thestateline

Mar172024 by thestatelineNo Comments

Indian Navy’s 40-Hour Operation Results in Surrender of 35 Pirates and Rescue of 17 Crew Members

FOCUS, INDIA, SOUTH ASIA, SPECIAL, TOP STORIES, WORLD

New Delhi: In a remarkable display of maritime prowess, the Indian Navy executed a 40-hour rescue operation in the Arabian Sea, culminating in the surrender of 35 pirates and the safe rescue of 17 crew members from the merchant vessel ex-MV Ruen. The operation, spearheaded by INS Kolkata, aimed to thwart the attempted hijacking of ships by Somali pirates transiting through the region. Intercepting the MV Ruen on March 15, which had fallen prey to piracy in December 2023, INS Kolkata confirmed the presence of armed pirates through a ship-launched drone. Encountering hostility, the pirates shot down the drone and opened fire on INS Kolkata. In response, the Indian Naval warship disabled the pirate vessel's steering system and navigational aids, compelling it to halt. After 40 hours ...

Mar162024 by thestatelineNo Comments

Telegram Unveils Business Features: Greeting Messages and Quick Replies

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New Delhi: Telegram, the popular instant messaging app, has rolled out new business-oriented features, including greeting messages and quick replies, to streamline communication between companies and their clientele. These new tools, currently available for free to all Premium users, provide businesses with advanced communication capabilities, according to the company. Pavel Durov, CEO and Founder of Telegram, highlighted the versatility of the new features, allowing users to transform their personal accounts into business profiles. Businesses can now enhance customer engagement by setting up automated greeting messages, tailored for users initiating contact for the first time. These messages support various formats, including text, media, and file sharing. Moreover, the introduct...

Mar162024 by thestatelineNo Comments

Devendra Fadnavis Sets Ambitious Goal: BJP Aims for Over 40 Seats in Maharashtra

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Mumbai: Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, exudes confidence in the BJP's prospects for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, expressing determination to secure beyond 40 seats in the state. In an exclusive interview with NDTV's Editor-in-Chief Sanjay Pugalia, Fadnavis stressed the BJP's active engagement in grassroots campaigning, aimed at showcasing the achievements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. "We are actively connecting with the people on the ground, ensuring they witness the transformative work initiated under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. Our approach is visionary, especially evident in infrastructure development endeavors," remarked Fadnavis. Dismissing the notion of a predetermined outcome in favor of the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha ele...

Mar162024 by thestatelineNo Comments

Rajasthan Government Launches Mukhya Mantri Balika Sambal Yojana to Empower Girls

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Jaipur,: In a significant move aimed at bolstering the sex ratio, promoting girls' education, and ensuring their economic security, the Rajasthan government has introduced the Mukhya Mantri Balika Sambal Yojana. Under this scheme, the state government will invest Rs 30,000 in the Sukanya Samriddhi Account and Postal Savings Scheme for each girl child born after the first or second daughter. This amount marks a substantial increase from the previous Rs 10,000 investment. Upon completion of the 21-year investment period, beneficiaries stand to receive a maturity amount of up to Rs 1,50,000. Additionally, parents will be entitled to accident insurance worth Rs 2 lakh. Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar spearheaded the initiative, reflecting the government's commitment to the welf...

Mar162024 by thestatelineNo Comments

Ceasefire on Horizon as Israel Considers Release of 1000 Palestinian Prisoners

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Gaza: A potential six-week ceasefire appears imminent in the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, as both sides have signaled willingness to compromise on their previous demands. Hamas has reportedly agreed to transition from seeking a permanent end to the war to accepting a temporary ceasefire lasting six weeks. Meanwhile, Israel is nearing an agreement to release 1000 Palestinian prisoners, among whom 100 are accused of serious crimes, including murder. Recent diplomatic efforts in Doha, Cairo, and Paris have seen various mediators facilitating negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Sources within Israeli intelligence agencies have indicated that Qatar has warned Hamas leadership of potential deportation from Qatar if they persist with unreasonable demands. Furthermore,...

Mar162024 by thestatelineNo Comments

PM Modi Unveils Development Blitz: Projects Worth Rs 8.25 Lakh Crore in Just 14 Days

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New Delhi: In a monumental stride towards fostering a 'Viksit Bharat' ('Developed India'), Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated an array of development projects totaling at least Rs 8.25 lakh crore within a mere span of 14 days this month, setting a groundbreaking record aimed at constructing world-class infrastructure across various sectors. "In the first 75 days of 2024, projects exceeding Rs 11 lakh crore have been initiated or laid foundation stones, with projects worth Rs 7 lakh crore unveiled in the last 10-12 days alone," remarked Prime Minister Modi earlier this week. On Wednesday, the Prime Minister virtually commenced the groundwork for three semiconductor projects valued at Rs 1.25 lakh crore, a feat achieved within just 15 days post the Union Cabinet's approval. ...

Mar162024 by thestatelineNo Comments

BJP Veteran Eshwarappa to Contest Lok Sabha Polls as Independent in Shivamogga

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Bengaluru: In a bold move, senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, K.S. Eshwarappa, declared his candidacy as an Independent nominee from Shivamogga in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Eshwarappa made the announcement following a meeting with his supporters in Shivamogga, emphasizing his decision to contest independently. The BJP's official candidate from Shivamogga is B.Y. Raghavendra, the son of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, while the Congress has put forward Geetha Shivarajkumar as its contender for the seat. Geetha Shivarajkumar, daughter of the late former Chief Minister S. Bangarappa and sister of state Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa, is married to Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar. Explaining his decision, Eshwarappa highlighted concer...

Mar152024 by thestatelineNo Comments

Centre Unveils Financial Upgradation Scheme for 2.56 Lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks

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New Delhi: Union Minister for Communications and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced on Friday the introduction of a financial upgradation scheme tailored for 2.56 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) employed within the Department of Posts. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance service conditions and alleviate stagnation within the GDS workforce. Recognized as the backbone of the Department of Posts in rural regions, Gramin Dak Sevaks play a pivotal role in facilitating the delivery of postal and financial services to the farthest corners of the nation. Under this scheme, every Gramin Dak Sevak will be entitled to three financial upgrades upon completing 12, 24, and 36 years of service, resulting in annual increments of Rs 4,320, Rs 5,520, and Rs 7,200, respectively, as high...

Mar152024 by thestatelineNo Comments

Odisha Congress Unveils Election Manifesto with Nine Assurances

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Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) unveiled its election manifesto on Friday, presenting nine guarantees to the people of the state in a press conference attended by PCC president Sarat Pattnaik and the party's Odisha in-charge Ajoy Kumar. In its manifesto, the party pledged to provide a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 3000 per quintal for paddy, along with a bonus for farmers. Additionally, the Congress promised agricultural loan waivers and a monthly pension of Rs 2000 for every farmer if elected to power. Furthermore, the manifesto included promises of free electricity up to 200 units for households, mirroring initiatives in Karnataka, and the creation of job opportunities for five lakh unemployed youths. The OPCC also committed to providing a Rs 3000 unem...

Mar152024 by thestatelineNo Comments

21 Lives Lost as Migrant Boat Sinks off Turkey’s Coast

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Istanbul: In a devastating incident on Friday, at least 21 illegal migrants lost their lives as their boat sank off the Aegean coast of Turkey, as reported by the country's national public broadcaster. The tragedy unfolded near the Eceabat District in the northwestern province of Canakkale, where the migrant vessel capsized and submerged into the waters, according to the state-run TRT broadcaster. Canakkale Governor Ilhami Aktas confirmed ongoing efforts for search and rescue operations at the scene, with support from two helicopters and ten Coast Guard rescue boats. Amid the rescue operation, four individuals have been successfully rescued, as reported by news agency.