Mission Shakti: India Becomes the 4th Country to develop Anti Satellite Weapon

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March 27, 2019

India has now become a space power. Election Commission is probing on Modi’s tweet. China wants peace in space and Pakistan wants the banishment of India. All due to one reason – Mission Shakti.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that the DRDO-developed anti-satellite system A-SAT successfully destroyed a live satellite in the Low Earth Orbit. India became the 4th country, after USA, Russia, and China, to develop and test successfully an Anti Satellite (A-SAT) weapon.

What Are A-SATs?

A-SATs are missile-based systems to attack moving satellites. So far the United States, China, and Russia were the only ones who’ve reported the ability to shoot down space objects from ground or airborne sources. The development of such systems has a long history — fuelled by the Cold War between the United States and the former Soviet Union. There are different kinds of systems — those that can be launched from the ground or those vaulted from planes.

“The ASAT weapon is likely to be the most potent military tool for the armed forces over the next few decades, notwithstanding a revolutionary technological breakthrough,” according to Arvind K. John, an analyst with New Delhi-based think-tank Observer Research Foundation.

Pakistan Decries Mission Shakti and China wants peace

Pakistan called on the international community to condemn the act and strengthen international laws regarding the militarization of space. “We hope that countries which have in the past strongly condemned demonstration of similar capabilities by others will be prepared to work towards developing international instruments to prevent military threats relating to outer space,” said a spokesperson for the Pakistan government. The spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan has been a strong proponent of Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space. He said, “Space is the common heritage of mankind and every nation has the responsibility to avoid actions which can lead to the militarization of this arena.”

China, on the other hand, was guarded in its reaction to the launch of the anti-satellite missile. The Chinese Foreign Ministry, in a written response to a question from news agency PTI on India successfully test-firing an anti-satellite missile, said: “We have noticed reports and hope that each country will uphold peace and tranquillity in outer space.” China conducted such a test in January 2007 when its anti-satellite missile destroyed a defunct weather satellite.

Election Commission probing Narendra Modi’s Speech

The Election Commission said it is studying this morning’s announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the anti-satellite missile test, Mission Shakti. The opposition parties had raised a clamor after the announcement, claiming the Prime Minister was trying to gain political points two weeks before the national elections, and that it was a violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

The Model Code is a series of dos and don’ts for the caretaker government and political parties, which comes into effect as soon as the elections are announced.

The event is a leap forward in India’s space and military technology. The accomplishment is remarkable because this technology is indigenous. China calling for peace and Pakistan’s desperation themselves proves the significance of Mission Shakti. PM’s comments might get into the radar of EC but it won’t affect much to his Propaganda. Congratulations DRDO for making our country proud.

Mika Singh offers role to Actor turned Watchman Savi Sidhu in his latest production film, Aadat

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Sugat Srivastava

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March 26, 2019

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Just a week ago, the heartwarming story of Savi Sidhu, actor-turned-watchman, did rounds on the internet. Savi, who started his Bollywood career with films like Black Friday and Patiala House, currently works for 12 hours a day as a security guard. Film stars like Rajkumar Rao and Anurag Kashyap came in support of the actor and lauded his determination to live with dignity. The news created tremors and the waves reached Mika Singh. He offered him a role in his upcoming production, Bhushan Patel’s Aadat, which stars Karan Singh Grover and Bipasha Basu in the lead roles. Not just this, the singer also told him to stop working as a security guard and join his team instead.

Savi’s friends informed him that Mika was trying to get in touch with him, After a few days, I received a call from him, and I thought it was a prank. Mika was direct. You are not doing this job anymore, you are joining my group,’ he told me. The next day, he sent a car to take me to his house. He gave me some new clothes and food. I start working with him in the next 10 days, he told a newspaper.

“I received a call from him, and I thought it was a prank. Mika was direct. ‘You are not doing this job anymore, you are joining my group,’ he told me. The next day, he sent a car to take me to his house. He gave me some new clothes and food. I start working with him in the next 10 days,”
Savi Sidhu

Mika Singh also promises to recommend him for other roles as well. As well as he plans to find him jobs as an acting coach.

Mika Singh is always in the news for the wrong reasons. Sometimes due to his rash behaviour and sometimes his outspoken attitude. This time, he showed that his heart is made of a gem.

Rahul Gandhi pledges to eradicate poverty; promises minimum income bill

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Sugat Srivastava

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March 25, 2019

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi promises to bring ‘NYAY’ (Nyunatam Aay Yojana) to poor as he proposes minimum income bill for India’s poorest. The bill would boost the monthly income of the family to ₹12,000. He claims it to the final assault on poverty and the argest minimum income scheme of the world.

NYAY scheme will transfer up to Rs 72,000 into the accounts of poor households annually, he said after a party meeting to give final shape to the Congress manifesto. He even insisted that he has already consulted the economists and it is fiscally prudent.

“We are going to give you justice. Remember the number… The Congress guarantees that 20 per cent of India’s poor would make at least Rs 72,000 annually,” Rahul Gandhi said.

This does not mean everyone would get the Rs 12,000 dole. Gandhi explained that if a family makes Rs 6,000, the government would chip in the rest to raise the monthly family income to Rs 12,000.

Back in January, Rahul Gandhi had announced the guarantee scheme but hadn’t spelt out its broad contours. The government’s think-tank NITI Aayog had then run down the plan, declaring that India neither had the kind of fiscal space, nor the kind of complete data needed to implement such a scheme.

The scheme is widely seen as a version of universal basic income (UBI), a concept that entitles families to a certain threshold sum of money regardless of whether they work or not.

UBI first became part of the official discourse when the country’s then chief economic adviser Arvind Subramanian proposed it in the Economic Survey 2016-17. But the government did not pursue it.

Copter airlift: 1,300 People Rescued After Cruise Ship In Norway Suffers Engine Failure

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Sugat Srivastava

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March 24, 2019

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In an incident, which could have become a tragedy, a helicopter airlifted 1300 from a cruise ship. The ship suffered from Engine failure in the notorious waters of Hustadvika near the Norwegian coast.
The ship, The Viking Sky, was travelling south en route from Tromso to Stavanger when it got into trouble in an area that has claimed many ships.

The Viking Sky lost power and started drifting mid-afternoon two kilometres (1.2 miles) off More og Romsdal, prompting the captain to send out a distress call. The Viking Sky sent out a distress signal due to “engine problems in bad weather”, southern Norway’s rescue centre said earlier on Twitter. Due o this, five helicopters were scrambled along with coastguard and other rescue vessels.

Though, the crew managed to restart one of the engines and drop anchor but authorities decided it was too risky for passengers to remain on board.

Tor Andre Franck, the head of the police operations, said: “The boat only has one working engine and the winds are rather strong. Therefore we would prefer to have the passengers on land rather than on board the ship.”

The area where the ship is stranded, known as Hustadvika, is notoriously difficult to navigate. The shallow, ten nautical mile section of coastline is known for its many small islands and reefs.

UAE projects New-Zealand PM image on Burj Khalifa for her sincere empathy towards Muslims

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Sugat Srivastava

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March 23, 2019

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An honest act empathy doesn’t go unnoticed. New-Zealand saw the darkest day in its peaceful history when Christchurch mosque shooting took place which claimed 49 lives. She stood by the Nation and tried her level best to unite the nation and peace reign in the time of crisis. Fast forward now, her efforts impressed UAE and it’s government projected her image on Burj Khalifa.

UAE Vice President and Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Friday thanked New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for the ‘sincere empathy’ towards Muslims after the Christchurch mosque shootings.

“New Zealand today fell silent in honour of the mosque attacks’ martyrs. Thank you PM @jacindaardern and New Zealand for your sincere empathy and support that has won the respect of 1.5 billion Muslims after the terrorist attack that shook the Muslim community around the world,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.

PM Ardern termed the attack as ‘one of the darkest days of New Zealand’.

“I want to send a message to those directly affected… For many, this may have not been the place they were born. For many New Zealand was their choice, a place they actively came to and committed themselves to…it was a place where many came to for their safety. A place where it was safe to practice their culture and religion,” said NZ PM Ardern.

A 28-year-old Australian guy, identified as Brendon Tarrant, was the shooter who carried out the attack. He was charged with murder and was remanded without a plea. Tarrant is due back in court on April 5 and police said he is likely to face more charges.

World Water Day: Leave no one Behind

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Sugat Srivastava

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March 22, 2019

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22nd March is observed as World Water Day. The day is observed for introspecting the crisis world is facing due to the scarcity of clean drinking water. When we talk about accessibility to the resource, a lot of people are left behind due to a variety of factors. That’s why the theme of the year 2019’s world water day is “Leaving no one behind”.

The theme closely relates to the idea of sustainable development which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water for all by 2030. By definition, this means leaving no one behind. Today, billions of people don’t have access to water. Sometimes, they are discriminated based on their caste, age, sex, race, class, etc. It is the bitter truth that marginalized groups are the worst affected in the era of water scarcity.

Here are some facts about water scarcity which the whole world is facing right now:

2.1 billion people live without safe water at home.
More than 700 children under five years of age die every day from diarrhea linked to unsafe water and poor sanitation.
Globally, 80% of the people who have to use unsafe and unprotected water sources live in rural areas.
Around four billion people — that is, nearly two-thirds of the world’s population — experience severe water scarcity during at least one month of the year.
700 million people worldwide could be displaced by intense water scarcity by 2030.
For the 68.5 million people who have been forced to flee their homes, accessing safe water services is highly problematic.
Around 159 million people collect their drinking water from surface water, such as ponds and streams.
One in four primary schools has no drinking water service, with pupils using unprotected sources or going thirsty.

Source: https://www.worldwaterday.org/theme/

In 2019, marginalized sections had no access to water. They might have access 10-20 years ago but not today. The area swept by the acute water scarcity might reach you sooner than you can fathom. So, get involved and save water before its too late.

Fugitive Nirav Modi arrested in London, denied bail

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Sugat Srivastava

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March 20, 2019

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Finally, the day came when Nirav Modi, our absconded tycoon got arrested. He was arrested because on India’s extradition request in London. He was arrested in central London on Tuesday evening and was produced in the Westminster magistrates court, where the court refused him bail for which he offered 500,000 pounds.

Nirav Modi, 48, is the subject of an extradition request by India, where he is accused of major financial irregularities running into thousands of crores linked to the Punjab National Bank. News agency PTI reported that Nirav Modi contested his extradition to India.

“Nirav Deepak Modi, 48 (Date of Birth 24.02.71), was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities on Tuesday in Holborn. He will appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday,” the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

Produced within hours at the Metropolitan Magistrate’s court, he had offered half-a-million pounds as bail bond, but the court turned it down. He will be in jail till March 29, when the next hearing will take place.

A week ago, the UK issued a warrant against him following India’s request for his extradition. But a decision on the extradition cannot be taken without a long-drawn legal process, as is happening in the case of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who fled to the UK in 2017 as banks tried to recover loans to the tune of Rs. 9000 crore from him.

Nirav Modi continues to figure in Interpol’s wanted list on its website. The charges against him, as provided to the international police organization by India includes criminal breach of trust by public servant, or by banker merchant or agent, cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, and money laundering.

His Nirav Modi’s arrest by the Scotland Yard triggered the first stage of the legal process for extradition.

Nirav Modi, whose presence in the UK was confirmed by British authorities in mid-2018, recently figured in a video released by The Daily Telegraph, walking on London streets and responding to queries by its reporters with “No comment.”

He was tracked down to a three-bedroom flat occupying half of a floor in an upscale tower block of luxury apartments, where rent is estimated to be around £17,000 a month, the newspaper reported.

Under construction building collapses in Dharwad, Karnataka. 2 dead and many trapped

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Sugat Srivastava

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March 19, 2019

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Two persons were killed and several others feared trapped after an under-construction building collapsed in Dharwad in north Karnataka on Tuesday, police said.

MN Nagarj, commissioner of police, Dharwad, which is located about 450 km from the state capital, said the rescue operations were on and that he could not confirm how many people were still trapped under the debris.

“So far two persons have been confirmed dead. We have deployed three cranes and four earth movers …,” he said, adding that the identities of the deceased had not yet been established.

Karnataka chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy expressed “shock” over the incident. He said he had advised the chief secretary of the state to ensure that experts were flown in to Dharwad to help in rescue efforts.

Rescuers have pulled out 28 people from the rubble, police said, adding, the injured have been hospitalised. As many as 10 ambulances and five fire tenders were deployed to carry out relief and rescue operations.

After Christchurch, Utrecht in Netherlands witness another gun violence

By

Sugat Srivastava

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March 18, 2019

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The world was just recovering from the ferociously insane a human can go after Christchurch, picturesque Dutch city of Utrecht saw a gun violence incident in public place. Three people were killed and nine others injured in a shooting in a tram in the central Dutch city. Police suspects a 37-year old Turkish – origin man, identified as Gokmen Tanis.

Police said the suspected gunman was at large and authorities raised the terrorism threat to its highest level in Utrecht province. Schools were told to shut their doors and paramilitary police increased security at airports and other vital infrastructure. Security was stepped up at mosques.

“Several shots were fired in a tram and several people were injured. Helicopters are at the scene and no arrests have been made,” said police spokesman Joost Lanshage.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he was deeply concerned about the incident and convened crisis talks.

The incident comes after a lone gunman killed 50 people in mass shootings at two mosques in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, last Friday.

The gun violence is increasing day by day. The worst part is, it is not limited to USA. Peaceful countries like New-Zealand and the Netherlands are also witnessing such atrocious crimes. It sometimes makes me wonder if we are really civilized?

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar lost the battle against Pancreatic Cancer

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Sugat Srivastava

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March 17, 2019

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A day of National mourning as India lost an honest and great leader. Manohar Parrikar died after prolonged battle against Pancreatic Cancer. He was 63 years old.

Parrikar was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer in February 2018 and had been in and out of hospitals in Goa, Mumbai, Delhi and New York since.
Dressed in his trademark half-sleeved bush shirt and floaters, Mr. Parrikar had an image of an accessible yet go-getter politician.

From an RSS pracharak to a Union Minister, the technocrat-turned politician was known for his administrative acumen and clean image. This did left an indelible mark on the politics of the tiny state. A Mumbai IIT graduate in metallurgical engineering and among the first members of BJP in Goa, Parrikar was instrumental in raising the profile of his party from its just four members in state assembly in 1994 to its present status as a ruling party in the state assembly.

He was born in 1955 in Mapusa, in then Portugese-ruled Goa. In the 1970s, the teenage Parrikar joined the RSS. After completing a degree in metallurgical engineering from IIT Bombay, he resumed working with the organisation. At just 26, he was Sanghchalak of Mapusa.

In 1994, for the first time, the BJP sent four legislators to the Goa Assembly. Mr. Parrikar was one of them along with the current Union Minister Shripad Naik. He overcame Naik and became the first BJP Chief Minister of Goa in 2000.

He was an ardent Goan. Even as the Defence Minister in 2014, he would often spend time in the State, visiting Goa every weekend.

One of his political achievements was to develop the Goa Model of the BJP, positioning the right wing party away from narrow Hindutva bracket to a larger and more inclusive Goan identity. He even managed make the Catholic Church a BJP ally in the State.

He sacrificed the post of Defence Minister to return as CM of Goa. Without him, the BJP floundered — from 21 seats they came down to 12 seats.

Mr. Parrikar also has the distinction of helming the 2016 cross border surgical strike. Lt. General D.S. Hooda, who was the Northern Army commander at the time of the strike, describes Mr. Parrikar as sharp and decisive.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi even termed him as the ‘Builder of Modern Goa’. The title seems huge but for a man of Parrikar stature, this is nothing. He changed the Goa politics, remained clean, astute, and easily approachable. He set an example for every politician in the country by his simplicity and decision making. India not only lost a CM but a great leader. May his soul rest in peace.

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What Are A-SATs?

Pakistan Decries Mission Shakti and China wants peace

Election Commission probing Narendra Modi’s Speech