During a recent meeting between India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lanka’s President Dissanayake, there was no talk about the Adani Group’s role in the Colombo Port project in Sri Lanka. India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, confirmed this in a press conference on Monday. He stated that the topic of Adani was not mentioned at all during their discussions. This highlights that the focus of their talks was on other important issues in their relationship.
Author: Supriya Jena
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Bashar Al Assad’s Alleged $250 Million Cash Flow to Russia Revealed!
Former Syrian President Bashar Al Assad reportedly sent a huge amount of money, around $250 million, to Moscow between 2018 and 2019. This money was transferred in US dollars and Euros. Reports say this shows how strong Assad’s financial ties were with Russia during the Syrian Civil War.
Documents indicated that flights from the Syrian Central Bank brought cash to Vnukovo Airport in Moscow, where it was put into Russian banks. Russia has been a major supporter of Assad ever since the war began in Syria in 2011, especially when Assad was running low on money.
These transactions took place from March 2018 to September 2019, right after Russian forces helped Assad fight against rebels trying to take over Damascus. The cash transfers included big amounts, sometimes $10 million or $20 million at a time, mostly using $100 bills and €500 bills.
Recently, rebel groups, led by Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, got very close to Damascus after quickly taking control of several cities, including Aleppo. But where was Assad? He left Syria early one morning and flew to Russia. The Kremlin later confirmed that he now has political asylum there.
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Saurabh Mukherjea: New Small Cap Picks and Winning Strategies!
Saurabh Mukherjea, a famous fund manager at Marcellus Investment Managers, manages nearly Rs 6,000 crore for wealthy clients. Recently, he added two new stocks to his portfolio: Ahluwalia Contracts and Clean Science & Technology. He also sold a stock called Eureka Forbes, making a profit of 30% in just 9 months.
So far this financial year, Mukherjea’s Little Champs portfolio, which focuses on small companies, has gained 17.66%. His Rising Giants portfolio, which focuses on medium-sized companies, has increased by about 23%.
Mukherjea believes that the rise in these portfolios is due to better earnings from the companies and recent changes where they sold off or reduced investments in companies that are expected to struggle for a long time.
Ahluwalia Contracts is a small company that has dropped 7% in the last six months but is expected to do well in building construction over the next 3-5 years. This includes projects like redeveloping railway stations, building airport terminals, and creating new hospitals and schools.
Clean Science & Technology is a company that makes chemicals for things like packaged food and cosmetics. In the past five years, it has seen steady growth with 15% revenue increase and a 20% increase in profits.
On the other hand, Marcellus decided to sell Eureka Forbes because there is more competition in water purifiers and services now. Since it joined the portfolio in March 2024, its price went up about 30%. However, the team felt that the potential profits from holding onto it were limited, so they chose to sell.
(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by experts are their own and do not reflect those of NiftyStat.)
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Delhi Braces Cold Wave: Severe Air Quality and Shelters for the Needy
Delhi is currently facing a severe cold wave, and the air quality has worsened significantly. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has reported that the air quality is now categorized as ‘very poor.’
On Monday morning at 5:30 AM, the temperature dropped to 5°C, which is a slight decrease from 6°C the day before. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a concerning 345 by 7 AM, much worse than the 246 AQI recorded the day before. Areas such as Alipur, Anand Vihar, Bawana, and Burari Crossing have AQI levels between 350 and 397, indicating that the air is unhealthy. Other regions, like Dwarka Sec 8, Nehru Nagar, and Rohini, also reported AQI readings above 370.
To help people cope with the harsh cold, many have sought shelter in night homes across Delhi. In places like Sarai Kale Khan, people are seen huddled in thick blankets, trying to stay warm. Vicky Kanojia, who manages one of these shelters, shared that they give refuge to those who are homeless or recovering from illness. He mentioned they provide essential services, including meals and medical help.
One individual, Shyam, recovering from a foot injury, expressed gratitude for the support, sharing that he has received meals and medicine.
Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, residents of Moradabad are keeping warm by sitting around bonfires as temperatures continue to drop. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared that Moradabad is under a ‘Cold Wave,’ with temperatures recorded at 8°C today.
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Biden Takes Major Last-Minute Actions Before Trump’s Return”
As President Joe Biden’s time in office comes to an end, he plans to take important actions that include protecting land, offering clemency, and addressing artificial intelligence. He wants to leave a lasting mark before Donald Trump is inaugurated again.
Biden’s team is working hard to finalize key initiatives before the new administration might reverse them. In a summary, White House communications director Ben LaBolt emphasized that a president’s impact lasts beyond their term. He said, “The results of Biden and Vice President Harris’s work will continue to grow in the future.”
Trump is preparing to sign several orders on his first day that could undo Biden’s goals. With a narrow lead in the House of Representatives, it might be tricky for Republicans to make major changes, but they could still disrupt some of Biden’s accomplishments.
As Democrats look for new strategies after Trump’s win over Kamala Harris, they are debating whether to keep Biden’s approach or try something new. Some supporters have criticized Biden, especially for pardoning his son, Hunter Biden.
In the last few weeks of his presidency, Biden will push several initiatives. Last week, he held a meeting about women’s health and spoke about improving the economy. One area where Trump might rethink a decision is about renewable energy grants.
LaBolt pointed out four areas where upcoming announcements will be made:
1. Artificial Intelligence and Student Debt Relief: Details were not specified yet.
2. Funding Initiatives: New funds from laws about computer chips, reducing inflation, and improving internet access.
3. Environmental Protections: Biden will continue efforts to safeguard land and water.
4. Clemency Measures: New pardons and sentence reductions may be announced soon, possibly to counteract expected actions from Trump.LaBolt also praised a deal to provide Micron Corp. with $6.2 billion to boost American chip production, which promises to create sustainable energy investments and jobs in New York and Idaho.
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Pune Weather Update: Chilliest Day at 9°C & Weekly Forecast
Pune had its coldest day this season on Sunday, with temperatures dropping to a chilly 9 degrees Celsius! It’s been 15 days since the temperature dipped into single digits. Just two weeks ago, the city recorded a temperature of 9.3 degrees Celsius, but then it warmed up as moist, warm air moved in.
However, as a low-pressure system formed over the Arabian Sea, the warm air didn’t come as much, and temperatures started to drop again. Also, active western disturbances – these are weather patterns that bring moisture and can cause snow or rain in North India – contributed to making things colder.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), people in Pune can expect a partly cloudy sky with some haze on Monday. The temperatures will be between 9 degrees Celsius (the low) and 28 degrees Celsius (the high), creating a cool and hazy atmosphere throughout the day.
Weekly Weather Forecast:
– Tuesday: Partly cloudy with haze, 10 to 29 degrees Celsius.
– Wednesday: Partly cloudy with haze, 12 to 29 degrees Celsius.
– Thursday: Temperatures will rise a bit, ranging from 13 to 30 degrees Celsius.
– Friday: Similar weather to Thursday, with mild temperatures.
– Saturday: Partly cloudy and hazy, temperatures between 14 and 30 degrees Celsius.It looks like a cool week ahead for Pune, so grab your sweaters!
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Israel Closes Embassy in Ireland Amid Palestine Recognition Tensions
Israel has decided to shut down its embassy in Ireland. This is because Ireland recognized Palestine as a country and supported a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said that the Irish government has unfairly criticized Israel and acted against it. He stated that the Irish government is trying to damage Israel’s reputation and support lies about it, especially during conflicts.
Sa’ar mentioned that Ireland has not accepted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, and he believes the Irish government has not done enough to fight antisemitism itself.
Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid disagreed with Sa’ar’s decision. He thinks that Israel should keep embassies in countries where there is disagreement, so they can address those conflicts directly.
Ireland has been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause and has often drawn comparisons to its own history of struggle against British rule. This year, Ireland recognized Palestine as a state and supported legal claims against Israel.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris expressed disappointment over Israel’s decision and emphasized that Ireland is not anti-Israel. He stated that Ireland stands for peace, human rights, and international law. Ireland will continue to push for a two-state solution to allow both Israelis and Palestinians to live peacefully.
Despite this, the Irish Foreign Minister said there are no plans to close Ireland’s embassy in Israel, and diplomatic relations will continue.
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Mumbai Wins T20 Final with Stellar Performances from Young Players!”
On a sunny Sunday, many excited fans gathered at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to watch the T20 final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The match featured two strong teams: Mumbai and Madhya Pradesh (MP). Mumbai had big stars like Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shivam Dube, while MP had local hero Rajat Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer from KKR.
The match was thrilling, but it was the younger players, Suryansh Shedge and Atharva Ankolekar, who became the real stars. Mumbai needed to score 175 runs to win. When Suryakumar Yadav scored 48 runs but got out at 129 runs, everyone worried for Mumbai. However, Shedge, who is just 21 years old, came to the rescue, scoring a quick 36 runs in just 15 balls with an amazing strike rate of 240! Ankolekar, at 24, also helped by hitting 16 not out in just six balls. Together, they scored 51 runs in just 19 balls, leading Mumbai to victory once again.
Look at how Shedge impressed everyone! He not only scored well but also took 1 wicket for 32 runs in 3 overs, earning him the Player of the Match award. Ankolekar was also a key player, bowling brilliantly and finishing with figures of 1 wicket for only 19 runs.
Mumbai’s captain, Shreyas Iyer, praised the young players for their fearless attitude. Shedge had previously shown his skills in earlier matches, and he has been doing well in first-class cricket too with great batting averages.
When asked about his role in the team, Shedge said he was ready to step up as a finisher and had learned a lot from experienced players. As a Mumbaikar, he feels the thrill of winning is unmatched and prepares himself for such crucial moments during matches.
Mumbai had a strategic advantage after Shreyas won the toss and chose to bowl first. MP struggled to build their innings, but Rajat Patidar fought hard with a brilliant unbeaten score of 81 runs. Despite his efforts, the target of 175 runs was too low, and in the end, it was not enough to stop Mumbai from winning the title again!
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Jaishankar Advocates for India’s New Foreign Policy Vision”
On Sunday, India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said that India must develop a foreign policy suited for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). He believes that changes in the world require us to rethink how we approach foreign relations, moving past the old ways started by Jawaharlal Nehru.
Jaishankar spoke at the launch of ‘India’s World’ magazine and emphasized that we should not be afraid to discuss a new direction in our foreign policy. He highlighted four important reasons to consider updating our approach:
1. Old Models: Jaishankar mentioned that India’s earlier development approach led to a certain foreign policy style. As we change how we look at development in India, our foreign policy should also adapt.
2. Changing World: The world has changed a lot since the mid-1900s when countries were either aligned or not. Now, relationships between countries have become more complex.
3. Global Connections: In recent years, countries are more connected than ever, making international relations even more crucial.
4. Technological Advances: Technology is now a big part of foreign policy decisions and our everyday lives.
Jaishankar argued that if our country’s domestic situation changes, and the way countries interact changes, then our foreign policy must evolve too. He urged people not to view new ideas about foreign policy as political attacks, pointing out that previous leaders, like Narasimha Rao, have already begun this change.
Finally, he stated that to achieve our dream of a developed India, we need a foreign policy that fits our rising aspirations.
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Allu Arjun Responds to Critics After Jail Release Following Stampede Tragedy”
After being released from jail in Hyderabad, actor Allu Arjun is spending time with family and friends. However, this has drawn criticism online, with some people asking why he hasn’t visited a young fan, who is still in the hospital after an accident at the premiere of his new movie, “Pushpa 2: The Rule.”
Allu Arjun was taken into custody for his connection to a tragic incident where a stampede occurred at the movie premiere. This unfortunate situation led to the death of a 35-year-old woman named Revathi, and her son is still in serious condition.
In response to online backlash, Allu Arjun shared a note on Instagram explaining why he hasn’t visited the hospital yet. He mentioned that his lawyers advised him against it because of ongoing legal matters. “I care deeply about young Sri Tej, who is getting medical treatment,” he wrote. He assured everyone that he is praying for the boy’s quick recovery and expressed a desire to help his family in any way necessary.
After his release from jail, Allu Arjun had an emotional reunion with his family and spoke to the media. He explained, “I was watching a movie inside the theater, and the accident happened outside. It was not something I could control, and I feel for the family.” Just before his release, he and his family also visited his uncle, actor Chiranjeevi