"UPA Left Shattered Economy": Union Minister On Morgan Stanley Report

Morgan Stanley's report on how India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed and gained a position in the world order in less than a decade is the "best and sharpest indictment" of the Congress-led UPA's "lost decade between 2004 and 2014", Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said on Wednesday.

Speaking to PTI, he said the report reminds Indians how the Congress-led UPA had in 2014 left "a shattered economy". Nine years later, India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world with record FDI, the minister said.

"This report that says how India is transformed in less than a decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in my opinion the best and sharpest indictment of the UPA's lost decade between 2004 and 2014," he said.

In the report, Morgan Stanley said significant scepticism about India, particularly with overseas investors, ignores the significant changes that have taken place in India, especially since 2014.

Rejecting criticism that India has not delivered its potential (despite it being the second-fastest-growing economy and among the top-performing stock markets over the past 25 years) and that equity valuations are too rich, saying such a view ignores the systematic reforms in the last nine years.

Chandrasekhar said, "The report goes into details and it reminds Indians that how in 2014 the Congress' UPA had left a shattered economy, almost 14 quarters of runaway inflation, 12 quarters of decline in economy and industrial production, investors running away from the country, a broken financial sector that was characterised by crony corrupt lending by banks, and international big investors like Telenor, Nokia running away from India." "That was the situation in 2014 that this report has rightfully captured," he told PTI.

The Union minister said India has come through the Covid pandemic, one of the "most disruptive times" in the history of the world, and emerged as a stronger nation that has earned "all the respect of the world".

"Whether it is the formalisation of the economy, tax rates that are comparative with the world, and infrastructure... We have become the largest infrastructure in the world today.

"We are the fastest growing innovation economy in the world. We are becoming a technology power in the world... Most importantly, from the eleventh largest economy in the world, we have become the fifth in a short span of nine years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he added.

Chandrasekhar said the report indicates that Prime Minister Modi has not only been working for the growth of the nation but he has expanded the economy and brought stability and security.

"He has created good governance despite the fact that in 2014 the UPA and the Congress government had left a total mess for Prime Minister Modi ji to inherit," he added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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EU, US To Ready AI Code Of Conduct "Within Weeks"

The European Union and United States said Wednesday they expect to draft a voluntary code of conduct on artificial intelligence "within weeks" with the hope that fellow democracies will sign on.

After talks with EU officials in Sweden, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the Western partners felt the "fierce urgency" to act following the emergence of the technology, in which China has been a growing force.

The voluntary code "would be open to all like-minded countries," Mr Blinken told reporters.

"There's almost always a gap when new technologies emerge," Anotony Blinken said, with "the time it takes for governments and institutions to figure out how to legislate or regulate."

European Commission Vice President Margrethe Vestager added that a draft would be put forward "within weeks."

"We think it's really important that citizens can see that democracies can deliver," she said.

She voiced hope "to do that in the broadest possible circle -- with our friends in Canada, in the UK, in Japan, in India, bringing as many onboard as possible."

Sam Altman, whose firm OpenAI created the popular AI-driven ChatGPT bot, took part in the talks of the Trade and Technology Council between the EU and the United States, this year hosted in the northern Swedish city of Lulea.

The forum was set up in 2021 to ease trade friction after the turbulent presidency of Donald Trump but has since set its sights largely on artificial intelligence.

In a joint statement, the two sides called AI a "transformative technology with great promise for our people, offering opportunities to increase prosperity and equity."

"But in order to seize the opportunities it presents, we must mitigate its risks," it said.

"The European Union and the United States reaffirm their commitment to a risk-based approach to AI to advance trustworthy and responsible AI technologies."

It said that experts from the two sides would work on "cooperation on AI standards and tools for trustworthy AI and risk management."

The EU has been moving forward on the world's first regulations on AI which would ban biometric surveillance and ensure human control, although the rules would not enter into force before 2025 at the earliest.

China has also discussed regulations but Western powers fear that Beijing, with its growing prowess in the field and willingness to export to fellow authoritarian countries, could set global standards without Western unity.

The United States has made no serious effort to regulate AI despite rising calls, including by some in the tech industry.

Technology leaders, including Mr Altman, in a joint statement Tuesday warned that AI put the world at risk without regulation.

"Mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war," they wrote.

ChatGPT burst into the spotlight late last year as it demonstrated an ability to generate essays, poems and conversations through minimal input.

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After Rs 500 Cooking Gas, Ashok Gehlot's Big Relief On Power Bills

The Congress has tweaked its free electricity promise -- which was hugely successful in Karnataka -- for Rajasthan, which will have its assembly election by the end of this year. Free electricity up to 100 units and fixed rate for the next 100 was Ashok Gehlot government's announcement this evening, which, the Chief Minister said, is based on public feedback.  

"After observing inflation relief camps and talking to the public, there was feedback that there should be a slight change in the slab-wise exemption in electricity bills. Feedback was also received from the public regarding the fuel surcharge in the electricity bills in the month of May, on the basis of which a big decision has been taken," reads a rough translation of Mr Gehlot's tweet in Hindi.

महंगाई राहत शिविरों के अवलोकन व जनता से बात करने पर फीडबैक आया कि बिजली बिलों में मिलने वाली स्लैबवार छूट में थोड़ा बदलाव किया जाए.

- मई महीने में बिजली बिलों में आए फ्यूल सरचार्ज को लेकर भी जनता से फीडबैक मिला जिसके आधार पर बड़ा फैसला किया है.
-
- 100 यूनिट प्रतिमाह तक बिजली… pic.twitter.com/z27tJRuyaf

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) May 31, 2023

The huge late evening announcement came on a day Prime Minister Narendra Modi practically launched the party's campaign from Ajmer with a sharp attack on the state Congress, accusing it of  corruption and factionalism.

This is the Congress's first big ticket announcement since January, when Mr Gehlot had promised huge subsidies on cooking gas. The prices were slashed by more than half to provide 12 cylinders a year at Rs 500 each.

Last year, the government had launched a mega health insurance scheme, which offers free medical facilities up to Rs 25 lakh at government hospitals. The minimum monthly pension has also been increased to Rs 1,000 under the social security scheme.

Ahead of the Karnataka assembly election, the Congress had taken a leaf out of Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party's book. The promise of free water and electricity, which had paid huge electoral dividends to AAP in Delhi and Punjab, worked for the Congress in Karnataka too.

But reports say the tardiness in implementation is causing hiccups for the Siddaramaiah government. Over the last weeks, farmers in several pockets have refused to pay power bills, insisting that the discom agents collect it from the state government.

The state BJP, which is still smarting over its defeat, is gleeful over the ruling party's predicament. BJP MP Pratap Simha has urged people not to pay electricity bills from June 1 if their consumption is below 200 units.

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Video Of MS Dhoni Strapping His Knee During IPL 2023 Goes Viral. Watch

For MS Dhoni, the IPL 2023 was a special one in many ways. From the start of the edition, one man who was showered with all the adulation at every venue was MS Dhoni. Wherever Chennai Super Kings played, be it at home in Chennai or in away matches, Dhoni had the crowd backing him. Ultimately, Dhoni's CSK lifted the IPL title by defeating Gujarat Titans in the final in Ahmedabad. After the final, Dhoni even mentioned that he will try and play one more IPL season, but added that it would also require huge physical effort from his side. 

Dhoni will be seeking expert opinion from sports orthopedics in Mumbai on the state of his dodgy left knee before taking a call on his treatment, CEO Kasi Viswanathan said on Wednesday. Now, a video has gone viral on social media where it can be seen that Dhoni is strapping his knee. 

MS Dhoni came to bat even with this injured knee

His commitment towards the game pic.twitter.com/9AL8BQGvf5

— (@balltamperrer) May 31, 2023

Dhoni had played the entire IPL season with a heavily strapped left knee and although he looked absolutely okay while keeping, more often than not batted as late as No.8 and didn't look swift while running between the wickets.

"Yes, it is true that Dhoni will be taking medical advice for his left knee injury and accordingly decide. If surgery is advised, it can only be ascertained after reports come out, it will be completely his call," Viswanathan told PTI.

Is there a possibility that Dhoni will decide against playing next season and thus free up a purse of Rs 15 crore for the mini auction, the CEO replied: "Frankly, we are not even thinking on those lines as we haven't reached that stage.

"It will be completely Dhoni's call. But I can tell you in CSK, we haven't entertained those thoughts," Viswanathan said.

With PTI inputs

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"Not Possible To Compromise On Corruption": Congress Leader Sachin Pilot

Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Wednesday said that he will not compromise on the issue of corruption and with the future of youth adding that the state government must take action in this regard.

While addressing the media in Tonk, Sachin Pilot said, "It is not possible for me to make any kind of compromise on corruption and with the future of the youth. I made a promise to the youth in my meeting in Jaipur on May 15 and what I had said at that time, I have put in front of the party leaders in Delhi and now everything is in the notice of the top leaders of the party."

He further mentioned that an investigation should also begin which should examine the corruption of the previous state government led by Vasundhara Raje and stated that changes should be brought in the functioning of Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC).

"The corruption and loot that took place during the tenure of the previous Vasundhara government should be effectively investigated, while the youth who were wronged should also get justice. Radical changes should be brought in RPSC also. I am waiting for the state government to take action on all these," Pilot said.

Sachin Pilot also pointed out that he has done nothing wrong by putting the grievances of the youth in front of top Congress leaders in Delhi as the party has suggested on multiple occasions that it stands against corruption.

"Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also reiterated many times that our party is against corruption and works on the policy of zero tolerance, as well as our party will not tolerate any atrocities against the youth So there is nothing wrong in what I said," he said.

Earlier on Monday Congress High Command summoned Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot for separate meetings with party president Mallikarjuna Kharge in view of the political tussle in Rajasthan.

After a meeting with Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot Congress projected a united front saying that the two leaders will fight together against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming elections.

In this regard, KC Venugopal said, "We have decided to fight elections unitedly. Definitely, we will win the elections in Rajasthan. Both Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot have unanimously agreed with the proposal."

Earlier Mr Pilot had launched a 5-day Jan Sangharsh Yatra' to protest against the inaction of the Rajasthan government in the alleged corruption cases during the previous Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government in the State.

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Telangana Chief Minister KCR Inaugurates 'Brahmin Sadan'

Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Wednesday formally inaugurated Telangana Brahmin Sadan built for the welfare of the Brahmin community.

KCR participated in Chandiyagam, Sudarshanayagam and Vastupuja programmes on the premises of the building, an official release said.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the state government allocated Rs 100 crore funds to 'Brahman Parishad' every year and various welfare schemes are being implemented with these funds.

"Telangana government is working with humane approach to support poorer sections. Many of the Brahmins are poor. The government felt it is its responsibility to support them," he said.

The BEST (Brahmin Empowerment Scheme of Telangana State) is being implemented for the livelihood of poor Brahmins under which the government is providing a maximum grant of Rs 5 lakh as investment assistance. The government has spent Rs 150 crore for this till now from 2014, it added.

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Maharashtra's Ahmednagar To Be Renamed After This 18th Century Ruler

The Ahmednagar district in western Maharashtra will be renamed after Ahilyadevi Holkar, the legendary 18th century ruler of the Indore state, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Wednesday.

Mr Shinde was speaking at a function at Choundi in the district, the birthplace of Ahilyadevi (also known as Ahilya Bai), to mark her 298th birth anniversary.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said at the function that he would request Chief Minister Shinde to rename Ahmednagar city as 'Ahilyanagar'.

"Our government works keeping in mind the ideal of governance set by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Ahilyadevi Holkar. Therefore, as per the wish of all of you, we have decided to rename (the district) for Ahilyadevi Holkar," Mr Shinde said in his speech.

Mr Fadnavis said that had Ahilyadevi Holkar not been there, "there would not have been Kashi, temples of Lord Shiva." The ruling alliance of the BJP and Shinde-led Shiv Sena was a "Hindutva government," he added.

The Deputy Chief Minister also noted that before this, the Shinde government renamed Aurangabad as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Osmanabad as Dharashiv.

The city of Ahmednagar, 120 km northeast of Pune, is said to have derived its name from the 15th century ruler Ahmad Nizam Shah

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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3 Women In China Team Up To Send 'Boyfriend' To Jail After He Conned Them

In an incident that seems straight out of a movie, three women in China teamed up to expose a man who posed as a love interest and cheated them of 100,000 yuan (Rs 11,67,982), South China Morning Post reported. As a result of the police investigation, the Shanghai man has received two years and six months in jail.

It all started when the three women went to a police station in Shanghai's Yangpu District on February 10 to report He Shiwei of deceiving them. The women claimed that Shiwei borrowed money from them, but never returned it.

One of the women, Chen Hong, said that she began to get suspicious of Shiwei and checked his phone after he fell asleep drunk. She found multiple messages from another woman asking him why he was rejecting her calls. Chen then contacted a woman named Xiao Fan and found out that she lived with Shiwei, who usually came to her flat to sleep every night.

Chen and Xiao found that Shiwei had told both of them he wanted to marry them.

That was not it. On February 10, Chen got a call from a third woman, named Zhao Lin, saying she was also Shiwei's girlfriend. When he got up, Chen confronted him and demanded he return the money he took from her. Upon his refusal, all three women reached the police station to file a complaint.

It was evident that they had been sharing the same boyfriend. He had been dating Chen since October 2022, Xiao since June 2022  and Zhao since 2021.

The police found that Shiwei had quit his job in 2020 and was unemployed since then. He had been using the money from the women to pay his debts.

Meanwhile, the three women who became good friends during the course of the investigation, went on an overseas trip together after the man was imprisoned. When a police officer called them with an update on the case in March, he got to know that the women were on holiday abroad together.

''We got along well during the trip. We were discussing a question every day such as – what virtue or ability did he have to enthrall all of us? This scenario was so fun. All three of us are pure and good-hearted. It shows that He is good at judging people, so he managed to cheat money from us,'' Chen told SCMP.

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Gurugram Man Seen Doing Push-Ups On Top Of Moving Car, Police File Case

A man was detained for being involved in an incident where four persons were seen drinking, dancing, and doing push-ups on top of a moving car in the city, officials said.

Two videos of the incident surfaced online, following which city police slapped a fine of Rs 6,500 on the owner of the car.

Watch the videos here:

They have no fear of anyone's life and neither of Gurgaon trafficpolice @TrafficGGM
Vichle no HR72F6692@DC_Gurugram @TrafficGGM@cmohry @gurgaonpolice pic.twitter.com/pM2NeypUdR

— Pradeepdubey (@dubey_100) May 30, 2023

In one of the clips, a man is purportedly consuming liquor on top of a car amidst traffic. Two of his friends later stick their upper bodies out of the car while the car is in motion. The man sitting on the vehicle's roof is seen holding a bottle, which seemingly contains some beverage.

Another video of the same incident shows a man doing push-ups on the roof of a moving car. Later, three other men are seen sticking their heads out through the car window.

"A challan for the amount of Rs 6,500 has been issued against the violator. We request all road users not to put their own and others' lives in danger by violating traffic rules," city traffic police said.

Police have recovered a car, which was allegedly used for the violation. An accused, identified as Lokesh, has also been detained, police said.

According to the police, they took swift action in the case. "This type of act on roads will never be tolerated," said Virender Vij, DCP, Traffic.

A case has been registered in the matter in DLF Phase-3 Police Station. 

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"India Not Country Of Particular Concern": US Envoy On Religious Freedom Report

United States Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, on Tuesday, said that America did not mention "India a country of particular concern."

"So this is an independent commission, part of the government that's not the State Department. But it did not actually call India a country of particular concern," Envoy Garcetti said in an exclusive interview with ANI.

"It did highlight incidents as we could highlight in countries such as our own, where there's intolerance and where we need to stand together to make sure that people of every religious background feel that they belong and feel that their rights are respected. So we will always stand up for those values, but more importantly, engage with our Indian counterparts from a place of humility about where we can make sure that people of all religions feel that they are safe," he added.

For the fourth consecutive year, the bipartisan United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has advised that the US administration should designate India as a 'Country of Particular Concern'.

After the report, the Ministry of External Affairs released a statement where Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) continues to regurgitate biased and motivated comments about India, this time in its 2023 annual report. We reject such misrepresentation of facts, which only serves to discredit USCIRF itself."

"We would urge USCIRF to desist from such efforts and develop a better understanding of India, its plurality, its democratic ethos and its constitutional mechanisms," he added.

Earlier, US State Department 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom alleged that there are incidents of high-handedness against minorities especially Muslims by various state governments in India.

Reacting to that report, Mr Bagchi said, "We are aware of the release of the US State Department 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom. Regrettably, such reports continue to be based on misinformation and flawed understanding."

He further stated that the report is motivated and biased commentary by some US officials which only serves to undermine further the credibility of these reports.

"We value our partnership with the US and will continue to have frank exchanges on issues of concern to us," the spokesperson said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Aamir-Gippy Break Into A Bhangra At Carry On Jatta 3 Trailer Launch

This video of Aamir Khan breaking into a bhangra with Punjabi actor Gippy Grewal might be the perfect antidote to your weekday blues. On Tuesday, the Laal Singh Chaddha star arrived at the trailer launch of the Punjabi film Carry On Jatta 3 starring  Gippy Grewal and Sonam Bajwa. Moments after stepping out of his car, Aamir Khan was spotted shaking a leg alongside Gippy to some groovy beats of the dhol. In the video, Aamir Khan, dressed in a red kurta, can be seen enjoying himself to his fullest as he dances his heart out.

Later he is also joined by the stars of the film Gippy Grewal and Sonam Bajwa as he poses with them for pictures. Gippy looks dapper in a black jacket while Sonam dazzles in a pink and white dress. Also present at the trailer launch was actor Gurpreet Ghuggi, who plays Honey in the film. Kavita Kaushik also made a stunning appearance in a colourful.

Take a look at some of the pictures from the event:

Comedian Kapil Sharma also arrived at the event in a white shirt. Aamir Khan and Kapil were seen greeting each other and also sharing a hug.

Take a look at the pictures here:

Apart from Gippy and Sonam, the Punjabi film also stars Gurpreet Ghuggi, Binnu Dhillon, Nasir Chinyoti, Jaswinder Bhalla, B.N. Sharma, and Karamjit Anmol. The film is directed by Smeep Kang, who directed Carry On Jatta in 2012. 

Now coming back to Aamir Khan, March 14 marked the 58th birthday of the actor. Aamir Khan, who is currently taking a break from films, was last seen in the titular role in Laal Singh Chaddha alongside Kareena Kapoor.

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Alleged Sexual Harassment At Delhi's UP Bhavan, Officials Suspended

A woman has alleged that she has been sexually assaulted at the Uttar Pradesh Bhavan, the state guest house in the heart of Delhi. After a case was filed by the Delhi Police, several officials have been suspended and a room where the incident allegedly took place, has been sealed, sources said.

The accused, Rajyavardhan Singh Parmar, is the national president of an organisation called Maharana Pratap Sena, sources said.

Sources said the man came to UP Bhavan with the woman on May 26 around 12.15 pm. He was allotted a room and left the place at 1.50.

The woman later lodged a complaint at the Chanakyapuri police station, alleging that she was sexually exploited by Rajyavardhan Singh Parmar.

Security cameras from the building showed the man and woman inside the building. The room where they stayed at the UP Bhavan, room number 122, has been sealed ahead of forensic tests.  

The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a departmental inquiry.

Three officials posted at the UP Bhavan have been suspended.

Sources said they had allotted a room to the accused even though he is not eligible to book a room. Government guest houses in the national capital usually host government employees.

Rajyavardhan Singh Parmar had claimed that he was booking the room for a government officer and wanted to see it before taking a call, sources said.

The Delhi Police said the allegations are being investigated.

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Martin Scorsese Announces Film On Jesus After Meeting Pope Francis: Report

Renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese announced on Saturday that he will make a film on Jesus Christ following his meeting with Pope Francis, Variety reported. The veteran director is currently in Italy attending a series of religious and cinematic events. Before the conference titled ''The Global Aesthetics of the Catholic Imagination,'' Mr. Scorsese and his wife Helen Morris were introduced to Pope Francis during a private audience.

After the meeting, the director announced that he would be making a film on Jesus Christ.

''I have responded to the Pope's appeal to artists in the only way I know how: by imagining and writing a screenplay for a film about Jesus,'' he said. He added, ''And I'm about to start making it.''

Antonio Spadaro, the editor of the periodical which organised the conference said that the conversation between Pope and the director included shared film references and anecdotes.

Thank you to Martin #Scorsese for accepting the invitation to join us of La Civiltà Cattolica and Georgetown University - along with his wife and daughter - in the meeting of 40 poets and writers from different Countries with #PopeFrancesco, who said among other things, "This is… pic.twitter.com/yG6bEyo2Wq

— Antonio Spadaro (@antoniospadaro) May 27, 2023

Representatives for Mr. Scorsese told The Guardian they had no further information on the project other than that the director had already provided.

This is not the first time that the director has been inspired by religion to make a movie.

According to Deadline, he previously made 'The Last Temptation of Christ' in 1988, 'Kundun' about the life of the Dalai Lama, in 1997, and 'Silence' about Jesuit Christians in 2016. 

The 80-year-old filmmaker is known for his movies like 'Goodfellas', 'Shutter Island', 'The Wolf of Wall Street', 'Taxi Driver', 'The Irishman' and 'Gangs of New York'.

His most recent project is Killers of the Flower Moon, a historical crime drama that chronicles the mysterious deaths of the Osage tribe in the United States. The movie had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and received a 9-minute-long standing ovation after it was screened.

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Girl, 15, Charged With 19 Murders In Guyana School Dormitory Fire

A 15-year-old girl who is accused of having started a fire at a school dormitory in Guyana last week was charged with 19 murders on Monday.

The fire killed 18 mostly Indigenous girls and one five-year-old boy in the building in the central city of Mahdia. The girl started the fire after her phone was confiscated, police said.

The girl is being held in Guyana's juvenile detention center and the charges against her were formalized during a virtual hearing in Magistrate's Court.

In the early hours of May 22, students awoke to screams and saw fire and smoke in the dormitory's bathroom area, police said in a statement.

Nearly 30 children were hospitalized while two girls in critical condition were flown to New York on Saturday to seek further medical attention.

Authorities have identified 13 victims via DNA testing, whose remains were returned to their families for burial.

The dormitory's fire alarm system and school fire drills are being investigated, Guyana's Education Minister Priya Manickchand said.

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Gang From Rajasthan Tries To Run Over Cops At Toll Booth In Telangana

An inter-state gang from Rajasthan tried to run over policemen at a toll gate in Nizamabad district of Telangana and fled the spot after police fired in the air, police said on Monday.

Based on inputs that the four-member gang was involved in thefts, a police team was posted at Indalwai toll gate on Sunday. When the gang, which was heading towards Hyderabad around midnight, saw the authorities looking to confront them, they tried to push aside a vehicle and flee.

Police then fired in the air, following which the four persons abandoned their vehicle and escaped from there.

There were inputs that the gang, which has been involved in stealing coils from electric transformers in the region, was on its way to Hyderabad after committing some offences in Nizamabad district, a police official said.

As police identified the car in which the gang was travelling, they chased it on Sunday night. Multiple teams were deputed and one team was posted at Indalwai toll gate which encircled the gang at the spot.

Despite repeated warnings, the gang did not stop their vehicle when police warned them and instead they tried to ram it into the police personnel with their car. Later, they hit the vehicle which the police used to intercept their car, the official said.

Attempting to deter them and keeping in mind their own safety, a police official opened two rounds in the air but the gang escaped from the location leaving their car behind, he said.

An attempt to murder case was registered in connection with the incident and teams were formed to nab the gang members, the official added.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Manipur has been without internet for nearly a month.

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

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

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What Government Said About 6 Cheetah Deaths In 2 Months

The central government has denied any lapses behind the deaths of six cheetahs - including three cubs - within two months at the Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh. "There is no lapse behind any of the cheetah deaths. Even in the case of the deaths of the three cheetah cubs, global wildlife literature clearly mentions 90% per cent infant mortality among cheetahs," said an official.

"We haven't done any trials with any of the cheetahs trans-located to KNP from the two African nations. Cheetahs live in a coalition, so even the mating of a female cheetah with a male coalition wasn't done as any trial. It was done based on documented evidence and following clearance from African experts," said CP Goyal, director general of forests.

A female cheetah had died during an aggressive interaction with two male cheetahs.

Union Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Bhupendra Yadav has said that officers and employees involved in cheetah conservation and management will be selected and sent for the study tour to Namibia in South Africa under the Cheetah Project. All possible cooperation including financial resources will be provided by the Central Government for the protection, conservation, promotion, and proposed Cheetah Protection Force.

Mr Yadav had a discussion regarding the Cheetah Project with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, state Forest Minister Dr Vijay Shah, and senior officials of the state government in a high-level meeting in Bhopal. He also chaired the 23rd meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) at the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) in Bhopal.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Madhya Pradesh is a tiger state and it is a matter of prestige. The state government is committed to the success of Project Cheetah, he added.

"Information about the survival rate of birth of cheetah cubs was given at the beginning itself. The entire staff associated with the Cheetah project is working dedicatedly. The progress of the project is satisfactory," Mr Chouhan said.

The Chief Minister also instructed the state forest department that necessary arrangements should be completed on a war footing in the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary for alternative habitats for cheetahs.

Since March 27, three adult cheetahs and three cubs (out of the four cubs born in March) have died at the KNP, causing concern about the success of the ambitious project.

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Circus Performer Shot Dead By Terrorists In Jammu And Kashmir's Anantnag

A circus performer was shot dead by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district today, said police.

Deepu, a resident of Udhampur, was attacked near Jagland Mandi in Anantnag town this evening. According to the police, he was working at private circus mela at amusement park in Anantnag.

#Terrorists fired upon one civilian namely Deepu R/O Udhampur working at private circus mela at amusement park near Janglaat Mandi in #Anantnag. He was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Case registered, #investigation going on.@JmuKmrPolice

— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) May 29, 2023

After being shot, Deepu was taken to a hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival, said police. 

A case has been registered and investigation is going on, said police. 

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Nepal Approves Second Hydropower Project To Be Developed By India

Nepal on Sunday decided to allow India's Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) Limited to develop a second hydropower project in the country.

At present SJVN is developing a 900-MW Arun -III hydroelectric project, a run-of-river located on the Arun River in Eastern Nepal, scheduled to be completed in 2024.

A meeting of the Investment Board Nepal (IBN) chaired by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" approved the draft project development agreement (PDA) to be signed with India's state-owned SJVN to develop the 669-megawatt (MW) Lower Arun Hydropower project in eastern Nepal, an official statement said.

The development comes days before Prime Minister Prachanda's visit to India starting Wednesday.

The draft needs to be endorsed by the Council of Ministers before it gets implemented.

The previous meeting of the IBN had approved Rs 92.68 billion investment for the development of the project.

"The development of this 669-MW transformative project will prove to be a milestone for the socio-economic development of the country," according to the statement by the IBN.

The SJVN has formed a local company, Lower Arun Power Development Company, in Nepal.

The Lower Arun project located in the Sankhuwasabha and Bhojpur districts will not have any reservoir or dam and will be a tailrace development of Arun-III, which will mean water re-enters the river for the Lower Arun project.

This is the third project undertaken, all through negotiation windows, on the Arun River after the 900 MW Arun-III and 695 MW Arun-IV hydroelectricity projects.

The three projects will generate nearly 2,300 MW of electricity from the river in the Sankhuwasabha district, The Kathmandu Post newspaper reported.

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Man Smuggles Diamonds In Underwear, Arrested At Mangaluru Airport

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

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

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

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

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

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2 Killed, Statues Damaged In Mahakal Lok Corridor After Thunderstorm

Two people were killed and three others were injured after a massive thunderstorm struck Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district.

In the Mahakal Lok Temple corridor, which was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2022, six out of the seven Saptrishi statues have been displaced and two damaged. No one was injured due to the displacement of the six statues from their pedestals at the temple corridor.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan spoke to the Ujjain collector and divisional commissioner to look into the matter.

Some 50 trees and many electric poles were uprooted. There are 155 idols in Mahakal Lok. The damaged statues will be repaired by the contractor.

One person died in Ujjain city after a tree fell on him. The other died in Nagada due to a kutcha house's wall collapse. Three were injured in the same district.

"Two of the six displaced statues have been damaged after getting displaced from the pedestals. Since these statues were in the initial stages of the five years defect liability period, the company that made and installed them will replace them at the earliest," said Ujjain collector Kumar Purushottam.

"We've shifted the displaced and damaged statues with the help of a crane. Audit of the other statues made from the same FRP (fibre-reinforced plastic) material will be done at the earliest and responsibility will be soon fixed on the displacement of the six statues," he said.

The opposition Congress alleged major irregularities in the construction work of the temple corridor and demanded strict action against those responsible for shoddy work.

The BJP shot back, saying the Congress is doing politics and spreading confusion without giving any facts.

The corridor, said to be one of the longest in the country, traverses the old Rudrasagar lake, which has been revived as part of the redevelopment project around the Mahakaleshwar temple, one of the 12 'jyotirlingas' in the country.

Talking about the local weather conditions, India Meteorological Department's Bhopal centre Duty Officer J P Vishwakarma told PTI that the forecast for Sunday said gusty winds would blow at the speed of 40 to 50 kmph at isolated places in Ujjain during the day.

Talking over phone, he also said, "We don't have an automatic weather station in Ujjain to measure the speed of the wind in Ujjain. We are going to demand for it."

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Mumbai's Bandra-Versova Sea Link To Be Named After Savarkar: Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday said the upcoming Bandra-Versova sea link in the western part of Mumbai will be named after Hindutva ideologue late VD Savarkar, while a state-level gallantry award on the lines of the one given by the Centre will also be named after him.

Speaking in New Delhi on the birth anniversary of Savarkar, the Chief Minister said some people were deliberately maligning the former for their selfish gains and out of fright that they will have to shut shop if his thoughts become popular in society.

It was the first time Savarkar's birth anniversary was being celebrated in the state government-constructed Maharashtra Sadan there, he added.

"The critics of Savarkar know if his thoughts become popular in society, they will have to shut shop. Imagine how terrified they are that they oppose Savarkar even after 57 years of his death," he said.

"There have been deliberate and consistent attempts to malign the image of Savarkar by some for their selfish gains. It is unfortunate even after 57 years of his death, some people fail to understand him. It angers me to see some people deliberately try to malign his image," Mr Shinde said.

Savarkar, who was born in Nashik district on May 28, 1883, died on February 26, 1966.

"The upcoming Bandra-Versova sea link will be named after Swatantryaveer Savarkar. On the lines of the Union government's gallantry awards, the Maharashtra government will also set up Swatantryaveer Savarkar gallantry awards," Mr Shinde said.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Woman Quits Job To Become "Full-Time Daughter", Gets Rs 47,000 Per Month

The story of a Chinese woman who quit her job to become a "full-time daughter" for pay of $570 (approximately 47,000) a month from her parents has sparked a meaningful conversation on social media in China. 

According to South China Morning Post (SCMP), the woman named Nianan, 40, had worked at a news agency for 15 years, however, she experienced changes in her role in 2022 that brought about higher stress levels and the need to be constantly available. During this challenging time, her parents stepped in to offer help. 

"Why don't you just quit your job? We'll take care of you financially," they told the 40-year-old, as per the outlet. 

Motivated by the offer of a monthly allowance of 4,000 yuan, or $570, from her parents' retirement pension of more than 10,000 yuan (US$1,500), Ms Nianan decided to leave her job and embrace the role of a "full-time daughter". She described her role as "a professional filled with love" and gladly took on a diverse daily routine. 

Also Read | Nun's Body Found Intact Four Years After Death, People Call It ''Miracle''

The 40-year-old revealed her daily routine. According to SCMP, she said that in the morning, she spends one hour dancing with her parents and accompanies them on grocery shopping trips. In the evenings, she cooks dinner together with her father. She also manages all electronic-related tasks, serves as a driver, and organises monthly family outings or vacations. 

Ms Nianan said that being around her parents has been therapeutic. However, she also admitted that the "biggest pressure source" for her has been the "desire to earn more money". But she said that her parents continually reassure her by saying, "If you find a more suitable job, you can go for it. If you don't want to work, just stay at home and spend time with us". 

As per the outlet, the concept of being a "full-time daughter" has gained popularity among young individuals in China as an alternative to the highly competitive job market and exhausting work schedules. This alternative lifestyle is believed to give greater autonomy and freedom from traditional work constraints. However, some critics have reportedly argued that it simply perpetuates dependence on parents. 
 

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Henry Kissinger, US' Controversial Ex Secretary Of State, Turns 100

Henry Kissinger, whose very name is synonymous with US diplomacy, turns 100 Saturday feted by the American elite as others seethe that the ruthless Cold Warrior has never faced accountability.

From opening the door to communist China to plotting an endgame to the Vietnam War to unapologetically backing dictators who were anti-Soviet, Kissinger wielded influence like few before or after him, serving as both top diplomat and security advisor to presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.

Instantly recognizable for his bookishly thick glasses and a sharp-witted monotone that never lost a touch of his native German, Kissinger was first an academic and his intellectual gifts are acknowledged begrudgingly even by some of his harshest critics.

Since leaving office in 1977, Kissinger's brand of realpolitik -- the coldly cynical championing of power and national interests -- has largely fallen out of favor as his successors preached moralism, but Kissinger himself has if anything enjoyed greater repute.

Ahead of his centennial, Kissinger blew candles on a cake at a celebratory luncheon at the Economic Club of New York, the city where he grew up after his Jewish family fled Nazi Germany.

Showing his worldview has not changed at the century mark, Kissinger cautioned for the United States to stay within the bounds of "vital interests," telling the guests, "We need to be always strong enough to resist any pressures."

Bucking the view of most US policymakers, Kissinger called for diplomacy with Russia on a ceasefire in Ukraine, arguing that Moscow has already suffered a strategic defeat.

'He has gotten away with it'

An unlikely playboy in 1970s Washington, Kissinger lives in an apartment on New York's Park Avenue. He has grown wealthy consulting businesses through his relationships in China -- and has warned the United States against treating Beijing as a new Cold War-style adversary.

Long despised by the left, Kissinger has come into the good graces of the mainstream of the Democratic Party.

Hillary Clinton after serving as secretary of state called Kissinger "a friend" and said she "relied on his counsel," while the incumbent, Antony Blinken, teased Kissinger about his stylishness when the elder statesman attended a State Department luncheon last year.

But for many, Kissinger was seen as an unindicted war criminal for his role in, among other events, expanding the Vietnam War to Cambodia and Laos, supporting military coups in Chile and Argentina, green-lighting Indonesia's bloody invasion of East Timor in 1975 and turning a blind eye to Pakistan's mass atrocities during Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence.

"To me, there's no doubt that his policies have caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and have destroyed democracy in many countries," said Reed Kalman Brody, a veteran human rights lawyer whose cases have included working with victims of Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet.

"I'm bewildered that he has gotten away with it," he said.

Kissinger has never faced serious legal jeopardy, with a US judge in 2004 throwing out a lawsuit related to the assassination of Chile's army chief and the United States boycotting the International Criminal Court.

But Brody said there would be a strong legal case on East Timor where Kissinger not only approved the invasion but ensured US weapons kept flowing to Indonesia's military.

Brody also pointed to a recording, released over Kissinger's objections, in which Kissinger tells Nixon that the air force had orders in Cambodia to hit "anything that moves." Indiscriminate bombing of civilians is a war crime.

Late writer Christopher Hitchens published a book calling for Kissinger to be tried on grounds including tacitly backing Turkey's 1974 invasion of Cyprus.

Belief In Larger Goals

For Kissinger, most important was always the larger goal. On Cyprus, he prioritized solid relations with Turkey. On Bangladesh, Kissinger wanted to preserve Pakistan as a secret channel between the United States and China.

Muntassir Mamoon, a prominent history professor at the University of Dhaka, said that Kissinger "actively supported genocide in Bangladesh."

"I don't find any reason to praise Kissinger," he said, adding that the view was shared in many other countries including Vietnam.

Kissinger was controversially co-awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating a ceasefire in Vietnam alongside Hanoi's Le Duc Tho, who refused to accept the award.

"The irony is that he gets remembered for making peace, but all the ways he contributed to an escalation of the war not only in Vietnam but in Cambodia and Laos get lost," said Carolyn Eisenberg, a historian at Hofstra University who wrote a book on Kissinger.

Eisenberg also played down Kissinger's public image as "some Machiavelian genius," saying that transcripts showed how China's premier Zhou Enlai played him through flattery.

"Zhou Enlai knows that this guy has a huge ego problem," she said.

Brody, despite his criticism of Kissinger, acknowledged that he had a "degree of gravitas and sophistication" that both overshadowed most US policymakers and endeared many to him.

"Perhaps the reward of being on the side of the powerful is that you're only resented and hated by the weak."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the pictures here:

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A post shared by IIFA Awards (@iifa)

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

The award ceremony was opened by Anil Kapoor.

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

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A post shared by Abhishek Bachchan (@bachchan)

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

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"Uttar Pradesh Developing As Express-Way Pradesh": Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that by adopting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mantra of "Reform, Perform, and Transform," the state has become the "dream destination" for industrial investment in the nation.

CM Yogi Adityanath addressed the eighth meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog on Saturday and outlined the accomplishments of Uttar Pradesh in seven points.

In a meeting held at Pragati Maidan in Delhi, the Chief Minister said, "By adopting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mantra of reform, perform, and transform, Uttar Pradesh has become the dream destination for industrial investment in the nation."

He listed step-by-step the accomplishments of UP in the areas of MSME, women's safety, infrastructure development, PM Gati Shakti, health, and nutrition.

The Chief Minister said that on the Prime Minister's instruction, the citizens are devotedly working to create a developed India with "Panchpran" today.

Yogi Adityanath stated that the state of Uttar Pradesh, which has a population of about 25 crores, is not only India's largest consumer and labour market, but also has abundant natural resources as well as fertile plains with the presence of continuously flowing rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saryu.

"The Uttar Pradesh government has a policy of zero tolerance towards crime and corruption. The contribution of Uttar Pradesh to the country's GDP is more than 8 per cent. Uttar Pradesh has resolved to grow into trillion dollar economy in the next five years in order to achieve the Prime Minister's target of making the country's economy five trillion dollars," he said.

He added that more than 22,000 MoUs of about Rs 35 lakh crore were signed in the UP Global Investors Summit-2023 in February in the state capital Lucknow, which will create more than 1 crore employment opportunities.

The Chief Minister said that Uttar Pradesh has the maximum number of 96 lakh MSME units.

"The state government is constantly striving and committed to the development of this sector. Each district of the state has a unique identity for its traditional product. The state government has done the work of taking these products to a new height by declaring them ODOPs," he added.

Asserting that Uttar Pradesh has made significant progress in developing infrastructure, Yogi Adityanath said, "Uttar Pradesh is developing as 'Express-way Pradesh' with 13 existing and proposed expressways. Three international airports are operational in the state whereas two new international airports are under construction in Ayodhya and Noida."

Similarly, Uttar Pradesh Warehousing and Logistics Policy, City Development Plan, and State Capital Region (SCR) were also discussed in the meeting.

Referring to the minimization of compliances, the Chief Minister said that 4,094 compliances of about 40 departments were minimised. Also, 577 compliances were reduced under the decriminalization category. Apart from this, 947 unnecessary acts/regulations/rules etc. have been abolished.

Talking about women's empowerment, he said, "In the last six years, extensive efforts have been made in the state to provide a safe environment to women. Uttar Pradesh has been awarded the first prize in the implementation of ICIS for prosecution for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022) by the Government of India."

In terms of health and nutrition, the Chief Minister said that in the last six years, there was unprecedented success in the control of communicable diseases, especially JE and AES in eastern Uttar Pradesh. About 21.40 lakh poor beneficiaries have been treated under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Along with this, Ayushman cards have been distributed to more than 1 crore families.

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

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

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

Watch the clip below: 

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A post shared by vanshika kaushik (@vanshika_kaesthetics)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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