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Tag: India

  • Maldivian President Muizzu’s Ex-Minister Mariyam Shiuna Mocks India Once Again; Apologies After Backlash | world news

    Days after India allowed the export of certain essential commodities to Maldives at the request of the island nation, its former minister once again mocked New Delhi while targeting the opposition MDP. Mariyam Shiuna belongs to the People’s National Congress, the party of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. Shiuna grabbed the limelight when she joined fellow ministers in mocking India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi promoted Lakshadweep as a tourist destination. While Shiuna along with two fellow ministers was suspended from the Muizzu’s cabinet, her hate for India is yet to end as she mocked New Delhi once again. Her recent

    Latest Controversy: Insulting Indian Flag

    Mariyam Shiuna, the former Maldivian minister, in a recent post which has been deleted after backlash, mocked the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and India by posting an altered picture of Ashok Chakra, a part of the Indian tricolour. When Indian as wells as Maldivian social media users reacted sharply to the photo, Shiuna deleted the post and issued a clarification.

    Mariyam Shiuna’s Clarification

    After deleting the post, Shiuna said that she was unaware of the photo’s resemblance to the Indian flag and she would be careful in future. “I would like to address a recent social media post of mine that has garnered attention and criticism. I extend my sincerest apologies for any confusion or offense caused by the content of my recent post. It was brought to my attention that the image used in my response to the Maldivian opposition party MDP bore a resemblance to the Indian flag. I want to make it clear that this was entirely unintentional, and I sincerely regret any misunderstanding it may have caused,” said Shiuna.

    I would like to address a recent social media post of mine that has garnered attention and criticism. I extend my sincerest apologies for any confusion or offense caused by the content of my recent post.

    It was brought to my attention that the image used in my response to the… — Mariyam Shiuna (@shiuna_m) April 8, 2024

    The former minister also said that Maldives deeply values ​​its relationship and, the mutual respect it shares with India. “In future, I will be more vigilant in verifying the content I share to prevent such oversights,” she added.

    However, Shiuna’s Shiuna appears to have deliberately posted the photo to insult India and the MDP which favors friendly relations with New Delhi.

    Who Is Mariyam Shiuna?

    Mariyam Shuuna has served as a former minister in the Maldivian government. She worked as the Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Information, and Arts in the Maldives. Shuuna is also a spokesperson for the Male City Council. She sparked controversy when she made disrespectful remarks regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent trip to Lakshadweep. After facing heavy backlash, she later deleted her post. The Maldivian government distanced itself from Shuuna’s statement at that time.

    Maldives-India Relation

    Maldives’ relations with India have become strained under the current leadership of President Muizzu who holds a pro-China view. Muizzu came to power riding on the ‘India Out’ campaign and has taken several steps in the last six months that have an anti-India tinge. It includes the ousting of 80 Indian soldiers posted in Male and allowing an alleged Chinese spy vessel to explore the Indian Ocean region.

  • Delhi Liquor Scam: Sanjay Singh’s lawyer draws court’s attention to ED’s tactics of diversion – The Economic Times Video

    New Delhi: AAP leader Sanjay Singh arrived in Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court for a Delhi Excise Policy Case hearing on April 06. ‘There are types of documents along with chargesheet PC-relied upon document. As per the Supreme Court’s order, the documents ED garnered during the investigation and even if they are not relying on that, still they have to provide the list of it to the accused, and they (the accused) have full right to inspect those documents. In the trial, the accused and prosecution have rights; however, a strong agency should not engage in such kiddish activity. It has come in the cognizance of the court; the court has noted it”, AAP MP’s lawyer Farrukh Khan said.

  • India Will Enter Pakistan To Kill Terrorists If They Flee There: Rajnath Singh |

    NEW DELHI: In a resolute warning to terror outfits, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has affirmed India’s commitment to thwarting terrorism, even if it means crossing the borders. Responding to recent allegations and echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assertive stance, Singh stated that India would pursue terrorists who seek refuge in Pakistan after perpetrating acts of violence in India. “20 terrorists ko maara hai? Koi bhi terrorist hamare padosi desh se yadi Bharat ko disturb karne ki koshish karega, ya yahan par aatankwadi harkatein karega, to uska muh tod jawab denge. Yadi woh bhaag kar Pakistan mein jayega, to Pakistan mein ghus kar maarenge (Did you say we killed 20 terrorists? If any terrorist from Pakistan tries to disturb India, or commits terrorist acts here, we will give a befitting response. If he runs away to Pakistan, we will go there and kill him),” Rajnath Singh while speaking to a private media house.

    No Tolerance For Terrorism: Rajnath

    Singh emphasized India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, asserting that the country will not hesitate to take decisive action against those who disturb its peace. He reiterated India’s desire for peaceful relations with neighbouring countries but underscored the nation’s readiness to respond firmly to any threat to its security.

    Escalating Tensions

    Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following the 2019 Pulwama attack, which India attributed to Pakistan-based militants. The subsequent airstrikes by India on terrorist targets in Pakistan further strained relations between the two nations.

    International Allegations

    Recent allegations, particularly highlighted by UK-based media outlet The Guardian, have accused India of extrajudicial killings in Pakistan. These claims have sparked international scrutiny and contributed to the ongoing diplomatic friction between India and Pakistan. The Guardian report came months after Canada and the US accused India of killing or attempting to kill Khalistani terrorists in those countries. Canada said in September that it was pursuing “credible allegations” linking India to the death of a Sikh separatist leader shot dead in June – claims that India said were “absurd and motivated”. A top Canadian official said in January that India was cooperating in the matter and bilateral ties were improving. Similarly, the US said in November that it had thwarted an Indian plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader and announced charges against a person it said had worked with India to orchestrate the attempted murder.

    Denial And Counterclaims

    New Delhi, however, maintains that targeted killings in other countries are not a policy of the Indian government. The Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated its stand that it has no role to play in these killings. The MEA claimed that they were ‘false and malicious anti-India propaganda’. 

    Despite these tensions, efforts to improve bilateral relations have been observed, with India expressing a willingness to cooperate in investigations. Both Canada and the US have acknowledged India’s cooperation in addressing the allegations, signalling a potential thaw in diplomatic relations.

    Prime Minister Modi has reiterated India’s commitment to investigating any information regarding alleged extraterritorial activities. This commitment underscores India’s adherence to the rule of law and its determination to address accusations transparently.

  • Higgsfield AI Unveils Image To Video Generator App: Check How It Works |

    New Delhi: Higgsfield AI, a video AI company, has recently launched its first artificial intelligence (AI)-powered app for smartphones, named Diffuse. This mobile application serves as an image-to-video generator. As per the details, it is capable of transforming a selfie into a lifelike character within a video.

    What Is Diffuse?

    Diffuse, the brainchild of Higgsfield AI, launched to change video content creation by offering users the ability to seamlessly integrate themselves into videos. (Also Read: Customer Gets Delayed Food Delivery On Tuesday, Swiggy Blames ‘Weekend Peak Hour’, Chat Goes Viral)

    How Diffuse Works?

    The app utilizes advanced AI algorithms to generate personalized characters with lifelike motion, all from a single selfie. (Also Read: Security Alert For Android Users! Indian Govt Issued High-Risk Warning: Read More)

    Diffuse: Availability

    Initially, Diffuse is being gradually introduced to select markets, with availability on both Android and iOS platforms. Users in regions such as India, South Africa, the Philippines, Canada, and countries in Central Asia can access the app as it is gradually rolled out.

    Diffuse: Features

    With Diffuse, users have the flexibility to choose from a library of video content or create personalized videos from scratch using text, images, or existing video clips.

    AI Technology Behind Diffuse

    Higgsfield AI is committed to developing cutting-edge AI technology to power Diffuse and future endeavors. The company’s foundational model, built entirely from scratch, employs transformer architectures similar to those used by OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Additionally, Higgsfield AI has leveraged proprietary frameworks developed in-house to efficiently train its AI model on limited GPU resources.

    Future Plans

    While Diffuse is currently available in preview mode, offering 2-second video generation, Higgsfield AI aims to enhance its capabilities further. The company’s ultimate goal is to achieve realistic, detailed, and fluid video generation directly on mobile devices. Although the full version release date remains undisclosed, Higgsfield AI continues to work towards refining its AI technology for public release.

  • ‘India Stands With Russia In Hour Of Grief’: PM Modi Condemns Moscow Concert Hall Attack |

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday condemned the terror attack inside a packed concert hall in Moscow on Saturday, calling it a ‘heinous act’ and expressing solidarity with the Russian government and its people. “We strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack in Moscow. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. India stands in solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation in this hour of grief,” PM Modi posted from his X handle.

     

    We strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack in Moscow. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. India stands in solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation in this hour of grief.
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 23, 2024

     

    According to reports, a group of armed men stormed into the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Moscow and opened fire and detonated explosives among the crowd on Friday (local time). The ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack at the concert venue complex near Moscow Friday that left at least 60 dead and 145 injured after assailants stormed the venue with guns and incendiary devices, CNN reported.

    The terror group claimed responsibility for the attack in a short statement published by ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram on Friday. However, the ISIS did not provide any evidence to support the claim. Video footage from the site of the attack showed the Crocus City Hall concert venue on fire, with thick, black smoke filling the air.

    It also showed scared locals huddling, screaming and ducking behind cushioned seats as gunshots rang out in the vast hall. State-run RIA Novosti reported the armed individuals “opened fire with automatic weapons” and “threw a grenade or an incendiary bomb, which started a fire.” They then “allegedly fled in a white Renault car”, the news agency reported.

    The claim by the Islamic State was also confirmed by US officials shortly afterwards, the New York Times reported. The US officials said they had privately apprised Russian officials about the intelligence pointing to an impending attack, the New York Times reported.

    The US gathered intelligence in March that Islamic State-Khorasan, known as ISIS-K, the branch of the group based in Afghanistan, had been planning an attack on Moscow, according to officials. ISIS members have been active in Russia, a US official said.

    After a period of relative quiet, the Islamic State has been trying to increase its external attacks, according to US counterterrorism officials. Most of those plots in Europe have been thwarted, prompting assessments that the group has diminished capabilities.

    The attack on Friday in Moscow, followed by the one in Iran in January, could prompt a reassessment of its ability to strike outside its home territory, according to the NYT.

    “ISIS-K has been fixated on Russia for the past two years,” frequently criticising President Vladimir Putin in its propaganda, said Colin P Clarke, a counterterrorism analyst at the Soufan Group, a security consulting firm based in New York. “ISIS-K accuses the Kremlin of having Muslim blood in its hands, referencing Moscow’s interventions in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Syria,” he added.

    The US officials said in addition to publicly warning on March 7 about a possible attack, they had privately told Russian officials about the intelligence pointing to an impending attack, the New York Times reported. But, it is not clear how much information Washington gave to the Moscow officials beyond what was in the public warning.

    Earlier, the US had also warned Iran of a possible attack ahead of twin bombings in January that killed at least 103 people and wounded 211 others at a memorial service for Iran’s former top general, Qassim Suleimani, who was killed by a US drone strike four years before. ISIS-K claimed responsibility for that attack too.

    Meanwhile, regional governor Andrey Vorobyov said everything was being done to save people in what is now the deadliest terror attack on Moscow in decades. A SWAT team was called to the area and more than 70 ambulance teams and doctors were assisting victims.

    115 people have been hospitalised, including five children, the Russian Health Ministry told TASS. 60 people are in a ‘serious condition’. Moscow City Duma Chairman Alexey Shaposhnikov called on Moscow residents to donate blood to help treat victims, saying that “this is a matter of life and death for dozens of people,” CNN reported.

  • Indian UPI Users Can Now Pay Nepalese Merchants Via QR Codes; All You Need To Know

    It was specified that merchants who are part of the Fonepay Network can now receive UPI payments from Indian customers.

  • 2014 Levels Of Mobile Import Dependency Would Have Cost India Rs 14.3 Lakh Crore: ICEA Report

    This exponential growth in production, exports and self-sufficiency stems from a conducive policy environment and a close working relationship between industry and key government ministries.

  • ‘Main Bhi Hoon Modi Ka Parivar’: PM Modi Coins New Slogan In Telangana |

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Opposition INDIA alliance over nepotism and corruption and accused them of resorting to personal attacks on his family. Emphatically, the PM declared that ”140 crore Indians” are part of his extended family. PM Modi said this in response to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s ”parivaarvaad” jibe at the PM. Addressing the ‘Jan Vishwas Maha Rally’ at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, former Bihar CM and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav said, “What is this Modi?… This Narendra Modi is attacking ‘parivaarvaad’ these days. First, you should tell why you do not have any children or family. For the people with more children, he (PM Modi) says that it is dynasty politics. You don’t have a family…You are not even a Hindu. Every Hindu tonsures their head to mourn their mother’s death. Answer why did you not get your hair and beard removed…”

    Opposition’s Real Manifesto Exposed: PM

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the INDI Alliance leaders, highlighting their involvement in corruption, dynasty politics, and appeasement. He asserted that their real manifesto for the 2024 elections has been revealed, emphasizing his commitment to serving the nation and addressing dynasty politics.

     

    #WATCH | Telangana: In Adilabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “Leaders of INDI Alliance who are involved in corruption, dynasty and appeasement are going berserk. They have now come out with their real manifesto for the 2024 elections. When I question their dynasty… pic.twitter.com/tCVzsuLOcU
    — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2024

     

    My Life Is An Open Book: PM

    Responding to allegations about his family, PM Modi affirmed, “My life is like an open book. People of the country know and understand me very well.” He shared anecdotes about receiving letters from citizens, acknowledging their concern for his well-being while working tirelessly for the nation.

    PM Modi reflected on leaving his home as a child with a dream in his eyes to serve the people. He pledged to spend his life fulfilling the dreams of the citizens, emphasizing that crores of people in the country consider him as their own family.

    Telangana’s Future Unaffected By Change In Leadership

    Addressing the political landscape in Telangana, PM Modi asserted that nothing significant will change with Congress replacing BRS. He praised the contributions of the people of Telangana, especially the tribal community, underlining the BJP Government’s efforts for their development.

    In Adilabad, PM Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation stone, and dedicated over Rs 56,000 crore worth of development projects. The projects spanned across power, rail, and road sectors, symbolizing a new chapter of development not only for Telangana but the entire nation.

    PM Modi highlighted various projects, including the inauguration of IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS, showcasing India’s pace of development. He emphasized the significance of tribal empowerment and the launch of the world’s largest storage scheme for farmers.

     

    From Adilabad in Telangana, launching development initiatives that will further strengthen the country’s power, road and rail infrastructure.https://t.co/KV6jbwPsh4
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2024

     

    Focus On Tribal Development

    The Prime Minister celebrated the achievements of tribal women, pointing out that before the BJP came to power, the idea of an Adivasi woman becoming the country’s President was unimaginable. He dedicated projects that symbolize progress in tribal welfare and honour.

    Energy And Infrastructure Boost To Telangana

    PM Modi dedicated significant energy projects, including NTPC’s 800 MW unit in Telangana and 660 MW unit in Jharkhand. He stressed the importance of these projects for Telangana’s energy production capabilities and the overall progress of marginalized communities.

    Connectivity And Infrastructure Development

    The Prime Minister inaugurated national highways, highlighting the enhanced connectivity through railways and highways. He emphasized the positive impact on travel time, tourism, and employment opportunities in the region.

    Expanding Renewable Energy

    PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various solar and hydroelectric projects across different states, reinforcing the commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development.

    Rail And Road Connectivity Projects

    The electrification of the Ambari – Adilabad – Pimpalkhuti rail line and the foundation stone for two major National Highway projects connecting Telangana with Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh were also part of the extensive development initiatives unveiled by PM Modi.

    In the presence of Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundarajan, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, PM Modi showcased the government’s dedication to comprehensive development, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s progress.

  • Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Calls For 'Freedom Of Kashmiris, Palestinians' In Victory Speech | world news

    ISLAMABAD: Addressing the National Assembly after being picked as the next prime minister of the ruling coalition of the PML(N), PPP and other small outfits, Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday called out the 'global silence' on the prevailing situation in Gaza while seeking a bipartisan resolution in the House advocating 'freedom' for Kashmiris and Palestinians, Dawn reported.

    “Let's all come together…and the National Assembly should pass a resolution for the freedom of Kashmiris and Palestinians,” PM-designate Shehbaz said in a 'victory speech' at the Assembly. The Pakistan National Assembly on Sunday elected Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shehbaz Sharif as the 24th elected Prime Minister of the country, during a session that started with Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) members creating a ruckus by shouting slogans.

    The PM-designate stated further that amid the severe economic downturn in the country and livelihood concerns of the people, even the expenditures of the National Assembly were being paid by borrowed money, Dawn reported. He replied that the biggest challenge for Pakistan was that “all of the expenditure was being met via loans only”, the report noted.

    “All of these (expenses for running the House) is being met via loans over the last few years. This is the biggest challenge faced by the country today,” he said. “All of our salaries are being paid via taxes. Does such a situation warrant such hooliganism?” he added, in a veiled dig at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and other rival voices who have been contesting the results of the February 8 general elections.

    He also rued the debt crisis that the country is grappling with, Dawn added in its report. Meanwhile, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said his party leadership decided to go to the Parliament despite its reservations over the poll outcome in the country.

    Despite its decision to participate in the session of the newly elected National Assembly, Rehman said his party's original position to reject the 2024 elections was being proven right. “In the history of Pakistan, we used to think that 2018 was the biggest rigging that took place in the general election, however, 2024 has broken that record,” Rehman said in Karachi.

  • Zee News-MATRIZE Opinion Poll: NDA Projected To Win Big In 2024 LS Polls, Vote Share Likely To Increase By Over 5% |

    New Delhi: As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections draw near, the whole country is on the edge of their seats to see the political drama that will ensue. The leading parties are ready to battle it out, and the guessing game has started, with the election dates expected to be announced soon. In this context, Zee News and MATRIZE have conducted an opinion poll, which is the first of its kind after the formation of alliances, including the new partners of the NDA and the rise of the opposition’s INDIA bloc.

    The Zee News-MATRIZE Lok Sabha Opinion Poll took place from February 5th to February 27th. It collected opinions from 1,67,843 people across 543 Lok Sabha constituencies, comprising 87,000 men and 54,000 women. Moreover, the poll included the opinions of 27,000 first-time voters. The poll results have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 per cent. It’s crucial to note that these are not election outcomes but only an opinion poll, and no one should try to sway the elections based on these findings.

    How Many Seats Will NDA-INDIA Get In 2024?

    The Zee News-MATRIZE poll shows that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is likely to win a substantial majority if elections were held today. The NDA is poised to win 377 seats against INDIA bloc’s 93 seats. In 2019 General Elections, the BJP won 351 seats while the UPA secured just 90 Lok Sabha seats.

    What Will Be NDA-INDIA’s Vote Share In 2024 LS Polls?

    NDA’s vote share is likely to hike by over 5 per cent to reach 43.6 per cent in comparison to 2019. In 2019, the alliance got 38.4% of votes. Meanwhile, INDIA bloc may get 27.7 per cent of votes in 2024. The UPA got 26.6% of votes in 2019. A steep decline can be seen in vote percentage of other parties, resulting to their vote share dropping from 35.2 per cent in 2019 to 24.9 per cent in 2024.

    The survey suggests a resounding victory for the NDA in major regions of North, East, and West India. However, the southern states appear to favour the Opposition INDIA bloc, according to the survey results. This difference highlights the regional factors that influence Indian politics.