Tag: thellv

  • Engineer Rashid Seeks Release to Attend Parliament Session amid Legal Battle

    Engineer Rashid Seeks Release to Attend Parliament Session amid Legal Battle

    New Delhi: Jailed MP Engineer Rashid from Jammu and Kashmir has asked for special permission to leave jail temporarily so he can attend the next session of Parliament. His lawyer, Vikhyat Oberoi, argued in front of judge Chander Jit Singh that Rashid poses no safety threat and needs to fulfill his duties as a member of Parliament.

    Rashid’s request for temporary bail was made on February 27, and the judge will decide on March 7. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which looks into serious crimes, was asked for its opinion before the judge makes a decision.

    Rashid has already prepared questions about the work of important departments in Jammu and Kashmir to discuss in Parliament. His lawyer explained that Rashid represents a significant portion of Kashmir and should be allowed to speak for his people. He emphasized that attending Parliament is not just a right, but also a responsibility Rashid wants to fulfill.

    On the other hand, the NIA’s lawyer disagreed, saying being a member of Parliament doesn’t mean someone can be let out of jail easily. They argued that any person might claim they need to do their job, but it shouldn’t lead to special treatment.

    Engineer Rashid previously won elections against former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Baramulla. He has been in Tihar Prison since October 2019 after being accused of serious crimes related to funding terrorism. The hearing for his regular bail is still awaiting a decision. The next session of Parliament will start on March 10 and end on April 4.

  • Karnataka’s Proposed 4% Muslim Contractor Quota: What You Need to Know

    Karnataka’s Proposed 4% Muslim Contractor Quota: What You Need to Know

    The Congress party in Karnataka is planning to introduce a new law in the current legislative session. This law would give Muslim contractors a special 4% share when awarding government contracts. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is facing pressure from party leaders who represent Muslims. They claim that the Congress won many votes from Muslims in the recent elections, helping them secure 136 seats in the assembly.

    Currently, contractors from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) get a 24.1% reservation for government contracts. Recently, the government also expanded this benefit to other communities in Category 1. They have also increased the contract size limit from Rs 50 lakhs to Rs 1 crore.

    According to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements Act, 1999, all departments must follow these quotas when giving out contracts for projects costing up to Rs 1 crore. Departments like minor irrigation, rural development, urban development, public works, and health regularly issue these contracts.

    Muslim leaders have pointed out that there are only two ministers from their community, which they believe is not enough. They argue that since many Muslims supported the Congress in the elections, they deserve better representation and opportunities.

    The proposed law has upset the opposition party, BJP. BJP state president BY Vijayendra argues that creating a special quota for Muslims is unfair and will divide society based on religion. He stated that while the BJP supports welfare measures for all minority communities, this particular move seems like playing politics with Muslim voters.

    Vijayendra also criticized the Congress for only acknowledging Muslims as minorities and said that giving quotas based on religion is not right.

  • New Tax Bill: Are Your Online Accounts Now Fair Game

    New Tax Bill: Are Your Online Accounts Now Fair Game

    The income tax department may soon have the ability to look at people’s social media accounts, personal emails, bank information, and online trading accounts if they think someone is hiding money to avoid paying taxes. This is because a new income tax bill contains a rule that gives tax officials the power to get into these online spaces, even if they don’t have the passwords.

    Officials can also physically break into locked doors, boxes, and safes to gather information as part of their investigation. The bill explains what “virtual digital space” means, which includes:

    1. Email servers
    2. Social media accounts
    3. Online investment and trading accounts
    4. Banking accounts
    5. Websites that show ownership of assets
    6. Cloud storage
    7. Any similar online space

    Who Can Access This Information?

    The bill has a list of officials who can do this:

    – Joint Director or Additional Director
    – Joint Commissioner or Additional Commissioner
    – Assistant Director or Deputy Director
    – Assistant Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner
    – Income Tax Officer or Tax Recovery Officer

    Concerns About Privacy

    Many experts are worried about the impact of this bill on people’s privacy. Prateek Bansal, an expert at a law firm, says that allowing tax officers to look at private emails and social media is a big concern for our right to privacy, a right protected by the Supreme Court. He mentions that people may be scared to express themselves online if they worry that their conversations are being watched.

    Lawyer Sohail Hasan called the bill “groundbreaking and controversial,” saying it gives too much power to officials. Critics warn that this could lead to a serious invasion of privacy, allowing authorities to snoop on private information in the name of tax collection.

    Ketan Mukhija, another legal expert, has called this bill a threat to personal freedom. He argues that there should be strict rules and checks in place to protect people from having their private online space invaded without good reason. In his view, without proper oversight, this could lead to unfair investigations rather than just tax collection.

  • Arsenal Shines in Champions League with 7-1 Win Against PSV Eindhoven!

    Arsenal Shines in Champions League with 7-1 Win Against PSV Eindhoven!

    Kolkata: Arsenal finally found their groove, scoring seven goals in a huge 7-1 victory against PSV Eindhoven. This win not only gave Arsenal a strong start in the Champions League knockout stage but also set a record for the most goals scored by any team in an away knockout game.

    In the first half, Arsenal dazzled the crowd with three goals in just 13 minutes! Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, and Mikel Merino each found the back of the net. The second half was just as exciting, with Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard scoring two quick goals. Odegaard scored again and assisted Riccardo Calafiori for the final goal. This game was full of action and thrill!

    Despite missing key players like Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, Arsenal showed they could cope. Young star Nwaneri, only 17, scored and became one of the youngest players to score in a Champions League knockout match!

    This performance puts Arsenal among great teams like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, who also had massive wins in the past. PSV, who were doing well earlier in the season, struggled against Arsenal’s attacks.

    Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, praised the players, saying, “Thank you for your special performance tonight.” Arteta aims to keep improving the team’s gameplay, and they definitely delivered this time, dominating PSV in every way.

    With six of their seven goals scored from inside the box, Arsenal sent a clear message: they mean business! PSV managed to score just once using a penalty kick, but they couldn’t keep up with Arsenal’s energy and skill.

    Overall, it was an unforgettable night for Arsenal fans, and they look like strong contenders to meet a Madrid team in the next round.

  • Hathras Stampede: Report Reveals Shocking Cause Behind 121 Deaths

    Hathras Stampede: Report Reveals Shocking Cause Behind 121 Deaths

    A special team investigating the tragic stampede during a religious gathering in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, has said that a call to gather “Charan Raj” (holy dust from the feet) of spiritual leader Bhole Baba caused the chaos. This stampede occurred on July 2, leading to 121 deaths.

    The team, led by former judge Brijesh Kumar Srivastava, dismissed claims from organizers that a harmful spray was used to start the stampede. They believe that rumors about the spray were made up by Bhole Baba’s followers to distract from the real cause of the stampede.

    The investigation report, which is 1,680 pages long, was shared with the Uttar Pradesh government and discussed in the state assembly. According to the report, many eyewitnesses said that Bhole Baba promised that gathering the Charan Raj would solve all their problems. When people rushed to collect it, they lost control, leading to the stampede.

    The commission also noted that there were too many people at the event, far exceeding the number of attendees allowed. No announcements were made to help manage the crowd. Eyewitnesses reported that the crowd was three times bigger than expected, making it hard for Bhole Baba to leave the venue.

    The report criticized the event’s management, saying that the organizers kept police and officials away and did not let the media cover the event. People responsible for managing the crowd were not known to the authorities, making the situation more dangerous.

    The commission suggests that there may have been a plan behind the stampede to divert attention. They recommend a deeper investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, Bhole Baba’s lawyer, AP Singh, continues to claim that unknown individuals sprayed a harmful substance.

  • New Ropeways for Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib: Fast and Easy Pilgrimage

    New Ropeways for Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib: Fast and Easy Pilgrimage

    The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light for two ropeway projects at the important religious sites of Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand. These new ropeways will make it easier for pilgrims to reach these places, which are visited by millions every year.

    The Kedarnath ropeway will stretch 12.9 km and connect different stops, making the journey faster and more comfortable. Instead of taking about 8 to 9 hours to travel around 16 km by foot or pony, it will now take just 36 minutes! This is great news for elderly people and those with disabilities. The ropeway can carry 1,800 passengers every hour, which means it can move 18,000 people in one day. The project will cost ₹4,081.28 crore and will be built as a partnership between the government and private companies.

    Kedarnath, located high in the mountains at 3,583 m (11,968 ft), is an important place for Hindu pilgrims. The temple here is open for about six to seven months each year and attracts around two million visitors during that time.

    The Hemkund Sahib project is another exciting development. This ropeway will be 12.4 km long and will help visitors reach the holy site for Sikhs and the stunning Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts between 150,000 to 200,000 visitors each year. The project will cost about ₹2,730.13 crore and will use a different type of gondola system to carry passengers.

    Additionally, the government has rolled out a new disease control program for livestock that focuses on important issues like foot and mouth disease and brucellosis. The total budget for this program is ₹3,880 crore over the next two years and will also include initiatives to provide better access to veterinary medicines.

    With these projects, the government aims to improve travel to these spiritual sites while also supporting local communities.

  • China Sets 5% Growth Target for 2025 Amid Economic Challenges

    China Sets 5% Growth Target for 2025 Amid Economic Challenges

    On Wednesday, China shared its plans for economic growth and spending for 2025. Here are the five most important points to know:

    1. Growth Goals: China has set a goal to grow its economy by about 5% in 2025. This is what many experts expected, but the country is having a tough time recovering from COVID-19 due to issues like problems in the property market, low consumer spending, and high unemployment among youth.

    2. Focus on Domestic Demand: Premier Li Qiang said that boosting domestic demand will be crucial for economic growth. However, he admitted that getting people to spend more money is a challenge. He noted that there isn’t enough strong demand to support steady recovery.

    3. Job Creation and Inflation: China plans to create around 12 million new jobs in cities this year and aims to keep inflation at around 2%. They will also issue 1.3 trillion yuan (about $181 billion) in special bonds, which is more than the previous year’s one trillion yuan.

    4. Defense Spending and Social Programs: China will raise its defense budget by 7.2% in 2025. This increase is important as China tries to modernize its military amid tensions with the U.S. Additionally, China will raise the minimum pension for elderly citizens and improve care for older people, especially in rural areas. They also plan to support parents by subsidizing childcare and eventually making preschool free.

    5. Support for Private Companies: Premier Li promised to help private companies grow, saying that China would protect their rights and interests. However, experts warn that this growth will depend on how well these companies align with China’s government goals.

    Li stressed that the global environment is becoming more challenging, with rising protectionism and trade barriers. He said China will resist such actions, without naming specific countries.

  • How FDA Approval Impacts Pharma Stocks Beyond Nifty Numbers

    How FDA Approval Impacts Pharma Stocks Beyond Nifty Numbers

    Let’s take a closer look. Imagine the Nifty is at 26,000 points or maybe at 22,000 points. Does it change how well a pharmaceutical company is doing after it just got approval from the US FDA for one of its factories? After four years of hard work, the answer is no, it doesn’t.

    However, the Nifty’s points do matter when it comes to the stock price of that company. Even so, what truly counts for the stock price in the long run is how well the company is making money. Some people may say that other factors, like tariffs, can have an impact too, but at the end of the day, money is what matters most.

  • CUET PG 2025: Essential Tips and Exam Details You Need

    CUET PG 2025: Essential Tips and Exam Details You Need

    The Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduates (CUET PG) is a crucial exam for students who want to pursue various master’s degrees like MSc, MA, MBA, MTech, and LLB in universities across India. With just one test, students can apply to multiple universities, making it one of the most popular postgraduate entrance exams. This year, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the exam from March 13 to March 31, 2025, at test centers in India and abroad.

    What You Need to Know About CUET PG

    – Eligibility: You can take this exam if you have completed or are about to finish your bachelor’s degree. There’s no age limit, but make sure to check if your university has specific requirements.

    – Exam Format: The CUET PG 2025 exam will be a computer-based test in English and Hindi. It has 75 questions, each worth 4 marks, making a total of 300 marks. This year, the exam time has been shortened from 105 minutes to 90 minutes, so manage your time wisely!

    Exam Preparation Tips:

    1. Know the Exam Pattern: Understand how the exam works. You will be penalized 1 mark for every wrong answer, but no marks will be taken away for unanswered questions.

    2. Study Smart: Make a study schedule. List your subjects and prioritize them based on how difficult they are. Spend more time on tough topics and try to practice solving questions daily.

    3. Revise and Practice: As the exam date gets closer, focus on revising what you’ve learned. Use summaries and mind maps for quick reviews and take practice tests to build your confidence and improve your timing.

    4. Practice with Previous Papers: Solving past year question papers can help you understand question patterns and boost your speed and accuracy. This practice will also help you stay calm during the exam.

    Being prepared and practicing regularly will help you perform your best on exam day!

  • Meghan Markle Accused of Racism Over Awkward Moment with Mindy Kaling

    Meghan Markle Accused of Racism Over Awkward Moment with Mindy Kaling

    Meghan Markle, now known as the Duchess of Sussex, is under fire for what some people think was a racist reaction toward Mindy Kaling, a popular actor and comedian of Indian descent. This incident came from a scene in Meghan’s Netflix show, “With Love, Meghan.”

    During the second episode, Meghan invited Mindy to her home in Montecito. Mindy complimented Meghan, saying, “By the way, I wanna ask about your look.” However, she mispronounced the word “look” as “lewk.” Meghan seemed confused and didn’t understand at first. She asked, “My who?” and needed Mindy to repeat herself. When Mindy clarified, saying “Your look, Meghan,” the Duchess jokingly repeated, “My lewk?” which many viewers thought was disrespectful.

    This lighthearted moment quickly sparked outrage on social media, with some accusing Meghan of pretending not to understand Mindy because of her accent. Mindy Kaling was born in India but grew up speaking English. Despite this, some people felt that Meghan’s response was rude and insensitive, especially since it seemed like she was making fun of Mindy’s pronunciation.

    Many users on social media expressed their disappointment and called Meghan’s actions “racial bullying” and “mean girl behavior.” They felt Meghan should have laughed it off instead of correcting Mindy on a small mistake.

    One user declared, “It’s incredibly rude to correct someone, especially on worldwide TV.” Another person shared their shock, saying, “I can’t believe they actually aired that. It felt very passive-aggressive.”

    This incident has generated a lot of conversations online about accents, respect, and kindness.