the corners of the hull, to try to balance the weight. The crew, meanwhile, wanted to be anywhere but the boat. Amin spotted the captain and three crew members swimming away, using water jugs as flotation devices. The remaining three crew tried to follow them, but Amin and the other men held them back, forcing them to stay on the hull. Amin feared that if rescuers found them on the boat without a crew, the passengers would be blamed for the disaster. Hours passed, and those on the hull waited for a miracle. In the morning, it seemed to arrive, in the form of another fishing boat. Scores of passengers leaped into the water and swam toward it. But the fishing boat was tiny and could not hold them all. The crew allowed six people on board, then headed for shore. The waves had worsened, and passengers frantic attempts to flee the overturned boat had left the vessel unstable. It capsized again. Rahena found herself back in the water, fighting once more to save her daughter. She spotted Rema slipping below the surface and grabbed her, before other passengers pushed the pair back onto the hull. But Rema had grown delirious. She tried to bite people and could not speak. Rahena knew her daughter was in urgent need of help. Others never made it back on board. Samiras husband, Akram Ullah, estimates at least 20 drowned when the boat overturned the second time. The subsequent capsize had knocked loose the remains of passengers who had drowned inside the vessel the night before. Jannat spotted the lifeless body of his little cousin, Futika, bobbing in the waves. More fishing boats arrived, and passengers called out for help. But those on board the vessels simply shot photos and videos of them, then left. A few passengers tried to swim to shore, promising to send help if they made it. They were never seen again. And help still did not come. But, at least, the rain did. The passengers, weak with thirst, collected what they could in a tarp and shared sips of it, thanking Allah for sparing their lives. Yet as another night passed, it was clear not everyone would be spared. Rahenas daughter, cradled in her lap, had gone still. Rahena hugged her little girl and tried to talk to her. But the life had drained from her daughter. The passengers prayed for the child, then slid her body into the sea. Around 30 minutes later, Rahena says, the rescue ship finally arrived. In the days following the disaster, the bodies of 12 women and three children were recovered from the waters off Aceh, according to the UNHCR. The search for more has been called off. Although the fishing boats crew rescued the initial six people from the hull the morning of March 20, search and rescue vessels were not launched until later that evening. Officials finally spotted the boat around 9 a.m. March 21, about 22 kilometers (14 miles) offshore, and finished evacuating all the passengers from the hull around midday. Ibnu Harris Al Hussain, chief of Banda Acehs search and rescue agency, said the rescue operation began shortly after his agency learned about the capsized boat. He also said officials needed time to coordinate a plan to care for survivors once they reached land, while crews at sea initially kept their distance out of fear the passengers would hurt themselves trying to swim to the rescue boat. The most important thing is that we have ensured their safety when they were found, Hussain wrote to the AP. On April 2, police announced they had arrested three members of the crew, plus a fourth man who was not on board the boat. They were charged with people smuggling, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Police are still searching for the remaining crew, including the captain, whose mobile phone activity places him in Malaysia, West Aceh Police Chief Andi Kirana told the AP. Police are not considering murder charges, Kirana says, because they believe the capsize was an accident the result of an overcrowded boat simply taking on too much water. But N and the other passengers believe the disaster was a deliberate act of revenge by a sadistic captain and crew who thought they could escape. And for that and for all the suffering endured the punishment, N says, should fit the crime. They tortured us. They treated us like animals, she says. We want the government to treat them like animals. Kirana also said police are not considering rape charges, because they havent received any reports of sexual assault. But N says police have never questioned her about what happened on board. For now, she and the other passengers remain in limbo, sleeping under tents behind a government office building. They have been shifted between shelters amid protests by locals who want them to go away. But there is nowhere for them to go. Though they have survived so much, some wonder what it was all for. Rahena questions why she was spared, when two of her children were not. Her husband, already in Malaysia, blames her for attempting the journey and for the death of their daughter and son. I lost my hope when I lost my children, Rahena says. I feel like I have nothing. N, alone and aching for her mother, hopes to somehow make it to Malaysia and to the man who wants her as his wife. Maybe then, she says, she will finally be free though in reality, Rohingya child brides in Malaysia often become prisoners to abusive husbands. For now, all she can do is fight to survive another day and pray for a future free of pain. I dont want to suffer anymore, she says.

The New Indian Express 8 May 2024 12:28 pm

Army jawan demands Rs 2.5 crore from Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve for manipulating EVMs, arrested

Army jawan posted in Jammu on Wednesday was arrested in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city for demanding Rs 2.5 crore from Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve for manipulating the EVMs. He had no knowledge of EVMs, he was just trying to cheat him, police commissioner said.

The Economic Times 8 May 2024 11:15 am

Womens panel chief to file complaint against Chandrababu Naidu

VIJAYAWADA: The State Election Commissions excessive control over the Womens Commission based on the MCC is alarming after I have intend to file a complaint with both the ECI and the National Womens Commission regarding the situation in our State, said Womens Commission Chairperson Gajjala Venkata Lakshmi. Womens organisations and YSRC leaders filed a complaint with the chairperson on Tuesday, demanding action against TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu. They stated in their complaint that Naidu insulted women during a recent public meeting held in Anakapalli. Among those who filed the complaint were women leader Kota Samrajyam, G Venkatalakshmi, Enugula Durgabhavani, Selvam Durga, YSRC Doctor Cell President Ambanti Naga Radha Krishna and others. Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson Gajjala Venkata Lakshmi remarked, Its unfortunate that the Commission was unable to pursue action against the attacks against women on suo moto due to the constraints imposed by the EC, she said. She lamented that in two different cases, TD activist Reddy Nagaraju from Eluru, a rowdy-sheeter, Gummadi Kiran, from Kankipadu of Krishna district harassed women and pointed out that the lack of seriousness of the authorities in adhering to the Commissions directives under the guise of the Election Code. After filing the complaint, speaking to TNIE, Dr Ambati Naga Radhakrishna Yadav, Chairman of YSRC- NTR District Doctors Wing, claimed that Naidu is resorting to obscene language against CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and his family out of frustration over impending election losses in Kuppam and Mangalagiri. He alleged that Naidus behaviour seems to be mental degradation, akin to his brother Ram Murthy Naidus in old age. He urged strict action against TDP supremos remarks.

The New Indian Express 8 May 2024 11:03 am

Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections: Man arrested for demanding Rs 2.5 crore from Shiv Sena-UBT leader to manipulate EVMs

The Economic Offences Wing of city police on Tuesday arrested a man who allegedly demanded Rs 2.5 crore on pretext of installing a special type of chip in EVM (electronic voting machine) for getting maximum votes for the party candidate.

Web Dunia 8 May 2024 10:59 am

'Great Indian Kapil Show': Richa Chadha recalls 99 retakes for 'Heeramandi'

Great Indian Kapil Show Richa Chadha recalls retakes for Heeramandi

India Today 8 May 2024 10:54 am

Army jawan held for demanding Rs 2.5 cr from Sena UBT leader to manipulate EVMs

Ambadas Danve, the leader of opposition in the state legislative council, filed a written complaint with police after the accused

Mid Day 8 May 2024 10:39 am

Europe student Gaza protests spread, sparking clashes, arrests

Protests by students demanding universities sever ties with Israel over the Gaza war spread across western Europe on Tuesday, sparking clashes and dozens of fresh arrests

The Daily Star 8 May 2024 10:14 am

Anti-Sanatan alliance...: Smriti Irani condemns Ram Gopal Yadav's remark on Ram Mandir

Anti-Sanatan alliance...: Smriti Irani condemns Ram Gopal Yadav's remark on Ram Mandir Union Minister Smriti Irani, on Wednesday lashed out at Ram Gopal Yadav over his statement against Ram Mandir and said that the BJP will reply to the anti-Sanatan alliance by its election results. We all know that they oppose Ram and Sanatan. Ram Gopal Yadav's statement on Ram Temple can insight anger among the people. As a Ram devotee, I want to tell him that in this election the people will give a reply to his anti-Sanatan alliance, Smriti Irani said while speaking to ANI. Earlier, In an interview with a Hindi television news channel Ram Gopal, the cousin of late SP patriarch and former CM Mulayam Singh Yadav, termed the Ram Temple a 'bekar Mandir' (flawed and useless temple), adding that it was not built following Vastu Shastra. It (Ram Mandir) is a useless temple. The blueprint of the temple was flawed and it was not built in accordance with Vastu, the senior SP leader added. The Amethi Lok Sabha BJP candidate, Smriti Irani also criticised Pakistan's simultaneous backing of Rahul Gandhi. Former Pakistani minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain has been posting tweets in support of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in India. Addressing a gathering in Amethi, Irani said, Till now I used to contest against the Congress leader only, but now a Pakistani leader has said that Smriti Irani should be defeated. 'Tumse Pakistan na sambhalta, tum Amethi ki chinta karte ho'. If my voice reaches the leader of Pakistan, I want to say, this is the Amethi where PM Modi has built the factory of the AK 203 rifle, that rifle used to kill Pakistani terrorists on borders. Chunaav chal rha hai desh me, samarthan mil rha aapko (Rahul Gandhi) videsh me, Irani said. Speaking to ANI, Smriti Irani said, While elections are underway in our nation, Rahul Gandhi is receiving support from another country. Why hasn't Rahul Gandhi disavowed this support from Pakistan yet? Why hasn't he condemned the interference of Pakistani politicians in Indian elections? Rahul Gandhi needs to respond to this. (ANI)

devdiscourse 8 May 2024 10:11 am

Vodafone Idea shares climb 3% on block deal worth Rs 234 crore. Details here

Vodafone Idea share price: Voda Idea's stock rose 2.67 per cent to hit a day high of Rs 12.71 against its previous close of Rs 12.38. Turnover on the counter came at Rs 272.73 crore, commanding a market capitalisation (m-cap) of Rs 83,702.67 crore.

Business Today 8 May 2024 10:08 am

Jagan Mohan Reddy seeks PMs stand on SCS & VSP privatisation

VIJAYAWADA: Demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a clear stand on granting Special Category Status to the State and on the privatisation of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy questioned the PMs change of heart towards TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu and sought to know the basis on which the three parties had forged an alliance. Visakhapatnam Steel Plant privatisation top concern in AP's Gajuwaka segment Speaking during his election campaign at Gajuwaka and Ichchapuram on Tuesday, the YSRC president reiterated his commitment to the development of North Andhra. Hitting back at the Prime Minister for charging the YSRC government with corruption, Jagan recalled that it was Modi who had once described Naidu as the most corrupt politician and even accused him of using the Polavaram Project as an ATM. Further, he sought to know the rationale behind the BJP joining hands with such a corrupt politician. Asserting that it was because of his efforts that the Centre backtracked from privatising VSP, the Chief Minister questioned Naidu and Jana Sena president Pawan Kalyan, Is there an assurance from Modi that SCS will be granted to Andhra Pradesh or that VSP will not be privatised? CEO Meena clarifies on disbursal of aid Asserting that the ECI never stops the implementation of schemes, CEO Mukesh Kumar Meena on Tuesday clarified that the poll panel only asked the government to defer some schemes till the completion of polling on May 13 Vote for TDP will mean allowing privatisation of VSP: Jagan On Modi claiming that the State government had not allotted land for the Railway zone, Jagan maintained that it was the Centre who refused to accept the land offered for the project citing litigations. Appealing to the people to send a strong message to Delhi by electing the YSRC candidate and showing their opposition to the privatisation of VSP, he said, A vote for the TDP will only mean allowing the privatisation of VSP as they will cite their win as a referendum. Seeds of development will bear fruits: CM Jagan Mohan Reddy Rebutting the charges of Opposition that development took a back seat in the State for the past five years, he asserted that Andhra Pradesh is on the path of progress with three industrial corridors, 10 industrial nodes, 17 new medical colleges, four sea ports, ten fishing harbours and six fish land centres coming up. Andhra Pradesh stood number one in the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) for three successive years. MSMEs have received a big boost in the last 59 months. The State received investments worth Rs 1 lakh crore after we came to power as against Rs 32,000 crore during the TDP rule, he said. Reiterating that he will take oath as Chief Minister in Visakhapatnam, which will be established as the executive capital of Andhra Pradesh, Jagan highlighted the activities initiated by his government in the last five years to develop North Andhra. At a public meeting at Rajanagaram earlier, he took a swipe at Naidu for ECI deferring the disbursal of input subsidy to ryots and Vidya Deevena aid with the help of Delhi (referring to the BJP-led NDA government). For the past five years, the elderly have got pensions conveniently at home. Because of Naidu, they are now deprived of this facility. Naidu has landed himself in trouble by orchestrating such plots and a chief minister has to engage in legal battles, he said. Mocking Naidu for stitching the pact, he said, Naidu tried hard to get his rusted bicycle (TDP poll symbol) repaired with the help of his adopted son (referring to Pawan). However, he was only ready to ride a pillion and hold a glass (JSP symbol). Later, Naidu sent his cycle to Delhi (BJP). They brought some mechanics and tried to repair the bicycle, but now there is no handle, no pedals, no seat, no wheels, no tube. They (BJP) asked how can they ride such a rusty cycle?

The New Indian Express 8 May 2024 9:46 am

Apex court reverses decision, extends relief to tobacco manufacturers

NEW DELHI: In a recent development, the Supreme Court, upon reviewing a petition by Urmin Products, has decided to grant relief to tobacco manufacturers. The case, originating in 2006 over the classification of chewing tobacco and scented Zarda for excise duty purposes, saw the tribunal initially ruling in favour of the companies. However, a subsequent appeal by revenue authorities led to a significant financial burden on the manufacturers. While the tobacco companies did the valuation for excise duty purposes based upon the maximum retail price valuation rule, the revenue authorities disputed by levying and demanding the differential tax, based on the transaction value of product. Abhishek A Rastogi, founder of Rastogi Chambers, representing the tobacco companies argued for the application of cum duty tax principles in determining the duty owed. He argued that the cardinal principle of cum duty cant be ignored for finalisation of the demand and the quantum of duty must be finalised by the tribunal, keeping in mind the provisions of cum duty tax. The apex court accepted the review application to the extent of cum duty tax and ordered that tribunal must determine the quantum of duty based on this principle. Cum duty principles will make the differential taxes to almost nil as these products were charged at 67% tax at that time. Interestingly, the tribunal had not given any ruling on the principles of cum duty tax at the initial stage as on the other two principles the tribunal had already decided in favour of the companies.

The New Indian Express 8 May 2024 9:26 am

Army jawan held for demanding Rs 2.5 cr from Sena (UBT) to manipulate EVMs

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Police have arrested an Army jawan in Maharashtras Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city after he allegedly demanded Rs 2.5 crore from Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve for manipulating the EVMs, an official said. Danve, the leader of opposition in the state legislative council, filed a written complaint with police after the accused, Maruti Dhakne Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 8 May 2024 9:25 am

Aska BJD MLA faces angry villagers during campaign

BERHAMPUR: Tension flared during campaigning in the Aska Assembly segment as sitting BJD MLA Manjula Swain, seeking re-election, faced angry residents of Badagada under Sidhanai panchayat on Monday. The villagers, grappling with acute water scarcity, intercepted Swain, demanding immediate action to address their long-standing issue. Despite assurances from Swain to resolve the water crisis, tension remained high, with residents of Alipur also threatening to boycott the upcoming polls if their water woes remained unaddressed before the election on May 20. With just 12 days remaining until the twin elections, campaign activities have intensified across various constituencies in Ganjam district. The area is dotted with moving vehicles, rallies, and posters and leaflets soliciting votes. Contestants and their supporters are actively engaging with voters, often resorting to traditional gestures of touching feet while canvassing for support. However, in some areas, residents have begun to scrutinise candidates more closely, demanding answers to pressing local issues and challenges.

The New Indian Express 8 May 2024 9:08 am

Heeramandi was to be India's Squid Game?

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar' that was released last week, has been garnering in mixed reviews from fans and critics alike. The series, set in 1920, brings to screens the stories of Lahore's courtesans. According to new reports, the show was aiming for global success similar to that of the Korean blockbuster, 'Squid Game'.

The Times of India 8 May 2024 9:02 am

TMC's Dum Dum candidate's fate rests on arithmetic of anti-TMC vote swing

TMC's Dum Dum candidate's fate rests on arithmetic of anti-TMC vote swing Sharp shifts in electoral mathematics in West Bengal's Dum Dum Lok Sabha seat compared to what poll equations looked like five years ago may just provide incumbent TMC MP Saugata Roy the necessary thrust to get past the saffron challenge that seems to have become steeper than before. While a straight-forward one-on-one contest between the TMC and BJP could have left Roy, a veteran parliamentarian, frowning, poll experts believe that the CPI(M)s decision to field its central committee member and a well-known face in state politics, Sujan Chakraborty, from here and set the stage for a triangular contest may allow the incumbent to have his last laugh with a lesser vote share in the saffron camp kitty. Some pollsters, though, attribute Congress-backed Chakraborty with the tag of 'dark horse' having ''reasonable potential'' to wrest this prestigious seat in the northern fringes of Kolkata from the Trinamool if anti-Mamata Banerjee voters chose to tilt towards the Left in larger numbers than expected. Roy is seeking a fourth term from Dum Dum on a TMC ticket and is acutely aware that his victory margin, after anti-TMC voters turned to the BJP, suffered a drop in 2019 by almost one lakh votes compared to the previous edition in 2014 despite his vote percentage staying nearly the same on both occasions. ''A strong CPI(M) candidate can only arrest the transfer of the Left votes to the BJP to some extent, but nothing more than that,'' Roy asserted. ''Dum Dum is among 20 Lok sabha seats where the Left-Congress combine is likely to show its mettle in West Bengal. It's also a test for the BJP to hold on to its support base it managed to consolidate in 2019,'' political scientist Maidul Islam of the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Calcutta, told PTI while suggesting that a notable chunk of anti-TMC, Left sympathizers had voted for the BJP last time for want of a strong alternative. Islam's statement found resonance in political analyst Subhomay Maitra. ''This time, the CPI(M)'s vote share is likely to increase from the earlier 14 per cent, which could be a shot in the arm for the TMC and a damper for BJP's prospects,'' Maitra said. In a three-cornered battle, the winning candidate must bag over 30 per cent of votes polled. Managing to secure one of every five votes on the electors' list would make the nominee victorious, he explained. ''In a context such as this, Sujan Chakraborty has a reasonable chance to clinch the Dum Dum seat,'' Maitra said. BJPs nominee for the seat, Shilbhadra Dutta, a former Trinamool MLA from the region who migrated to the saffron party in December 2020 ahead of the state polls, sounded unimpressed with the math. ''Why should people vote for the CPI(M), which has lost national relevance, in a parliamentary poll?'' he asked. Claiming that the Ram Mandir consecration in Ayodhya would help improve BJP's performance in the constituency by consolidating at least three per cent of Hindu votes, Dutta argued that the perception of the Left eating into the pie of anti-TMC votes was far removed from ground reality. ''People want a stable government at the Centre and the BJP is their only option. This Lok Sabha election is being fought on a single narrative: Modi. Either you are for him or against him. My campaign experience tells me people here want to teach the corrupt TMC leaders a lesson and that's where we come in,'' he told PTI. Chakraborty differed and maintained that voters have started realising that the ''TMC and the BJP are opposite sides of the same coin, and both are anti-people''. ''Post 2021 assembly elections, the vote share of the Left has increased in civic body and panchayat polls, which is encouraging for us. We are extremely hopeful that the trend would continue,'' he said. That hope was treated with ridicule from the veteran TMC MP who built his argument on the erosion of Left cadres in the state. ''Unlike the erstwhile Left regime, the CPI(M) currently has no depth in organisational strength. They are trying hard but will be on the losing side,'' he said. In Dum Dum, where a significant portion of people are migrants from East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, the controversy over the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act could play on the voters minds, felt Maitra. Islam chipped in with his gut feeling that the 'turncoat' label on Dutta could dampen the leader's prospects among voters who do not take political flip-flops kindly. But it's the incumbent TMC MP who seemed to be at the receiving end of local disgruntlement over the mushrooming of unauthorized real estate constructions and stagnancy in industries in Dum Dum. ''It's sad to see the depleting industry scenario of this region which was once prominent in the industrial map of the state,'' said Rajkumar Bhattacharya, a resident of Kamarhati, an industry-intense assembly segment of the seat. Chhanda Sen, a housewife residing in adjoining Dum Dum Uttar, said the ruling party may face voters' backlash on account of the drinking water crisis which persists despite long-standing demands for a respite. Roy dismissed anti-incumbency perceptions against the TMC, stating that people reposed faith in him five years ago despite the presence of such issues. ''Drinking water concern is a fact. But that does not mean people will turn away from the Trinamool since they know we will solve the problem.'' Roy added. The 16-lakh-odd eligible voters in Dum Dum will head for their respective polling stations on June 1, the final phase of elections.

devdiscourse 8 May 2024 9:01 am

Legal team visits Coimbatore jail to probe torture of Savukku Shankar

COIMBATORE/CHENNAI: Following allegations that YouTuber Savukku Shankar was tortured by Coimbatore Central Prison personnel, a five-member team headed by D Shanmugavel, chief legal aid defence counsel of District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and two doctors, visited the prison and held an investigation on Tuesday. The report will be submitted before the Judicial Magistrate - IV on Wednesday. Talking to reporters at the court, Shankars counsel S Gopalakrishnan alleged that his client was denied treatment for the hand fracture and was suffering in pain. The counsel showed an order copy given to the prison authority by Theni police for effecting arrest in a case related to Shankar and two others possessing ganja while they were staying in Theni on Saturday. Shankar had acknowledged receipt of the order affixing his left thumb impression instead of signing. Shankar did so because his right hand is fractured following the assault, Gopalakrishnan said. Responding to the allegation, the prison department in a release said, no prisoner has been assaulted. In another development, the fourth judicial magistrate court in Coimbatore on Tuesday posted to hear the bail plea submitted by Shankar on charges of making derogatory remarks, on May 10. The magistrate ordered that police petition seeking custody will be heard on May 9. YouTuber Savukku Shankar 'brutally attacked' by jail authorities, claims his mother; seeks judicial probe Fresh cases Salem cyber crime police on Tuesday registered another case against Shankar based on a complaint by a women sub-inspector demanding action against him for posting a video in which he spoke in an obscene manner about Tamil Nadu women police. Acting on her complaint, Shankar was booked under sections 294(b), 353, and 509 of the IPC, read with Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act and the Information Technology Act, 2000. The cyber crime wing of CCB Chennai too registered a case against Shankar based on a complaint lodged by journalist Sandhya Ravishankar in 2018. In a post on X, she said Shankar had made derogatory comments against her in a blog post. Earlier, the head of the Tamilar Munnetra Padai Veeralakshmi lodged a complaint against Shankar and Felix Gerald of Red Pix for making derogatory comments about women cops based on which both men have been booked. Lawyer claims YouTuber Savukku Shankar beaten in Coimbatore jail

The New Indian Express 8 May 2024 8:54 am

Sonakshi Sinha on Same-Sex Foreplay Scene in Heeramandi: 'They Have Left It Very Open' | Exclusive

Sonakshi Sinha explains why Sanjay Leela Bhansali didn't go big on exploring Fareedan's sexuality in Heeramandi. She also recalls Rekha's praise for her act.

News18 8 May 2024 8:44 am

US paused shipment of weapons to Israel to head off Rafah invasion-official

US paused shipment of weapons to Israel to head off Rafah invasion-official U.S. President Joe Biden's administration paused a shipment of weapons to Israel last week in opposition to apparent moves by the Israelis to invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah, a senior administration official said on Tuesday. Biden has been trying to head off a full-scale assault by the Israelis against Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinian have sought refuge from combat elsewhere in Gaza. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that as Israelis leaders seemed to approach a decision on a Rafah incursion, we began to carefully review proposed transfers of particular weapons to Israel that might be used in Rafah beginning in April. As a result of that review, we have paused one shipment of weapons last week. It consists of 1,800 2,000-lb bombs and 1,700 500-lb bombs, the official said. We are especially focused on the end-use of the 2,000-lb bombs and the impact they could have in dense urban settings as we have seen in other parts of Gaza. We have not made a final determination on how to proceed with this shipment, the official said. Four sources said the shipments, which have been delayed for at least two weeks, involved Boeing-made Joint Direct Attack Munitions, which convert dumb bombs into precision-guided ones, as well as Small Diameter Bombs. The delay comes at a time when Washington is publicly pressuring Israel to postpone its planned offensive in Rafah until after it has taken steps to avert civilian casualties. The White House and Pentagon declined comment. Israeli forces on Tuesday seized the main border crossing between Gaza and Egypt in Rafah, cutting off a vital route for aid into the tiny enclave. Without addressing whether there had been a holdup in arms shipments, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reaffirmed that Washington's commitment to Israel's security was ironclad. Still, when asked about the reports on the arms holdsups, she added: Two things could be true, in the sense of having those conversations, tough, direct conversations with our counterparts in Israel ... in making sure citizens lives are protected ... and getting that commitment. The Pentagon said on Monday that there had not been a policy decision to withhold arms from Israel, America's closest Middle East ally. Still, the delays appeared to be the first since Biden's administration offered its full support to Israel following Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, which killed about 1,200 people with about 250 others abducted, of whom 133 are believed to remain in captivity in Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's campaign to destroy Hamas has led to a seven-month-long military campaign that has killed a total of 34,789 Palestinians, most of them civilians, the Gaza Health Ministry said. The conflict has also left many of Gaza's 2.3 million people on the brink of starvation and sparked protests in the U.S. demanding that universities and Biden withdraw support for Israel - including the provision of weaponry. A senior Israeli official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, did not confirm any specific hold-up in arms supplies but appeared to take the reports in stride: As the prime minister has already said, if we have to fight with our fingernails, then well do what we have to do.

devdiscourse 8 May 2024 8:28 am

ACB Arrests Naib Tehsildar, Cop for Bribery in JKs Pulwama

SRINAGAR: Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) today trapped and arrested Naib Tehsildar Khrew in Pulwama district while a Constable was also held for allegedly facilitating the offence. A spokesman of the ACB said that the Bureau received a complaint against Naib Tehsildar, Khrew, district Pulwama alleging therein that the said Naib-Tehsildar is demanding Rs 10,000 from complainant [] The post ACB Arrests Naib Tehsildar, Cop for Bribery in JKs Pulwama appeared first on Kashmir Life .

KashmirLife 8 May 2024 8:21 am

Prevent mineral-laden heavy vehicles from plying in Putheri, demand commuters

KANNIYAKUMARI: With episodes of fatal accidents, involving mineral-laden heavy vehicles, recurring in the roads of Putheri near Nagercoil, political parties and panic-gripped commuters of Putheri and Erachakulam areas have urged officials concerned to take preventive measures. The latest of the lot was the crash that occurred near Putheri tank on Friday, when a heavy vehicle hit a two-wheeler at the under construction four-way lane junction, claiming the life of a 46-year-old man. A few days before, another man riding a two-wheeler was also killed in the region in a similar incident. Demanding authorities to prevent mineral-laden heavy vehicles that ply through Putheri and Erachakulam via the four-way lane, BJP state functionary ES Sahayam told TNIE, Two persons have died within a week in accidents caused by heavy vehicles that transport minerals through the four-way lane road which is under construction. Most of these vehicles, heading to Marthandam and Kerala, operate on the stretch, which already faces busy traffic of government buses, four-wheelers and two-wheelers. MH Raafi, a Congress functionary from Thittuvilai, said that people riding two-wheelers on the Putheri stretch are gripped with fear as numerous heavy vehicles ply near their two-wheelers frequently. These heavy vehicles must be controlled to prevent recurring accidents and loss of lives, he added. Meanwhile, another commuter urged the authorities concerned to take immediate measures in this regard, so as to save the human lives that are lost in accidents involving heavy vehicles transporting minerals. Furthermore, many also demanded the installation of CCTVs to monitor traffic, apart from the setting up of speed breakers, in the accident prone areas. When contacted by TNIE, Nagercoil traffic investigation wing officials said that a traffic police officer has been posted at the four-way road junction at Putheri and barricades were also placed at the junction. We have also sought the construction of a speed breaker on either side of the road near the four-way lane junction, the official added.

The New Indian Express 8 May 2024 8:05 am

These Karnataka villagers not an island in democratic process

DANDEBAGH (UTTARA KANNADA): They boated for 40 minutes and trekked for another 20 before reaching their polling booths at this village in Uttara Kannada district. Not the ones to be discouraged by the difficulties they face, 70 villagers from Hitchkad Kurve -- an island village nestled in the Gangavalli river, came in their boats to cast their votes as this is the only mode of transport for them. Hitchkad Kurve, an Instagrammable island surrounded by coconut groves and forests, is an isolated patch with 30 fishermen families, with almost all households owning a boat to fish in the river that adjoins an estuary. On Tuesday, the villagers crossed the river in boats to arrive at polling booths. It takes us nearly 40 minutes to reach this bank at Dandebagh village. We need another 15-20 minutes to arrive at the polling booth, said Beera Thimmanna Harikanthra, who had come to vote with his family members. The villagers have been demanding a bridge from Hitchkad Kurve to Dandebagh. It has been a long-pending demand by the people of our village. They constructed a bridge from another faraway place Mutnakurve. We were unhappy with that. But we do not want to make it an issue in this election. We have all been coming to vote regularly, said Beera. We have been travelling like this from the days of my great grandfather. We have to cross the river every time we need any essential commodity. We have to return by 5 pm or else we have to stay at Dandebagh with our friends or relatives, said Dikshit Prakash Harikanthra. The village got electricity, gas connection and other amenities five years ago, just before Covid. The worst time for them is when it rains. When it pours, the water level rises and we all move out of our village. The Hitchkada Government School is our abode till the floods subside, said Sandesh Dhanvanth Harikanthra, another youth here. The villagers together have around 100 acres of land, the majority of which is owned by Nadava community. Harikanthras are mainly fishermen and own small patches. They fish or work in farms as labourers.

The New Indian Express 8 May 2024 8:02 am

Delhi should fight for full UT status. It will reduce tussles: URJA Prez Atul Goyal

As the campaign for the Lok Sabha election heats up in the national capital and political parties put forward their agenda, members of the United Resident Joint Action Force (URJA), a consortium of the citys 2,500 Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), visited the The New Indian Express office on the discussion on a range of issues including pollution, parking, water scarcity and property taxes. During the conversation, URJA President Atul Goyal said the association released a manifesto and asked the candidates to implement the suggested demands. Excerpts Ashish Srivastava: URJA is demanding full UT status to Delhi at a time when the opposition is asking for full statehood. Why? Goyal: Full statehood is a political stunt. Nowhere in the world is the capital of a country a State. What we suggest is to create a corporation for each district and a council instead of a government. Shahid Faridi: The state government complains that not much is in its hands, and this is a key reason for a tiff with the Centre. What are your comments? Goyal: This is one key reason why we say Delhi can never be a State. If you remember, in 2013-14, when the Kejriwal government came into power, the first tussle with the Center was on rights and privileges and operations. They (the AAP government) flagged that if the accused is a central government employee, then the state government has the authority to arrest the person without obtaining clearance from the competent authority. Ujwal Jalali: Parking is a serious problem, and fatal brawls have been reported on parking issues. What is the solution? Goyal: MCD is supposed to do the surveys with experts help, and the state government issues notifications for the parking plans. Brawls happen when people dont find space for parking. The needs are different in residential and commercial areas. In residential areas, the vehicles move out during the day, while in commercial areas, vehicles move in during the day. So a plan should be made accordingly. Moreover, the government is not proactively developing parking spaces in market areas. The MCD had to create 50 parking lots in different areas of Delhi, but they exist only in three markets. Amit Agarwal: We can encourage residents to share their parking spaces with neighbours based on the differential timings of their vehicular use. There are other solutions, like parking vehicles at nearby malls at night. Parvez Sultan: How can RWAs play a role in policymaking? An earlier concept of Resident Welfare Councils had flopped. Goyal: No, it did not flop. It went very well for a year and a half. Then, MCD was trifurcated. And then the political will was not there. One municipal corporation agreed, while the others disagreed. There was no uniformity. Regarding policy making, the stakeholders are consulted in the formulation of any policy. But who are the stakeholders? I will explain with an example. There are police station-level committees that should have a member from the RWA, but instead, we have representatives from political parties. So, the problems residents face have are to come to the table. Mukesh Ranjan: The summer season is here, and the water crisis has long been an issue. What is your view on this? Goyal: We already have a deficiency in supply, and on top of that, the wastage is massive. For example, several people use drinking water for gardening instead of recycled water. Then, there is leakage in the pipelines, leading to wastage. Unlike electricity, the water supply to houses must be adequately monitored and billed, and many households need water meters. Shahid: Do you think water services should be privatised? No, we are not in favour of privatisation, as we have seen in the cases of DISCOMs. We are saying that these are basic necessities, and the state should take responsibility and develop them. At times during the rainy season, the streets get flooded. We need to develop resources to store excess water and channel it. Money is received in grants for rainwater harvesting but is not spent adequately. Shahid: So rainwater harvesting is a potential solution to water deficiency, and is there enough space for this? Goyal: Rainwater harvesting is the only solution, and there is no space crunch, but there is a need for more intention. Gardens can easily be utilised for rainwater harvesting. One of our RWAs has implemented this. The water used in the Continental Hotel was reused in a park. Its lush green, uses wastewater after recycling, and has no foul smell. Ashish: You have mentioned RWAs act in the manifesto. What will be your demands? Are you seeking financial and administrative powers? Is it similar to the Bhagidari scheme initiated during the Sheila Dixit regime? Goyal: We are not asking for any financial power at all. RWAs are registered with the Societies Registration Act of 1860, like any other NGO or as a society. However, the roles of the RWAs are totally different. In all Centre and the state policies, RWA is a crucial stakeholder in implementation. What we demand is to define the definition of an RWA with its roles and responsibilities. Ifrah Mufti: Last week, the Delhi government informed that 47 km of unpaved roads had been revamped, reducing dust pollution. However, 420 km of roads remain. Can revamping the roads help reduce Delhis dust pollution? Goyal: Dust pollution currently contributes 38 per cent to air pollution. The primary reason is that during scavenging and cleaning, the dust gets compiled on the roadside and never gets picked up. So when the vehicles passed through these stretches, they blew the dust which remained suspended in the air. Look at the manner how construction is being done by Metro today. Earlier it was so planned that we never found dust during construction as the sites were sanitised. Now, they dont seem to care. Rajesh Thakur: Your views on dog menace? Goyal: The issue is that the government bodies need to implement the sterilisation and vaccination for street dogs. The funds are not being utilised fully. There is no data on the allocation of funds and their utilisation.

The New Indian Express 8 May 2024 7:48 am

Indian Navys warships in Singapore before deployment in South China Sea

NEW DELHI: Indian Naval ships Delhi, Shakti and Kiltan have reached Singapore as part of the long-leg operational deployment, led by Rear Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. The visiting ships were given a warm welcome by personnel of Republic of Singapore Navy and the High Commissioner of India. The visit is part of the Operational Deployment of the Indian Navys Eastern Fleet to the South China sea, the Indian Navy said in a statement. This visit is poised to strengthen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two maritime nations through a series of engagements, it said. INS Delhi is a guided missile destroyer, Shakti a replenishment fleet tanker and Kiltan an anti-submarine warfare corvette. The region of SCS has been bearing tensions due to contested claims to maritime boundaries, which include islands and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). China has been asserting its claim, based on its historical rights. Currently, the Chinese navy is involved in a standoff with the US-backed Philippines naval ships in the South China Sea. The Philippines is asserting its claim over the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, which is strongly resisted by China. China claims most of the South China Sea. The Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims. The Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Enrique A Manalo, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and SFA co-chaired the 5th meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation. Holding wide-ranging and substantive discussions on regional and international issues of mutual concern, they underlined that both countries have a shared interest in a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. They underlined the need for peaceful settlement of disputes and for adherence to international law, especially the UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award on South China Sea.

The New Indian Express 8 May 2024 7:45 am

Fardeen Khan Says 25 Dogs Helped Sanjay Leela Bhansali Relax On Heeramandi Sets: 'To Calm Him Down'

Fardeen Khan, in an interview, talked about what it was like making Heeramandi.

News18 8 May 2024 7:37 am

JDS demands judicial probe into Prajwal Revanna alleged sex abuse, plans stir in Mysuru

MYSURU: In an attempt to salvage the partys reputation which has tanked due to the alleged sexual assault involving Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, JDS leaders are demanding a judicial investigation by a sitting judge of the Karnataka High Court. Addressing reporters here on Tuesday, former minister and JDS MLA GT Devegowda expressed scepticism on the ability of the SIT to conduct an impartial inquiry. Given Congress reluctance to hand over the case to the CBI, fearing the Central governments interference, it is imperative that a sitting judge of the Karnataka High Court oversees the investigation, he stated. Devegowda insisted that the SIT should find out who distributed the pen drives containing explicit videos. We suspect that the pen drives were distributed under the direction of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The SIT should arrest those responsible for their distribution. Instead of conducting a thorough investigation, Congress is blaming JDS supremo HD Deve Gowda, former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the incident. Accusing Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar of conspiring to undermine JDS in the state, he said the party will protest in Mysuru. JDS workers, particularly women, will gather near Mysuru Palace to protest against Congress and demand a judicial inquiry on Wednesday, he declared. JDS MLA GT Devegowda Former MLA Sa Ra Mahesh said he will retire from politics and resign from JDS membership if SIT proves that a woman was rescued from the farmhouse of Holenarsipur MLA HD Revannas aide Rajashekar in Kalenahalli. If SIT releases video or photographic evidence of the woman being rescued from Revannas assistants farmhouse, I will immediately retire from politics and leave JDS, he vowed. He said that according to his sources, the woman had actually been harboured in her relative Pavitra Harishs house in Hunsur. Accusing Congress of foisting false cases against JDS leaders in the Mysuru region, he said, I know who influenced the womans son to file a kidnapping case, who drafted the complaint and what incentives were offered to him. I will substantiate these claims with supporting documents. We cannot expect impartiality from SIT who are concerned with their own career prospects.

The New Indian Express 8 May 2024 7:36 am

JNU imposes penalty on hostel presidents, activists for protest

NEW DELHI: The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has reportedly imposed penalties on hostel presidents, students and activists for protesting outside the Vice Chancellor Office demanding sufficient water supply. This move has attracted huge criticism from the varsitys students union. The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union on Tuesday held a meeting to mark their protest against the universitys decision to prohibit demonstration, protests outside the office of Dean of Students. Meanwhile, the JNUSU protests against the prohibition of protests outside DoS office, replacement of JNU Entrance Examination for PhD admissions with NET score and not inviting the students body to executive council meetings. JNUSU President Dhananjay said, This is terribly an anti-student policy. The administration of our varsity is full of people who have man ki baat to say but they wont allow anyone to speak anything. It is like a dictatorship on the campus. Earlier, the order was that we cant protest near the academic premises but now the new notification prohibits us from protesting or demonstrating around the offices of all accountable administrators. He added, The varsity administration has fined many students and activists and the defaulters according to them have been asked to pay Rs 2000-Rs 3000. But now we have also decided to let it go. Let the university impose as many fines as they can. It will not stop us from protesting for the right cause. We will keep protesting and that is our right. The JNU on Friday issued a fresh notification stating that any hunger strike, protest, group incursion and any other form of demonstration or blocking the entry or exit of any academic and administrative premises within the radius of 100 metres is prohibited.

The New Indian Express 8 May 2024 7:25 am

Tamil Nadu: 3.25 FSI for buildings in integrated townships planned to boost growth

CHENNAI: The state government is mulling on increasing floor space index (FSI) to over 3.25 in integrated townships, which it is planning to promote with significant investment from private sector, through the new policy it is finalising for integrated townships. At present, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority has set the FSI for residential buildings at 1.5 and 2 in most areas while for commercial buildings it can go up to 3. Sources said CMDA is thinking about increasing the maximum floor space index to 6.5 in the Transit Oriented Development (ToD) area along the Chennai Metro Rail and MRTS corridor and developers could push for higher FSI. According to sources, the normal applicable FSI in integrated townships will be based on the road width as applicable under Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules (TNCDBR). However, officials are considering a flexible FSI so that balance unutilised FSI at one site can be used in another site within the same integrated township. Over and above the FSI as prescribed in TNCDBR, sources said, an additional FSI of 0.1 may be provided for the houses to be built in the townships for economically weaker sections, in addition to the 10% of minimum requirement for EWS. Srinivas Anikipatti, Senior Director - Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Knight Frank India, said developers could be demanding an even higher FSI to what is proposed under the policy. Though the state lacks proper integrated townships, it has few residential townships developed by Hiranandani and SPR group, which could be converted into integrated townships by adding amenities mandated. Integrated townships inside city could be built on 25 acres while on peripheries it could go up to 100 to 200 acres or beyond. Dr Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman, Hiranandani Group, said, Integrated townships will propel economic growth, attract investment and boost employment. After the pandemic, interests of home-buyers are skewed towards such integrated township model in quest of better integrated living with community benefits. Gated projects attract all segments of home-owners. Buyers will benefit from such township projects as it caters to their preferences in terms of education, healthcare, entertainment and retail all at one stop destination. This will have a multiplier effect on GDP growth. Similarly, the draft integrated policy, which was prepared by the State Planning Commission, has proposed to provide a green channel / single window clearance system for developers who want to establish and operate a project of the size of an integrated township. In places where land use conversion is needed to ensure availability of large pieces of contiguous lands, re-classification will be decided by the Empowered Committee for Integrated Townships to be formed by the government, sources said. However, the biggest challenge will be to amend the Town and Country Planning Act. The present Act does not provide for Township policy, sources said.

The New Indian Express 8 May 2024 7:19 am

Stepping out of Kotha Factory!

Why does watching Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Heeramandi feel like work? Thankfully, it was work (for me)!

Mid Day 8 May 2024 6:52 am

Biden administration to miss deadline for report on Israeli weapons use, sources say

Biden administration to miss deadline for report on Israeli weapons use, sources say The Biden administration will miss a Wednesday deadline to report to Congress on whether Israel is violating international humanitarian law in Gaza, four sources said on Tuesday, findings that could fuel concerns over its use of U.S.-supplied weapons against the Palestinian enclave. A National Security Memorandum, known as NSM-20, that U.S. President Joe Biden issued in February requires the State Department to report to Congress by May 8 on whether it finds credible Israel's assurances that its use of U.S. weapons does not violate U.S. or international law. Four sources said on Tuesday the administration had informed congressional committees that it would not make the deadline but hoped to present its findings within days. Two congressional aides said they had no indication the delay was tied to political concerns. Reuters reported last month that some senior U.S. officials do not find Israel's assurances credible. The Reuters report, along with investigations by outside organizations like Amnesty International, has prompted some lawmakers to call on the Biden administration not to tilt the report toward Israel. I've had a lot of conversations... with folks in the administration, really urging them to make sure that this report is credible, that it's seen to be based on facts and law and not based on what they would wish it would be, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen told reporters. Washington's provision of military assistance to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has prompted protests across the U.S. demanding that universities and Biden withdraw support for Israel, including sending weaponry. 'NOT CREDIBLE' In Washington, many of Biden's fellow Democrats have called for a shift in long-standing U.S. policy of providing unconditional military support to Israel. Israels assurances of compliance with U.S. law are ot credible, said Representative Jason Crow, who last week organized a letter to Biden from more than 80 Democratic lawmakers saying there is sufficient evidence that Israel has violated international law and obstructed U.S. aid deliveries to Gaza. On Tuesday, sources told Reuters that Biden's administration has been holding up certain arms shipments to Israel, in what two of the sources said was an apparent political message to the U.S. ally. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told a news briefing on Tuesday the NSM-20 report was not yet finished but the department was working very hard to complete it. It's possible it slips just a little bit but we're still, at this point, trying to get it done by tomorrow, he said. The memorandum bars any recipient of U.S. military assistance from restricting the delivery of humanitarian aid. The report deadline comes amid concern about famine in Gaza and calls from the United States, other governments and international bodies for Israel to refrain from launching a big offensive against Rafah, a city that Israel calls Hamas fighters' last stronghold but is also the refuge of more than 1 million displaced Palestinian civilians.

devdiscourse 8 May 2024 5:24 am

Raichur villagers boycott poll demanding infrastructure

The Times of India 8 May 2024 5:13 am

ACB arrests Naib Tehsildar, cop for bribery

Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, May 7: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) today trapped and arrested Naib Tehsildar Khrew in Pulwama district while a Constable was also held for allegedly facilitating the offence. A spokesman of the ACB said that the Bureau received a complaint against Naib Tehsildar, Khrew, district Pulwama alleging therein that the said Naib-Tehsildar is demanding Rs 10,000 from complainant through his clerk namely Ajaz Ahmad for settlement of dispute of ancestral land at village Sathpokhran, Khrew Pulwama, Click here [] The post ACB arrests Naib Tehsildar, cop for bribery appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 8 May 2024 5:02 am

US holds up some arms to Israel, sources say

US holds up some arms to Israel, sources say U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has been holding up certain Boeing-made arms shipments to Israel, four sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, in what two of them said was an apparent political message to the close U.S. ally. The shipments, which have been delayed for at least two weeks, involved Boeing-made Joint Direct Attack Munitions, which convert dumb bombs into precision-guided ones, as well as Small Diameter Bombs. The sources did not elaborate further, including on the politcal nature of the holdups. But they come at a time when Washington is publicly pressuring Israel to postpone its planned offensive in Rafah until after it has taken steps to avert civilian casualties. The White House and Pentagon declined comment. The news of a delayed arms shipment was first reported by Axios over the weekend and Politico first reported on the types of arms delayed and the reasoning on Tuesday. Without addressing whether there had been a holdup in arms shipments, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reaffirmed that Washington's commitment to Israel's security was ironclad. Still, when asked about the reports on the arms holdsups, she added: Two things could be true, in the sense of having those conversations, tough, direct conversations with our counterparts in Israel ... in making sure citizens lives are protected ... and getting that commitment. The Pentagon said on Monday that there had not been a policy decision to withhold arms from Israel, America's closest Middle East ally. Still, the delays appeared to be the first since Biden's administration offered its full support to Israel following Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, which killed about 1,200 people with about 250 others abducted, of whom 133 are believed to remain in captivity in Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's campaign to destroy Hamas has led to a seven-month-long military campaign that has killed a total of 34,789 Palestinians, most of them civilians, the Gaza Health Ministry said. The conflict has also left many of Gaza's 2.3 million people on the brink of starvation and sparked protests in the U.S. demanding that universities and Biden withdraw support for Israel - including the provision of weaponry. A senior Israeli official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, did not confirm any specific hold-up in arms supplies but appeared to take the reports in stride: As the prime minister has already said, if we have to fight with our fingernails, then well do what we have to do.

devdiscourse 8 May 2024 3:02 am

Maharashtra: Army jawan held for demanding Rs 2.5 crore from Shiv Sena-UBT leader to manipulate EVMs

Image Source : PTI (FILE) Election Commission officers check EVMs, VVPATs before their distribution to polling officials. Maharashtra news: Police have arrested an Army jawan in Maharashtra's ...

Bing 8 May 2024 2:27 am

US lawmakers await Biden administration report on Israeli weapons use

US lawmakers await Biden administration report on Israeli weapons use President Joe Biden's administration is to report to U.S. lawmakers as soon as Wednesday on whether Israel is violating international humanitarian law or obstructing aid deliveries in Gaza, findings that could fuel concerns over its use of U.S.-supplied weapons against the Palestinian enclave. A National Security Memorandum, known as NSM-20, Biden issued in February requires the State Department to report to Congress by May 8 on whether it finds credible Israel's assurances that its use of U.S. weapons does not violate U.S. or international law. Three sources said on Tuesday the administration had informed congressional committees that it would not make the deadline, but hoped to present its findings within days. Two congressional aides said they had no indication the delay was tied to political concerns. Reuters reported last month that some senior U.S. officials do not find Israel's assurances credible. The Reuters report, along with investigations by outside organizations like Amnesty International, has prompted some lawmakers to call on the Biden administration not to tilt the report toward Israel. I've had a lot of conversations... with folks in the administration, really urging them to make sure that this report is credible, that it's seen to be based on facts and law and not based on what they would wish it would be, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen told reporters. Washington's provision of military assistance to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has prompted protests across the U.S. demanding that universities and Biden withdraw support for Israel, including sending weaponry. In Washington, many of Biden's fellow Democrats have called for a shift in long-standing U.S. policy of providing unconditional military support to the Jewish state. On Tuesday, sources told Reuters that Biden's administration has been holding up certain arms shipments to Israel, in what two of the sources said was an apparent political message to the U.S. ally. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told a news briefing on Tuesday the NSM-20 report was not yet finished but the department was working very hard to complete it. It's possible it slips just a little bit but we're still, at this point, trying to get it done by tomorrow, he said. The memorandum bars any recipient of U.S. military assistance from restricting the delivery of humanitarian aid. The report deadline comes amid concern about famine in Gaza and calls from the United States, other governments and international bodies for Israel to hold off from a big offensive against Rafah, a city in Gaza Israel calls Hamas fighters' last stronghold but is also the refuge of more than one million displaced Palestinian civilians.

devdiscourse 8 May 2024 12:53 am

Banakalagi Niti of Holy Trinity; No Public Darshan at Srimandir for 6 Hrs Wednesday

Puri: Public darshan of the Holy Trinity will remain closed for six hours for Banakalagi Niti (the ritual of painting the idols) of the three deities in Puri Shree Jagannath Temple on Wednesday. Informing about the closure, the I &PR posted on X, darshan of Shri Jagannath and his siblings will be closed forgeneralpublic from [] The post Banakalagi Niti of Holy Trinity; No Public Darshan at Srimandir for 6 Hrs Wednesday appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Pragativadi 8 May 2024 12:29 am

Modi Urges Voters to Choose Between Vote Jihad and Ram Rajya in Election Rallies

BHOPAL: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday exhorted people to choose between vote jihad, being promoted by the Congress, and Ram Rajya, being established by the BJP, while exercising their franchise in the ongoing general election. Addressing poll rallies in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the Prime Minister said the country now stands at a critical juncture of history and the people have to decide whether they opt for the path of vote jihad (a move to unite Muslims against the BJP) or to establish Ram Rajya (good governance). The Prime Minister said, As long as I am alive, I will not allow any attempt to erase Indias identity under the guise of false secularism to succeed. Seeking votes for the BJP, he said, Modi needs 400 seats to counter every design by the Congress and the I.N.D.I.A. bloc and to ensure that the Congress does not restore Article 370 in Kashmir and that the Congress does not take the initiative of overturning the Ram Mandir verdict. Terrorists in Pakistan are threatening jihad against India, while some Congress leaders are calling for a vote jihad against him (Modi), calling upon the people of a particular religion to unite and vote against Modi, the Prime Minister said while speaking at Khargone and Dhar districts of Madhya Pradesh. He said the term love jihad was not acceptable in a democracy and added that the Indian Constitution also did not allow such kind of jihad. Frustration and desperation have pushed the Congress to stoop to such a low. The intentions of the Congress are alarming and its conspiracies are very dangerous, he said. He was referring to an election speech by Maria Alam, a Samajwadi Party leader and niece of senior Congress leader and former external affairs minister Salman Khushid. She had said, Together do vote jihad -- with intelligence, without being sentimental and with silence. As we can only do vote jihad to drive away this Sanghi government. Both Khurshid and his niece have been booked by the Uttar Pradesh police for the remark. Training his guns at the Congress, Modi said that many senior Congress leaders having association with the party for over three-four decades are now resigning, saying enough is enough. One of the woman Congress leaders (Radhika Khera) who resigned from the party has narrated how she was subjected to mistreatment by the party for visiting the Ram temple and another leader said that the Congress was now captured by the Muslim League and Maoists. Another Congress leader has exposed that the Congress shehzada (referring to Rahul Gandhi) intends to overturn the Supreme Courts verdict on the Ram Mandir, similar to how his father, former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, had reversed the SCs decision in the Shaho Bano case, Modi said. He also slammed the recent statement by Congress leader and former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi that the terrorist attack on an IAF convoy in Poonch last week was a pre-election stunt by the BJP to justify his love for Pakistan jibe at the Congress. Launching a tirade against the Congress and I.N.D.I.A. bloc for their dangerous agenda of appeasement politics, Modi addressing rallies in Ahmednagar and Beed in Maharashtra, claimed that no trick of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc is working in front of the people. Modi said now the Congress B-team from across the border has been activated to boost the morale of the grand old party. He also said that June 4 is the expiry date of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc. Addressing rallies for BJP and Shiv Sena candidates in Ahmednagar and Beed, Modi said, The expiry date of the I.N.D.I.A bloc is June 4 (when the results of the Lok Sabha election will be declared). After that day, there will be no one to raise the flag of the I.N.D.I.A bloc. This election is being held to choose between those who fulfill peoples desires and those who indulge in appeasement. The Prime Minister also alleged that the Congress wants to give reservation to Muslims on the basis of their religion from the quota reserved for STs, SCs and OBCs. Now, I.N.D.I.A bloc says that they will snatch away reservation from SC/ST/OBC and give it to Muslims. They want to give reservation based on religion, which was not allowed by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, he said.

Deccan Chronicle 7 May 2024 11:11 pm

Congress Makes Unviable Promises, says Konda

Hyderabad: BJP Chevella candidate Konda Vishweshwar Reddy said that the Congress had a history of making unviable promises to power by hook or crook. Their manifesto lacks seriousness because it is drafted by outsiders, with no grasp of ground realities, he said and added that the party thought it would not be held accountable. Addressing autorickshaw drivers at Shamshabad, Vishweshwar Reddy said it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who only promises to voters what he can fulfil. Once Modi makes a promise, he will go to any extent to fulfil it, Vishweshwar Reddy said. He said Modi had solved the 500-year-old Ayodhya Ram Mandir problem and the 75-year-old Article 370 issue with ease, to the astonishment of everyone including the Congress. Vishweshwar Reddy said that the Congress had levelled corruption charges against his rival G. Ranjith Reddy earlier but had given him a ticket for the elections. He also accused Congress of resorting to deception, as they made an individual with the same name as his file a nomination.

Deccan Chronicle 7 May 2024 10:20 pm

PM Modi asking for '400-plus' seats as BJP intends to change Constitution, end reservation: Congress

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Tuesday alleged that the real intent of the BJP is to change the Constitution and end reservation, and that is why Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party's leaders are asking for 400-plus seats. The opposition party also hit out at the prime minister over his remark that the Supreme Court's Ram Mandir verdict would be overturned if the Congress came to power. The distraught prime minister today said the Supreme Court's verdict on Ram Mandir will be overturned if the Congress forms the government. He forgot that the Congress remained firm on its stand that if this dispute was not resolved through mutual reconciliation, the court's decision would be final. The BJP kept changing its stand every three-four years, Congress leader Pawan Khera said. Khera also claimed that the BJP was threatening opposition and independent leaders against contesting elections as was seen in Surat and Indore. The Congress leader added that even in Union Home Minister Amit Shah's constituency of Gandhinagar, candidates who don't even have the remotest chance of winning were getting threats to withdraw their nominations. He alleged that several BJP leaders, including Anant Kumar Hegde, Jyoti Mirdha, Diya Kumari and Arun Govil, have said they want to change the Constitution. BJP wants over 400 seats to help RSS succeed in 'conspiracy' to abolish reservation: Congress The Congress also shared Diya Kumari's video on its social media handle, Khera added. This is why they are after 400-plus seats. When one needs only 272 seats to form a government, why is the prime minister asking for 400-plus seats, he said. The one who has the confidence of crossing 400 is not allowing candidates to contest by threatening them. That is why we are saying that the Constitution is in danger, he told reporters. Khera further said that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written a letter to the leaders of the INDIA bloc as the data of voting in two phases of the Lok Sabha polls came quite late and some discrepancies were observed. You also saw that before the third phase. PM Modi was being interviewed, in which no questions were asked of him. An attempt is being made to portray him as great. It is very sad to see this condition of journalists, he added. Zero tolerance for Prajwal Revannas: PM Modi on sexual assault case Khera said people were trusting the words of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and that he earned this trust because of his 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' and 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra'. No matter how much Modiji lies and diverts attention, people now have faith in justice, he said. On several Congress leaders quitting and joining the BJP, Khera said, everything in the Modi government is borrowed. When they were forming the government, they borrowed schemes from the UPA government and renamed those, he said. It has been 10 years and now they are taking leaders and spokespersons on loan from us. You have no leader, no issue and no narrative. They should be ashamed, Khera said. The Congress leader said that by the end of the second phase of the election, a shameful incident came to light. Prajwal Revanna, who committed a sexual crime, turned out to be from 'Modi Ka Parivar'. The BJP had all the information about Prajwal Revanna, but PM Modi kept asking for votes for that rapist, he alleged. It feels strange to hear lies from the mouth of Prime Minister Modi. But, sometimes, he has to lie on electoral bonds and other times, he has to lie on our manifesto. This is the speciality of Narendra Modi's degree in 'Entire Political Science', in which he lies without studying, Khera said.

The New Indian Express 7 May 2024 10:11 pm

'Shows BJP mindset about PDA': Akhilesh on temple cleaning

Videos of saffron scarf-wearing men washing the Gauri Shanker Mahadev Mandir with Gangajal, hours after Akhilesh Yadav offered prayers there on Monday, triggered strong reactions from the Samajwadi Party chief on Tuesday. He said it reflects how BJP feels for the PDA pariwar which stands for Pichrde (backwards), Dalits and Alpsankhyak (minorities).

The Times of India 7 May 2024 10:08 pm

BJP will win 14 Lok sabha seats in Telangana: Rajasthan CM

Suryapet: Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Tuesday exuded confidence that the BJP would win 14 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana state. Speaking at a public meeting held at Kodad as a part of his election campaign for the victory of the party Nalgonda candidate Shanampudi Saidi Reddy, Sharma said that the people want Prime Minister Narendra Modi to continue for the third term. He said that the Congress government in the last 70 years had done nothing for the country. Development was started only by the BJP government. Prime Minister Modi has brought a good reputation to India at the international level. The Modi government successfully tackled terrorism and Naxalism in the country. It also extended corruption-free rule to the country for the last 10 years. Terming the Congress as a corrupt political party, he said that only 25 per cent of the money in the total amount spent by the Congress governments for the welfare schemes was reached the beneficiaries and the party leaders swindled of the funds. He pointed out that Modi was instrumental in installing the idol of Ram Lalla in the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. He alleged that the Congress was again trying to get the votes of people of Telangana state with the promise, whose implementation was not possible practically. He asked the people of Telangana to be cautious with the vote bank politics of the Congress. He asked the people to teach a lesson to the Congress in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. He also made it clear that a stable government at the Centre would be possible if the BJP was voted to power in the Lok Sabha elections and asked the people to vote for Saidi Reddy in the elections.

Deccan Chronicle 7 May 2024 9:56 pm

Modi highlights 26/11 attacks in critique of Congress, cautions against 'mission cancel' by INDIA bloc

Modi highlights 26/11 attacks in critique of Congress, cautions against 'mission cancel' by INDIA bloc Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday targeted the Congress over a senior leader's remarks on the 26/11 terror attacks and claimed if voted to power, the grand old party will reverse the Supreme Court verdict on Ram temple like it did in the 1985 Shah Bano case. The BJP's star campaigner asserted the Congress's one point agenda on coming to power is to ''cancel'' landmark decisions taken by his government like scrapping Article 370, bringing a new citizenship Act, banning the instant triple talaq, and declared June 4, the day when votes polled in the Lok Sabha will be counted, will be the ''expiry'' date for the opposition INDIA bloc. Addressing two poll rallies in Maharashtra in support of BJP-Shiv Sena candidates, Modi accused the Congress of playing a dangerous game of appeasement politics on 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, Ram temple and religion-based quota. Speaking in Ahmednagar and Beed districts, the BJP stalwart hit out at the Congress over its Maharashtra leader Vijay Wadettiwar's comments that then-ATS chief Hemant Karkare was not killed by Pakistan terrorist Ajmal Kasab during the 26/11 attacks. Quoting a senior Congress leader who recently resigned, the PM noted that ''shehzada'' (referring to Rahul Gandhi) had told a select group of people that if his party was voted to power, it will reverse the 2019 Supreme Court verdict on Ram temple like the Rajiv Gandhi government did in the 1985 Shah Bano case. Modi asked people to be alert to Congress designs to ''snatch'' the SCs/ST/s/OBCs quota in jobs and education and give it to Muslims, saying this has been done in Karnataka, where the grand old party is in power. The BJP stalwart maintained that while he is on a mission to realize the goal of Viksit Bharat (developed India), the INDIA alliance will be on a ''mission cancel'' if voted to power. Modi claimed the opposition bloc will bring back Article 370 (which granted special status to J&K), restore instant triple talaq practice, scrap measures like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), free ration for the poor, free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh for 55 crore poor people and pro-farmer steps such as Kisan Samman Nidhi. ''A former Congress leader has revealed that after the 2019 Supreme Court verdict on Ram mandir, 'shehzada' called a meeting and said if the Congress returns to power, it will overturn the Ram mandir ruling,'' the PM noted. Speaking in Ahmednagar, Modi said June 4 will be the ''expiry date'' of the INDIA bloc. ''This grouping will disperse like sand. The Congress-led bloc is indulging in appeasement politics, while BJP-led NDA wants to make everyone happy. BJP-led NDA works for development, national security, welfare of the poor, self-respect of the nation, while the Congress manifesto has the Muslim League's stamp. The party has made false promises of poverty alleviation and betrayed the poor,'' he emphasised. Modi pointed out that he has provided four crore homes to the poor, while 50 crore people have been brought in the banking system through the Jan Dhan scheme and 80 crore people are getting free ration. In Beed, Modi noted the Congress neglected the arid Marathwada region for long, while his government worked on expediting irrigation projects and solving water scarcity issue. At one point, the PM got emotional and recalled that in the last 10 years, he had lost party colleagues like Gopinath Munde (who hailed from Beed), Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and Manohar Parrikar and was feeling their absence now. Remembering BJP leader Gopinath Munde, who was a member of his first cabinet in 2014, Modi said, ''He used to often discuss about development of Marathwada. I took people like Gopinath Munde to Delhi.'' The PM warned the Congress wants to replicate the ''Karnataka model'' of reservation politics, which involves including Muslims in OBC quota, in the entire country. ''Till Modi is alive, no power in the world can take away reservation granted to Dalit, tribals and OBCs,'' he declared. Modi said the ''real'' NCP and ''real'' Shiv Sena were with the BJP, while the 'nakli' (bogus) Shiv Sena and 'nakli' NCP were with the Congress. ''The Congress can only make 'nakli' promises and 'nakli' videos. Its agenda is that it will not work and not let others work. The Congress will stop the (Mumbai-Ahmedabad) bullet train project if it comes to power. Can we trust such anti-development people?'' he asked. He took a dig at the Congress over its stand on terrorism. ''It seems the Congress is maintaining some relationship with these people (terrorists). The country has not forgotten that terrorists were welcomed in the PM's residence (during Congress rule). A big Congress leader cried when terrorists were killed in Batla House encounter (in Delhi),'' Modi noted. Criticizing RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav over his remarks favouring quota for Muslims, Modi said, 'Another leader of INDI alliance said today morning that reservation that has been given to SCs/STs/ OBCs should be given to Muslims too. This is against Dalit and adivasis.'' The state government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, in which the BJP and the NCP are also allies, is bringing development projects in Marathwada, the PM said. Shinde, Union minister Ramdas Athawale, Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde, BJP's Beed Lok Sabha candidate Pankaja Munde were present at the rally. Voting in Ahmednagar, Shirdi and Beed seats will take place on May 13.

devdiscourse 7 May 2024 9:11 pm

Heeramandi's Aditi Rao Hydari Says Working With Bhansali Is 'Addictive': 'He Should Just Be Protected'

Aditi Rao Hydari called Sanjay Leela Bhansali precious and said that she will never say no to him for a role.

News18 7 May 2024 8:52 pm

Apple Debuts Next-Generation M4 Chip

Apple today unveiled the M4 chip, its newest system on a chip for the 2024 iPad Pro lineup. Apple said that the M4 chip features a new up-to-10-core CPU of up to four performance cores and six efficiency cores. The M4 chip comes in two different models: the 9-core CPU with 3 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores (for 256GB and 512GB iPad Pro), and 10-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores (for 1TB and 2TB iPad Pro). The M4 chip is built with second-generation 3nm technology and features a new display engine. It delivers up to 50% faster CPU performance than the M2 in the previous iPad Pro and four-times faster rendering performance. For performance in gaming, the M4 chip features Dynamic Caching that helps significantly increases performance for demanding pro apps and games. It also enables hardware-accelerated ray tracing on iPad for the first time. Finally, the M4 includes a Neural Engine that fuels accelerated AI workloads. Apple mentioned that this is the company's most powerful Neural Engine ever, capable of 38 trillion operations per second and helping users accomplish AI tasks quickly on the iPad Pro. For more details about the 2024 iPad Pro, be sure to read our full post on the new tablets. Tags: May 2024 Apple Event , M4 This article, Apple Debuts Next-Generation M4 Chip first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

MacRumors 7 May 2024 8:48 pm

President Murmu worships at Tara Devi, Sankat Mochan temples in Himachal

Shimla, May 7: President Droupadi Murmu, who is on a five-day visit to Himachal Pradesh, performed puja at the famous Tara Devi temple and Sankat Mochan temple here on Tuesday. Murmu, accompanied by members of her family and Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, went around the Tara Devi temple located at commanding heights overlooking Shimla, about 17 km from here. She also became the first president of the country to eat at the langar (bhandara) at the temple. The temple committee [] The post President Murmu worships at Tara Devi, Sankat Mochan temples in Himachal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 7 May 2024 8:22 pm

Election Commission Is Behaving Like A Biased Umpire: Derek O'Brien

A day after the Trinamool Congress wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner demanding that the number of voters in the first two phases be made public, party leader Derek O'Brien has questioned the neutrality of the poll panel.

NDTV 7 May 2024 8:15 pm

'Yeh Rishta kya kehlaata hai: PM Modi attacks Congress over Vijay Wadettiwar's remarks on 26/11 attacks

'Yeh Rishta kya kehlaata hai: PM Modi attacks Congress over Vijay Wadettiwar's remarks on 26/11 attacks Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, came out heavily against the Congress party over its leader Vijay Wadettiwar's remarks on the 26/11 attacks, and asked: What is the relation between the party and the terrorists. Citing Acharya Pramod Krishnam's remarks, he also said that Congress will overturn the Ram Mandir verdict if it comes to power. Addressing a public meeting in Maharashtra's Beed, PM Modi said, The leaders of Maharashtra Congress are giving clean chit to terrorists of 26/11. The 10 terrorists including Kasab, who had come from Pakistan, it seems Congress is having some relationship with them. The country wants to know the relationship between Congress and those terrorists. 'Yeh rishta kya kehlata hai'. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in Maharashtra assembly stoked controversy over his statement on the 26/11 attack. He claimed that former ATS chief Hemant Karkare was ot killed by terrorists during the 26/11 attack but by a police official close to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Further, during his address, Prime Minister Modi took a jibe at the Opposition over its performance in the Lok Sabha polls, he said, The INDI-Aghadi got 'past' (exhausted) in the first phase, 'dhwast' (collapsed) in the second phase. In the third phase, if somewhere any 'diya' was left flickering, it too has extinguished. He also alleged that if the INDIA bloc comes to power, it will revoke the abrogation of Article, CAA and will also overturn the Supreme Court verdict on Ram Mandir. The INDI alliance is contesting with the agenda, that if they come to power, they will carry out 'Mission Cancel'. They have said they the law banning Triple Talaq, Kisaan Samman Nidhi, free ration scheme, the Prime Minister said. Not just this, the INDI alliance even wants to cancel the Ram Mandir. A leader who was associated with Congress for 20-25 years and left the party recently, made a startling revelation. After the Supreme Court judgement on Ram Mandir, Shehzada (jibe on Rahul Gandhi) had told party leaders that they would overturn the court order. Similarly, for appeasement, his father (Rajiv Gandhi) had also overturned the SC order on Triple Talaq, he added. Maharashtra, with its 48 Lok Sabha seats, is the second-largest contributor to the lower house of Parliament. The polling is being held in five phases: April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13 and May 20. In the 2019 elections, the BJP emerged as the largest party with 23 seats, followed by its ally Shiv Sena (undivided) with 18 seats. The Nationalist Congress Party (undivided) and Congress could only win four and one seat each. (ANI)

devdiscourse 7 May 2024 8:12 pm

Kriti Sanon Looks Beautiful In Red As She Gets Papped At Rang Mandir Bandra I WATCH

Kriti Sanon painted the town red, quite literally, on Tuesday evening as she got spotted at Rang Mandir, Bandra. Watch this video for more.

News18 7 May 2024 8:03 pm

Aditi Rao Hydari: A Canvas of Cinematic Excellence, Gracing the Skies of Period Dramas

Aditi Rao Hydari: A Canvas of Cinematic Excellence, Gracing the Skies of Period Dramas ''I own it and love it,'' says actor Aditi Rao Hydari, who feels lucky to be known as the face of period dramas but also enjoys playing the brat and is dying to do a ''fabulous mystery thriller''. Hydari's latest is Sanjay Leela Bhansali's pre-Partition era series ''Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar''. Her tryst with period dramas goes back to Bhansali's 2018 magnum opus ''Padmaavat'', in which she played the role of Alauddin Khilji's wife Mehrunissa. Since then, the actor has also starred in period drama shows such as ''Taj: Divided by Blood'' and ''Jubilee''. While she is happy to be associated with projects belonging to another space and time, she said she doesn't want to limit herself to one genre. ''I'm lucky that I get to be the face of these exquisite period dramas. For some reason, people and directors feel that it works and I belong. I also feel very comfortable (working in period dramas). Maybe it's my love for music, dance, history, and culture. Period dramas take you into (a space) what is truly Indian. Even in 'Heeramandi', there is this whole Indian art aesthetic, dance, music. I really enjoy it,'' Hydari told PTI. ''Having said that, my contemporary life is very important for me. So, when I play contemporary parts, I enjoy that (too). In the South, I have done some work like that. I enjoy being a brat or fooling around on camera for a role, whether it's a rom-com or something else,'' she added. In ''Heeramandi'', the director's debut web series, she plays a courtesan and freedom fighter named Bibbojaan, an embodiment of beauty, grace and character. The show is streaming on Netflix. Not everyone can do justice to starring in a period setting, said the Hyderabad-born actor, who said she won't push away what audiences and directors love about her. ''I'm saying, I love it, I own it. Especially with period, you may want to do it, but you need to organically belong there. People need to feel that you belong there otherwise it just seems off and people will not go into the suspension of belief. ''The actor in me also wants to mix it up and be versatile and be contemporary too. Sometimes just do something very light and fun,'' said Hydari, adding that she would love to do films such as martial arts action adventure film ''Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'' and psychological thriller ''Gone Girl''. For many, Bhansali's name is synonymous with grandeur but she believes the director's insights are full of ''depth and layers''. ''The fact that Sanjay sir gave that life (of Bibbojaan) to me and made her a part of mine, it's incredible... What an incredible journey a girl like that would have had at that point of time. She's artistic, kind, sweet, and vulnerable. But what makes her special is her fearlessness... that she takes destiny on. Her vulnerability makes her fearless and her fearlessness makes her vulnerable. That juxtaposition is always there.'' It's uncommon to get ''heroic'' parts like Bibbojaan, she said. ''It's not just physical (appearance), it's the grace of her heart and soul. I find that very beautiful because as women, our characters can often become one tone. This also tends to happen in real life generally. There are so many layers to us. ''Somewhere, the value that Sanjay sir has for women, how he looks at women as complete human beings, that comes into many of his heroines, especially in Bibbojaan. I love that she has fire and grace,'' said the actor. There were no real references to playing the role and Hydari said she went in just listening to what Bhansali had to say. ''But my mother has done research on tawaifs and thumri and she also sings thumri. So I have heard stories as a child growing up and when that happens around you, you tend to take it for granted. But it still somewhere becomes a part of your consciousness, dance and music.'' Her mother is Hindustani classical singer Vidya Rao. One of the most anticipated series of 2024, ''Heeramandi'' has been praised for its drama, lavish set design, and well-crafted clothes. However, a section of viewers has called out the series for romanticising brothels, historical and linguistic inaccuracies. Addressing the varied reviews, Hydari said she would take criticism in her stride as long as it is of some value. ''What they are saying must have value and they must come with their own sense of knowledge and understanding that they are making these observations. Most of the people are making noise and it's just that. They have an opinion but I'm asking where your opinion is coming from? Do you have a lot of knowledge on filmmaking, or this subject, or art? You are entitled to your opinion, but I'm just saying don't be nasty.'' According to the actor, ''Heeramandi'' is not a historical but a series and hopes viewers watch it for what it is. ''Here is a filmmaker who is legendary, we should love the man. He is precious to us and our cinema. He has a voice, he is creating something that the world has never seen. The world is celebrating it, what is our problem?'' ''This is not a historical, it's a series about these six women and this whole world. It is Sanjay sir's blood, sweat, tears and love. I'm not defending it, I'm just saying why can't we be more expansive? Why can't our hearts be bigger? Why can't we celebrate art? There are different types of art and directors. See the intention and just flow. Enjoy it.'' ''Heeramandi'' also stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, Fardeen Khan, Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman, Adhyayan Suman, Farida Jalal, and Indresh Malik.

devdiscourse 7 May 2024 7:28 pm

Former Congress Leader Radhika Khera and Actor Shekhar Suman Induct into BJP

Former Congress Leader Radhika Khera and Actor Shekhar Suman Induct into BJP Former Congress leader Radhika Khera and actor Shekhar Suman joined the BJP on Tuesday. Khera, the former national coordinator of the Congress's media department, resigned from the party's primary membership on Sunday, days after her altercation with another leader at the party's Chhattisgarh office. In her resignation letter to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Khera also claimed she was facing opposition in the party for her visit to the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Suman, a popular TV actor who also worked in many Bollywood films, has returned to politics after a gap of about 15 years. He had fought the 2009 Lok Sabha elections from Patna Sahib seat in Bihar on a Congress ticket but came third in the contest which was won by Shatrughan Sinha, who was then with the BJP. Both Khera and Suman joined the BJP at its headquarters here in the presence of its senior leaders, including party national general secretary Vinod Tawde and national media department in-charge Anil Baluni. Addressing a joint press conference with the BJP leaders, Khera claimed she left the Congress as she was being mistreated since she visited Ayodhya along with her family members for 'darshan' of Lord Ram. She also alleged that the Congress has become ''anti-Sanatan and anti-Hindu and anti-Ram''. ''I could reach here due to a safe and secured government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi (at the Centre). I could not have reached here if I had not got protection from the BJP government in Chhattisgarh,'' she claimed. ''I was punished in Congress for being a Hindu, a Sanatani girl and a devotee of Lord Ram. This is no more Mahatma Gandhis Congress,'' she charged. Suman expressed gratitude towards God for guiding him to join the BJP, saying one has to do what Lord Ram desires. ''Until yesterday, I did not know that I would be sitting here. I have come here with a very positive thought. I thank God who ordered me to come here,'' he told reporters. Suman hailed Modi and said under his leadership, India has witnessed significant development over the past decade, with its ''position, status, and fortune undergoing positive transformations''. ''It is the duty of every Hindustani to be part of this stream and energy,'' he said, adding, ''I am fortunate that I have got the opportunity''. He thanked Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP chief JP Nadda and other leaders of the party for giving him an opportunity to fulfill his social responsibility and commitment to fostering a positive change. Suman, who is well known for a number of TV series including ''Dekh Bhai Dekh'' and late night show ''Movers n Shakers'' hosted by him, is in limelight with Leela Bhansali's web series Heeramandi. He is portraying the character of Nawab Zulfikar in the web series. Welcoming Khera and Suman to the BJP fold, Tawde said he was confident that they will contribute to achieving Modi's resolve of making India a developed country. Referring to Suman's famous ''Movers n Shakers'' TV show, the BJP leader said in lighter when, ''We will see who will move and shake now''.

devdiscourse 7 May 2024 7:25 pm

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