Congress Leaders Slam BJP: Bank Accounts Frozen, Electoral Bonds Scrapped Ahead of Elections

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:12am on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday Politics

Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge condemn BJP for freezing party bank accounts before Lok Sabha elections and scrapping electoral bonds. Allegations of financial sabotage and unequal playing field raised. Rahul Gandhi criticizes PM Modi's "criminal action" while Sonia Gandhi highlights "systematic effort" to cripple Congress. Kharge accuses BJP of filling its accounts with crores through electoral bonds while hindering opposition funding. Despite claims of tax dispute, no official statement from Income Tax department. Congress alleges inability to campaign, support workers, or candidates due to frozen funds, raising concerns over democratic framework protection.

Read More at India Today

Neuralink's First Brain-Chip Patient Plays Online Chess, Signals Potential Breakthrough in Brain-Computer Interfaces

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:00am on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday Science

Elon Musk's Neuralink showcases its first patient, Noland Arbaugh, using a brain-chip to play online chess, marking a milestone in merging human brains with computers. Arbaugh, paralyzed below the shoulders, received the chip implant in January, enabling him to control a computer cursor and play games. Despite facing technical challenges, including issues with the technology's perfection, Neuralink's breakthrough offers hope for tackling neurological conditions. The FDA-approved device, about the size of a coin, reads neuron activity and transmits wireless signals. This advancement underscores the growing interest in brain-computer interfaces, aiming to revolutionize healthcare and empower individuals with disabilities.

Read More at BBC

Election Commission Halts 'Viksit Bharat' WhatsApp Messages, Seeks Compliance from IT Ministry

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:49am on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday Politics

The Election Commission of India has directed the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to cease the delivery of "Viksit Bharat" messages on WhatsApp following complaints of government initiatives being promoted during the election period. Despite MeitY's explanation of delays due to network limitations, the poll body insists on compliance, citing the need for a level-playing field. The messages, seeking feedback and suggestions for a developed India, were accompanied by a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Opposition leaders have criticized the move as a violation of the model code of conduct ahead of the general elections.

Read More at Hindustan Times

US Drops from Top 20 Happiest Countries, Younger Population's Happiness Declines

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:40am on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday International

The United States has slipped eight spots in the global happiness rankings, falling out of the top 20 happiest countries, as revealed by the 2024 World Happiness Report. Factors contributing to this decline include a decrease in overall happiness among younger people and concerns about loneliness. Countries like Costa Rica and Kuwait have entered the top 20, while the US and Germany have dropped out. The report, based on self-assessments from over 140 countries, highlights the importance of social support, healthy life expectancy, and other key variables in determining life satisfaction. Today's release coincides with the UN's International Day of Happiness.

Read More at abc News

BWSSB will Provide Water to Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium During IPL Matches

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:24am on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday Sports

In response to concerns over water shortage during IPL matches at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy stadium, BWSSB assured uninterrupted treated water supply. KSCA officials met BWSSB chairman seeking assurance, which was granted. BWSSB clarified water will be sourced from Cubbon Park treatment plant. Karnataka CM discussed water crisis, planning to bring water from Kabini and Krishna Raja Sagar reservoirs to supply surrounding villages by June. Stressing on water conservation, BWSSB mandated aerator usage in taps to reduce wastage. With 6,900 borewells dry, government took control of water tanker regulations. IPL match between RCB and Punjab Kings set for March 25.

Read More at Hindustan Times

Priyanka Chopra's Family Seeks Blessings at Ayodhya's Ram Temple; Daughter Malti Marie's Adorable Moment Goes Viral

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:17am on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday Entertainment

Actress Priyanka Chopra, accompanied by husband Nick Jonas, daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas, and mother Madhu Chopra, visited Ayodhya's Ram Mandir to seek blessings on Wednesday. Sharing moments from their visit on social media, Priyanka captured hearts as she guided her daughter to say 'Ayodhya.' The family, adorned in traditional attire, participated in the temple rituals amid tight security. Their visit comes after a recent arrival in India for a Bvlgari showroom launch. The temple, inaugurated in January, has drawn attention from celebrities, with Priyanka and Nick joining the list of devotees seeking divine blessings.

Read More at The Indian Express

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is Seeing a Rise in Requests For Amnesty

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:09am on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday India Global

Kuwait rolls out an amnesty program, effective from March 17 to June 17, aligning with Ramadan, allowing undocumented expatriates to legalize their status by paying a daily fine of US $6.60 (2 Kuwaiti Dinar), capped at US $1980 (608 KD). Those unable to pay can leave without penalties but must follow new return procedures. Non-compliance may result in deportation. Residents facing issues can appeal to the Residency Affairs Department. Tens of thousands are believed to be unlawfully staying. The move aims to tackle residency violations, providing a chance to rectify status or leave penalty-free within the set period.

Read More at New India Abroad

Yusuf Pathan is Starting His Lok Sabha Election Campaign in Berhampore, West Bengal; Targeting Adhir Ranjan's Constituency

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:41am on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday Politics

Yusuf Pathan, former Indian cricketer, arrived in Kolkata to kickstart his Lok Sabha campaign as a Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate for Berhampore, West Bengal. Amidst initial opposition from TMC MLA Humayun Kabir, who later pledged support, Pathan gears up to challenge Congress stronghold held by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. TMC workers extend a warm welcome, signaling party's backing for the star candidate. Pathan's candidacy, announced on March 10, adds to TMC's roster for all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal. With campaign planning underway, Pathan steps into the political arena, aiming for a breakthrough in the upcoming elections.

Read More at Hindustan Times

Singapore to Ease Visa Rules for Indians to Meet 1.5 Million Tourist Target

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:30am on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday India Global

Singapore anticipates hosting over 1.5 million Indian tourists this year, focusing on bolstering hospitality infrastructure and streamlining visa processes. The Singapore Tourism Board aims to surpass pre-pandemic 2019 numbers, acknowledging India's vast tourism potential. Efforts include facilitating seamless visas, adding 9,000 hotel rooms, and boosting air travel connectivity. Additionally, Singapore eyes expanding bilateral trade opportunities, particularly in sectors like pharma, IT, and FinTech. The inaugural APAC edition of NRF Retail Big Show in Singapore further strengthens bilateral ties, featuring industry leaders from both nations. Singapore's initiatives aim to deepen India-Singapore tourism and trade relations.

Read More at Economic Times

CM Kejriwal is Willing to Sssist the Investigation, But Believes the ED is Being Used by The BJP for Political Purposes

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:09am on 21 Mar 2024,Thursday Politics

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has challenged ED summons in the Delhi High Court amid allegations of political targeting. Kejriwal, summoned for the ninth time in an excise policy case, seeks to cooperate while questioning ED's impartiality. Tragedy struck as two perished and one was injured in a jeans factory collapse in northeast Delhi. Efforts are underway to locate the building owner. With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections looming, AAP and Congress, yet to sync their campaign, divide constituencies for the electoral battle. AAP targets South, West, East, and New Delhi, while Congress claims Chandni Chowk, Northwest, and Northeast Delhi.

Read More at The Indian Express

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