Odisha: Nine killed, 12 injured in separate lightning strike incidents, CM announces ex gratia

In the unfortunate incidents, nine people died while 12 others were injured in separate lightning strikes across Odisha on Saturday, the police said. Expressing grief over the unnatural deaths, Chief Minister Charan Majhi announced an ex-gratia to the next of kin of the deceased. Giving details about the deceased, the chief minister’s office on Saturday said that two deaths each were reported in Balasore, Mayurbhanj, and Bhadrak districts. Moreover, one death each was reported in Keonjhar, Dhenkanal and Ganjam districts. In Bargah district, 12 people were injured in a lightning strike…

WHO Declares Mpox a Global Health Emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) outbreak a global public health emergency in August 2022. 1 This classification was a significant step, as it signaled a heightened level of concern and mobilized international efforts to contain the spread of the virus. Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, and it has symptoms similar to smallpox, though generally less severe. The disease is caused by the mpox virus, part of the orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the smallpox virus.…

Congress makes major reshuffle in party’s Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand units ahead of Assembly Elections

In a major reshuffle ahead of the Assembly Elections, the Congress on Friday (August 16) appointed Tariq Hameed Karra as president of its Jammu and Kashmir unit and Keshav Mahto Kamlesh as chief of the Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee. While Karra replaces Vikar Rasool Wani in Jammu and Kashmir, Kamlesh takes over from Rajesh Thakur. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge appointed two working presidents for Jammu and Kashmir – Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla – as the party prepares for the Assembly Elections in the Union Territory. The Election Commission of…

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Step Down Amid Scandals and Declining Approval

Kishida’s Decision to Step Down Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, has announced that he will not seek re-election as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). This marks the end of his nearly three-year tenure and opens the door to a new leadership race within the party. Kishida’s decision comes in the wake of plummeting approval ratings, intense internal party pressure, and a series of political scandals. Factors Leading to Kishida’s Departure Kishida’s tenure has been marred by several controversies, significantly impacting his leadership. The most damaging scandal involved…

BWF Suspends Pramod Bhagat for 18 Months Over Anti-Doping Breach

Suspension Details The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has imposed an 18-month suspension on Pramod Bhagat, India’s celebrated Tokyo 2020 Paralympic gold medalist, for breaching anti-doping regulations. This significant sanction will prevent Bhagat from participating in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, impacting his competitive career and standing in the sport. Grounds for Suspension The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Anti-Doping Division found Bhagat guilty of violating BWF’s anti-doping rules due to three whereabouts failures within a 12-month period. These failures involved failing to accurately report his location, which is crucial…

Meet Jasmin Walia: British Singer Rumored to Be Dating Hardik Pandya

Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya, who recently announced his separation from model Natasa Stankovic, is rumored to have found new love in British singer and TV personality Jasmin Walia. Speculation about their relationship gained traction after the two were spotted enjoying a luxurious vacation together in Greece. Jasmin Walia: Rising Star in Music and TV Jasmin Walia, hailing from Essex, England, has made a name for herself in both the music and television industries. With Indian roots, Jasmin first gained attention through her participation in the British reality TV show The…

Independence Day Controversy: Why AAP’s Kailash Gahlot, Not Atishi, Will Hoist the Flag in Delhi

As India readies itself to celebrate its 78th Independence Day with grandeur and patriotic fervor, Delhi is experiencing heightened security measures and a comprehensive traffic advisory to manage the influx of celebratory activities. However, this year’s Independence Day celebrations in Delhi have been marred by a significant controversy involving the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (LG) over who will hoist the national flag at the state-level event. Here’s a detailed look into the unfolding drama and its implications. Kejriwal’s Choice for Flag Hoisting Delhi Chief Minister…

Government Alerts Windows Users About Critical Vulnerabilities: Essential Safety Measures and Precautions

CERT-In Warns of Significant Security Risks in Windows Systems The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a crucial alert regarding multiple vulnerabilities identified in Microsoft Windows systems. This warning, affecting users of both Windows 10 and Windows 11, highlights severe security risks that could potentially compromise sensitive system components and data. The vulnerabilities in question have the potential to allow attackers to elevate their privileges and bypass crucial security measures, posing a significant threat to both individual and enterprise environments. Affected Windows Versions and Impact The vulnerabilities impact…

Amit Shah Leads ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Rally in Ahmedabad

Union Home Minister Amit Shah led a spirited ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ rally in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, rallying participants to embrace patriotism and unity ahead of India’s 78th Independence Day. The event featured a remarkable 2,151-foot-long Tricolor, carried by participants that included school teachers and personnel from various forces. During the rally, Amit Shah emphasized the importance of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ initiative, urging every household in Gujarat to proudly display the national flag on August 15. “This Tiranga Yatra is designed to ignite the spirit of patriotism among the youth…

Ricky Ponting: India-Australia Rivalry Rivals the Ashes Ahead of India’s Tour Down Under

The Ashes series between England and Australia has long been regarded as Test cricket’s most intense and storied rivalry, marked by a rich history, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments. However, according to legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting, a new rivalry is emerging that could soon rival the Ashes in intensity: the India-Australia contest. Ponting, a key figure in many Ashes battles, believes that the India-Australia rivalry has not only surpassed South Africa as Australia’s second most challenging Test competition but is also closing in on the significance of the Ashes.…