Author: Supriya Jena

  • Duterte Detained: Facing ICC Charges for Drug War Actions

    Duterte Detained: Facing ICC Charges for Drug War Actions

    Former President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines was taken into custody when he landed at Manila airport. This happened because the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for his arrest. Duterte is being accused of crimes against humanity because of his “war on drugs” policy during his time as president. This policy, which started in 2016, is linked to many cases where unarmed people suspected of using drugs were killed by both police and vigilantes. The ICC began looking into these accusations in 2019.

    Duterte spoke at a rally in Hong Kong, expressing that he would cooperate if the ICC wanted to arrest him. He defended his actions, saying he did them for the good of the people. He asked, “If I did them for my own sake or my family, why would I do it? I did it for you, your children, and our country.” He insisted, “What’s my crime? I worked hard for peace and a better life for all Filipinos.”

  • Syngene Acquires U.S. Facility, Boosting Biologics Capacity

    Syngene Acquires U.S. Facility, Boosting Biologics Capacity

    Syngene International is making headlines as it has just bought a new biologics facility in the United States from Emergent Manufacturing for $36.5 million. This is an important step for Syngene because this new site will help them expand their bioreactor capacity to 50,000 liters. This means they can do more work on developing and manufacturing large molecules, which are important for medicine.

    The acquisition will also help Syngene keep delivering supplies smoothly from their four facilities in India and North America. They offer many services like cell line development and process optimization.

    Emergent, which had to close this facility last year to save costs, still has rights to use the facility alongside Syngene. Although the facility had some quality issues during the pandemic, it has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is now fully compliant with rules.

    This deal is expected to be finalized by March 2025, and it will double Syngene’s bioreactor capacity from 20,000 liters, boosting their capabilities in large molecule work. However, Syngene’s CFO, Deepak Jain, mentioned that it might slightly lower profit margins in the short term because of the expenses linked to the new facility.

    Share prices for Syngene fell by 1.96% and lagged behind their rivals over the past year. However, they have seen a positive return of 20.02% over the last three years. According to Trendlyne data, Syngene’s performance over the past year has not impressed compared to their sector, industry, Sensex, and Nifty50.

  • Duterte Faces Possible Arrest Over ‘War on Drugs’ as ICC Issues Warning

    Duterte Faces Possible Arrest Over ‘War on Drugs’ as ICC Issues Warning

    The Philippines is anxious as news spreads that the International Criminal Court (ICC) might issue a warrant to arrest former President Rodrigo Duterte over his controversial “war on drugs.” This policy led to the deaths of many Filipinos during his presidency.

    Duterte, who is currently in Hong Kong, has stated he will accept arrest if the ICC goes through with the warrant. However, the current Philippine government, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has not received any official news about an arrest warrant from Interpol.

    Recently, a video showed the head of the Philippine National Police and an Interpol representative at the airport in Manila, which added to the speculation. Duterte’s “war on drugs” started when he became president in 2016. He promised to eliminate drug dealers, which led to serious accusations. Human rights groups claim that police and some vigilantes killed many unarmed people suspected of using drugs, while the authorities have denied these claims.

    The ICC is investigating possible crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s drug policy. Although Duterte pulled the Philippines out of the ICC, President Marcos’s government has indicated they could arrest him if necessary. A government spokesperson, Claire Castro, said the police are prepared to act if they receive an official request from Interpol.

  • IIT Madras Launches New Admission Route for Science Olympiad Winners

    IIT Madras Launches New Admission Route for Science Olympiad Winners

    The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has started a new way for students to get into its undergraduate programs. This program, called ‘Science Olympiad Excellence’ (ScOpE), is for students who have done very well in national and international science competitions.

    Starting from the academic year 2025-2026, students can apply for admission without going through the regular JEE (Advanced) exams. This is similar to how some students get admitted through sports and fine arts.

    Each program will have two extra seats just for these applicants, and one seat will be reserved specifically for female students. To apply, candidates must have completed Class 12, just like those applying through JEE (Advanced). The age limit and other rules will also be the same. However, students who have studied at an IIT before cannot apply.

    Eligible candidates need to be Indian citizens or have an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card that was issued before March 4, 2021. They also need to have participated in at least one major science competition in the last four years, such as:

    – Mathematics: International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camps (IMOTC) organized by Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE).
    – Physics, Chemistry, Biology: Orientation-cum-Selection Camps (OCSCs) organized by HBCSE.
    – Informatics: International Olympiad for Informatics Training Camp (IOITC) organized by the Indian Association for Research in Computer Science (IARCS).

    The director of IIT Madras, Prof. V. Kamakoti, said that this new program is about inviting students who are curious and creative thinkers. He believes that real breakthroughs come from exploring ideas rather than just memorizing facts.

    Admission to programs through ScOpE will depend on a special ranking list called the ScOpE Rank List (SRL), based on each candidate’s performance in five Olympiads: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Informatics, and Biology. More details on how the ranking will be created will be available on their website.

  • Odell Beckham Jr. Speaks Out on Diddy Lawsuit Allegations

    Odell Beckham Jr. Speaks Out on Diddy Lawsuit Allegations

    Odell Beckham Jr. is in the news after being named in a serious lawsuit with Sean “Diddy” Combs. A woman has accused Odell and others, including comedian Druski and singer Jaguar Wright, of sexual assault, drugging, and kidnapping. The lawsuit was first filed last October, but it was recently updated to include Odell’s name. The woman is asking for $50 million as compensation for her claims.

    On social media, Odell, who is 32 years old, expressed his shock at these accusations. The woman claims the attack made her feel powerless and unable to move. Both Odell and Druski deny the allegations. Odell responded to Druski’s post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his disbelief and faith in God, saying, “This world makes no sense. I know who I am and who you are. Stay strong. The truth will come out.”

    Druski, 30, added that he was not a well-known person back in 2018 when the alleged incident happened. He said he was poor and lived with his mom, which makes the accusation seem ridiculous. Druski said, “My heart goes out to real victims of abuse, but I’m sure the proof will show that this is false and that people are trying to take advantage of the legal system.”

  • JEE Mains 2025 Session 2: Exam Schedule Revealed

    JEE Mains 2025 Session 2: Exam Schedule Revealed

    The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the official dates for the JEE Mains 2025 Session 2 exams. This information was shared on Monday, March 10, 2025. If you registered for the JEE Mains 2025 Session 2, you can find the exam schedule on their official website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.

    Here are the key details:
    – Exam Dates: The JEE Mains Session 2 will take place from April 2 to April 9, 2025.
    – Paper 1 (B.E/B.Tech):
    – First Shift: 9 AM to 12 PM
    – Second Shift: 3 PM to 6 PM
    – Paper 2A (B.Arch) and Paper 2B (B.Planning):
    – First Shift: 9 AM to 12:30 PM

    The NTA will also soon share details about where students will take their exams and release the admit cards. The exam city slip will tell you the location of your exam center, so you can plan your travel. However, you do not need to bring this slip on exam day.

    The admit card is important; it will have your exam center’s name and address. Remember, you must bring your admit card and other required documents on the exam day.

    How to Download the Exam Schedule:
    1. Go to the official NTA JEE Mains website: jeemain.nta.nic.in.
    2. On the home page, click on the link that says “Examination Schedule for JEE (Main) 2025 Session 2.”
    3. A PDF of the exam schedule will appear. Download it and keep a printed copy for your reference.

  • Maharashtra’s Budget: Building Memorials to Honor Legendary Leaders

    Maharashtra’s Budget: Building Memorials to Honor Legendary Leaders

    Maharashtra’s Finance Minister Ajit Pawar presented his 11th state budget in the assembly on Monday. He announced plans to build several memorials in Maharashtra and beyond, highlighting the state’s tourism policy that aims to invest Rs 1 lakh crore in the tourism sector over the next 10 years.

    One notable project is a grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which will be built in Agra. This location is special because it is where Shivaji Maharaj famously escaped from Aurangzeb’s captivity in 1666, an event that boosted his legendary status.

    In Pune, Rs 50 crore will go towards the Shivsrushti project, which will honor Shivaji Maharaj by creating a cultural and educational site in Ambegaon. Another memorial for his son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, will be built in Sangameshwar, where he battled the Portuguese and Mughals before he was captured and killed.

    Pawar also mentioned that a memorial in Panipat, Haryana will honor the Maratha warriors who fought bravely in the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, helping to remember their sacrifices. Additionally, funding will be given for a special international memorial for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar at Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai.

    Moreover, a grand memorial for former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be built in Mumbai as part of his birth centenary celebrations. The second phase of the Balasaheb Thackeray National Memorial in Mumbai will receive Rs 220 crore.

    Finally, a memorial and a women’s training center will be set up at Savitribai Phule’s birthplace in Naigaon, Satara. Funding will also be allocated for a memorial in honor of Sahityaratna Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe at Wategaon, Sangli district.

  • Mining Shares Decline: Highlights and Insights from Today’s Market

    Mining Shares Decline: Highlights and Insights from Today’s Market

    In New Delhi, mining company stocks fell on Monday. The biggest winner was Madhav Marbles & Granites Ltd., which went up by 5.68%. Unfortunately, other companies faced losses. KIOCL Ltd. dropped by 5.22%, Ashapura Minechem Ltd. went down by 4.71%, and MOIL Ltd. fell by 3.99%. Other companies also lost value, including Aro Granite Industries Ltd. (down 3.72%) and Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. (down 2.73%).

    The stock market indices were not doing well either. The NSE Nifty50 index decreased by 92.21 points, ending at 22,460.3. The BSE Sensex dropped by 217.41 points, closing at 74,115.17.

    On a positive note, some companies in the Nifty pack saw gains. Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. went up by 3.04%, while Hindustan Unilever Ltd. rose by 1.96%. Infosys Ltd. increased by 0.92%, and SBI Life Insurance Company Ltd. climbed by 0.56%. However, other companies didn’t fare as well. Oil And Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. saw a drop of 4.17%, Trent Ltd. fell by 4.01%, and IndusInd Bank Ltd. declined by 3.87%.

  • Tragic Death of Young Traveler in Hampi: A Call for Tourist Safety

    Tragic Death of Young Traveler in Hampi: A Call for Tourist Safety

    A young traveler named Bhibas Nayak, who was only 26 years old, sadly lost his life after being pushed into a canal. This incident is linked to a terrible crime in Hampi, Karnataka. Nayak’s cousin shared that he loved to explore new places, meet new people, and go on adventures. Whenever he had time off work, he would plan trips—usually four times a year. His funeral took place on Sunday in his hometown in Odisha’s Kandhamal district.

    What Happened in Hampi?
    On the night of March 6, two women, one of whom was from Israel, were attacked by three men near a historical site in Hampi. A brave 29-year-old woman, who ran a homestay, was one of the victims who managed to survive the horrible experience. She said the men approached them while they were enjoying a night of music and stargazing, asking for petrol. When the victims refused to give them more money, the situation turned violent.

    The woman described how the men took her bag, which had two mobile phones and ₹9,500 in cash. “While we were yelling for help, they rode away on their motorcycle,” she reported.

    Police later arrested the third suspect in Chennai and took him to Karnataka. Koppal’s Superintendent of Police, Ram Arasiddi, stated that all legal processes would be followed, and the man might be taken into custody for questioning.

    Government Response
    Karnataka’s Minister HK Patil called the incident very unfortunate and promised to improve safety for tourists in the area. He said, “It’s very sad that such a crime happened in Hampi. The government is taking serious actions to hold those responsible accountable and to support the victims.”

  • Global Outage on X! Users Report Issues Everywhere

    Global Outage on X! Users Report Issues Everywhere

    Many users of the social media platform X reported that they couldn’t access the website or the app all around the world. At about 3:10 PM, there was a big jump in reports on Niftystat, showing that many people were facing the same problem. As of now, Twitter hasn’t said anything about why the platform is having these issues.