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China says Pakistan will be its friend in ‘combating terrorism’ after KP blast: Reality is, it has been protecting Pakistani terrorists from UN sanctions

OpIndia Staff
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China says Pakistan will be its friend in ‘combating terrorism’ after KP blast: Reality is, it has been protecting Pakistani terrorists from UN sanctions

On Tuesday, March 26, 5 Chinese citizens were killed in a suicide bombing attack in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan along with their Pakistani driver.

Mohammad Ali Gandapur, the regional police chief told the media that a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a convoy of Chinese engineers that was on its way from Islamabad to their camp in Dasu, the biggest hydropower project in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan, where they worked.

Now, days after declaring its intent to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice, China has declared that they will ‘fight terrorism’ together with Pakistan, in a statement that reads like a sad joke to anyone who has followed geopolitics in the region.

“Terrorism is humanity’s common enemy. The global community has a shared responsibility to fight terrorism and stop such tragedies from happening again. China and Pakistan are determined and ready to make the terrorists pay for their horrific acts”, the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs declared.

Though the declared intentions seem very noble, the reality of the situation is very different. China expects to combat terrorism by collaborating with the world’s largest exporter of terrorism, a country where terrorists are not only allowed to flourish, they are allowed to carry out recruitment and training, and even given state patronage to run their terrorism industry like a business.

‘Pakistan is the world’s factory of terrorism, they run it like an industry’

Just this week, India’s EAM Dr S Jaishankar stated in Singapore that Pakistan uses terrorism as an instrument of statecraft. He highlighted, not for the first time, how Pakistan runs terrorism at an industry level.

Dr Jaishankar’s remarks are not something out of the blue. The whole world has known for decades that Pakistan is a hub for state-sponsored terrorism. It houses, sustains, and enables globally designated terrorists and brazens it out before the world, year after year.

Terrorist attacks in Pakistan are not due to some external threat, they are the symptoms of a vicious pet going rogue and eating its own master.

India has been the worst victim of Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism for decades. The Mumbai attack of 26/11, the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, the Pulwama bombing, and countless such instances of terror are all linked to Pakistan, and they have been there for the whole world to see.

How China blocks UN proposals to sanction Pakistani terrorists

In June 2023, China blocked a joint India-USA proposal to blacklist Pakistan-based LeT terrorist Sajid Mir and declare him a ‘global terrorist’ at the UNSC. The UN blacklisting would have resulted in world-wise asset freeze, travel ban and arms embargo. Mir is wanted by India for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Again, it was not a singular development. China’s doublespeak against terrorism has been ongoing for decades. They use big words to condemn and criticise terror attacks, but when it comes to Pakistani terrorists, they pull all their muscles to block UN sanctions against them, shielding not just the terrorists, but brazenly ignoring Pakistan’s blatant role in sheltering and sponsoring them.

India had first brought a proposal designating JeM chief Masood Azhar as a ‘global terrorist’ by the UN back in 2009. China blocked it. Then in 2016 and 2017, for two consecutive years, India brought another proposal to impose global sanctions on Masood Azhar, with support from other UNSC members France, the UK and the USA. But China blocked them again.

Even after the ghastly terrorist attack in Pulwama in February 2019, China showed indifference to the matter, by refusing to label Azhar as a terrorist.

In 2019, India brought yet another proposal against Masood Azhar at the UNSC, this time with 25 countries backing it.

China finally had to give in. Masood Azhar was finally declared a ‘global terrorist’ 10 prolonged years after India’s first move, just because of China.

In 2021, at the UNSC, EAM Jaishankar had indirectly shamed China for its actions. “Summon the political will, don’t justify terrorism, don’t glorify terrorists. No double standards. Terrorists are terrorists, distinctions are made only at our own peril. Don’t place blocks and holds on listing requests without any reason,” he said.

In addition to Sajid Mir and Masood Azhar, other Pakistani terrorists that have been protected and blatantly shielded by China against UNSC sanctions are: LeT terrorists Abdul Rahman Makki, Shahid Mehmood, and JeM terrorist Abdul Rauf Asghar.

By claiming that it will ‘work with Pakistan’ to combat terrorism, China probably means that it will continue protecting Pakistani terrorists from UN sanctions.

Importance of mutual respect, deplore expressions of hatred against any individual or group: Ashoka University reacts after students raise anti-Brahmin slogans

OpIndia Staff
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Importance of mutual respect, deplore expressions of hatred against any individual or group: Ashoka University reacts after students raise anti-Brahmin slogans

After footage of students making anti-Brahmin and casteist remarks surfaced on social media, Ashoka University in Haryana’s Sonipat released a statement on 27th March claiming to take the necessary steps to promote peace and unity and assured disciplinary action against the culprits. The institution claimed that it “deplores” inflammatory language against a person or group.

It took to X (formerly Twitter) to explain and wrote, “Ashoka University attaches great value to freedom of expression and vigorous debate, but it also attaches great importance to mutual respect. The university deplores expressions of hatred directed against any individual or group.”

It added, “Ashoka University’s Guidelines on Protecting Freedom of Expression have clearly laid down that such freedom of expression is not unlimited and enjoins respect for the rights and sensibilities of others. This is essential to preserving the spirit of community at Ashoka.”

The varsity said, “Actions that make the atmosphere intimidating, threatening or hostile to individuals or groups are therefore regarded as serious offences and are subject to University disciplinary procedure. The University will take all measures necessary to ensure that peace and harmony in the campus is not disturbed.”

Netizens, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the institution’s response to the incident. A person commented that Ashoka University is deftly sidestepping from the matter and urged it to take strict action against the students who have converted the place from an educational institution into a political platform. he added, “We will not tolerate such hatred against an entire community. Take action first, then talk.”

“Spare us the word salad,” noted a social media user. He asked the university to take action against those who are inciting hatred on your campus against particular castes.

Another questioned why the university couldn’t identify the offenders and mentioned, “Article 19(a) liberty of thought, belief, and opinion. Yet, this freedom is not absolute. It is subject to reasonable restrictions for maintaining social order.”

A user remarked that “freedom of expression” doesn’t equate to “abuse of other communities” and accused, “You are becoming a hub of anti-social day by day. It cannot be tolerated. Take strict action against these hate mongers. Otherwise, we will launch a campaign against you.”

An individual charged that Ashoka University is turning into another JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University).

Rather than taking action against the accused, a netizen pointed out that the university supported them by “pronouncing or quoting the values already envisaged in the Indian Constitution,” and referred to it as “prejudice.”

Ashoka University students shouted anti-Hindu slurs during demonstrations on 26th March. Social media users shared videos of the students chanting “Brahmin-Baniyawaad Murdabad” and other similar provocative phrases. In addition to abusing the Baniya and Brahmin communities, they chanted “Jai Savitri-Jai Fatima” and “Jai Bheem-Jai Meem.” They also wanted reservations and a caste census at the university. It led to a major uproar on social media with many demanding action against the perpetrator students.

The students staged a demonstration and called on the administration to establish an Equal Opportunity Cell. The university’s Social Justice Forum (SJF), an autonomous student organization that allegedly advocates for the rights of people from racial and religious minorities, was leading the demonstration.

There was reportedly similar agitation on 22nd March by the same group, who boasted on social media that they had “successfully” interrupted Founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani’s “masterclass on Branding” that was set to begin at noon on the same day.

(With inputs from ANI)

Trouble mounts for Arvind Kejriwal? CBI, which was first to initiate investigation into Liquor Policy scam, to seek custody as ED custody ends: Reports

OpIndia Staff
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Trouble mounts for Arvind Kejriwal? CBI, which was first to initiate investigation into Liquor Policy scam, to seek custody as ED custody ends: Reports

On 28th March, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo and Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, will be produced before the Rouse Avenue Court as the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) custody ends. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is reportedly set to seek Kejriwal’s custody in the now-scrapped Liquor Policy scam probe. Notably, the CBI initiated the investigation at the request of Delhi LG in 2022 after the Chief Secretary flagged anomalies in the liquor policy. ED later initiated a money laundering probe into the matter.

Reports suggest he will be produced before the court at around 2 PM. Meanwhile, a two-judge bench comprising Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora in Delhi High Court will hear a PIL to remove Kejriwal from the CM post. Delhi Police has increased security outside the residence of Arvind Kejriwal given the upcoming court hearing.

CBI has named 14 people, including former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, in the matter. Sisodia is currently lodged in Tihar jail. Kejriwal has been in ED custody since 21st March when the investigation agency arrested him. He was produced before the court the next day, from where he was sent to ED custody till 28th March.

Earlier, the Delhi High Court refused to provide interim relief to Kejriwal and issued a notice to ED. The matter will be heard on 3rd April. Kejriwal had appealed in the high court against his arrest.

On 27th March, Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, appeared on camera for the second time to give a message from Kejriwal from jail. She claimed that he would reveal the money of the liquor scam in court on 28th March.

Meanwhile, a US State Department spokesperson once again pontificated, saying that the US is keeping an eye on Kejriwal’s matter. He added that they were aware of the allegations levelled by the Congress party that the Income Tax Department had frozen their bank accounts for political reasons. US’s comments came hours after India strongly objected to State Department meddling with Indian affairs in Kejriwal’s matter. The Ministry of External Affairs is yet to issue any statement on the second statement by the State Department despite India’s objections.

ED arrested Arvind Kejriwal in liquor policy scam

On 21st March, ED went to Arvind Kejriwal’s residence in the evening for questioning. Later, he was arrested by the investigating agency in the Delhi Excise Policy Scam. Kejriwal was presented in the court the next day where ED got his custody till 28th March. AAP has claimed that Kejriwal’s arrest was politically motivated and illegal. However, his appeal in the court for interim relief was rejected. In November 2021, the Delhi Government introduced a new liquor policy. In June 2022, the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee filed a complaint against the policy. In July 2022, the Chief Secretary of Delhi flagged the anomalies in the policy. Delhi LG requested CBI to initiate a probe and ED joined the investigation by registering a matter under PMLA. Since then, multiple arrests have been made including Manish Sisodia.

Mahua Moitra effect? Naveen Patnaik drops 4-time MP Pinaki Mishra, announces Arup Patnaik as candidate for Puri Lok Sabha seat against BJP’s Sambit Patra

OpIndia Staff
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Mahua Moitra effect? Naveen Patnaik drops 4-time MP Pinaki Mishra, announces Arup Patnaik as candidate for Puri Lok Sabha seat against BJP’s Sambit Patra

On 27th March, Naveen Patnaik’s Biju Janata Dal (BJD) announced the second list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Interestingly, the party dropped sitting MP Pinaki Mishra from Puri. Two lists of candidates were announced on the same day. The first list contained nine names, while the second contained six.

From Puri, BJD has fielded Arup Patnaik for the Lok Sabha seat. The BJP has fielded Sambit Patra to contest the Puri Lok Sabha seat. 

In the first list, names of Lambodar Nial for Kalahandi, Pranab Prakash Das for Sambalpur, Dilip Tirkey for Sundergarh, Sudam Marndi for Mayurbhanj, Ansuman Mohanty for Kendrapara, Pradip Kumar Majhi for Nabarangpur, Manmath Routray for Bhubaneswar, Kausalya Hikaka for Koraput and Ranjita Sahu for Aska were announced.

For the second list, Arup Patnaik for Puri, Sharmishtha Sethi for Jaipur, Rajashree Mallick for Jagathsighpur, Abinash Samal for Dhenkanal, Achyutananada Samant for Kandhamal and Santrupt Mishra for Cuttak were named by the party.

Pinaki Mishra was named in ‘Mahuagate’

Notably, Pinaki Mishra’s name appeared in Mahuagate. In his affidavit, Darshan Hiranandani, the Dubai-based businessman who gave cash and gifts in exchange for queries in Lok Sabha, claimed that she bonded exceptionally well with the opposition leaders, including Shashi Tharoor, Pinaki Mishra and Rahul Gandhi. Hiranandani added he, too, thought he could use her clout to get support from opposition leaders, which is why he gave her expensive gifts and fulfilled all her unreasonable demands, ranging from gifting her expensive luxury items, providing support on the renovation of her officially allotted bungalow in Delhi, travel expenses, holidays, etc, apart from giving secretarial and logistical help for her travels within India and to different parts of the world.

Pinaki Mishra is a four-term MP from Puri. When his name appeared in the case, BJP sought an explanation from Chief Minister and BJP President Naveen Patnaik over the matter. Pinaki quickly rejected the allegations and warned BJP Odisha of legal action. He said, “It’s unfortunate that the BJP Odisha has deemed it fit to make a false attack on me based on a malicious and utterly unproven allegation floating in the public domain.”

Interestingly, Mishra, a senior advocate, represented Mahua Moitra in court, appealing to let her stay in the government bungalow after she was expelled from Lok Sabha and received a notice to vacate the bungalow.

Advocate Jai Anant, who had brought allegations of cash-for-query scam against Mahua Moitra had even alluded in a post that Mahua Moitra, after she was asked to vacate her government bungalow, had ‘moved in’ with Mishra.

Jai Anant Dehadrai’s post on X

Lok Sabha Elections 2024

The polling for Lok Sabha Elections 2024 is scheduled to begin on 16th April 2024. The polling in Odisha will occur in four phases: 13th May 2024, 20th May 2024, 25th May 2024, and 1st June 2024. Odisha is also scheduled to have assembly elections. The results for both Lok Sabha and Assembly Elections in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim will be announced on 4th June 2024.

Arunachal Pradesh assembly elections: CM Pema Khandu and five other BJP candidates likely to win unopposed as no other candidate files nomination

OpIndia Staff
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Arunachal Pradesh assembly elections: CM Pema Khandu and five other BJP candidates likely to win unopposed as no other candidate files nomination

In Arunachal Pradesh, six Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates, including Chief Minister Pema Khandu, are expected to be elected unopposed to the state’s Legislative Assembly. This comes as no other candidates filed nomination papers on the 27th of March, the last day of filing nominations.

According to Election Commission data, as of 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, the deadline for filing nominations for the 19th of April Arunachal Pradesh assembly elections, only BJP candidates had submitted nomination papers in five of the state’s 60 constituencies.

“Single nomination paper has been filed in five assembly constituencies. We hope that a few more (seats) will be added by the last day of withdrawal,” CM Khandu said.

Other than CM Pema Khandu’s Mukto constituency, where he is projected to win unopposed for the fourth time, four other candidates from various constituencies are also expected to win without opposition.

They are Jikke Tako from Tali, Nyato Dukom from Taliha, Ratu Techi from Sagalee, and Mutchu Mithi from Roing. These leaders are expected to be elected unopposed after Congress candidates and other nominees on Wednesday withdrew their candidature.

“A total of 197 candidates have filed papers for the 60 assembly constituencies. Five BJP nominees, including Chief Minister Pema Khandu, may be elected unopposed as no other candidates filed nominations from their seat,” an official said.

Meanwhile, Joint Chief Electoral Officer Liken Koyu said that following the scrutiny of the nomination papers filed by the five BJP candidates, their fate would be clear.

Taking to X on Wednesday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said, “Arunachal Pradesh leads in showing the mood of the nation.”

“Arunachal Pradesh leads in showing the mood of the nation. On the last day of the nomination filing for the Assembly election, BJP has secured 5 candidates elected unopposed led by CM @PemaKhanduBJP ji from 3-Mukto Assembly Constituency. 15. Sagalee Assembly Constituency: Shri Ratu Techi 20. Tali Assembly Constituency: Shri Jikke Tako 23. Taliha Assembly Constituency: Shri Nyato Dukom 43. Roing Assembly Constituency: Shri Mutchu Mithi. Tremendous development in the state due to the blessings of PM @narendramodi ji has generated so much support and blessings of the people,” Minister Rijiju posted.

The BJP has nominated candidates for all 60 Assembly seats in Arunachal Pradesh, while the opposition Congress has fielded candidates for 34 and the National People’s Party for 29. Furthermore, the NCP and the Peoples’ Party of Arunachal (PPA) have nominated 17 and two candidates, respectively, for the coming assembly elections.

Notably, during the 2019 Assembly elections, the BJP won 41 seats, while seven MLAs from other parties eventually joined it. In addition, the BJP won both Lok Sabha seats in the 2019 elections.

‘Contesting election in South needs money, what community you belong to’: Nirmala Sitharaman says she won’t contest LS polls, but is grateful to BJP for asking

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‘Contesting election in South needs money, what community you belong to’: Nirmala Sitharaman says she won’t contest LS polls, but is grateful to BJP for asking

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said that she would not contest the Lok Sabha election, adding that Bharatiya Janata Party asked her to contest the polls from Tamil Nadu or Andhra Pradesh.

“Party did ask me, after thinking over a week or days, I just went back to say …may be not. Because my party president asked me, would you want to contest somewhere in the south-option is somewhere in South, Tamil Nadu or Andhra Pradesh”, said Nirmala Sitharaman while speaking at the Times Now summit.

“But I don’t have that kind of money to contest, I also have a problem because whether it is Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu, there is also going to be a question of various winnability criteria that they use, are you from this community or from that religion. I said no I dont think I am going to be able to do it. The party was graceful enough and I am very grateful to accept my argument, and I am not contesting”, the Union Finance Minister said.

When asked why she does not have enough funds to contest elections, Sitharaman said, “My salary, my earnings, and my savings are mine and not the Consolidated Fund of India.”

Nirmala Sitharaman has served as the Union Defence Minister. In 2014, she was elected as Rajya Sabha MP from Andhra Pradesh. She has also served as the Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs and later the Minister for Commerce and Industry with Independent Charge.

As the Defence Minister, Sitharaman is credited with expediting the decision-making process relating to procurement in defence sector. She constituted a Defence Planning Committee to formulate an “action plan” to effectively overcome with various security challenges facing the nation.

Sitharaman joined the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in 2008 and has served as a national spokesperson for the party since 2010.

Sitharaman was born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, on August 18, 1959. She completed her graduation from Seethalakshmi Ramasamy College, Tiruchirappalli and obtained her M.A. (Economics) from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

On March 2, Bharatiya Janata Party released its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will contest Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi again.

Of 195 candidates, 34 are Ministers from Centre and States, while two are former Chief Ministers who are on the list.

Home Minister Amit Shah will contest from Gandhinagar, while Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will contest from Porbandar.

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar will contest from Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will contest from Dibrugarh, Kiren Rijiju from Arunachal Pradesh. Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s daughter Bansuri Swaraj has been fielded from New Delhi.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will contest from Lucknow, Smriti Irani will again contest from Amethi. Ajay Mishra Teni, MOS Home will again contest from Khiri. BJP leader Alok Sharma to contest from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh while former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to contest from Vidisha. Jyotiraditya Scindia, who joined BJP from Congress in 2020, to contest from Guna in Madhya Pradesh. 

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

“Ram Lalla played Holi in Awadh for the first time in 500 years”: UP CM Yogi Adityanath hails voters for making it possible

OpIndia Staff
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“Ram Lalla played Holi in Awadh for the first time in 500 years”: UP CM Yogi Adityanath hails voters for making it possible

On Wednesday (27th March), Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reminisced about the popular Holi song, “Holi Khele Raghuveera..” emphasising that voters ensured that after 500 years, Ram Lalla finally played Holi in his Awadh, a reference to the birthplace of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. 

Speaking at a public meeting in Ghaziabad, CM Yogi Aditaynath stressed that everyone must have realised the importance of their vote in the last couple of days. Notably, this week the nation marked the festivities of Holi including at the birthplace of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya where Holi was celebrated for the first time after 495 years.

Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi said, “…You know that your one vote is very precious. Since childhood, you all have been listening to this song ‘Holi khele Raghuveera Awadh mein Holi khele raghuveera,’ but for the last 500 years, did Ram Lalla play Holi in Awadh? However, your one vote ensured that this time Ram Lalla played Holi in his Awadh…”

He added that earlier vulgar songs used to be played at our festivals but this Holi, “Jo Ram Ko Laye Hai Hum Unko Laayenge” was being played everywhere.

He said, “Earlier so many vulgar songs used to be played on our festivals. But this time on Holi, only one song was being played everywhere “Jo Ram Ko Laye Hai Hum Unko Laayenge.” 

Urging the people to vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls, CM Yogi further added, “On the voting day, we all have to vote because it will also be proof of our commitment towards Democracy. What a difference your one vote can make. Because of your one vote, Article 370 was removed from Kashmir. Could any other party be able to do this? This was the final nail in the coffin of extremism and terrorism in the country.” 

UP CM also highlighted the transformation and improved law and order situation in the state. He pointed out, “Earlier Ghaziabad was known for crime and filth but now it comes at number one among smart cities. This is change. Earlier there used to be riots but today nothing like this happens. Earlier, the Kawar Yatra was not held because some people would be in trouble. We have come to satisfy the society and for that, the Sanatana faith of India should be respected.” 

In a veiled jibe at ‘reluctant’ opposition politicians, the Uttar Pradesh CM mentioned that the one who wants to work can do it, but whoever needs a holiday, will sanction it for his whole life. 

“Kawar Yatra will take place in UP whether other states accept it or not. We saw that the Kawar Yatra also went off brilliantly and 24 crore people came to Kumbh, but nothing happened. Right now peaceful darshan is going on in Ayodhya. One vote has brought this change,” CM Yogi asserted. 

(With Inputs from ANI)

IPL 2024: Sunrisers Hyderabad smash records, score the highest ever team total in tournament’s history

OpIndia Staff
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IPL 2024: Sunrisers Hyderabad smash records, score the highest ever team total in tournament’s history

Since 2013, one record has stood in Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 tournament, the highest ever total in 20 overs, well, it stands no more. Sunrisers Hyderabad absolutely demolished that record as they ended up with 277 for 3 wickets in 20 overs against Mumbai Indians beating the RCB record of 263 for 5 against Pune Warriors in 2013.

On March 27, 2024, the SRH franchise, powered by their opener Travis Head, their number 3 Abhishek Sharma, and their middle order of South Africans Aidan Markram and Heinrich Klaasen, slaughtered the Mumbai Indians bowling line-up to pile up a mammoth score of 277 for the loss of just 3 wickets in their allocated 20 overs.

Travis Head, the Australian opener who hurt India in World Test Championship Final and the One Day Internationals World Cup Final, was in supreme form again as he smashed 62 off 24 balls with 9 fours and 3 sixes. The young Indian batsman Abhishek Sharma bettered him by smashing 63 off 23 balls which included 7 sixes along with 3 fours.

If assault by those 2 wasn’t enough, the experienced South African pair of Markram and Klaasen inflicted further misery on Mumbai Indians with their partnership of 116 in no time, with Klaasen ending up on 80 off just 34 balls and Markram ending up on 42 off just 28 balls. There was no shortage of sixes from the South Africans either with Klaasen hitting 7 of them.

For Mumbai, the most economical bowler was Jasprit Bumrah, who ended up with an economy of 9 runs per over conceding 36 off his 4 overs.

The previous record for the highest score in IPL was 263/5 by Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors India, in the game where Chris Gayle smashed 175. RCB won that game by 130 runs.

IndiGo flight grazes stationary Air India plane at Kolkata airport, DGCA off-rosters pilots

OpIndia Staff
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IndiGo flight grazes stationary Air India plane at Kolkata airport, DGCA off-rosters pilots

An incident occurred at Kolkata airport on Wednesday when an IndiGo plane collided with a stationary Air India Express aircraft during taxiing. As a result, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) off-rostered the pilots involved.

“DGCA off-rostered pilots of IndiGo airlines after an IndiGo plane hit a stationary Air India Express during taxi in Kolkata today,” reported news agency ANI, citing DGCA.

The wingtip of an IndiGo aircraft, which was taxiing, made contact with a stationary Air India Express plane that was awaiting clearance to enter the runway for its scheduled flight to Chennai, as per an Air India Express spokesperson.

“After the incident, the aircraft involved has returned to the bay,” the spokesperson added.

An investigation into the collision is underway, with Air India Express coordinating with regulators and airport authorities, according to the spokesperson. The spokesperson also apologized to passengers for any inconvenience caused “due to external circumstances.”

Describing the incident as a “minor graze,” an IndiGo spokesperson mentioned that the flight bound for Darbhanga had been delayed. The aircraft involved in the collision has been taken to the bay for inspection and necessary measures.

“A minor graze occurred between a taxiing IndiGo aircraft and another carrier at Kolkata Airport. The aircraft returned to the bay for inspection and necessary measures as per protocol. Consequently, IndiGo flight 6E 6152 from Kolkata to Darbhanga has been delayed,” stated IndiGo.

The airline informed that refreshments were provided to passengers of the delayed flight, and arrangements were made for an alternative aircraft “to minimize delay and inconvenience.”

IndiGo will submit an incident report to the DGCA, adhering to protocol.

“IndiGo prioritizes passenger safety above all else. An incident report will be submitted to the DGCA in due course, following protocol,” said the IndiGo spokesperson.

Delhi High Court refuses to grant interim relief to Arvind Kejriwal, asks ED to file a reply on plea challenging his arrest and remand by 2nd April

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi High Court refuses to grant interim relief to Arvind Kejriwal, asks ED to file a reply on plea challenging his arrest and remand by 2nd April

On Wednesday (27th March), the Delhi High Court declined to grant interim relief to Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor policy scam case. The jailed Chief Minister Kejriwal had moved an interim application seeking his immediate release from ED custody. 

During the hearing, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma asked the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to file their response on Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest and remand in the money laundering case related to the liquor scam case. The court granted ED time till 2nd April to file its response. The next date for hearing is set for 3rd April. 

Appearing for the ED, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju submitted that Kejriwal’s counsel had not given the agency a copy of the petition. He submitted before the court that the petition was given at the last minute, and the ED needed to file a reply and point out certain facts. 

According to reports, the petition was moved on Saturday (23rd March). However, as per ED, a copy of the petition was given to them only yesterday.

Appearing for Arvind Kejriwal, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that they had challenged the remand itself. He also claimed that the matter did not require any replies. 

Defending the delay in submitting a copy to ED, Singhvi said that it was not possible for them to serve a copy of the petition earlier as the Registry was closed on Saturday.

Regarding ED’s argument seeking time, Justice Sharma noted that it would be like deciding on the main matter if ED was not given a chance to file their response on interim relief. 

Justice Sharma said, “Any order passed in the application for interim release of petitioner [Kejriwal], pending disposal of his main petition without calling for reply of ED, at this stage, would rather amount to deciding the main petition itself.”

Notably, the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested on 21st March in the money laundering case after he had skipped nine summons and the High Court declined to grant relief on his plea seeking ‘no-coercive action’ by the agency. 

Currently, the AAP leader is in ED custody until 28th March when the agency may or may not seek an extension of his custody. However, there is no relief in sight even if ED doesn’t seek an extension. As per reports citing sources, the CBI will seek his custody in the liquor policy scam case once ED’s remand ends. 

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