Afghan Finance Minister is now Uber driver in Washington

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Afghan Finance Minister is now Uber driver in Washington

Former Afghan Finance Minister Khalid Payenda, who fled the country just before the Taliban takeover in August last year, now drives an Uber in Washington, the Guardian reported.

“If I complete 50 trips in the next two days, I receive a $95 bonus,” the Guardian quoted Payenda as saying to The Washington Post, from behind the wheel of a Honda Accord.

The 40-year-old once oversaw a US-supported $6 billion budget. The Post reported that in one night earlier this week, he made “a little over $150 for six hours’ work, not counting his commute – a mediocre night”.

Payenda resigned as Finance Minister a week before the Taliban seized Kabul, as his relationship with former President Asraf Ghani deteriorated.

Fearing the President would have him arrested, he left for the US, where he joined his family.

“We had 20 years and the whole world’s support to build a system that would work for the people,” Payenda said in a text message to a World Bank official in Kabul on the day the capital fell, quoted by the Post.

“All we built was a house of cards that came down crashing this fast. A house of cards built on the foundation of corruption.”

The Post recorded Payenda telling one passenger his move from Kabul to Washington had been “quite an adjustment”.

He also said he was grateful for the opportunity to be able to support his family but, “right now, I don’t have any place. I don’t belong here and I don’t belong there. It’s a very empty feeling”.

“I saw a lot of ugliness, and we failed,” he said. “I was part of the failure. It’s difficult when you look at the misery of the people and you feel responsible.”

Payenda told the Post he believed Afghans “didn’t have the collective will to reform, to be serious”.

But he also said the US betrayed its commitment to democracy and human rights after making Afghanistan a centerpiece of post-9/11 policy.

Centre thinking seriously on the future of Ukraine students: K’taka CM

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Centre thinking seriously on the future of Ukraine students: K’taka CM

The union government is seriously considering alternative measures for medical students who have returned from war-torn Ukraine without completing their course, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said here on Monday.

Speaking to media persons in Davanagere before participating in the last rites of Karnataka student Naveen, Bommai said, the course in Ukraine is different from that of India. The union government is thinking about their future seriously as it involves the future of students from various states.

Though the government fee is low, medical education in the private sector is expensive. Even students who score 90-95 percent are not getting seats in NEET, he said.

As the cost of seats in the management quota and NRI quota is high, the students look out for other options, he said.

“We are considering a proposal to categorize the seats into A, B, and C categories to reduce the fee. The Medical Council of India decides the issues related to medical courses. A reconsideration is on in this regard,” Bommai said.

Amit Shah reviews security situation in J&K

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Amit Shah reviews security situation in J&K

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir along with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and other senior officials.

An official statement said, “The Home Minister appreciated the improvement in the security situation, reduction in terror incidents from 417 in 2018 to 229 in 2021 and decrease in a number of security personnel martyred from 91 in 2018 to 42 in 2021.

“Amit Shah emphasized proactive operations against terrorists and denying them safe haven or financial support. He directed the security forces and the police to ensure real-time coordination for effective counter-terrorism operations and monitoring activities of terrorists from jails. He ordered further strengthening of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Jammu and Kashmir to choke narco-terrorism.”

As per the statement, Shah said the security grid should be further strengthened to ensure zero cross-border infiltration and to eliminate terrorism completely in order to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a peaceful and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.

Telangana to step up pressure on Centre for paddy procurement

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Telangana to step up pressure on Centre for paddy procurement

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has decided to intensify the protest demanding the Centre to procure entire paddy from the state during Yasangi (Rabi) season.

The Chief Minister said that the Union Government is procuring 100 percent of paddy from Punjab, and agitation programs will continue to demand the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to procure 100 percent of paddy from Telangana.

He said that it is a life and death issue for the farmers of Telangana and TRS is gearing up for intensive struggle this time over the procurement of paddy.

The Chief Minister has convened a meeting of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Legislature on March 21 to chalk out the strategy in this regard.

He has directed all MLAs, MLCs, Party State Executive Committee Members, District Presidents, ZP Chairpersons, Presidents of DCCBs, DCMS, and District Presidents of Raithu Bandhu Samithis to attend the meeting.

KCR, as the Chief Minister is popularly known, said that the meeting will chalk out a plan to hold dharnas, agitations, and protests demanding the Union Government to buy yasangi paddy in the state.

After the meeting, the Chief Minister and delegation of ministers will leave for Delhi on the same day to meet the Union Ministers and even the Prime Minister to demand to buy of paddy.

The TRS MPs in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will stage protests in line with the agitation in Telangana.

K’taka CM Bommai bats for inclusion of Bhagavd Gita in syllabus

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K’taka CM Bommai bats for inclusion of Bhagavd Gita in syllabus

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said that the Bhagavad Gita should form a part of the school syllabus.

The matter has been discussed in Gujarat only on Friday. “Our education minister has been discussing the inclusion of the Bhagavad Gita in the syllabus. After getting information from the education department in this regard, a decision will be taken on it,” he explained.

Asked whether Bhagavad Gita would teach moral lessons, he retorted that if not for Bhagavad Gita, which other scripture can teach morals to children.

In this competitive age, children need moral education said CM Bommai and asked not to create unnecessary confusion in this regard.

If Bhagavad Gita is made part of the syllabus, it will help children with intelligence, he maintained.

On Friday, Education Minister B.C. Nagesh stated that a decision on mandating the teachings of Bhagavad Gita to school children will be taken after consulting Chief Minister Bommai.

Minister Nagesh stated that the demand is growing for the inclusion of moral science into the syllabus of children as it has a good impact. In Gujarat, they are planning to implement it in three phases.

Former Union Minister for External Affairs S.M. Krishna used to say that he reads Bhagavad Gita every day for strength. In this country, all tall leaders, elders who have thought about the nation have talked highly about Bhagavad Gita, Minister Nagesh stated.

Mahatma Gandhi in his autobiography has written that his mother’s teachings on Ramayana and Mahabharath during his childhood helped him evolve as a truthful person. He also said that Satya Harishchandra’s enactment also influenced him to be truthful, Minister Nagesh explained.

Minister for Large and Medium Industries Murugesh Nirani stated that Bhagavad Gita has human values and children need to learn about those values. The government of Gujarat has taken a decision to add Bhagavad Gita in the syllabus and a decision should be taken in Karnataka also to introduce Bhagavad Gita to children, he said.

However, D.K. Shivakumar, State Congress President has stated that there are lessons on Ramayan, Bhagavad Gita, and other religious holy books in the syllabus. There is no necessity to glorify anything now, he opined.

KTR-led Telangana delegation leaves for US to attract investment

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KTR-led Telangana delegation leaves for US to attract investment

A delegation of Telangana government led by minister for information technology and industries K.T. Rama Rao had left for the United States to attract global firms for investments in the state.

The Telangana delegation left for the US on Saturday morning from Hyderabad. It will be visiting US cities, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Boston, and New York.

KTR, as the minister is popularly known, has a packed agenda for this week-long trip and will be meeting the top management executives of several world-renowned companies in the US. He will explain to them the progressive policies of the state and the benefits of investing in industry-friendly Telangana.

“On my way to the United States for a work trip after 5 years. Lots of exciting meetings lined up on the west coast and east coast over the course of next week. Looking forward to some hectic activity & travel,” KTR tweeted.

Telangana IT and Industries Principal Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, Director Electronics Sujai Karampuri, Director Life Sciences Shakti Nagappan, Director Food Processing Akhil Gawar, Director Promotions Vijay Rangineni, Chief Relations Officer Amarnath Reddy were among the officials who were accompanying the minister.

After removal of Article 370, democracy reached grassroots in J&K: Shah

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After removal of Article 370, democracy reached grassroots in J&K: Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that it was this land (Jammu) where Syama Prasad Mukherjee and Pandit Prem Nath Dogra fought for total integration of J&K with the rest of the country.

“Our leader, Syama Prasad Mukherjee gave the supreme sacrifice to ensure that the country has only ‘Ek Pradhan, Ek Nishan, Ek Vidhan’ (One Prime Minister, one flag, and one Constitution).

Under Article 370, J&K’s elected head of government was called ‘Wazir-e-Azam’ (Prime Minister), the state had its own flag and a separate constitution.

Shah started his speech by bowing to Mata Vaishno Devi and by offering tributes to those who laid down their lives in the service of the country. He praised the services of that CRPF personnel who have earned awards by fighting for peace and unity in the country.

“Since 2014 after Narendra Modi took over as the Prime Minister, a lot has taken place in J&K. Democracy was brought to the grassroots level. Every village here has elected Panch and Sarpanch who have been empowered to work for the development at the village level.

“After removal of Article 370, women and weaker sections like the tribals have been ensured their rightful place. Rs 33,000 crore investment target had been made on the ground and for thus I congratulate Lt governor, Manoj Sinha.

“J&K has broken all records in road expansion whether these are highways, large or small roads in villages. Seven new medical colleges, 2 AIIMS have been established.

“Corruption is also being tackled effectively.

“Whenever the CRPF is called in to handle a difficult situation, people heave a sigh of relief knowing fully well that things would immediately be brought under control”, he said.

“This day in 1950, Sardar Patel, country’s home minister presented colors to this force.

“On October 21, 1959, when China attacked us at hot Springs, some CRPF jawans fought valiantly and stopped the aggressor. It is for this reason that police commemoration day is observed in every state on October 21.

“As the country’s Home Minister, I thank the jawans of the CRPF for ensuring that the people live peacefully in the country.

“Whenever elections are held in the country, the largest deployment of CRPF is made to ensure peaceful elections. CRPF rapid action force (RAF) has ensured to control riots in the shortest period of time. Before the RAF came into existence, these riots took a longer time to control.

“RAF has also trained local police forces to handle riots more professionally and the two have worked together since then.

“The Prime Minister has set a target of 5 trillion dollar economy and for this, the CRPF has a greater role to play by ensuring peace and tranquility”, Shah said.

He said recently orders have been passed that the CAPFs parades are held in different parts of the country so that these organizations get to interact and form a closer bond with the local people.

Before his address, Shah took a salute at the 83rd CRPF Raising Day parade at the Maulana Azad Stadium here. This is the first time that the Raising Day parade of the CRPF is being held anywhere outside the organization’s headquarters.

Smartly turned out contingents of various wings of the force marched before the podium, where Shah wearing a typical Dogra turban, took salute.

A large number of people including Dr. Jitendra Singh (MoS), PMO, Lt governor, Manoj Sinha, Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh high court Justice Pankaj Mithal, Union Home Secretary A.K. Bhalla, director, IB, Arvind Kumar, J&K chief secretary, Arun Kumar Mehta, Kuldeep Singh, DG, CRPF, Dilbag Singh, DGP, J&K, Pankaj Kumar Singh DG, BSF, and other senior civil and police officers attended the function.

In addition, a large number of school children and other civilians also attended the function.

YSRCP seeks probe into Mamata’s allegation against TDP

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YSRCP seeks probe into Mamata’s allegation against TDP

Andhra Pradesh’s ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Friday demanded a probe into West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s allegation that the previous TDP government in the state had purchased spyware from Pegasus.

YSRCP spokesman and MLA Ambati Rambabu said the true colors of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) were exposed after Banerjee spilled the beans on Pegasus software. He demanded the Central and state governments probe the matter.

Banerjee categorically stated that Chandrababu Naidu-led government was in possession of the software, Rambabu told the media here on Friday.

He said the West Bengal Chief Minister revealed in the Assembly that the Andhra government had Pegasus software during Naidu’s regime. Rambabu pointed out that she was neither a friend to the YSRCP nor an enemy to Naidu and in fact, they both were together as the Grand Alliance in the 2019 elections.

The MLA said though the YSRCP didn’t make any allegations on the TDP with regard to Pegasus software, the TDP was scared and reacted aggressively, raising doubts.

He said Naidu should condemn the statement of Mamata Banerjee and file a defamation suit against her. “If he doesn’t file the suit, this will amount to confessing that the TDP government purchased Pegasus software,” he said.

The MLA expressed doubt that Naidu might have bought spyware software through private entities rather than government institutions and alleged that he always indulged in unethical politics managing the institutions. He said the YSRCP had been saying that the TDP was tapping phones when it was in power and its proof has now come to light.

TDP General Secretary Nara Lokesh had said on Thursday that the TDP government had rejected the offer of Pegasus to sell its spyware to the state.

Lokesh, who was Minister for Information Technology in the TDP cabinet headed by his father Naidu, clarified that the TDP government did not purchase any spyware.

“Yes, Pegasus offered to sell its spyware to the AP government as well but we rejected it,” he had told reporters.

He was reacting to Banerjee’s purported claim that the Naidu government purchased the Pegasus spyware. “She was misinformed. If we had resorted to such things, Jagan Mohan Reddy would not have come to power in 2019,” he said.

BJP fields Agnimitra Paul from Asansol LS seat against Shatrughan Sinha

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BJP fields Agnimitra Paul from Asansol LS seat against Shatrughan Sinha

The BJP on Friday announced four candidates for the biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha from different states and for the by-polls for the Lok Sabha and the assemblies from West Bengal, Bihar, and Maharashtra. The BJP has fielded Agnimitra Paul for the Lok Sabha by-polls from Asansol in West Bengal against TMC candidate and former union minister Shatrughan Sinha. Paul is the MLA from Asansol South assembly constituency and general secretary of the West Bengal BJP.

The BJP has fielded Keya Ghosh from the Ballygunge assembly constituency for the by-polls against former union minister Babul Supriyo. For the Rajya Sabha biennial polls, the BJP has given tickets to Pabitra Margherita from Assam, Dr. Sikandra Kumar from Himachal Pradesh, S. Phangnon Konyak from Nagaland, and Dr. Manik Saha from Tripura.

In a statement, BJP national general secretary Arun Singh said, “The BJP Central Election Committee has approved the following names for biennial polls of Rajya Sabha.”

From the Bochahan assembly constituency in Bihar, the BJP has given the ticket to Baby Kumari for the by-polls. From the Kolhapur North assembly seat, the BJP has nominated Satyajit (Nana) Shivajirao Kadam as its party candidate.

Polling for the Rajya Sabha biennial polls will be held on March 31 and counting of votes will take place after the end of voting on the same day. Polling will be held on April 12 for one parliamentary constituency Asansol and one assembly constituency each in West Bengal (Ballygunge), Chhattisgarh (Khairagarh), Bihar (Bochahan), and Maharashtra (Kolhapur North), and counting of votes will take place on April 16.

Body of K’taka student killed in Ukraine to arrive on Sunday

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Body of K’taka student killed in Ukraine to arrive on Sunday

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday said that the body of Naveen Shekarappa Gyanagoudar will arrive at the Bengaluru international airport from Ukraine on Sunday.

Naveen, a student from Karnataka’s Haveri district, who was studying medicine in Ukraine, was killed during Russian shelling in the war-torn Kharkiv city on March 1.

Bommai said that his body will arrive at 3 a.m. The state government has given financial aid of Rs 25 lakh to the deceased’s family.

Naveen’s father, Shekarappa, who was comforted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his son’s demise, had requested the Prime Minister to safely bring back students stuck in Ukraine at the earliest, as they are assets to the country.

He had also raised concerns about the expensive medical education in India and the inability of meritorious students to secure medical seats within the country.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress and JD(S) have demanded to scrap the NEET entrance test alleging that it encourages tuition mafia in the country.

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