Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:12pm on 15 Feb 2024,Thursday India
A video circulating on social media, purportedly showing the ongoing farmers' protest, has been debunked. India Today Fact Check reveals the footage predates the farmers' march and, in reality, captures a gathering supporting Punjabi YouTuber Bhanna Sidhu. Arrested in January amid an extortion case, Sidhu's hometown protest occurred weeks before the farmers' protest began on February 13. The video, showcasing a canopy-covered assembly, triggered false claims as it circulated widely. Bhana Sidhu, with ties to Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, is a social media influencer known for addressing rural and youth-centric issues in Punjab, unrelated to the ongoing "Delhi Chalo" protest.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:17am on 15 Feb 2024,Thursday India
Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport grapples with severe congestion, forcing airlines to cancel 40 flights per day. Post-COVID travel surge intensifies air traffic, causing extended circling times for flights, risking fuel wastage and operational delays. The Airport Authority of India identifies excessive slot distribution, non-adherence to allotted slots, and non-scheduled operations as key challenges. To mitigate congestion, the Ministry of Civil Aviation issues directives to restrict air traffic during peak hours. Airlines like Akasa Air and SpiceJet comply with government directives, canceling numerous flights. Despite the cancellations, the airport operates at full capacity, handling 1000 daily movements amid the congestion crisis.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:48am on 15 Feb 2024,Thursday India
Amid ongoing 'Delhi Chalo' protests, around 200 farmers obstructed railway tracks in Punjab, leading to disruptions in train services. The blockade comes ahead of the third round of talks between the government and farmer leaders to address key demands. The 'Delhi Chalo' march, now in its third day, sees farmers rallying for MSP and other rights. Haryana suspended internet services along its border with Punjab amid escalating tensions. Despite previous failed discussions, Union Ministers are set to engage with protesting unions. Haryana's Chief Minister criticized the protests, while farmers announced a nationwide strike for February 16.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:03am on 15 Feb 2024,Thursday India
As the standoff between protesting farmers and security personnel continues at the Punjab-Haryana border, a panel of three Union ministers is set to meet farmer leaders in Chandigarh. The dialogue, led by Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, aims to address key demands, including Minimum Support Price (MSP) implementation. Amidst preparations for the meeting, farmer groups, including Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) and BKU Dakaunda (Dhaner), declare a 'rail roko' in Punjab today. The ongoing protests have led to disruptions in the National Capital Region (NCR), prompting advisories from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) regarding commute planning.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:46am on 15 Feb 2024,Thursday India
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court declared the electoral bonds scheme as "unconstitutional" on Thursday, citing violations of the right to information under Article 19(1)(a). The verdict, delivered by a five-judge bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, deemed anonymous funding to political parties as violative of electoral transparency. The court directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to halt further issuance of electoral bonds and mandated the submission of purchase details since April 12, 2019, to the Election Commission. Advocates hailed the decision, foreseeing a positive impact on electoral democracy and emphasizing citizens' right to transparent political funding.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:51pm on 14 Feb 2024,Wednesday India
Protesting farmers persist in their march towards Delhi despite clashes with police at the Punjab-Haryana border. Tear gas, water cannons, and concrete barriers met their 'Delhi Chalo' march, but farmers vow to press on. Ahead of a likely third round of talks with the Centre, tensions escalate as security tightens at Delhi borders, causing traffic chaos. Both sides sustain injuries in the confrontations. Amid calls for dialogue, farmers demand a halt to police aggression before resuming negotiations. The standoff echoes past protests as farmers advocate for MSP laws and loan waivers. Regional disruptions persist as protests intensify, with railway track occupations planned.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:09pm on 14 Feb 2024,Wednesday India
Amid escalating farmer protests, Delhi Police reinforce borders with innovative measures. Deploying sonic weapons and stocking lubricants, authorities aim to deter advancing protestors. Concrete-filled containers and reinforced barricades line entry points, while tear-gas drones mark a technological shift in crowd control. Modified tractors pose new challenges, prompting police readiness with defensive tactics. As tensions mount, farmers resort to kite-flying to disrupt drone surveillance. With roads resembling fortresses, the standoff intensifies, signaling a potential clash between protestors and law enforcement. As both sides dig in, the struggle for control of Delhi's borders escalates, amplifying the urgency for resolution.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:52pm on 14 Feb 2024,Wednesday India
Farmers protesting at the Shambhu border employed a novel tactic by flying kites to thwart tear gas drones used by security forces. Despite clashes and tear gas fired by Haryana Police, farmers remained resolute in their demand for legal MSP guarantees and agricultural reforms. Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda urged constructive dialogue, while farmer leaders criticized the government's stance. The farmers, equipped with protective gear, continued their march towards Delhi, emphasizing key demands including MSP laws and justice for Lakhimpur Kheri victims.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:14pm on 14 Feb 2024,Wednesday India
In ongoing farmers' protests, the Centre calls for a virtual meeting with farm bodies as tensions rise. Heavy security in Delhi with anti-riot gear and barricades at key points. Farmers marching towards the capital, met with tear gas, drones deployed. High alert in Punjab as police remain on duty. CBSE issues exam notice amid potential traffic issues. Traffic advisory for Delhi-NCR; Ghazipur open, Singhu and Tikri closed. Union ministers set for talks with farmer leaders. Mock drill at Tikri Border raises concerns about arresting protesters.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:42pm on 14 Feb 2024,Wednesday India
Poonam Pandey and ex-husband Sam Bombay are slapped with a Rs 100 crore defamation case by Faizan Ansari, accusing them of manipulating emotions and trust by faking her own death. Ansari filed an FIR urging Kanpur Police Commissioner to arrest the duo, claiming they staged the death, betraying millions and the Bollywood industry. Pandey's 'death' was initially announced on Instagram, attributed to cervical cancer, but she later revealed it as an awareness stunt. The All Indian Cine Workers Association demanded legal action, calling her actions "highly wrong" and "unacceptable." Celebrities like Kangana Ranaut criticized Pandey's controversial move.