Sunday, 30 April 2023

Madhuri Dixit's Husband And Paytm CEO Share A Special "Vada Pav Moment" In Mumbai

Vada pav is one of the most beloved Maharashtrian snacks, a wholesome and spicy desi-style burger that's an absolute treat for the taste buds. It's worth noting that Michelin Star chefs have rated vada pav as one of the world's best burgers. Recently, Dr. Shriram Nene, the husband of Madhuri Dixit, was spotted relishing this popular snack with Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma in Mumbai. Dr. Nene took to Twitter to share a picture of his "vada pav moment" at Swati Snacks, where he enjoyed the dish with tall glasses of juice and a cup of chai. He tweeted, "Our vada pav moment at #swatisnack. The company made the experience unforgettable." Vijay Shekhar Sharma quote-tweeted his post, saying, "I call it the 'poor man's' vada-pao moment." Take a look:

The photo has quickly grabbed the attention of foodies everywhere. In reference to Madhuri Dixit's previous vada pav binge session with Tim Cook at the same cafe, one user wrote, "The Nene-Dixit duo should be appointed Global Vada Pav ambassadors, which would give a big boost to domestic and international tourism.

Also Read: Madhuri Dixit Enjoys Vada Pav With Apple CEO Tim Cook In Mumbai - See Pic

"One user was curious about the beverages being served, asking, 'Are those glasses filled with sugar cane juice or lassi?"

"A user put a spin on the popular saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" and wrote, ''Is it the doctor's way to recommend one vada pav a day?''

Earlier this year, Madhuri Dixit took Apple CEO Tim Cook to a special vada pav treat in Mumbai. Cook was in India to launch the company's first-ever retail stores in Mumbai and Delhi. In the picture, Dixit and Cook are sharing a candid moment as they enjoy vada pav, with a plate of green and tamarind dips visible in the background. Sharing the photo on Twitter, the actress wrote, ''Can't think of a better welcome to Mumbai than Vada Pav!'' Cook replied with a note of appreciation, writing, ''Thanks, @madhuridixit, for introducing me to my very first Vada Pav — it was delicious!''

Also Read: Shriram Nene, Madhuri Dixit's Husband, Gives Culinary Lessons To Son

Are you craving vada pav too? We have a list of recipes that will help you amp up your tea time. Click here



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China's Zhurong Rover Finds Traces Of Recent Water Activity On Mars

China's fully robotic rover on Mars has, for the first time, found traces of recent water activity on the Red Planet, indicating that Mars has a few areas where conditions are suitable for life to exist. According to a paper published in the journal Science Advances, the Zhurong rover, which landed on Mars in 2021, detected evidence of liquid water on sand dunes at low latitudes, i.e., towards the equator and away from its poles. 

In their study, Chinese researchers noted that scientists have for long believed that Mars once had an earth-like climate and an ocean flowing across its surface about three billion years ago. But dramatic climate changes froze much, with scientist believing most of it likely became trapped in the planet's outer layer, or crust. To date, no evidence had provided to show the presence of liquid water at low latitudes on the Red Planet.

However, the latest research is now believed to be a major breakthrough in understanding the evolutionary history of Mars. 

Scientists studying data from China's Zhurong rover pointed out that the rover did not directly detect any water in the form of frost or ice, rather it observed salt-rich dunes with cracks and crusts. The rover found cracked layers on tiny Martian dunes for the first time, which implies the Red Planet was a salt-rich watery world as recently as 400,000 years ago, the study said. 

Also Read | Canadian Actor's Death From Surgeries To Look Like BTS' Jimin Was An AI Hoax: Report

The Chinese researchers explained that since temperatures on Mars oscillate wildly and spike in the mornings, the saltwater evaporated and left behind salt and other newly formed minerals that later seeped between the dune's sand grains, cementing them to form a crust.

"This is important for understanding the evolutionary history of the Martian climate, looking for a habitable environment, and providing key clues for the future search for life," said lead researcher Professor Qin Xiaoguang, of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

The team stated that they used data obtained by the robotic rover's Navigation and Terrain Camera, Multispectral Camera, and Mars Surface Composition Detector. They found that the surface layer of the dune was rich in hydrated sulfates, hydrated silica, iron oxide minerals and possibly chlorides. 

"According to the measured meteorological data by Zhurong and other Mars rovers, we inferred that these dune surface characteristics were related to the involvement of liquid saline water formed by the subsequent melting of frost/snow falling on the salt-containing dune surfaces when cooling occurs," Mr Qin said. 
 



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Viral Picture Of Padlock On Grave Not From Pak: A Fact Check

A fact-check has indicated that an agency report about parents putting padlocks on graves of their daughters in Pakistan to save them from a rising spate of necrophilia was incorrect. Many news sites, including NDTV, ran the report of news agency ANI that has been fact-checked by AltNews. NDTV had sent a mail to ANI late this evening. A response is awaited.

The report of ANI was based on Daily Times article, and a viral tweet by Harris Sultan, an ex-Muslim atheist activist and the author of the book "The Curse of God, why I left Islam".

In the tweet, he had shared photos of a padlocked grave and accused Pakistan of creating a "sexually frustrated society", where "people are now putting padlocks on the graves of their daughters to prevent them from getting raped".

AltNews fact checker Mohammed Zubair tweeted that the photograph in question, showing a green painted  grille, was from Hyderabad. The reason grilles are used is to stop people from burying bodies over the old graves without permission, he tweeted quoting locals.

The grave was that of an old woman, whose son had installed the grille. It was also meant to stop people from stepping on the grave since it was near a doorway, he tweeted.

After the fact-check by AltNews, Harris Sultan said he was deleting his earlier tweet.

The ANI report mentioned that women's bodies were said to have been unearthed and desecrated on several occasions. A necrophilia case was reported in Pakistan in 2011 when a grave keeper named Muhammad Rizwan from North Nazimabad, Karachi was arrested after he confessed to raping 48 female corpses.



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UK's Rishi Sunak To Recite Bible Verse At King Charles' Coronation

Rishi Sunak will read from the biblical book of Colossians at the Coronation of King Charles III in keeping with the recent tradition of British Prime Ministers giving readings at State occasions, the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury revealed as part of the official Liturgy for the religious ceremony at Westminster Abbey here on May 6.

Rishi Sunak, Britain's first Prime Minister of Indian heritage and a practicing Hindu, reading from a biblical book will resonate with the multi-faith theme being struck for the Christian ceremony.

Lambeth Palace, the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury - Reverend Justin Welby, said that members of other faith traditions will play an active role in the service for the first time.

"The Archbishop of Canterbury has selected a new Epistle for this Coronation, which will be Colossians 1:9-17. This passage has been chosen to reflect the theme of service to others, and the loving rule of Christ over all people and all things, which runs through this Coronation Liturgy," Lambeth Palace said.

"Following recent tradition of British Prime Ministers giving readings at State occasions - as Head of the host Nation's government - this will be read by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak," it said.

By longstanding tradition, the Archbishop of Canterbury authorises a new Liturgy - or the form according to which a public religious worship takes place - for every Coronation. The three oaths the King at the heart of the service remain unchanged, including the promise to maintain "the Protestant Reformed Religion".

The overall theme of the Liturgy is "Called to Serve", which is intended to reflect the commitment that the King will make to serve God and the people of the United Kingdom.

"I am delighted that the service will recognise and celebrate tradition, speaking to the great history of our nation, our customs, and those who came before us. At the same time, the service contains new elements that reflect the diversity of our contemporary society," said Welby.

His office said the service has been designed to reflect the changes in the UK since Charles' mother Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation in 1953, the character of Britain as it is today, and the Church of England's role in contemporary society. As one of the newer elements, the 74-year-old monarch will pray aloud in the Abbey using words specially written for the occasion that reflect the "duty and privilege of the Sovereign to serve all communities".

Lambeth Palace confirmed that the Presentation of the Regalia will be made by Members of the House of Lords and for the first time, some of the items which have no Christian meaning or symbolism will be presented by peers who belong to different faith traditions: Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism.

Buckingham Palace had previously confirmed that Lord Narendra Babubhai Patel, 84, will represent the Hindu faith and hand over the Sovereign's Ring to Charles. While Lord Indrajit Singh, 90, will represent the Sikh faith and present the Coronation Glove, Lord Syed Kamall, 56, of Indo-Guyanese heritage, will represent the Muslim faith and present the Armills or a pair of bracelets.

"At the end of the procession at the close of the service, before His Majesty proceeds to the Gold State Coach, the King will receive and acknowledge a spoken greeting delivered in unison by Representatives from Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and Buddhist communities," Lambeth Palace said.

The thousands congregated at the Abbey and millions expected to be watching on screens as the ceremony is telecast live will be invited to say the words: "I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law - so help me God".

The five elements of the historic "English Coronation Rite" will take place in their traditional order: The Recognition; The Oath; The Anointing; The Investiture and Crowning; and The Enthronement and Homage.

These elements will take place within the traditional structure of a service of Holy Communion, including prayers and Bible readings, and King Charles and Queen Camilla will receive Holy Communion during the service.

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



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"India Tries To Ensure Ties Across The World, Except With...": S Jaishankar

Foreign minister S Jaishankar has said each of India's engagements has its own particular weight and focus, be it with United States, Europe, Russia or Japan, India is trying to ensure that all ties advance without seeking exclusivity. China, however, falls into a different category, Mr Jaishankar said in his address at the MIREX, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, where he was on a visit from April 27 to 29.

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, Mr Jaishankar said: "For the first time in 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated a comprehensive view that spanned the entirety of the Indian Ocean and its Islands. These subsequently became the building blocks for the Indo-Pacific vision that emerged thereafter. To the north, India has been similarly pursuing a strategy of connecting to Central Asia more effectively and this has taken the form of structured engagements across multiple domains".

"These concentric circles of priority give you a conceptual sense of Indian diplomacy and one that we have pursued very assiduously over the last decade. But at a higher level, we are also practising the approach of engaging all significant centres of power, such multi-alignment reflects the reality of multi-polarity," he added.

Mr Jaishankar said each engagement has its own particular weight and focus.

"Whether it is the United States, Europe, Russia or Japan, we are trying to ensure that all ties, all these ties advance without seeking exclusivity," Jaishankar said without mentioning China.

But further, Mr Jaishankar added, "China falls into a somewhat different category because of the boundary dispute and the currently abnormal nature of our ties".

Making India's stand clear about China's activities at the Line of Actual Control, Mr Jaishankar said that is "an outcome of a violation of agreements regarding border management by them".

"The rise of China and India in a parallel time frame is also not without its competitive aspects," he added.

The minister said India's most pressing priorities are obviously in its neighbourhood. Given India's size and economic strength, it is very much for the collective benefit that India takes a generous and non-reciprocal approach to cooperation with smaller neighbours.

"And that's exactly what we have done in the last decade under Prime Minister Modi and this in our region has come to be known as the Neighborhood First Policy," Mr Jaishankar said.

India has seen a dramatic expansion in connectivity, contacts, in cooperation across the region.

"The exception to this of course is Pakistan in view of the cross-border terrorism that it supports. But whether it is the Covid challenge or more recent debt pressures, India has always stepped up for its neighbours," Mr Jaishankar said.

India has extended more than USD 4 billion of notable economic support to Sri Lanka.

"Beyond South Asia, India is developing the concept of extended neighbourhoods, extended neighbourhoods in all directions, with the ASEAN this has taken the form of what we call the Act East Policy, which has opened up a pathway to a deeper engagement with the Indo-Pacific that is being pursued amongst others, through a mechanism called the Quad," Mr Jaishankar said on the expansion of India's ties.

He also said towards the West, there has been a perceptible "intensification" of India's relationship with the Gulf and the Middle East. One reflection of that is a new grouping called I2U2, comprising India, Israel, UAE and the USA. These two regions on either side have emerged as major trade and investment hubs for India, he added.

About 8 million Indians live and work in the Gulf but the relationship is much more than economic, it encompasses security, technology and strong people-to-people ties. To the South, the outlook that shapes India's thinking goes by the acronym of SAGAR, which is an Indian word for oceans.



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Videos Show Destruction Caused By Powerful Tornado In Florida

A powerful tornado flipped cars, uprooted trees and destroyed buildings as severe weather ripped through Florida, US, on Saturday. Several horrifying videos shared on social media captured the devastation caused by the strong twister. 

One viral video showed cars stacked onto one another in an open parking lot and damaged buildings, including one with its facade ripped off and another with a falling gutter. 

Another clip captured the moment a small vehicle was dramatically tossed into the air after the wind caught it, rolling it several times to the surprise of others on the highway. The video, shot from within another car, even showed debris swirling around in the street as cars are pushed by the powerful gusts. 

Other footage showed the aftermath of the tornado passing through communities. "Florida | Another video of tornado damage in Palm Beach area," the caption of the Twitter post read. 

According to the New York Post, the National Weather Service confirmed the tornado touched down in the city. In a tweet, the agency said, "We are currently in the process of surveying damage along the path of the tornado and will release more information once our survey is completed."

Also Read | US Man Fatally Shoots Fake Parking Attendant Over $40, Then Resumes His Date

In follow-up tweets, the weather page said a Tornado Watch would be in place for Sunday for much of Florida. "Another active weather day is expected in SFL with strong winds, hail, and even a few tornadoes possible. Main timing for activity would be sunrise-mid morning for NW areas, and late morning-early afternoon for the east coast," the weather service said. 

Around 12 million people across the state have been placed under a level 2 risk for severe weather.

As per the outlet, the thunderstorms were travelling across the Gulf of Mexico from Texas, which was hit with hail and powerful winds on Thursday. Officials said that the peninsula could also be in for damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail and heavy rainfall through Saturday night. 



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Saturday, 29 April 2023

Zerodha's Nithin Kamath Reveals How He Built His Company From Scratch

Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath on Friday took to Twitter to share his journey of how a successful business can be built without the help of too many external factors. 

Mr Kamath recently received the "Entrepreneur of the Year" award from the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Later, he took to Twitter to share how he built his company Zerodha, that too without following the norm. 

"No Business Background. No Pedigree education across the team. No VC/PE. No Advertising spending. No Spamming customer. @zerodhaonline is an example that a successful business can be built by not following the norm, by average folks with common sense wanting to solve a problem," Mr Kamath wrote on Twitter.

Take a look below: 

Mr Kamath's brother Nikhil Kamath congratulated him on winning the "Entrepreneur of the Year" award. "Congratulations brother, u deserve this and so much more," he wrote on Twitter.

Ankur Warikoo, a Youtuber and influencer, also extended greetings to Nithin Kamath for receiving the award. He stated that Zerodha's success is critical because it will show the world how this model too can win. 

"I often say this - Zerodha's success is critical because it will show the world how this model too can win. And should win. Congratulations to the entire team," he tweeted. 

Also Read | Jack Dorsey Criticises Elon Musk, Says He Should've Walked Away From Twitter Deal

Sunil Minglani, a stock market psychologist, also said, "Education is overrated, Integrity is underrated. Congrats Nithin". 

"Absolutely agree! It's inspiring to see businesses succeed without conforming to traditional norms. @zerodhaonline is a testament to the power of creativity, determination, and problem-solving. Proof that with hard work, anything is possible," Jayjit Biswas, Founder of Elite Web3Forum tweeted. 

Notably, earlier this year. Nithin and Nikhil Kamath, co-founders of Zerodha, officially joined the Forbes World's Billionaires List for 2023. The CEO of India's largest stockbroking company, Nithin Kamath, ranked 1104 and has an estimated net worth of $2.7 billion. Meanwhile, Nikhil Kamath, Chief Financial Officer of the company, who also owns the financial management company True Beacon, is ranked 2405 on the list with a net worth of $1.1 billion.
 



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Union Minister Faces Police Case Over "Ravan" Jibe Against Ashok Gehot

A first information report (FIR) has been filed against Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for his comment on Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, which a local Congress leader said was derogatory.

Mr Shekhawat, during a BJP "mahaakrosh sabha" event in Chittorgarh on Thursday, had called Mr Gehlot "Ravan of politics", saying people should throw this government out in the upcoming assembly elections.

"If you want to end (the rule of) Ashok Gehlot, this Ravan of politics in Rajasthan, raise your hands and resolve to establish Ram Rajya in the state," the Union Minister had said.

Mr Gehlot and Mr Shekhawat have been at loggerheads over the Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society scam.

Mr Gehlot has publicly accused Mr Shekhawat of being involved in the scam.

Mr Shekhawat has also filed a defamation case against Mr Gehlot in a Delhi court for linking him with the scam, which is being investigated by the Rajasthan Police. The investigators have said Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society allegedly embezzled the earnings of lakhs of people in Rajasthan.

The local Congress leader, Surendra Singh Jadawat, filed the FIR with a police station in Chittor under several sections of the Indian Penal Code.

The Jodhpur bench of the Rajasthan High Court had paused Mr Shekhawat's arrest in connection with the scam recently.

Yesterday, the high court also took on record the clarification by the Ashok Gehlot government on calling Mr Shekhawat an accused in the case.

Responding to the Union Minister's jibe, Mr Gehlot yesterday said the Union Minister's friends are in jail in connection with the scam and Mr Shekhawat, too, is likely to go to prison. Mr Gehlot has asked the centre to sack him from the Union cabinet.

"If I am Ravan, you become Ram and return the investors' money," Mr Gehlot said.



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Watch: PM Modi And Some BTS Moments From His Radio Show Mann Ki Baat

The 100th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat will air this Sunday. Ahead of the milestone, a video shows what goes behind recording the popular monthly radio programme.

In the video, PM Modi is seen walking into a building, from where Mann Ki Baat is broadcast, and interacting with the staff there. PM Modi then enters a room to start the 30-minute programme, which was launched in 2014.

The first episode of the Prime Minister's Mann Ki Baat aired on October 3, 2014. Now, the 100th episode is scheduled to be broadcast tomorrow at 11 am. This time, the PM's address will also be broadcast live at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

The episode will be broadcast on more than 1,000 radio stations including TV channels, private radio stations, and community radios.

“Get ready for a historic moment as the 100th episode of PM Modi's "Mann Ki Baat" is set to go live on April 30th in Trusteeship Council Chamber at @UN HQ!” the Permanent Mission of India to the UN said in a tweet.

“Mann Ki Baat has become a monthly national tradition, inspiring millions to participate in India's developmental journey,” the Permanent Mission added.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, in a tweet, congratulated PM Modi on achieving the milestone. He wrote, “Mann ki Baat has catalyzed community-led action on sanitation, health, women's economic empowerment and other issues linked to the Sustainable Development Goals. Congratulations @narendramodi on the 100th episode.''

Mann Ki Baar is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month on the All Indian Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD) network. In the programme, the PM addresses the nation and speaks on different issues such as environment, weather, social issues, and examinations.



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Watch: Babar Azam's Reaction After Successful Review Sparks Meme Fest

Daryl Mitchell hit a second successive century while Tom Latham missed a ton by two runs as New Zealand piled up 336-5 in the second one-day international against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on Saturday. The stylish one-drop batter improved on his 113 in the first ODI on Thursday with 129 for 119 balls, and was ably supported by Latham (98) and Chad Bowes (51) after New Zealand were sent in to bat by Pakistan. Mitchell smashed three sixes and eight boundaries and consolidated the innings through a third-wicket stand of 183 with skipper Latham, as the pair took full advantage of a flat pitch.

Mitchell was finally caught brilliantly by Mohammad Nawaz off pacer Naseem Shah in the 46th over, while Latham was caught behind off Haris Rauf an over later.

It was Naseem who gave Mitchell an extra life four short of his hundred when he dropped a simple catch off spinner Usama Mir at mid-on.

That allowed Mitchell to complete his hundred off 102 balls -- his third in his ODI career.

Latham knocked eight boundaries and a six off 85 balls.

Bowes and Will Young gave New Zealand a 33-run start before pacer Rauf had Young caught behind for 19 in the sixth over.

Bowes, who hit seven boundaries in his maiden ODI half century, steadied the innings with Mitchell as the pair added 86 for the second wicket.

It was Rauf again who broke the stand when he trapped Bowes leg before wicket in the 19th over.

Rauf was the pick of bowlers with 4-78. 

Pakistan lead the five-match series 1-0 after winning the first match by five wickets, also in Rawalpindi.

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



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"It All Went South": Jack Dorsey Criticises Musk Over Twitter Leadership

Almost a year after stating that Elon Musk is the "singular solution" he trusts to run Twitter, Jack Dorsey seems to have changed his stance on Mr Musk's leadership of the microblogging website. On Friday, the former CEO of Twitter issued his sharpest criticism yet of Mr Musk's leadership of Twitter, saying that the tech billionaire has not proved to be the platform's ideal steward and should have walked away from buying the site. 

Mr Dorsey criticised Mr Musk in a series of reply posts on the social network Bluesky, a potential Twitter rival that Mr Dorsey helped to start. According to The Washinton Post, he responded to a question from a Bluesky user regarding whether he felt that Mr Musk proved the "best possible steward". 

"No. Nor do I think he acted right after realizing his timing was bad. Nor do I think the board should have forced the sale. It all went south. But it happened and all we can do now is build something to avoid that ever happening again. So I'm happy Jay and team and nostr devs exist and building it," Mr Dorsey said. 

Also Read | Curvy Mermaid Statue In Southern Italy Sparks Outrage For Being "Provocative"

According to Fortune, in another post, Mr Dorsey also stated that Mr Musk should have walked away by paying 1 billion dollars to the board. "If Elon or anyone wanted to buy the company, all they had to do was name a price that the board felt was better than what the company could do independently. This is true for every public company. Was I optimistic? Yes. Did I have final say? No. I think he should have walked away and paid the $1b," he stated. 

Further, responding to a post in which a user said, "It's pretty sad how it all went down," Mr Dorsey replied simply: "Yes". 

Notably, it was not long ago when Mr Dorsey had said that if Twitter had to be a company at all, "Elon is the singular solution I trust".

"In principle, I don't believe anyone should own or run Twitter. It wants to be a public good at a protocol level, not a company. Solving for the problem of it being a company however, Elon is the singular solution I trust. I trust his mission to extend the light of consciousness," he tweeted in 2022 before Mr Musk's Twitter acquisition had come to fruition. 



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"Provocative" Statue Of A Curvy Mermaid Sparks Outrage In Southern Italy

A curvy statue of a mermaid has caused a stir in the southern Italian town of Monopoli for being "too provocative". According to The Guardian, the artwork sits in a new square in the Puglia town called Piazza Rita Levi-Montalcini - named after a Nobel prize-winning Italian scientist. It was created by students from the Luigi Rosso art school in Monopoli and is located near a children's playground. 

The artwork has become a target of ridicule after photos taken during its installation were shared on social media. Taking to Facebook, Bari-based actor Tiziana Schiavarelli said that a friend in Monopoli had "rightly expressed some perplexity about this 'monument'. It looks like a mermaid with two silicone breasts and, above all, a huge arse never seen before on a mermaid. At least not any I know". 

Ms Schiavarelli further stressed that she did not have an issue with the art students or the local council, which had commissioned the work. "But I am very amused by this thing ...who knows if it will become a further attraction for tourists," she added. 

Also Read | Egypt Slams Netflix For Depicting Cleopatra As Black Woman In New Drama-Documentary

Meanwhile, Adolf Marciano, headteacher of the Luigi Rosso art school, stated that the statue was a "tribute to the great majority of women who are curvy". As per Sky News, Mr Marciano also said that the council was shown the scale model, following which it was decided that the completed sculpture would be placed in the square. 

He added that he did not want to cast judgement on the students' inspiration, but that he viewed the work "as a representation of reality, in this case of the female body". 

"You see adverts on television with models who are very thin, but the mermaid is like a tribute to the great majority of women who are curvy, especially in our country. It would have been very bad if we had represented a woman who was extremely skinny," Mr Marciano said. 

Notably, the statue is yet to be officially unveiled. 



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Friday, 28 April 2023

Mush Alert: Katrina Kaif Shares Adorable Picture Of Husband Vicky Kaushal

How could a mundane Friday look like? Katrina Kaif surely knows how to lit the day! The Tiger Zinda Hai actor took to the Instagram story on Friday to post a smiling picture of her husband Vicky Kaushal. Vicky has donned a beige-coloured shirt in the frame and sported a beard look. The actor is relaxing in the backdrop of the green background. Shunning words, Katrina just posted a heart emoji on the picture. Katrina also posted a couple of pictures of herself. Whether Vicky took those pictures or not, fans are left wondering.

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Vicky and Katrina tied the knot on December 9, 2021, at Six Senses Fort Barwara, Rajasthan.

The couple hosted grand wedding celebrations at Six Senses Fort Barwara, Rajasthan from December 7-9, 2021. The ceremonies included Mehendi, Haldi, sangeet, and the final wedding ceremony.

On the work front, Katrina was recently seen in the horror comedy film Phone Bhoot alongside Ishaan Khatter and Siddhant Chaturvedi which got decent responses from the audience.

She will be next seen in an action thriller film Tiger 3 opposite Salman Khan and in Merry Christmas alongside south actor Vijay Sethupathi.

Vicky Kaushal will be seen in Laxman Utekar's next untitled film and Megna Gulzar's Sam Bahadur.



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"Hard Work Has Paid Off," Says Gangubai Kathiawadi Director After Big Win

Director and producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Gangubai Kathiawadi starring Alia Bhatt in the lead role bagged a whopping 10 trophies at the 68th Filmfare award on Thursday.

Reacting to the film's big wins, Bhansali said, "It's a great moment for us. It's a great day for us and I feel all our hard work has finally paid off. It's a film we believed in and I'm very happy I made the film. I'm very happy Alia acted in the film and Ajay Devgn and all the other great actors who have acted in the film and all the technicians...it's a very happy moment for all of us. We have worked all through the lockdown and COVID so it's always special."

Take a look at the list of awards won by Gangubai Kathiawadi:

Best Film: Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female): Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Dialogue: Prakash Kapadia and Utkarshini Vashishtha for Gangubai Kathiawadi

RD Burman Award for Upcoming Music Talent: Jahnvi Shrimankar for Dholida from Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Costume Design: Sheetal Sharma for Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Production Design: Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray for Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Background Score: Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara for Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Choreography: Kruti Mahesh for Dholida from Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Cinematography: Sudeep Chatterjee for Gangubai Kathiawadi

After premiering at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival last year, Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi went on to become the first bonafide Hindi-language blockbuster in 2022.

The film grossed Rs 153.69 core at the domestic box office and Rs 209.77 crore globally.

Meanwhile, Bhansali is currently working on his upcoming web series Heeramandi which stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, and Sanjeeda Sheikh in the lead roles.

The series will premiere exclusively on the OTT platform Netflix.

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



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Filmfare Awards 2023 Winners - The Full List

One of Bollywood's most prominent actors, Alia Bhatt is currently on top of her game. Be it off-screen or on-screen, she is ruling everywhere. And, true to her exploits and status in the film industry, Alia took home the Best Actor award at the Filmfare Awards with her performance in Gangubai Kathiawadi. While she won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) at the 68th edition of the prestigious awards ceremony on Thursday night, Gangubai Kathiawadi literally swept the awards show. It was also adjudged Best Film at this year's awards show. The award for Best Director went to Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who helmed the film.

Alia attended the special occasion in a black strapless gown. For the glam, she opted for minimal makeup and pulled her hair back. Gangubai Kathiawadi was released in theatres on February 25, 2022. It revolves around a maiden sold by a suitor into prostitution and how she becomes a prominent and celebrated figure in the underworld and Kamathipura red-light district.

The 68th Filmfare Awards 2023 was hosted by Salman Khan and Maniesh Paul. The award night was attended by Alia Bhatt, Rekha, Kajol, Ayushmann, Nora Fatehi, Janhvi Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal and many others.

Speaking of the other winners besides Alia, Rajkummar Rao took home black lady for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) for his role in Badhaai Do. His film also registered a win under the category of Best Film (Critics). It was also a special day for Rajkummar's Badhaai Do co-star Bhumi Pednekar as she won the Best Actress (Critics) award. She shared the award with Tabu. Tabu won it for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.

Directed by Harshvardhan Kulkarni, Badhaai Do is a sequel to the National Award-winning film Badhaai Ho, which starred Ayushmann Khurrana, Neena Gupta and Sanya Malhotra in the lead roles.

In the film, Bhumi played the role of Suman Singh, a 31-year-old physical education teacher, who is interested in women. She marries a cop named Shardul Thakur (Rajkummar) to escape the pressure of their families. The real twist in the story comes when Rajkummar's character reveals that he is also a homosexual.

Filmfare Awards 2023 Winners — the full list

Best Film: Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Film (Critics'): Badhaai Do

Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male): Rajkummar Rao for Badhaai Do

Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female): Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Actor (Critics'): Sanjay Mishra for Vadh

Best Actress (Critics'): Bhumi Pednekar for Badhaai Do and Tabu for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2

Best Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male): Anil Kapoor for Jug Jugg Jeeyo

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female): Sheeba Chaddha for Badhaai Do

Best Music Album: Pritam for Brahmastra: Part One - Shiva

Best Dialogue: Prakash Kapadia and Utkarshini Vashishtha for Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Screenplay: Akshat Ghildial, Suman Adhikary and Harshavardhan Kulkarni for Badhaai Do

Best Story: Akshat Ghildial and Suman Adhikary for Badhaai Do

Best Debut (Male): Ankush Gedam for Jhund

Best Debut (Female): Andrea Kevichusa for Anek

Best Debut Director: Jaspal Singh Sandhu and Rajeev Barnwal for Vadh

Lifetime Achievement Award: Prem Chopra

Best Music Album: Pritam for Brahmastra: Part One - Shiva

Best Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya for Kesariya from Brahmastra: Part One - Shiva

Best Playback Singer (Male): Arijit Singh for Kesariya from Brahmastra: Part One - Shiva

Best Playback Singer (Female): Kavita Seth for Rangisari from Jug Jugg Jeeyo

RD Burman Award for Upcoming Music Talent: Jahnvi Shrimankar for Dholida from Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best VFX: DNEG and Redefine for Brahmastra: Part One - Shiva

Best Editing: Ninad Khanolkar for An Action Hero

Best Costume Design: Sheetal Sharma for Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Production Design: Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray for Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Sound Design: Bishwadeep Dipak Chatterjee for Brahmastra: Part One - Shiva

Best Background Score: Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara for Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Choreography: Kruti Mahesh for Dholida from Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Cinematography: Sudeep Chatterjee for Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Action: Parvez Shaikh for Vikram Vedha


Apple is opening its first stores in India, one in Mumbai and the other in Delhi. What does this mean for Apple customers in India? We discuss this and more on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.


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Bravo Explains Why Dhoni Doesn't Promote Himself In Batting Order

Into his 16th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), MS Dhoni has looked far from finished. The wicket-keeper batter has not just led Chennai Super King (CSK) brilliantly but also produced cameos with the bat that left fans feeling nostalgic. Though Dhoni's cameos have been mesmerising, many fans and experts wonder what would it take for the 'Thala' to promote himself in the batting order for CSK this season. Dwayne Bravo, who has played with Dhoni in the Super Kings team for years, shed light on the matter, explaining why the skipper won't promote himself.

"That is the position he has to bat. Everyone is batting higher than him and he takes that responsibility and ownership upon himself to bat lower down the order because the likes of Jadeja, Rayudu, and Dube, he wants to give these guys as many opportunities as possible. He is happy to just play the finishing role," Bravo had said in a press conference.

Chennai sit top of the IPL 2023 standings with 5 wins in 7 matches. Rajasthan, on the other hand, are placed 3rd in the points table with 4 wins in 7 matches. Bravo is confident of the morale in the CSK dressing room and the team's ability to keep the momentum going.

"The CSK morale is very high, and that has nothing to do with the results. We are a team that is normally very level irrespective of whether we perform well or not.

"But it is always better when we are doing well. So far, we have started the season on a positive note and we just have to keep the momentum and keep winning cricket games. Tomorrow's game against RR is going to be a very hard game," he said.



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Here's What Microsoft Can Do in $69 Billion Activision Deal After UK Ban

Britain's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on Wednesday blocked Microsoft's $69 billion (nearly Rs. 5,64,100 crore) acquisition of Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard over concerns it would hinder cloud gaming.

The ruling was a shock after the regulator had already resolved its concerns about the consoles market, a sector dominated by Sony's PlayStation and Microsoft's Xbox, which dwarfs cloud gaming.

Is the deal dead?

Not necessarily. Microsoft said it remained fully committed and would appeal.

The regulator's decision reflected a flawed understanding of the market, it said.

How does the appeal process work?

Microsoft can appeal to Britain's Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), an independent judicial body, which will only examine the CMA's decision-making process, not the merits of the merger.

Microsoft will not be able to offer new remedies at this stage, such as offering to keep Activision content off its Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service for Xbox users, in Britain, as some analysts suggest.

"The CAT will not engage with the merits of the CMA's decision or conduct a wholesale review of the parties' evidence," said Edward Lane, senior associate at law firm Harbottle & Lewis, where his particular focus is on creative industries, including film, TV, video games and music.

What's next?

Microsoft must appeal by May 24 and a decision may take many months.

"The CAT aims to deal with 'straightforward' cases in under nine months – and Microsoft/Activision is anything but straightforward," Lane, said.

What happens if Microsoft wins?

The Tribunal will return the case to the regulator for further review. Microsoft can then offer new concessions.

"The likelihood is that without a material change in circumstances or new evidence, the CMA is most likely to reach the same conclusion as it did first time around," said James Groves, a competition associate at European law firm Fieldfisher.

What about other regulators?

European regulators will rule on the world's biggest gaming deal by May 22. The US Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint to block the deal, which Microsoft has indicated it will fight.

If either of those blocks the deal, it could be game over, Lane said.

If the EU goes against it, Microsoft would be fighting an increasingly uphill battle and could decide to cut its losses, even if that would mean paying Activision a hefty $3 billion (nearly Rs. 2,450) break fee.

What has happened to other CMA appeals?

Facebook-owner Meta appealed a 2021 decision by the CMA to block its acquisition of Giphy, seen as a test case for the British regulator's resolve to take on "Big Tech".

Meta succeeded on a single procedural ground, with the decision otherwise upheld. The CMA considered new submissions, but it came to the same view and Meta had to sell animated images platform Giphy.

Global financial services company FNZ appealed a block on its 2019 merger with rival GBST. The regulator then "identified certain potential errors" in its investigation chaired by Martin Coleman, who also oversaw the Microsoft-Activision case.

The CAT sent the case back to be reconsidered, and the CMA agreed to accept a new remedy whereby FNZ could sell GBST and then buy parts of it back.

© Thomson Reuters 2023


Smartphone companies have launched many compelling devices over the first quarter of 2023. What are some of the best phones launched in 2023 you can buy today? We discuss this on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.


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Thursday, 27 April 2023

Court Allows Conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar To Buy Cake For Wife's Birthday

The Patiala House Court has permitted Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who is facing several cases of money laundering and extortion, to purchase cake/pastry from the bakery shop of the Mandoli prison and it is further directed that said cake/pastry be handed over to under trial prisoner (UTP) Leena Paulose, (wife of Sukesh) on her birthday which is on April 28, 2023.

The Additional Sessions Judge Shailender Malik in an order passed on April 25, stated that having considered the submissions the precise prayer appears to be more on human emotions than any legal aspect involved in the application.

Be that as it may, the UTP needs to be given the confidence to be emotionally connected and attached to his family members and relatives. Therefore, I find no bar, more specifically when the concerned UTP Sukesh Chandrashekhar is seeking to purchase cake/pastry from the bakery of Mandoli Jail itself out of his prisoner fund and it is not that some article is being taken out of jail to be given to any of the UTP.

Therefore, Superintendent is directed to permit accused Sukesh Chandrashekhar to purchase cake/pastry from the bakery shop of the prison and it is further directed that said cake/pastry be handed over to UTP Leena Paulose on 28.04.2023, said the Court.

Incarcerated Conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar is a prime accused in the Rs 200 Crore money laundering case being investigated by Enforcement Directorate. He is facing several other cases too being investigated by ED, Delhi Police's Economic Offence Wing etc.

The ED's case is based on an FIR filed by Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) against Sukesh Chandrasekhar who is accused of cheating and extorting Japna Singh and Aditi Singh, wife of former promoter of Religare Enterprises, who are in Judicial custody related to alleged misappropriation of funds at Religare Finvest Ltd.

Both Chandrasekhar and his actor wife Leena Maria Paul were arrested by the Delhi Police for their alleged role in the duping case.

Bollywood actors Jacqueline Fernandez Nora Fatehi and other several names surfaced during the investigation of the Economic Offence Wing of the Delhi Police and Enforcement Directorate.

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



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Ahead Of 36th Birthday, Samantha Ruth Prabhu Posts This

Samantha Ruth Prabhu will be celebrating her 36th birthday tomorrow (April 28), and ahead of the special day, she has treated her fans to a stunning selfie on her Instagram Stories. The actress shared a happy picture in which she can be seen posing for the camera in a black ensemble with her hair tied into a messy bun as she poses for the camera. Sharing the post, she dropped a sweet message for herself and her fans: "It's going to be a good year," followed by a heart emoticon. 

Check out the post here: 

botapck8

Earlier today, Samantha Ruth Prabhu shared an album on her Instagram handle featuring some amazing pictures. From a major throwback to a picture of the actress with an oxygen mask, the album sums up her month. Sharing the post, she captioned it as "As I see it," followed by a white heart emoticon. 

Check out the post below: 

Meanwhile, Samantha Ruth Prabhu made the heads turn at Citadel premiere in London. The actress, who will co-star with Varun Dhawan in the Indian version of Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden's Citadel, opted for a black co-ord set designed by Victoria Beckham. Samantha shared many posts on her Instagram handle and among all were pictures with the Citadel family. Expressing her gratitude to team Citadel, she wrote, "Truly humbled to be amongst some of the world's best at the Global Premiere of Citadel in London. The camaraderie, the creativity, the talent, the love, the shared vision, the dream of the people in that room was so inspiring and invigorating that I feel truly lucky and blessed to be part of this team and the Citadel Universe." 

Take a look below: 

Meanwhile, Samantha Ruth Prabhu will be next seen in Kushi with Vijay Deverakonda. The movie is scheduled to release on September 1.



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Couple Living Apart For 25 Years Seek Divorce. What Supreme Court Said

The Supreme Court has dissolved the marriage of a couple who have been staying separately for 25 years, saying recognising them as married would be "sanctioning cruelty". The couple only lived together for four years.

A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and JB Pardiwala said the "complete severance of all meaningful ties and existing bitterness between the two" should be read as "cruelty" under the Hindu Marriage Act.

"We have before us a married couple who have been together as a couple for hardly four years and have been living separately for the last 25 years. They don't have children and their marital bond is completely broke, beyond repair," the Supreme Court said.

"We have no doubt that this relationship must end because its continuation would be to sanction cruelty. Prolonged separation, absence of cohabitation, complete severance of all meaningful ties and existing bitterness between the two should be read as cruelty under the Hindu Marriage Act," the Supreme Court said.

It said the ending of their marriage will affect only them since they have no children.

The man makes more than Rs 1 lakh a month and he has to pay Rs 30 lakh to the woman within four weeks, the Supreme Court said.

The couple got married in Delhi in 1994. He alleged she had an abortion the same year without telling him. He alleged she did not like their house as it was small.

Four years into the marriage, the woman left and filed a case of dowry harassment against him. The man and his brother were arrested and later released on bail. He filed for divorce after that.

The trial court allowed the divorce petition on the grounds of cruelty and long separation. But the Delhi High Court rejected the divorce request, after which the man challenged the high court's decision in the Supreme Court.



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iPhones, AirPods Replaced With Replicas by E-Commerce Delivery Executive in Gurugram

A delivery executive of an e-commerce firm allegedly stole 10 iPhones by replacing them with dummy phones on the way to deliver them to the customer here, police said on Thursday.

Station in-charge of Matrix Finance Solution, which delivers Amazon's parcel, Ravi in his complaint alleged that on March 27 delivery executive Lalit was handed over a customer's parcel, which contained 10 iPhones and an AirPods, at his address, they said.

However, instead of delivering the parcel, Lalit replaced the iPhones with replicas and sent his brother Manoj to deposit them back to the company claiming that the customer could not be contacted, Ravi said in his complaint.

Suspecting some tampering with the packaging, the parcel was opened and the delivery company found the fake phones inside, police said.

Meanwhile, upon not receiving his parcel, the customer also cancelled his order, they said.

An FIR has been registered against Lalit under sections 420 (cheating), 408 (criminal breach of trust by employee) of the Indian Penal Code at Bilaspur police station on Wednesday, they said.

Efforts are on to nab the accused who is absconding, they said.

Meanwhile, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the deputy minister for information technology, said that the US tech giant Apple could double or triple investments in India, along with exports, over the next few years as the company opened a second store in the world's biggest smartphone market after China.

Apple mainly assembles iPhones in India through Taiwan contract manufacturers but plans to expand into iPads and AirPods, as it looks to cut reliance on China.

Its iPhones made up more than half of total smartphones worth about $9 billion (roughly Rs. 74,000 crore) exported from India between April 2022 and February, data from the India Cellular and Electronics Association shows.


Apple is opening its first stores in India, one in Mumbai and the other in Delhi. What does this mean for Apple customers in India? We discuss this and more on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.


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Congress Compares Arvind Kejriwal With Sheila Dikshit Over 45-Crore Spend

The Congress on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party over the alleged expenditure of Rs 45 crore on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's official residence, saying it was "shameful" and it was like the party slapping its voters in the face.

The Opposition party also addressed queries about it reaching out to the Aam Aadmi Party on one hand and attacking it on the other, saying there was "no good cop, bad cop" routine and both approaches can co-exist.

Asked about Congress leader Ajay Maken attacking Arvind Kejriwal on one hand and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge reaching out to the party as part of Opposition unity efforts, party's media department head Pawan Khera said Mr Maken has said the right thing.

Hitting out at the AAP, Mr Khera said, "You call yourself an 'aam aadmi (common man)', it is a different matter that nobody considers you an 'aam aadmi' now. During Covid when people were suffering and there was shortage of oxygen then what were you doing --expenditure of Rs 45 crore on renovating your house, building a swimming pool, draping curtains worth lakhs and crores, fitting tiles, is this Aam Aadmi's government?"

"These are astonishing facts. Some of you would be surprised but not us as we knew what the reality is. But we are still astonished that what kind Aam Aadmi government is this that used to trumpet about its honesty and simplicity," the Congress spokesperson said.

Mr Khera said Mr Maken has pointed to the affidavit that Mr Kejriwal had given, stressing that he will not stay in official residence, not take security and not use a red beacon car.

"Are you looking at his security now, can even an MLA enter the Chief Minister's house? Close to this place was Sheila Dikshit's house when she was Chief Minister and in the mornings, the common man could go and meet her without an appointment, MLAs, workers could walk in anytime," Mr Khera said.

"You can look at the budget of renovation of houses of Sheila Dikshit and her ministers during the 15-year rule and compare it with Rs 45 crore being spent on the house of a chief minister. This is shameful. It is sad that in a way, they are slapping their voters in the face. It is nothing less than that," he said.

Asked about Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reaching out to the Aam Aadmi Party on one hand and the party attacking it on the other, Mr Khera said, "Kharge ji called the AAP which is a very good tradition and a good way to strengthen ties as we need to have good ties among each other for the fight we are fighting. But this does not mean that is such a mistake comes to the fore, no one comments on it."

"There is no good cop bad cop, both can coexist," he added.

In the wake of reports of spending Rs 45 crore for the "beautification" of the Delhi chief minister's official residence here, Mr Maken has raised questions on Arvind Kejriwal's right to remain in his position.

Ajay Maken alleged that Mr Kejriwal spent Rs 45 crore of public funds on his luxurious bungalow, including on extravagant items like Dior polish, Vietnam marble, expensive curtains, and high-end carpets.

Mr Maken had said Mr Kejriwal promised not to use a car with a red beacon or request additional security beyond what is necessary for a common citizen and refuse a large bungalow and instead live in an ordinary house like a common man.

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



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Wednesday, 26 April 2023

Mamata Banerjee's "Delhi Conspiracy" Allegation On School Hostage Situation

A man brandishing a gun was tackled and arrested by the police as he threatened to hold a classroom full of children hostage at gunpoint in West Bengal's Malda. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said a disaster had been averted by the police's timely action, adding that the act may not have been one of lunacy.

A policeman barged into a classroom and pinned the man to the ground as frightened children rushed out of the classroom as the gunman continued to rant inside the classroom. Azhar Uddin, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Law and Order) pounced on the gun-wielding man and pinned him to the ground before snatching the weapon from him.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "I must congratulate my police officials and the media who have saved us from a deep sea of conspiracy. There is a conspiracy around Bengal, and I believe Delhi is involved in this. I don't know who exactly is doing this, but this is Delhi's conspiracy A-Z. Wherever there is an opposition party state there is an attempt to disturb, and they have been doing it to me from the beginning."

She further alleged that no common man would have been able to execute this. "Where did he learn the word (hostages) from? When people who do these kinds of things are caught, they immediately say it's a lunatic. Who gave him the idea that you can take hostages like this?"

West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar targeted the Chief Minister over the law-and-order situation in the state. "The Honourable Chief Minister said she would transform Kolkata to London. But I have heard of such gunmen-related incidents in America. Now it is happening in our towns and villages. You imagine what a scary law and order situation it has become," he said.



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