Author: Supriya Jena

  • Russia Open for Peace Talks with U.S. and Ukraine: Key Insights

    Russia Open for Peace Talks with U.S. and Ukraine: Key Insights

    New Delhi: In the search for peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, said that Russia is ready to discuss solutions together with the U.S. and Ukraine. Speaking at the India Today Conclave, Alipov noted that the current U.S. government is making positive moves compared to past administrations by wanting to end the conflict.

    Alipov mentioned a recent meeting in Saudi Arabia, where U.S. officials showed a willingness to listen to Russia’s concerns. He expressed that while some leaders in Ukraine and Europe continue to demand Russia withdraw from Ukraine, they are also planning to strengthen Europe’s military presence.

    “The situation is tricky,” he stated, adding, “Although we believe we are winning the war, we still want peace.” He feels that Ukraine and Europe are preventing a quick resolution.

    Regarding Donald Trump’s recent announcement about wanting to end the conflict, Alipov said they would be open to meetings involving Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He claimed that while the U.S. sees Ukrainian President Zelenskyy as a rightful leader, Russia does not feel the same way. However, they are still open to discussions.

    When questioned about India’s role, Alipov said, “We don’t expect anything from India.” He emphasized the strong friendship between India and Russia and said they’re hopeful for future cooperation. He also mentioned that Russia supports better relations between India and China and wants to help both nations achieve that.

    Alipov summed it up by saying, “We look at situations in terms of cooperation, not conflict. We hope everyone can work together fairly.”

  • SEBI Proposes Lower Donation Minimum on Social Stock Exchange

    SEBI Proposes Lower Donation Minimum on Social Stock Exchange

    The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed an important change that could make donating easier for everyone. They want to lower the minimum amount you need to donate using special “Zero Coupon Zero Principal” (ZCZP) instruments on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE). Right now, the minimum amount is Rs 10,000, but SEBI is suggesting it be reduced to either Rs 5,000 or even just Rs 1,000!

    These ZCZP instruments are basically ways for people to donate to non-profit organizations (NPOs) that are listed on the SSE. By making the minimum donation smaller, more people will be able to join in and support these causes.

    This idea came about because many people want to give through the SSE but find the current minimum too high. Recently, SEBI has also made other changes to make it easier for donors. In November 2023, they reduced the total amount needed for ZCZP issues from Rs 1 crore to Rs 50 lakh and lowered the minimum application size for donors from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10,000.

    The SSE is a special place in India where social organizations can connect with donors, helping to bring in more money and support. This unique concept was introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her 2019 budget speech. Now, SEBI is looking for public feedback on this latest proposal until March 14.

    This change could open the door for many more people to become involved and make a difference!

  • PM Modi Addresses Obesity Crisis and Launches New Projects in Gujarat

    PM Modi Addresses Obesity Crisis and Launches New Projects in Gujarat

    On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned about the rising obesity rates in India, mentioning a report that says nearly 440 million people could be obese by 2050. He called this number “huge and scary” and stressed the need for action to address this health crisis.

    During his two-day visit to Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, PM Modi inaugurated projects worth ₹2,587 crore. He also launched a new food security campaign in Surat to help people access better nutrition.

    Speaking at rallies in Silvassa and Surat, Modi pointed out that obesity can lead to many health problems. He encouraged everyone to exercise regularly and cut down on edible oil by 10%. “Lifestyle-related diseases are a big risk today, and obesity is the main cause of many of these problems,” Modi said. He warned that if things don’t change, one in three people could be obese by 2050, which poses a serious threat to public health.

    The Prime Minister urged everyone to buy 10% less oil and engage in physical activities like cycling to help reduce obesity. He also announced plans to open 25,000 new Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country, where affordable medicines will be available. He mentioned that middle-class and low-income families have saved around ₹30,000 crore by buying medicines from these government centers.

    Modi encouraged residents to work together to develop the Union Territory, comparing it to the transformation of Singapore from a fishing village to a modern city. He believes that if the people are committed, great changes can happen.

    During this visit, he inaugurated several important projects, including a 450-bed hospital in Silvassa and new facilities in Diu and Daman. After his work in Silvassa, he went to Surat to talk about the new food security campaign and to address the people there.

    Modi also took a jab at the Congress party, saying that those with no power might have problems understanding the ₹32 lakh crore in loans given out under the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, which aims to help small businesses.

  • Chakravarthy vs. New Zealand: A Clash of Spin and Strategy

    Chakravarthy vs. New Zealand: A Clash of Spin and Strategy

    Last Sunday was an exciting match between Varun Chakravarthy and New Zealand, where the Kiwi batsmen struggled to figure out the Indian spinner’s tricky deliveries. The upcoming match this Sunday has higher stakes, with New Zealand needing to adjust their strategy.

    Chakravarthy took 5 wickets for 42 runs, which might make it seem like an easy win, but it was a tough game. New Zealand has some skilled batters who can hit big shots, but facing mystery spin can be confusing. When England played Chakravarthy before the Champions Trophy, many of their batters didn’t know how to tackle him. They often swept, but it didn’t go well for them.

    New Zealand tried to play safe, but the pitch was slow, and they couldn’t keep up with the scoring rate. When their star batter, Kane Williamson, had to take risks, he was out, which hurt their chances. “The pitch wasn’t as bad as people thought; it did spin a bit, which made it harder for batsmen. I owe my five wickets to my teammates too,” Chakravarthy said.

    If New Zealand thinks the pitch will grip less this time, they might attack more. But if it’s similar to last week, it could be tricky again. “It’s easier to read a wrist spinner in daylight. He’s a great bowler, and we need a plan to score against him,” said New Zealand coach Gary Stead.

    Rachin Ravindra could really help if he stays longer at the crease. With experience playing at Chepauk, he has the shots to handle spin. Daryl Mitchell is also good at dealing with spinners. The team may consider moving Michael Bracewell up the order because he can hit long.

    All batters will have their own game plans, and good communication during the match is vital. “We’re ready to take on this challenge; India has good spinners,” Stead added.

    On the other hand, Chakravarthy knows the Kiwis will be better prepared this time. As a mystery spinner, he needs to keep changing and being patient. “On slow pitches, the ball turns slowly, so you have to be patient and wait for opportunities,” he explained.

    Matt Henry’s Injury Concern: New Zealand bowler Matt Henry landed awkwardly on his shoulder during the semi-final against South Africa and is uncertain for the final. “We’ve done some scans, and we’ll do our best to get him ready. He’s sore, but hopefully, he’ll be fine,” said Stead. Henry has taken ten wickets in the tournament, including five against India. If he can’t play, Jacob Duffy might take his place.

  • BCCI Strengthens Cricket in Asia with New ACC Appointments

    BCCI Strengthens Cricket in Asia with New ACC Appointments

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made some important appointments in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Rajeev Shukla, who is the vice-president of the BCCI and a member of the Indian Parliament, will now represent India on the ACC’s Board of Directors. Additionally, Ashish Shelar, the former treasurer of the BCCI and a senior member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), will serve as an Executive Board Member.

    BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia announced this news on Friday and expressed his confidence in Shukla and Shelar’s abilities. These appointments come after Jay Shah, the current BCCI Secretary, took on the role of Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Because of this new job, Shah had to step down from his position on the ACC Board.

    Saikia extended the board’s best wishes to both Shukla and Shelar, stating, “We wish both of them a successful tenure as the ACC works towards promoting and developing cricket in Asia.”

    This is an important time for the ACC as they are preparing for a leadership change. Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi will soon be the head of the ACC, marking a new era for cricket in Asia. Shukla and Shelar’s roles are expected to help strengthen India’s influence in the ACC.

    Through these new roles, the BCCI aims to continue shaping the future of cricket in Asia, reinforcing its leadership in the sport around the world

  • Lalit Modi Surrenders Passport, Becomes Citizen of Vanuatu Amid Legal Issues

    Lalit Modi Surrenders Passport, Becomes Citizen of Vanuatu Amid Legal Issues

    Lalit Modi, the founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has applied to give up his Indian passport at the High Commission in London. He has also become a citizen of Vanuatu, a small island country in the South Pacific. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India confirmed this news and stated that they are aware of his move.

    The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, mentioned that they are still working on all legal cases against Modi. “We will look into this application following the rules,” he said. Modi has faced serious accusations, including cheating, money laundering, and breaking foreign exchange laws.

    He used to be the Vice-President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and was suspended shortly after the IPL in 2010. He left India that same year and has been living in London since then. The BCCI claims that Modia defrauded them of a huge amount—753 crore rupees—through dishonest actions with certain officials of the World Sports Group.

  • UK’s 80th VE Day Celebration: Events, No New Holiday in 2025

    UK’s 80th VE Day Celebration: Events, No New Holiday in 2025

    In 2025, the United Kingdom will honor the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with four days of celebrations from May 5 to May 8. These events will include a military parade, planes flying overhead, concerts, and a special service at Westminster Abbey.

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy mentioned that on this important day, people will get a chance to hear stories from veterans to remember and reflect on their contributions.

    Will There Be a New Bank Holiday?

    Despite the special nature of this anniversary, the government has confirmed that there will be no new bank holiday. According to reports from NiftyStat, this decision was made in November 2024. A spokesperson explained that the celebrations will take place along with the existing Early May Bank Holiday on May 5.

    The government plans to spend over £10 million on these celebrations. An official said, while this anniversary is important, an extra day off could disrupt businesses and public services. So, the holiday schedule will stay the same, and the Early May Bank Holiday will be the main day for VE Day events.

    The Four Days of VE Day Celebrations

    The celebrations will be as follows:

    May 5: A parade will march down Whitehall, featuring military formations and a special flypast by RAF planes, including the famous Red Arrows. The Cenotaph and HMS Belfast will be decorated with Union Jacks, and there will be a street party.

    May 6: A display of ceramic poppies will be at the Tower of London to honor those who died in the war, and famous buildings across the UK will light up at night.

    May 7: There will be a Victory in Europe Day Anniversary Concert at Westminster Hall in the Palace of Westminster.

    May 8: The final day includes a memorial service at Westminster Abbey, followed by a grand concert at Horse Guards Parade, expected to attract around 10,000 people.

    No Extra Bank Holiday for VE Day Why80?

    The government decided against having an extra bank holiday due to economic reasons. They believe an additional day off could hurt businesses and public services.

    The 2025 bank holiday dates will be:

    – Good Friday: April 18
    – Easter Monday: April 21
    – Early May Bank Holiday: May 5
    – Spring Bank Holiday: May 26
    – Summer Bank Holiday: August 25
    – Christmas Day: December 25
    – Boxing Day: December 26

    These upcoming celebrations are expected to be grand, especially since the last time the UK celebrated VE Day, in 2020, was limited due to COVID-19. This year, many living veterans and groups like the Royal British Legion will be involved in the events, while promoting community participation.

  • Trump Proposes Nuclear Talks with Iran: A Peaceful Path Forward

    Trump Proposes Nuclear Talks with Iran: A Peaceful Path Forward

    US President Donald Trump has announced that he sent a letter to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to discuss a possible nuclear deal. In an interview with Fox Business News, Trump said, “I hope you’re going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it’s going to be a terrible thing.”

    The White House confirmed that Trump has invited Iranian officials to talks about their nuclear program. The detailed interview will be shown on Sunday. Trump expressed his desire to negotiate a deal instead of going to war, mentioning, “I would rather negotiate a deal… We can make a deal that would be just as good as if you won militarily.”

    He added that the time to act is now, saying, “Something’s going to happen one way or the other.” Trump emphasized that negotiating would be better for Iran and suggested they should consider his letter. He reminded everyone that Iran shouldn’t have nuclear weapons.

    Iran claims its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes, but as tensions with the US grow, Iranian officials are hinting at developing nuclear weapons. Iran’s state-run news agency reported Trump’s comments, but there has been no response from Khamenei’s office.

    The Trump administration has stressed preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons, especially after a new report suggested Iran is producing more uranium suitable for weapons.

  • SBI PO Prelims 2025: Exam Date, Admit Card & Important Guidelines

    SBI PO Prelims 2025: Exam Date, Admit Card & Important Guidelines

    The State Bank of India (SBI) is set to hold the SBI PO Prelims Exam on March 8, 2025. If you’ve signed up to take this exam, make sure to download your admit card, which will be available starting February 28, 2025. You can get your admit card by visiting the SBI website at sbi.co.in.

    Here are some important things you need to know before the exam:

    – Bring Extra Photos: You need to take two extra photographs that are the same as the one you put on your admit card. If you don’t have your photo stuck on the admit card or the two extra photos, you won’t be allowed to take the exam.

    – Photo Identity Proof: Bring an ID that proves who you are. This can be a passport, Aadhaar card, PAN card, driver’s license, voter ID, bank passbook with a photo, or school/college ID. You must also have a photocopy of this ID that you’ve signed.

    – Stay Honest and Respectful: If you’re caught cheating, pretending to be someone else, or causing trouble during the exam, you could face serious consequences. This means you might be banned from this exam and any future ones conducted by the bank.

    – Leave Electronics at Home: You can’t bring mobile phones, tablets, calculators, or any electronic devices into the exam area. Make sure to leave these things at home to avoid issues.

  • Madras University November 2024 Results Release Date and How to Check

    Madras University November 2024 Results Release Date and How to Check

    The University of Madras will announce the results for the November 2024 exams on March 7, 2025. If you took the UG, PG, Professional, or OT (Sanskrit) exams, you can find your results on the university’s official website at unom.ac.in.

    Here’s how you can check your results easily:

    1. Go to the official website of Madras University: unom.ac.in.
    2. Look for the link for UG or PG results on the homepage and click on it.
    3. A new page will open. Enter your login details.
    4. Click ‘Submit’, and your result will be shown.
    5. Check your result and download the page if you want.
    6. It’s good to keep a printed copy for future reference.

    According to the latest announcement, students who joined the UG courses in the academic year 2022-2023 and those in PG/Professional courses from 2023-2024 can apply for re-evaluation of their exam papers through their respective colleges. The re-evaluation link will be open from March 10 to March 14, 2025. If you want to apply for re-evaluation, you need to pay ₹1000 for each paper, either through a demand draft made out to “The Registrar, University of Madras” or online.

    UG students can only request re-totalling of their marks. This can also be done from March 10 to March 14, 2025. To apply for re-totalling, you need to pay ₹300 for each subject, using a demand draft or online payment.