Tag: India

  • Deal with Amazon will transform Pakistani businesses, says PM Khan

    Deal with Amazon will transform Pakistani businesses, says PM Khan

    Amazon has added Pakistan to its list of seller countries with Pakistanis now able to create accounts using Pakistani credentials and details. PM Khan said that the deal with Amazon will open new prospects for entrepreneurs and businesses in Pakistan. This new avenue will transform Pakistan’s economy as more sellers from the country will be able to sell on the International platform.

    No Talks with India

    Prime Minister Imran Khan has categorically said that Pakistan is not returning to the negotiating table with India till New Delhi reverses its August 5 decision of scrapping Article 370.

    He said this while responding to a question regarding human rights abuses in India and a muted response from the international community during a live Q&A session with the public.

    PM Imran Khan under the programme “Aapka Wazir- e-Azam Aap Kai Sath” took calls from the public over an array of issues that included corruption, inflation, relations with India, problems with the tourism sector, the government’s housing societies, work efficiency of his team and Pakistani embassies abroad.

    Rule of Law

    In response to a question as to why there was no rule of law in Pakistan, the prime minister said the powerful and the weak should both be equal before the law.

    He said it would take time for change to take shape in Pakistan, adding that expecting the country to be reformed overnight would only lead to disappointment. “I can’t turn on a switch and rivers of milk will flow,” he said.

    The prime minister said fighting the status quo and mafias was the only reason he had become a politician in the first place.

    Ill -treatment of Pakistani diplomats

    One caller complained about the ill-treatment meted out to him by a foreign embassy to which the prime minister spoke about his recent public criticism of Pakistani diplomats. Khan praised Pakistan’s embassies, saying that they had rendered great services for Pakistan, especially when it comes to highlighting the Kashmir issue in front of the entire world. Referring to his live conversation with envoys, PM Khan said the “programme should not have been broadcast live” and only excerpts from that session should have been shared.

    Earlier, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed his reservations over the live coverage of the virtual meeting and said, “In-house meetings have norms of their own and their respect is obligatory on all.”

    Sugar scandal

    Replying to another caller on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Tareen’s case, PM said: “There won’t be any injustice with anyone, but I promise the masses that I won’t spare the sugar barons. I won’t grant them an NRO.”

    He cited the example of PML-N leader Shehbaz Sharif, saying that he was accused of misappropriating Rs 7 billion. “This is just one case against him; there are many others registered against him [Shehbaz Sharif],” he said, adding that it was just the “tip of the iceberg”.

    Inflation

    The prime minister addressed the inflationary situation in the country and said increased prices of basic commodities bothered him the most. “We have appointed Shaukat Tarin finance minister to slash inflation and increase growth,” added Khan.

    Performance of ministers

    The premier said that several ministers are doing a remarkable job and added, “For those who aren’t, I can only say that we will then have to change the team.”

    Palestine massacre

    Responding to a caller, the prime minister condemned atrocities committed by Israel against unarmed Palestinians, regretting that violence had taken place on the holy night of Ramzan 27 and at Al-Aqsa mosque.

    Follow SOPs to avoid lockdown

    PM once again urged people to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) to save themselves from the coronavirus and to avoid another countrywide lockdown.

  • Indian couple exchange wedding garlands using bamboo sticks to maintain social distancing

    Indian couple exchange wedding garlands using bamboo sticks to maintain social distancing

    An Indian couple from Chhattisgrah recently got married while maintaining a distance of six feet between themselves. The viral video shows the couple exchanging wedding garlands using bamboo sticks to practice social distancing.

    The video was shared on Twitter by the additional transport commissioner of Chhattisgarh Dipanshu Kabra.

    Meanwhile, this is not the only wedding to take place in India as COVID-19 ravages the country. Earlier, a couple also tied the knot in PPE after the groom tested positive for the virus.

    Read more – Indian man turns rickshaw into oxygen-equipped ambulance, serves people for free

    India is currently battling with second wave of COVID 19 reporting total 2,14,85,285 and 2,34,071 deaths so far.

  • BCCI suspends IPL 2021 indefinitely

    BCCI suspends IPL 2021 indefinitely

    The Board of Cricket Control India (BCCI) has indefinitely postponed the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) following several positive cases of COVID-19 across teams over the past couple of days.

    The decision was taken in an emergency meeting called after players of Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad tested positive for COVID-19. Hyderabad’s Wriddhiman Saha and Delhi’s Amit Mishra were the players who had tested positive and have now been put into isolation.

    The BCCI had contemplated moving the whole tournament to one city but the coronavirus outbreak in the IPL setup left them with no choice but to cancel the event.

    In a media statement, the IPL said the decision was “unanimously” taken by the tournament’s Governing Council along with the top brass of the BCCI.

    “The BCCI does not want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff and the other participants involved in organising the IPL,” the statement said. “This decision was taken keeping the safety, health and wellbeing of all the stakeholders in mind.”

    “These are difficult times, especially in India and while we have tried to bring in some positivity and cheer, however, it is imperative that the tournament is now suspended and everyone goes back to their families and loved ones in these trying times,” read the statement further.

    “The BCCI will do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021,” it added.

    As per reports, IPL officials also consulted a few franchises for their take on the situation and it is believed that some suggested to call it off totally. Other reports have suggested that the tournament has been postponed for a few days only.

    Meanwhile, IPL chairman Brijesh Patel confirming the news said the decision was taken for the safety of all stakeholders as the number of cases in the tournament bubble continue to rise by the day.

    India on Tuesday reported 3,57,229 new case, taking the overall case count past the 2 crore mark to 2,02,82,833. 

  • ‘Blood on your hands’: Michael Slater slams Australian PM

    ‘Blood on your hands’: Michael Slater slams Australian PM

    Former cricketer Michael Slater, who is currently part of the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) commentary panel, has slammed his country’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison for not allowing its citizens to return from COVID-19 hit India, calling the travel ban a “disgrace”.

    Australia has shut its borders and is not allowing any commercial flights from India because of the massive COVID-19 surge which has left players, support staff and commentators, who might have wanted to leave the IPL in a fix.

    Meanwhile, the Indian government has made it clear that Australians who are engaged in the IPL will have to make their own arrangements.

    “If our government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home. It’s a disgrace,” wrote Slater on social media. “Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this. How about you sort out [a] quarantine system.”

    “I had government permission to work on the IPL but I now have government neglect,” he added.

    The former cricketer further said: “And for those who think this is a money exercise. Well, forget it. This is what I do for a living and I have not made a penny having left early.”

    “So please stop the abuse and think of the thousands dying in India each day. It’s called empathy. If only our government had some,” he remarked.

    Threatening a five-year jail term or a hefty fine, the Australian government temporarily barred its citizens from entering the country if they happened to be in India within 14 days of their intended arrival.

    The decision was announced after a meeting of the National Cabinet last Friday and came into force from Monday.

    The move aims at keeping the COVID-19 spread in check in Australia as India is facing a surge in cases.

    The decision was also based on the proportion of overseas travellers in quarantine in Australia, who have contracted the infection in India, according to Health Minister Greg Hunt.

    Three Australian players left the IPL before the travel ban came into force. The ban is due to end on May 15.

    Meanwhile, as many as 14 Australian players are playing in IPL.

    The competition has also been heavily hit by the virus. Earlier, Monday’s match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) was suspended after KKR’s Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier tested positive for coronavirus. Three members of the Chennai Super Kings’ IPL contingent – chief executive officer K Viswanathan, bowling coach L Balaji and a bus cleaner – have also tested positive for the virus.

    Furthermore, five Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) ground staff have tested positive. DDCA will be hosting IPL 2021 matches until May 8.

  • Man walks into govt office wearing birds’ nest as he couldn’t afford a mask

    Man walks into govt office wearing birds’ nest as he couldn’t afford a mask

    As the deadly second wave of COVID-19 ravages India, authorities have made the use of face masks in public mandatory and announced that violators will be fined Rs 1,000.

    Read more – Mattress factory sealed for stuffing used face masks instead of cotton

    A shepherd hailing from Telangana, India who could not afford a face mask came up with an innovative solution to avoid getting fined.

    According to details, Mekala Kurmayya had to visit the government office to collect his pension but could not afford a face mask. Knowing he wouldn’t be allowed to enter the office without a face mask, the Telangana shepherd made a face mask from a bird’s nest and wore it on his his face before stepping into the office.

    While that doesn’t look very comfortable, it appears to have gotten the job done.

    India has reported 19,925,500  cases so far. As of Monday morning, 218,959 people had died in the country.

  • IPL match rescheduled after two KKR players test positive for COVID-19

    IPL match rescheduled after two KKR players test positive for COVID-19

    The Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), scheduled to take place today (Monday) has been postponed after two players tested positive for COVID-19.

    According to details, spinner Varun Chakravarthy and seamer Sandeep Warrier from the Kolkata squad tested positive for the virus. Meanwhile, the rest of the KKR squad has tested negative but are currently in isolation.

    Chakravarthy had recently left the IPL bio-bubble for a shoulder scan, which could have led to him being exposed to the virus.

    The event is currently being played behind closed doors and is due to end in late May.

    Read more – Pat Cummins donates $50k for COVID-hit India

    India on Monday reported more than 300,000 new coronavirus cases for a 12th straight day, taking its overall caseload to almost 20 million, as scientists predict a peak in infections in the coming days.

    With 368,147 new cases over the past 24 hours, India’s total infections stand at 19.93 million, while total fatalities rose by 3,417 to 218,959, according to data released by the health ministry.

    Medical experts say real numbers across the country of 1.35 billion may be five to 10 times higher than the official tally.

    Meanwhile, BCCI has also confirmed the rescheduling of the match.

    “IPL reschedules KKR-RCB match slated for May 3, 2021, after 2 KKR players test positive. Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier were found to be positive in the third round of testing in the last four days. All other team members have tested negative for COVID -19,” states a release. 

    “The Medical Team is also determining the close and casual contacts of the two positive cases during the 48 hours prior to collection of the sample that returned the positive test results.  The BCCI and the Kolkata Knight Riders prioritise the health and safety of everyone involved and all measures are being taken in that endeavour,” it adds.

    Later it was reported, three members of the Chennai Super Kings’ IPL contingent – chief executive officer K Viswanathan, bowling coach L Balaji and a bus cleaner – have also tested positive for COVID-19. It is understood that the rest of the group, which is currently in Delhi, has tested negative. The results emerged after the latest round of testing on Sunday.

    It must be noted that the ICC T20 World Cup is also scheduled to take place in India later this year.

  • Kangana Ranaut thinks Ali Gul Pir is funny

    Kangana Ranaut thinks Ali Gul Pir is funny

    Not that we didn’t know but Kangana Ranaut thinks that Ali Gul Pir is funny.

    Responding to Pir’s video in which he hilariously recreated Kangana Ranaut’s recent video, the actor said: “At least you’re funny and made me laugh.”

    “Well we might disagree on many things but at least we can laugh together,” said Pir replying to Ranaut.

    In the original video, Kangana had lashed out at the international media calling their coverage on India’s COVID-19 strategy “disturbing.” Kangana also called out many prominent journalists including Rana Ayyub and Barkha Dutt for questioning the government’s response.

    Read more – Kangana defines ‘porn singer’ for Ali Gul Pir

    The actor further said that the liberals were “degrading the country” with their criticism on the government’s response.

    Meanwhile, India has reported a record number of cases with 392,488 new cases in the last 24 hours, pushing the total count to 19.56 million. So far, the virus has killed 215,542 people.

    Indian hospitals, morgues, and crematoriums have been overwhelmed as the country has reported more than 300,000 daily cases for more than 10 days straight. Many families have been left on their own to scramble for medicines and oxygen.

    Nearly 10 Indian states and union territories have imposed some form of restrictions, even as the federal government remains reluctant to impose a national lockdown.

    The eastern state of Odisha became the latest to announce a two-week lockdown, joining Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka and West Bengal. Other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, have either imposed night curfews or weekend lockdowns.

  • “I’m choking, please give me treatment” – Barkha Dutt’s father’s last words

    “I’m choking, please give me treatment” – Barkha Dutt’s father’s last words

    Senior Indian journalist Barkha Dutt shared the pain of losing her father to COVID-19. In an emotional note on Twitter, Barkha Dutt expressed her grief of how she failed in bringing her ailing father back home safe.  

    She also acknowledged the hospital staff and everyone who tried their best to help her family in this situation. The last words of her late father rang loudly in her mind, “I’m choking, please give me treatment”

    The day her father SP Dutt, was hospitalised, both Barkha and Bahar ( sister of Barkha Dutt ) narrated the difficulties they faced, right from getting an ambulance to oxygen supply issues.

    The day she cremated her father, she said in an interview that urgent help must be sent to India for the sake of the world. She also added, “It is a calamity and a crisis of the kind that I have not seen in my adult life.”

    The second wave in India has firmly gripped the country. Thousands of families have lost their loved ones due to Covid-19. The hospitals are overwhelmed and there are no beds for patients. Shortage of oxygen has killed far more people than the virus alone.

    ” I am an upper middle class Indian. I had access to a hospital, “she said in an interview, “most people I am reporting on are dying at the gates of the hospital.”

    Actors Farhan Akhtar and Abhishek Bachchan and others tweeted their condolences.

  • Baby starved for two days found alive

    Baby starved for two days found alive

    A less than one-year-old baby boy was found miraculously alive on Monday, hungry and lying down with his dead mother, in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra. The mother had reportedly been dead for two days as no one reached out.

    29-year-old Sarawasti Rajesh Kumar was suspected to have died on Saturday, which means the baby had been not fed since then.

    “The baby was lying next to her silently… he was not crying,” said an official investigating the case. Due to the alarming situation of COVID-19 in India, the neighbours were hesitant to come near the body or even hold the baby.

    Police constables, Sushila Gabhale and Rekha Waze, who arrived at the scene then fed him.

    “The child had a little fever when we showed him to the doctor. He told us to feed him well, the rest is fine” said their colleague Rekha. They also took him to hospital where he tested negative for COVID-19.

    As per details, the woman was living with her husband, who had gone to their native place in Uttar Pradesh, and their child. The family lived on rent while the owners of the house lived at a distance. Since the landlords were COVID positive, they did not check on Kumar until a stench started emanating from the room. Authorities immediately alerted the husband of his wife’s demise.

    While it is not clear how the woman died, Police Inspector Prakash Jadhav of Dighi told the Indian Express that they “found some pills next to her body.”

    “We suspect the woman committed suicide by consuming the pills. Her body has been sent for post-mortem to YCM Hospital. The viscera has been preserved…the cause of death is not known so far,” said the official.

  • Indian man turns rickshaw into oxygen-equipped ambulance, serves people for free

    Indian man turns rickshaw into oxygen-equipped ambulance, serves people for free

    An Indian auto-rickshaw driver in Bhopal has converted his vehicle into an ambulance to help take people to the hospital for free. 

    According to reports, Javed’s rickshaw turned ambulance has been equipped with an oxygen cylinder, sanitizers, and other medicines to help COVID-19 patients.

    India has reported the maximum number of deaths in the past few days amid a surging second wave as people are helpless in saving the lives of their loved ones infected with the virus.

    34-year-old Javed Khan explained how he was traumatized by the plight of the people, who were not even able to get ambulances on their way to the hospital. 

     “I saw on social media and news channels how people were being carried to hospitals due to the shortage of ambulance. So I thought of doing this,” said Javed, while speaking to ANI.  

    He said he discussed the situation with his family who suggested him to convert his auto into an ambulance.

    Read more – Bollywood stars step in to support India’s battle against COVID

    However, due to the lack of resources, he had to sell his wife’s jewelry to finance the additions to his auto. 

    “I sold my wife’s jewelry for this. I queue up outside a refill center and get oxygen,” said Javed. “My contact number is available on social media. People can call me up if there’s no ambulance. I’ve been doing this for 15-20 days now and have taken nine serious patients to the hospital.”