Day: November 21, 2023

Casteism even in death: Odisha civic body operates ‘Brahmins only’ crematorium

Manish Kumar

A civic body in Odisha has drawn flak for operating a crematorium in which only bodies of Brahmins are cremated. The 155-year-old Kendrapara Municipality, the oldest civic body in the eastern state, has even put up a ‘Brahmin crematorium’ signage at the entrance of the burning ghat at Hazaribagicha locality in the town. Local sources said that although the crematorium was used for performing the last rites of Brahmins for a long time, the official signage was recently put up after the renovation of the facility with government grants. People…

Hamas leader says it’s close to reaching ‘truce’ with Israel amid escalating war

Manish Kumar

US President Joe Biden had also indicated progress in the deal between Israel and Hamas for a temporary ceasefire in the devastating war in Gaza, in exchange for 50 hostages.   Hamas captured nearly 240 hostages during their unprecedented brutal attack on October 7.  Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said on Tuesday his movement was nearing a truce agreement with Israel, according to a statement posted on Telegram.   According to the Hamas government in Gaza, the war has killed more than 13,300 people, thousands of them children.  The White House…

Byju’s Asked to Pay ₹ 9,000 Crore for Violating Foreign Funding Laws, Byju’s denies media reports

Manish Kumar

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a notice to edtech major Byju’s, asking it to pay ₹ 9,000 crore for allegedly violating foreign funding laws, sources have said.   The notice reportedly encompasses Byju Raveendran, the founder of Byju’s, and Think and Learn.   The ED’s move comes after an inquiry into potential FEMA violations by the ed-tech unicorn.  “Byju’s unequivocally denies media reports that insinuate Byju’s of any FEMA violation,” the edtech major has said in a statement.  Earlier this year, the ED raided Byju’s office in Bengaluru over…

Congress manifesto for Rajasthan elections: Congress vowed to conduct caste survey if voted back to power

Manish Kumar

Congress vowed to conduct a caste survey in Rajasthan if the party manages to retain power in the state after the Assembly elections set to be held on November 25, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said while launching the party’s manifesto for the polls. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge was also present at the venue. Congress released a manifesto for Rajasthan polls and promised Rs 2 lakh interest-free loan to farmers, MSP as per the Swaminathan Commission report. The party also promised a new scheme for recruitment at the panchayat level in its…

22nd StarNite Awards 2023 Celebrates ‘Partner First to Partner Priority’ approach in Indian IT Industry

Manish Kumar

The 22nd edition of the StarNite Awards 2023, held on 17th of November at hotel- Le Meridien, New Delhi, brought together a distinguished gathering of technology leaders from across the country to celebrate the achievements of India’s IT industry. The event featured insightful discussions, keynote addresses, and presentations highlighting the transformative impact of technology. The morning session commenced with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony led by Dr. Deepak Kumar Sahu, Publisher-VARINDIA, and esteemed guests from the industry, including Darsshan Somaiya, Partner Sales Organization-Hitachi Vantara; Col. Suhail Zaidi (Retd), Director General-MAIT; Deepak Sar, Distribution…

Vir Das wins the International Emmy Award for Best Comedy Series, the first Indian comedian to achieve the feat

Manish Kumar

Actor-comic Vir Das won the International Emmy Award for his stand-up special “Vir Das: Landing” in the best comedy category  This was the second nomination and maiden win in the segment for the actor-comic, who shared the trophy with the popular British teen sitcom ‘Derry Girls’ season three  Renowned producer Ektaa R Kapoor was honoured with the International Emmy Directorate Award for a significant contribution to the world of arts and entertainment.  She is the first Indian woman filmmaker to be bestowed with the recognition.  Before Kapoor, media baron Subhash…

Simultaneous polls will benefit the public and Centre irrespective of party, says Ram Nath Kovind

Manish Kumar

Former President Ram Nath Kovind heads the government-appointed high-level committee on ‘one nation, one election’.  Saying that he had reached out to all national parties for their suggestions, Kovind said every party had supported the idea of simultaneous polls at some point.   Mr. Kovind said that holding simultaneous elections would benefit the public and whichever party was in power at the Centre,   “The funds saved could be used for development work.” He added.  Kovind said the issue had been examined by a parliamentary standing committee, the NITI Aayog, and…

Cash, freebies worth over Rs 1760 Cr seized in five poll-bound states, Telangana tops the list: EC

Manish Kumar

Assembly elections in five states: Cash, freebies worth over Rs 1760 cr seized, up 636% from 2018 elections, says ECI  This is an increase of 636 percent as compared to seizure figures during previous elections in the five states.  Telangana which is going to polls on 30 November reported the highest cash seizure of over Rs 659. 2 crores.  Seizures of over Rs 1400 crores were done in the past six state Assembly elections held in Gujarat, HP, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Karnataka.  The ECI further said that the seizures…