Author: newshens

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed concern over the diminishing separation between politics and religion, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation as the ‘yajman’ or patron in a high-profile Hindu religious event at Ayodhya. Vijayan emphasized that Indian secularism entails the separation of religion and state, a principle eroding with recent events. The chief minister highlighted the constitutional caution against public office bearers participating in religious events to preserve the nation’s secular credentials. Vijayan, representing the CPI(M), known for its staunch support of traditional secularism, criticized the thinning line between religion and state, urging a commitment to equal religious…

Christopher Nolan’s highly acclaimed film “Oppenheimer” leads this year’s Bafta Film Award nominations, securing a total of 13 nominations, including Best Film, Director, and Adapted Screenplay. The movie, depicting the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, has already earned numerous accolades, winning eight Critics Choice Awards and five Golden Globes. Surprisingly, the summer box office rival “Barbie” receives five nominations, missing out on a Best Film nod but earning recognition for Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in acting categories. Other contenders like “Poor Things,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and “The Zone of Interest” also…

In the lead-up to the ‘Pran Pratistha’ ceremony at Ayodhya, FMCG and beverage giants such as Dabur, Coca-Cola, Parle, Reliance, and ITC are strategically leveraging marketing initiatives. Special limited edition packs, rebranding of dhabas, sampling sachets, and prominent product signboards are part of the multi-crore investments made by these companies to capture consumer attention. The surge in buzz, coupled with an influx of devotees and tourists, has created a significant advertising opportunity. Advertisers have signed bulk deals months in advance to secure prime slots on media platforms, with latecomers paying premium rates, indicating the immense marketing potential around the Ram…

Jordan Henderson, the recent recruit for Ajax following a brief stint in Saudi Arabia, openly addressed the backlash surrounding his move and restated his unwavering personal beliefs. Henderson took a moment to express regret and extend an apology to the LGBT+ community, emphasizing that his decision to move was grounded in football considerations. Despite the criticisms linked to his tenure in Saudi Arabia, he refrained from making negative remarks about the Saudi league and dismissed rumors of turning down a Premier League return due to tax concerns. Having left Al-Ettifaq after just 17 appearances due to uncertainties in life and…

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has announced that nearly all states in India are actively implementing the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), even those initially hesitant but using different terms. Speaking at the inauguration of IInvenTiv 2024, the country’s largest R&D Innovation Fair, Pradhan highlighted the event’s expansion beyond IITs and outlined plans to extend research and development opportunities to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. He challenged the perception that only IITs represent quality institutions.  Pradhan expressed satisfaction with the widespread adoption of NEP 2020, emphasizing its philosophical and historical significance. The event, showcasing extensive participation from Higher Education Institutions…

A senior UN official has voiced concerns over a potential “lost generation” in Gaza due to the extensive destruction caused by the war. The war, initiated by Israel in response to a massive attack by Hamas, has resulted in widespread damage to public and private buildings, including homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. The UN’s Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) reports that at least 60% of homes in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged, with nine out of ten schools suffering significant damage. The Commissioner General for UNRWA, Phillippe Lazzarini, warns that over half a million children in…

On Wednesday, Apple’s announcement permitting app developers to sell products outside its App Store while still imposing a commission has sparked a heated response from Spotify. Accusing Apple of prioritizing profits and engaging in “outrageous” practices, Spotify is urging the UK government to intervene against similar fees. Apple’s new rules in the US, following legal battles with Epic Games, allow subscriptions outside its payment system but come with a commission of up to 27% for developers. The court ruling found Apple in breach of the law by limiting developers from informing users about alternative payment methods. Apple defended its commission…

In Kampala, Uganda, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Moosa Zameer, his Maldivian counterpart, amidst heightened tensions between India and the Maldives. The encounter occurred on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, providing a crucial platform for leaders to discuss pressing international issues. The meeting primarily addressed the recent withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives, contributing to strained bilateral relations. Described as a “frank conversation,” both leaders underscored the importance of open dialogue to navigate the complexities of the ongoing diplomatic controversy. The outcome of this pivotal meeting, coupled with India’s active participation in the NAM…

The Ministry of Finance has announced a significant development in personal income tax benefits, fulfilling promises made in the Finance Act, 2023. According to a tweet from the official Ministry of Finance account, Section 87A of the Income-tax Act, 1961, has been amended, allowing a rebate that eliminates tax liability for individuals with income up to Rs. 7 lakh. This amendment aligns with the government’s commitment to reducing the tax burden on the middle-income segment. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has actively delivered on budget promises for the fiscal year 2023-24, focusing on personal income tax relief. The…

In the midst of recent speculation surrounding actor Prabhas’ purported donation of ₹50 crore and sponsorship of food expenses for the consecration of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir on January 22, the controversy took a turn when Andhra Pradesh MLA Chirla Jaggireddy endorsed these claims at an event. Jaggireddy asserted that Prabhas had generously agreed to contribute to the temple and also sponsor the meals for those attending the ceremony. However, Prabhas’ team swiftly moved to quash these rumors, labeling them as “fake news” in a statement to India Today. The team clarified that the renowned actor neither made a substantial financial…