India moving towards electric mobility from internal combustion engine: NHEV

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India moving towards electric mobility from internal combustion engine: NHEV

India is actively inching towards electric mobility and is counting on battery swapping stations as one of the solutions to facilitate the switch from the internal combustion engine (ICE) based vehicles to electric vehicles, said Abhijeet Sinha, Project Director, National Highway for Electric Vehicle (NHEV), on Friday while talking about the commercial viability of battery swapping.

The NHEV Working Group on Friday discussed the recommendations for battery swapping units to be installed on NHEV prototype stations in Gurugram and Noida to see the techno-commercial viability, utilization, and breakeven tenure for their investors. The members decided on solutions of battery subscription and swapping to conclude realtime exchange and transaction of e2W and e3W batteries for EV users to ascertain their faith in transparency in the swap.

“This is our second prototype station constructed in a record 30 days time for Delhi-Jaipur E-Highway. Two more stations of the same size and scale will be installed in Noida within 60 days for Delhi-Agra E-Highway which will conclude the prototype modeling of E-hubs. 30 more E-Highway charging stations will be constructed within a record time of 90 days from their date of allocations to PSUs, private entities”, Abhijeet Sinha said.

He added that these charging stations are commercially and technically competing with petrol pumps now with 72 percent utilization and 36 month breakeven with increased capacity to charge 1,000 cars at this station and 576 cars at Sector 52 station. These simple prototypes have proved that e-highway stations of NHEV will be world-class and draw a strong commercial roadmap of E-mobility on Indian highways.

Working Group Chair V K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog congratulated the NHEV Working Group for commissioning two of India’s largest charging stations in Gurugram with a charging capacity of 1,000 cars in 24 hours and suggested that these stations should be planned in a way to dispense hydrogen to heavy vehicles in the near future.

Lauding the efforts of the NHEV team, Sudhendu J. Sinha, Adviser (Infrastructure, Connectivity – Transport and Electric Mobility), NITI Aayog, said: “NHEV has not only made a 30-day record of building largest station in size but also the most profitable station in the nation which shall include battery swapping and significant revenue amenities to compete with diesel “petrol pump earnings”.

World No 1 Barty withdraws from Indian Wells and Miami, aims for April return

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World No 1 Barty withdraws from Indian Wells and Miami, aims for April return

World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty has withdrawn from the upcoming WTA 1000 hard court events — BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, and the Miami Open, citing a need for ongoing recovery after winning the Australian Open.

Indian Wells begins next week and had she played there, it would have been Barty’s first appearance in California since 2019. On the other hand, the Miami Open, where the Australian ace is the two-time defending champion, begins on March 21.

“I wanted to share an update on my schedule for the coming months. Unfortunately my body has not recovered the way I’d hoped after the Australian Open and I have not been able to adequately prepare for Indian Wells and Miami. I don’t believe I am at the level necessary to win these events and as a result, I have decided to withdraw from both tournaments,” read a statement from Barty on WTA’s official website.

“I love these events and am sad not to be there competing but getting my body right must be my focus,” she added.

Barty’s withdrawal means that Indian Wells will be without both players who made the women’s final at the season’s first major as another Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins, the top-ranked American in the women’s rankings at No. 11, has also withdrawn from the tournament due to a continuing injury.

However, Barty is hopeful to be back to represent Australia at the Billie Jean King Cup qualifying event, which begins April 15. Australia is set to play a home tie against Slovakia.

“My aim is to represent my country at the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup event in April. After missing the BJK Cup last year I can’t wait to wear the green and gold again,” she said.

The 25-year old also sent her wishes to the countrymen, who have been affected by the devastating floods, and to tennis players of Ukraine.

“On a more important note, it has been a tough few weeks at home in Australia and around the world. I send all of my thoughts and best wishes to everyone in Queensland and New South Wales who have been affected by the devastating floods. To the people of Ukraine, especially my peers in the tennis family, we are all thinking of you and hope for peace,” she said.

Barty began her 2022 campaign by going undefeated in January, sweeping the singles and doubles titles at the Adelaide International and becoming the first Australian in more than 40 years to win the Australian Open, her third major title.

No harm in KCR-Soren meet but Cong cautious

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No harm in KCR-Soren meet but Cong cautious

The Congress on Friday said there is no harm in the KCR-Soren meeting scheduled to be held later in the day, but it is cautious as it was unaware of the said move despite being an ally in the Jharkhand government.

Avinash Pande, Congress General in Secretary Incharge of Jharkhand said: “There is no harm in the meeting as Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao has been with the UPA in the past and anybody who is trying to defeat the BJP is a good move, but there is writing on the wall that without Congress no government in the center could be formed.”

Ironically, despite Congress being a junior partner in the Hemant Soren-led government, it was not aware of the meeting. KCR is meeting non-BJP and non-Congress chief ministers to prepare for the 2024 elections.

On Thursday, the Telangana CM met BJP MP Subramanian Swamy (who has been taking on Modi on a lot issues of late) and farmer leader Rakesh Tikait in the national capital. The three leaders discussed the current political situation in the country, party sources said.

Chandrashekhar Rao has lately intensified his efforts to take on the ruling BJP at the Centre. He has been reaching out to regional leaders in different states as part of his plans to forge an anti-BJP alliance at the national level.

As part of his exercise to reach out to political leaders in other parts of the country, KCR had recently traveled to Mumbai where he met Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray. He had also met NCP chief Sharad Pawar on that occasion.

With the BJP trying to emerge as an alternative to the ruling TRS in Telangana, relations between the two have taken a turn for the worse over the last few months.

Russia-Ukraine war reaches nuclear sites, raises worldwide concern

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Russia-Ukraine war reaches nuclear sites, raises worldwide concern

The war in Ukraine has reached the nuclear sites with Russian troops making attempts to take over these plants. The attacks to take control of these nuclear sites have raised worldwide concern.

Ukraine has 15 nuclear power units (13.8 GW) at four nuclear power plants: Rivne, Khmelnitskiy, South Ukraine, and Zaporizhzhia, the largest one in Europe.

So far the Russian troops have taken over the closed nuclear power plant at Chernobyl and the active nuclear power plant Zaporizhzhia, situated on the banks of the Dnieper River, in the city of Enerhodar.

On Friday after intense fighting at Zaporizhzhia, Russia claimed that its troops have taken control of the nuclear power plant. The fighting caused a fire at the nuclear site which was eventually doused by the Ukrainian authorities.

The fire began after Russian shelling was extinguished and the radiation levels remain unchanged, though several units of the facility have been damaged.

Ukraine’s nuclear regulator said that Russian military forces seized the plant on Friday morning but the plant’s staff is continuing to ensure its operations.

Enerhodar Mayor Dmytro Orlov announced on his Telegram channel Friday morning: “The fire at the (nuclear plant) has indeed been extinguished.”

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the fire had not affected essential equipment and that Ukraine’s nuclear regulator reported no change in radiation levels.

In a tweet, the IAEA said, “Ukraine informed IAEA that Russian forces took control of the site of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant; says safety systems of the plant’s six reactors had not been affected and there has been no release of radioactive material. Two people reported injured.”

Ukraine’s nuclear power plants are operated by NNEGC Energoatom, the country’s nuclear power utility.

It was the second time since the war began and there are concerns about a nuclear accident or release of radioactive material.

The first time there were concerns was on February 24 when Russian troops took control of closed nuclear power site Chernobyl.

Ukraine had then informed the IAEA that Russian forces had taken control of all facilities of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Also on the same day control levels of gamma radiation dose rates in Chernobyl were exceeded.

On February 25, Ukraine’s State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate said that the rise in radiation levels was likely due to the “disturbance of the top layer of soil from the movement of a large number of heavy military machinery through the exclusion zone and increase of air pollution.” It added: “The condition of Chernobyl nuclear facilities and other facilities is unchanged.”

The Chernobyl nuclear power plant in northern Ukraine has been surrounded for more than three decades by a 2,600-square kilometer exclusion zone that keeps people out.

Chernobyl’s exclusion zone remains largely devoid of human life, 36 years after a flawed reactor design and a series of errors by its operators caused a major explosion at the plant.

On April 26, 1986, Chernobyl’s reactor number four melted down as a result of human error, releasing vast quantities of radioactive particles and gases into the surrounding landscape — 400 times more radioactivity into the environment than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

The facility’s three other reactors were all shut down by 2000 and it has since been decommissioned. It is located about 130 km north of Kyiv.

Ukraine is dependent on nuclear energy and it has 15 reactors generating about half of its electricity.

In Ukraine, nuclear energy development started in 1970 with the construction of the Chernobyl power plant, the first unit being commissioned in 1977. Unit 4 came online in 1983 and was destroyed in 1986.

Though the Ukrainian nuclear industry was closely involved with Russia for many years, it remained relatively stable during the changes that occurred when the country became independent from the former Soviet Union.

Ukraine receives most of its nuclear services and nuclear fuel from Russia but is reducing this dependence by buying fuel from Westinghouse.

Gautham Krishna admires Ranbir Kapoor’s acting skills

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Gautham Krishna admires Ranbir Kapoor’s acting skills

Actor Gautham Krishna who is set to make his Telugu film debut with the upcoming movie ‘Aakash Veedhullo’ draws acting inspirations from Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor.

He says: “When it comes to acting I admire Ranbir Kapoor a lot because more than dialogues he emotes through eyes and that is a wonderful quality of an actor. And I draw inspiration from every person. I observe people and their behavioural patterns and apply them to the character. It helps me to groom my acting skills and be organized and prepared to face the camera while shooting.”

The actor also feels the regional entertainment industry is growing and ringing in new opportunities.

He adds: “In the current scenario, the film industries have expanded a lot and every film is potentially a pan Indian film if it has the capability to cater relatability in story and emotions. I would like to explore in terms of characters and I don’t want to stick to a particular genre or style. I personally feel the regional entertainment industry is growing with new opportunities.”

Google halts all ad sales in Russia amid Ukraine invasion

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Google halts all ad sales in Russia amid Ukraine invasion

After blocking Russian media outlets, Google on Friday said it paused all ad sales in the country in response to the ongoing Ukraine invasion.

The move comes at a time when online advertising has become a key part of the information war between the Big Tech and Russia that is actively blocking any media that contradicts the official state narrative.

“In light of the extraordinary circumstances, we’re pausing Google ads in Russia. The situation is evolving quickly, and we will continue to share updates when it is appropriate,” a Google spokesperson told The Verge.

Google was recently criticized by Russian regulator Roskomnadzor for running ads about the war in Ukraine.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Roskomnadzor said ads on Google’s platforms were targeting Russian viewers and “aimed at creating a distorted perception of current events”. Roskomnadzor said the ads spread “false political information” and could incite protest.

Google earlier announced $15 million towards relief efforts in Ukraine. The aid includes $5 million from employee matching campaigns and $5 million in direct grants. The remaining $5 million is raised from advertising credits.

“The Russian invasion of Ukraine is both a tragedy and a humanitarian disaster in the making,” Kent Walker, President, Global Affairs at Google, wrote in a blog post.

Moreover, to curb the spread of misinformation and disrupt disinformation campaigns online, Google “blocked YouTube channels connected to Russia Today and Sputnik across Europe”.

Earlier Google had indefinitely paused the monetization of Russian state-funded media such as RT across its platforms.

Centre committed to completing Polavaram: Shekhawat

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Centre committed to completing Polavaram: Shekhawat

Union Jal Shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Friday inspected Polavaram project works and assured Andhra Pradesh that the Centre is firm in its commitment to complete the scheme by bearing its entire cost.

He, along with Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, visited the Polavaram site and inspected the works on various components of the project, which has been declared as a national project by the Centre.

Addressing meetings in resettlement colonies in East Godavari and West Godavari districts, he said they were taking all steps to ensure that the first phase of the project is completed in a span of one year.

Shekhawat assured people that the Narendra Modi government will complete the project by bearing the entire cost as promised in Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

He assured the state government that the Centre would provide whatever assistance the state required will stand by the government unless the project was completed in all manners.

He also assured displaced people that their rehabilitation and resettlement are the responsibility of both the central and state governments.

He recalled that the project was first proposed in the 1970s, and the work progressed when Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy was the chief minister of combined Andhra Pradesh but unfortunately even after 40-50 years the project could not be completed.

The central minister said the chief minister during his recent meeting with the Prime Minister discussed everything about Polavaram for its early completion.

He said that justice will be done to the families displaced by the project by accommodating them in resettlement colonies.

Shekhawat, along with the chief minister, visited Polavaram resettlement colonies including Indukuru in East Godavari district and Taduvai in West Godavari district.

They interacted with the relocated families and directed the R&R officials to pay more attention to rehabilitation works. Addressing the gathering, the chief minister said that Polavaram is a lifeline for Andhra Pradesh. He said with the completion of the project the state would become more fertile and prosperous.

Jagan Mohan Reddy said that the state government is committed to the promise made to the displaced families. The state government will provide Rs 3 lakh to each family in addition to Rs 6.8 lakh being provided by the Centre. He assured people that this promise will be fulfilled at the earliest.

He also promised to provide Rs 3.5 lakh to those families who initially gave their lands for Rs 1.5 lakh in 2006 during the YS Rajashekar Reddy regime. Besides these, he stated that livelihood training and employment programs will also be taken up in the R&R colonies to improve employment opportunities.

Shekhawat expressed satisfaction over the development of resettlement colonies and advised officials to focus more on quality. He called for providing livelihood opportunities and training in R&R colonies.

He said that the authorities have to be considerate in providing facilities to the displaced families until they get settled in the new place.

Speaking at Taduvai R&R colony in West Godavari district, Jagan Mohan Reddy said that the construction of 3,905 houses in the colony is going on full swing and soon every displaced family that contributed towards the Polavaram project will receive a house with all basic infrastructure facilities. He said that livelihood training programs will also be conducted in the R&R colonies taking support from the Centre.

The central minister and the chief minister visited the spillway, cofferdam, powerhouse, and Earth-cum-Rock Fill (ECRF) dam.

Shekhawat took stock of the progress of the project and funds were released with the Polavaram Project Authority (PPA) comprising officials from the Jal Shakti ministry and state irrigation department.

The state government reportedly urged the union minister to give final clearance for the Revised Cost Estimates (RCE) to the tune of Rs 47,725 crore. The Centre kept the RCE pending for three years resulting in a delay in the completion of the works.

The state government is keen to complete the project by June 2023 and has been urging the Centre to keep releasing the required funds.

Antibody therapies, vax blunted by all three Omicron subvariants: Study

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Antibody therapies, vax blunted by all three Omicron subvariants: Study

The effectiveness of mRNA vaccines and antibody therapy is reduced against all three subvariants of Omicron, according to new research.

The study by scientists at Columbia University and the University of Hong Kong showed that only one currently authorized antibody treatment retains its activity against all Omicron subvariants.

Omicron is a highly transmissible variant of SARS-CoV-2 that has caused the biggest surge in Covid cases so far in many countries.

Researchers have identified three subvariants of Omicron that share 21 mutations in the spike protein and named them BA.1, BA.1.1, and BA.2.

The findings, published in the journal Nature, showed that in neutralization experiments, all three variants exhibited strong resistance to most of the monoclonal antibodies tested.

Of 19 antibodies, 17 were ineffective against the BA.2 subvariant. The researchers found that bebtelovimab, the latest monoclonal antibody to receive FDA Emergency Use Authorisation, is the only currently available antibody therapy that can adequately treat all three Omicron subvariants.

“The emergence of new variants is narrowing our treatment options and challenging the effectiveness of our current vaccines,” said David D. Ho, Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

“It is critical that we don’t relax prematurely and continue to devise novel strategies to contain this ever-evolving pathogen,” he added.

In laboratory experiments, the team studied the ability of 19 monoclonal antibodies and the sera from individuals immunized with one of two available mRNA vaccines to neutralize the three known subvariants of Omicron.

The researchers observed a loss of neutralization activity against BA.1.1 and BA.2 in blood samples from individuals who had received two mRNA shots.

However, the decline in neutralization was less prominent in blood samples from individuals who had received three mRNA shots, reinforcing the importance of booster shots for sustaining immunity.

When Omicron was first identified in November 2021, the dominant variant was BA.1.

Since December, BA.1 cases have declined, while BA1.1 cases have risen and now make up around 40 percent of all Omicron cases sequenced globally. The BA.2 subvariant currently represents only 10 percent of all Omicron cases globally but is increasing in prevalence.

Movie buffs slay goat to celebrate ‘Bheemla Nayak’ release, face PETA India ire

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Movie buffs slay goat to celebrate ‘Bheemla Nayak’ release, face PETA India ire

Chittoor (Andhra Pradesh) Even as Telugu film star Pawan Kalyan’s latest cinematic outing ‘Bheemla Nayak’ is setting the box-office on fire, some of his diehard fans are facing the heat from animal rights group People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India.

After learning that a group of young men allegedly sacrificed a goat to celebrate the release of ‘Bheemla Nayak’, PETA India worked with senior police officials in Chittoor district to register a first information report (FIR).

The goat was sacrificed at CSN movie theatre, Pileru, Bodumalluvaripalle in Chittoor. The cruel incident caught on video, shows people posing for photos and videos while standing in front of the frightened goat. The video then shows the goat, fully conscious, being beheaded with a sword and the slaughter taking place in full public view. The video also shows a man collecting the blood of the sacrificed goat with his bare hands and smearing it on the movie poster.

The FIR has been registered under Section 6 of the Andhra Pradesh Animals and Birds Sacrifice Prohibition Act, 1950, Sections 34 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, Section 25(1)(A) of the Arms Act, 1959, and Section 11(1)(a) of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960.

“PETA India commends the Chittoor police for taking steps to send the message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated,” said PETA India emergency response team associate manager, Meet Ashar. “Just as human sacrifice is now treated as murder, at a time when India is embarking on space missions, the archaic practice of animal sacrifice must end. PETA India also recommends that these men undergo psychiatric evaluation and receive counseling, as abusing animals indicates deep mental disturbance.”

In its complaint, PETA India pointed out that Section 5(b) of the Andhra Pradesh Animals and Birds Sacrifices Prohibition Act, 1950, clearly states that no person shall knowingly allow any sacrifice to be performed at any place that is in their possession or under their control. Section 4 prohibits anyone from officiating, performing, serving, assisting, or participating in sacrificing an animal in any congregation. Section 6 prescribes the penalties, and Section 8 makes all offenses under the Act cognizable.

The Supreme Court has ruled that animals can be slaughtered only in officially licensed slaughterhouses and that municipal authorities must ensure compliance with this ruling. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001, and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, permit the slaughter of animals for food only in licensed slaughterhouses equipped with species-specific stunning equipment.

Gujarat, Kerala, Puducherry, and Rajasthan already have laws in place prohibiting the religious sacrifice of any animal in any temple or its precinct. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana prohibit it in any place of public religious worship or adoration or its precinct or in any congregation or procession connected with religious worship on a public street.

1st Test: Pant, Vihari fifties power India to a formidable 357/6 against Sri Lanka

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1st Test: Pant, Vihari fifties power India to a formidable 357/6 against Sri Lanka

Half-centuries hit in contrasting styles by Rishabh Pant (96 off 97 balls) and Hanuma Vihari (58 off 128 balls) powered India to a formidable 357/6 against Sri Lanka on day one of the opening Test at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium on Friday.

It was a day where all the Indian batters got starts after Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first, but could not translate into big scores, except Pant and Vihari. Sri Lanka stopped Virat Kohli from reaching a fifty in his landmark 100th Test but couldn’t stop Vihari and Pant from making a big impact with the bat.

Their bowling attack, which had three seamers and one specialist spinner, was in complete contrast to the three spinners and two pacers picked by India on a pitch that had grass all over except the full-length area.

India was quick in racing to 62/1 at the end of the first hour in a totally dominant show by the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal. The duo made the most of the wayward line and length from Sri Lanka bowlers, who struggled with keeping the run-flow and no-balls in check.

But Sharma fell while trying to pull off Lahiru Kumara to fine leg, falling yet again while trying to unfurl his favorite shot after doing so twice in the over. Vihari, coming in at number three for the first time in Tests, began well with delightful shots on both sides of the wicket.

Vihari continued to grow comfortable at number three while seeing Agarwal prod forward and be beaten on the inner edge off Lasith Embuldeniya. Kohli entered the crease with loud cheers and didn’t disappoint fans as he presented full face of the bat for a glorious straight drive off Vishwa Fernando.

Post-lunch, Vihari gently drove a full toss from Embuldeniya down the ground. He and Kohli slammed boundaries and looked at ease to bring up the fifty of the partnership for the third wicket. Vihari reached his fifty in 93 balls with a single through fine leg. Kohli, with his 38th run, brought up his 8000th run in Test cricket with a neat single through point. It made Kohli the second player after Australia’s Ricky Ponting to reach 8000 runs in the 100th Test.

The 90-run partnership between Vihari and Kohli came to an end as Embuldeniya got the latter out for 45. The left-arm spinner got a fuller ball to turn just a little bit past Kohli’s outer edge, trying to defend on back-foot, to hit the top of off-stump. Three overs later, Vihari aimed to drive away from the body but chopped onto his stumps off Fernando.

Losing two wickets in quick succession pushed India on the back-foot. But Pant, promoted to five in order to counter Embuldeniya, walloped the left-arm spinner over long-on and added a 53-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer to take India out of a tricky situation. Sri Lanka’s troubles increased when Kumara walked off the field without completing his over.

But part-time off-spinner Dhananjaya de Silva separated the duo by getting one to spin back in from around the wicket and beat Iyer’s inside edge to trap him plumb lbw in front of stumps.

Pant then got support from Ravindra Jadeja, who stole boundaries off de Silva and Embuldeniya. The left-hander was unafraid to play the waiting game while showing signs of aggression to get boundaries in order to reach his fifty in 73 balls.

From there, Pant shifted gears in blazing fashion, dancing down the pitch and lofting twice over long-on and deep mid-wicket for back-to-back sixes. Pant then cut Embuldeniya twice through cover and point to take 22 runs off the over.

De Silva also came under attack from Pant, who served him over the bowler’s head for four followed by a loft down the ground for six. Pant further took de Silva to cleaners with successive fours through deep mid-wicket and down the ground.

Sri Lanka got a much-needed breakthrough soon after taking the second new ball as Pant fell short of his century by just four runs. Pant, who made 46 in his last 22 balls, tried to defend on the backfoot with no footwork off Suranga Lakmal but the ball went through the gate to clip the off-stump bail. Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin slammed five fours to maintain India’s comfortable hold on day one. At stumps, Jadeja was batting on 45 and Ashwin on 10.

Brief scores: India 357/6 in 85 overs (Rishabh Pant 96, Hanuma Vihari 58; Lasith Embuldeniya 2/107, Dhananjaya de Silva 1/47) against Sri Lanka.

Google tests darker ‘dark mode’ for its Android app

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Google tests darker ‘dark mode’ for its Android app

Tech giant Google is testing a darker dark mode for its Android search app, media reports say.

The new shade still is not the same as the one presented in Google’s test of a pitch-black dark mode on desktops last month, reports The Verge.

Rather, the one spot in the mobile app is darker than the usual dark gray but still lighter than pitch black.

The new dark mode in Google’s mobile app could be more attractive for devices with OLED displays looking to save battery life, or who just prefer to use dark mode more, the report said.

Android Police said that the new shade is available Google’s latest 13.8 beta in the Google Play Store which you can get via APKMirror, an archive that allows Android users to download items not readily available on their device, or go the official route by joining the beta test group.

After Google confirmed that it was testing dark mode on desktops last year, the company confirmed a wide rollout of dark mode for Google Search in February for its desktop users, the report said.

Though users can access the app’s new color shade on their own, a wider release could take months to get to more people officially.

Modi speaks to Nitish Kumar on Bhagalpur blast, condoles loss of lives

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Modi speaks to Nitish Kumar on Bhagalpur blast, condoles loss of lives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on the Bhagalpur blast and said that the administration has been engaged in relief and rescue operation.

Taking to Twitter, he expressed grief at the deaths in the incident saying: “The news of the loss of life due to an explosion in Bihar’s Bhagalpur is painful. I wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

All possible assistance is being provided to the victims by the state administration, PM Modi said.

At least four people were killed and seven others injured in a powerful explosion at a building in Kajvalichak area under Tatarpur police station of Bhagalpur district late on March 3 night.

The injured were rushed to the local Mayaganj hospital.

According to district officials, the blast took place during the making of illegal firecrackers which turned the three stories into rubble and damaged the adjoining buildings. The debris is being removed with the help of a JCB machine.

The Bihar government has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Salman, Katrina-starrer ‘Tiger 3’ to release on April 21, 2023

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Salman, Katrina-starrer ‘Tiger 3’ to release on April 21, 2023

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s much-awaited spy thriller ‘Tiger 3’ has been locked for an Eid release. It is scheduled to hit the big screens on April 21, 2023.

The film will be released in three languages — Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

A tweet from the official Twitter handle of Yash Raj Films read: “Tiger. Ready. To. Roar. Again. In cinemas on Eid 2023. Releasing in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Celebrate #Tiger3 with #YRF50 only at a big screen near you on 21st April 2023.”

‘Tiger 3’ is the third installment in the ‘Tiger’ franchise directed by Maneesh Sharma. It also stars Katrina Kaif.

The first installment ‘Ek Tha Tiger directed by Kabir Khan released in 2012. The second ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ was released in 2017 and was directed by Ali Abbas Zafar.

Moon casts early vote for S.Korean prez election

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Moon casts early vote for S.Korean prez election

South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday cast his ballot as the country began the two-day early voting for the March 9 presidential election.

Wearing a face mask and disposable gloves, Moon and First Lady Kim Jung-sook voted at a polling booth inside the Samcheong-dong community service center near Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Earlier in the day, Moon encouraged people to cast their ballots, saying that “as the sovereign of a democratic republic, I hope all people will participate in exercising sacred voting rights”.

Ruling Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung and main opposition People Power Party’s Yoon Suk-yeol have also cast their ballots.

The presidential election comes as the nation is grappling with the worst wave of Covid-19 pandemic, driven by the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

Early voting is open to anyone who wishes to cast their ballot before Election Day.

Moon said those infected with the virus can also cast their ballots.

Polling stations open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Covid-19 patients and those in quarantine will be able to vote if they arrive at a polling station between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday.

More than 44 million people are eligible to vote in this year’s election.

This year’s presidential election is being held concurrently with by-elections for five parliamentary seats.

Varalaxmi Sarathkumar’s flamboyant first look unveiled by Kiccha Sudeep

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Varalaxmi Sarathkumar’s flamboyant first look unveiled by Kiccha Sudeep

Kannada star Kiccha Sudeep, earlier on Friday, launched the first look poster featuring actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar from Telugu’s upcoming movie ‘HANU-MAN’.

Varalxmi, who is all dolled up in a South Indian bridal attire, looks flamboyant. What appears like a high-octane action sequence, has the bride participate in a fight, in her bridal attire itself.

With a bunch of coconuts in her hands, ‘Anjamma’ (her role in HANU-MAN) has a fierce expression on her face and appears like she is ready to charge on her opponents.

‘HANU-MAN’ is Prasanth Varma’s directorial, starring Teja Sajja in the lead role. The much-anticipated upcoming movie is currently in the last leg of shooting and post-production works are also happening simultaneously.’HANU-MAN’ is expected to be high on VFX and this magnum opus, like every other superhero film, will have unbelievable stunt sequences, as per the makers.

Amritha Aiyer is playing the female lead, while popular production house Primeshow Entertainment is producing the movie on a grand scale and big stars and top-grade technicians are associated.

K Niranjan Reddy is producing the movie, while Smt Chaitanya presenting it. Asrin Reddy is the executive producer, Venkat Kumar Jetty is the Line Producer while Kushal Reddy is the associate producer.

Dasaradhi Shivendra is in charge of the Cinematography department, while four young and talented composers- Anudeep Dev, Hari Gowra, Jay Krish, and Krishna Saurabh are providing soundtracks for the film.

Meta commits $15 mn for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine

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Meta commits $15 mn for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine

Meta has pledged $15 million to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and neighboring countries amid the Russian invasion.

This includes $5 million in direct donations to United Nations agencies and more than a dozen nonprofits, including International Medical Corps that will be using these funds to deploy mobile medical units to Ukraine and Internews to support at-risk journalists and human rights defenders in the region.

“We’re also donating to UNICEF to scale up lifesaving support for children and families in Ukraine and the region. The remaining $10 million will be provided as ad credits, helping nonprofit organisations raise the funds they need to respond and deliver essential information to people impacted by the violence,” Meta said in a statement late on Thursday.

The social network has established a special operations centre staffed by experts from across the company, including native Russian and Ukrainian speakers, who are monitoring the platform around the clock.

“We’ve added several safety features in Ukraine and Russia, including the ability for people to lock their Facebook profile, removing the ability to view and search friends lists, and additional tools on Messenger,” said Meta.

Meta has also expanded a ban on Russian state media outlets RT and Sputnik on Facebook and Instagram globally to stop the flow of misinformation as Russian forces make deeper inroads into Ukraine.

In addition to restricting access to RT and Sputnik across the European Union, the company announced to “globally demote content from Facebook Pages and Instagram accounts from Russian state-controlled media outlets and make them harder to find across our platforms”.

1st Test: Dravid leads felicitation of Kohli on reaching 100-Test landmark

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1st Test: Dravid leads felicitation of Kohli on reaching 100-Test landmark

India head coach Rahul Dravid led the felicitation of senior batter Virat Kohli on reaching the landmark of 100 Tests ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium on Friday. Kohli has become the 12th Indian and 71st cricketer overall to achieve the landmark.

From an Indian perspective, Kohli joins an elite list featuring Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, and Ishant Sharma to play 100 Tests for the country.

“It’s a testament to everything. Your skill, desire, determination, focus, you had it all. You have had a great journey of class and excellence. You should be proud of not only playing the 100th Test match but also of this great journey that you have to navigate. Congratulations to you and your family on this fantastic achievement. It’s well deserved, it’s well earned. As we say in the dressing room, double it up,” said Dravid before felicitating Kohli with a special Test cap with the entire Indian team lined up.

After receiving the special cap, Kohli said, “Thanks Rahul Bhai, it is indeed a special moment for me. My wife (Anushka Sharma) is here, my brother is here in the stadium. All my family members, my coach from childhood, all are very proud. To all my teammates, thank you so much for your support over the years.

“It is indeed a team game and this journey couldn’t have been possible without all of you. To the BCCI to give me the opportunity to represent Indian cricket and from thereon, everything has gone from strength to strength.”

Kohli then spoke about how proud he is of achieving excellence in the longest format of the game. “The only thing I would say is in this day and age, with the amount of cricket we play — the three formats and the IPL, the only takeaway the next generation can take from my Test career is that I was able to strive through and play the purest format of the game and get to 100 Tests which is something I’m proud of.”

Kohli recalled an instance of him taking a picture with Dravid as a teenager and connected it with now receiving his 100th Test cap from him. “I couldn’t have received it from a better person (Rahul Dravid), one of my childhood heroes. I still have the picture in my house from my U-15 NCA days, when I was looking at you while getting a picture with you! Today, I get my 100th Test cap from you, so indeed it has been a great journey and one that continues to grow hopefully.”

Kohli made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2011, making just 4 and 15. But the low-key debut paved the path for achieving 7962 runs in 99 matches at an average of 50.39, including seven double centuries. For Kohli’s 100th Test match, a 50 per cent crowd has been allowed inside the stadium, giving fans a good chance to see him in action as India won the toss and elected to bat first.

Late goal sees Betis into Copa del Rey final against Valencia

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Late goal sees Betis into Copa del Rey final against Valencia

An injury-time goal by Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias gave his side a 1-1 tie against Rayo Vallecano in their Copa del Rey semifinal second leg, securing Betis a 3-2 aggregate win and a place in the final of the Copa del Rey against Valencia.

Betis went into the game as clear favorites to qualify for the final after their 2-1 win at the Vallecas in the first leg, coupled with the fact that Rayo has the worst away record in La Liga, but the first half certainly didn’t confirm those expectations as both sides swapped attacks in an open game.

Despite the open game and the fast, high-energy football, goalscoring chances were in short supply, with Luca Zidane’s save to frustrate Juanmi’s header the only shot on target, although the Rayo keeper had to be attentive after Alex Moreno’s deflected cross after the Betis left-back had raced into the Rayo area, Xinhua reports.

The second half began with Rayo’s Sergi Guardiola setting up Pape Ciss to volley over at one end before at the other end the impressive William Carvalho saw Ciss deflect his 25-meter shot just wide.

As the second half progressed, Rayo began to tire and their need for a goal saw them commit more players forward and Betis began to find spaces on the break.

Just as it looked as if the game was Betis’ for the taking, Rayo substitute Bebe leveled the aggregate score with a spectacular 30-metre free-kick before Iglesias scored the decisive goal for Betis to send the home fans into ecstasy.

MP gram panchayats to decide ‘Gaurav Diwas’ celebration date by April 15

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MP gram panchayats to decide ‘Gaurav Diwas’ celebration date by April 15

Madhya Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has set a deadline for all gram panchayats in the state to decide a particular date to celebrate ‘Gaurav Diwas’ of villages by April 15.

The Chief Minister has asked panchayat representatives to ensure that each village in the state celebrates its birthday by the year-end.

Gram panchayats’ representatives have been asked to organize a meeting with all the people of the village and decide on a three-day program and send it to the CM’s office. Three days programs will consist of various activities for all age groups like sports activities, cultural programs, etc. Also, the gram panchayats have been asked to prepare a roadmap for the development of the villages.

The Chief Minister asserted that there should be a dual roadmap of the development of villages, one – using government funds, second – through the collective efforts of people of villages. “Villages can’t be developed without involving people. Try to understand the vision behind this proposal. If we could do this, we would set up a unique example in the country. The initiative will also set the path of economic and social growth of villages,” Chouhan said.

As per the plan, the elected representatives of villages (panch and sarpanch) and the villagers will decide on a particular day to celebrate their birthday. The panchayats will decide a particular date, with its unique identification, coinciding with any ritual, traditional, or historical value of their villages.

The gram-panchayat will hold a meeting with residents of the village and prepare a comprehensive plan for the celebration. All the people who belong to a particular village but are living in other districts, states, or countries will be invited to the event. For instance, the Khandwa district administration has decided to celebrate Gorav Diwas on the occasion of legendary singer and actor Kishore Kumar on August 4. Khandwa is the birthplace of Kumar.

It is mandatory for all gram panchayats to organise programs and the details regarding the event will be uploaded in the government-run Panchayat Darparn portal. “If Madhya Pradesh is the body, 55,000 villages in the states are its heartbeats. It would not only give villages their unique identification but people living far from villages will be able to reconnect with their birthplaces,” Chouhan said.

A proposal for celebrating the birthday of “Gram Gaurav Diwas” was announced by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on January 28 asserting that people living far from their villages, who have expertise in different sectors will gather under one roof and contribute to setting the path of development of their village.

Netflix to launch first interactive daily quiz show on April 1

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Netflix to launch first interactive daily quiz show on April 1

Streaming giant Netflix is reportedly launching its first interactive daily quiz show — Trivia Quest — on April 1.

The Trivia Crack-inspired series will present 24 multiple-choice questions around topics like art and science while weaving a narrative into the experience, reports Engadget.

Users are meant to help the hero Willy save the people of Trivia Land from a villain bent on hoarding knowledge — contrived, maybe, but it is more than pure competition.

Trivia Quest does not offer any real-world prizes, but users can replay an episode to earn more points and make progress toward a “definitive ending”.

The title will be available on all devices that support interactive Netflix material, including most modern browsers, mobile devices, smart TVs, and streaming hardware.

The company is quick to bill Trivia Quest as an “experiment”, and hasn’t committed to more shows like it, the report said.

With that said, it would not be shocking if there were similarly ambitious interactive shows in the future, it added.

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