Wednesday, February 25

Author: TheStateLine

Agartala-Dhaka-Kolkata bus service set to resume after year-long suspension

Agartala-Dhaka-Kolkata bus service set to resume after year-long suspension

INDIA, TOP STORIES
Agartala, Feb 21 (IANS) The cross-border bus service linking Agartala, Dhaka and Kolkata is likely to resume soon on a regular basis, bringing to an end a suspension that lasted for over a year, officials said on Saturday.Government-owned Tripura Road Transport Corporation (TRTC) Vice-Chairman Samar Roy said that trial runs of the Agartala-Dhaka-Kolkata bus service commenced on Saturday. He added that the schedule for regular operations would be announced on February 28 after assessing the outcome of a few trial runs.The Agartala-Dhaka-Kolkata and Agartala-Dhaka bus services were initially suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic and later resumed in June 2022. However, the services were again halted after a bus operated by a local travel agency met with an accident in Bangladesh and was ...
<div>Vimal’s ‘Vadam’ trailer released</div>

Vimal’s ‘Vadam’ trailer released

ENTERTAINMENT
Chennai, Feb 21 (IANS) The makers of director Kenthiran V's high-octane action drama 'Vadam', featuring actor Vimal in the lead, on Saturday released a gripping trailer of the film, much to the delight of fans and film buffs. Taking to its social media timelines, Masani Pictures, the production house producing the film, wrote, "Proudly presenting the #Vadam Trailer ✨Idhu unmaiya'ana Manjuvirattu sambavam! (This is a real Manju Virattu incident!) Get ready for a high-octane rural action drama. Trailer out now! #VadamFromMarch6th."The trailer shows Vimal to be a bull owner and that his majestic bull participates in the festive sport of Jallikattu. Soon, we see an aged man looking for assassins to kill someone. He is seen asking for assassins who can take a man's head. The person replying to...
T20I series: Mandhana, Shreyanka shine as India beat Australia by 17 runs in 3rd match, seal series 2-1

T20I series: Mandhana, Shreyanka shine as India beat Australia by 17 runs in 3rd match, seal series 2-1

SPORTS
Adelaide, Feb 21 (IANS) In a dramatic clash at the Adelaide Oval, India secured a hard-fought 17-run victory over Australia in a high-pressure encounter. Chasing a challenging target of 159, Australia’s lower-order fought valiantly but ultimately fell short, with India’s bowlers holding their nerve till the final overs to clinch the win.India's innings was built on solid contributions by Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, but it was Shreyanka Patil with the ball who made sure the team cruised past the hosts. India started relatively steadily, with Shafali Verma (7 off 6) and Mandhana (82 off 55) getting the innings off to a quick start. However, the former fell quickly, with Australian bowlers showing resistance. Mandhana and Rodrigues (59 off 46) steadied the ship with a 121-run stand...
<div>Nepal’s border district tense after communal violence</div>

Nepal’s border district tense after communal violence

TOP STORIES, WORLD
Kathmandu, Feb 21 (IANS) The local administration in Nepal's southeastern border district of Rautahat imposed curfew in parts of headquarters Gaur on Saturday amid fears that clashes between two groups could escalate into religious strife.The District Administration Office (DAO), Rautahat, said in a notice that the curfew order prohibits movement of individuals and all kinds of gatherings, assemblies, processions, and demonstrations in areas stretching from Mudbalwa Gate in the east, Lalbakaiya Dam in the west, Bam Canal in the north, and the Gaur Customs Office in the south of Gaur, effective from 1 pm on Saturday until further notice.Rautahat, which borders India, is one of Nepal’s most impoverished districts and has a history of political and religious violence.“The latest clashes eru...
Denise Richards sheds light on last straw in abusive marriage

Denise Richards sheds light on last straw in abusive marriage

ENTERTAINMENT
Los Angeles, Feb 21 (IANS) Hollywood actress Denise Richards has said that the alleged abuse that she suffered at the hands of Aaron Phypers was a "slow burn".The actress split from her husband last July after six years of marriage amid allegations of abusive behaviour and the 55-year-old actress has now spoken of the moment she knew there was "no hope" left for their relationship, reports ‘Female First UK’.Making a return to the ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’, the actress was asked about pictures of her black eye that were included when she requested a restraining order against Aaron, who has denied all the allegations of physical abuse, in July.Erika Jayne said, "I wanted to talk to you about the black eye I saw. I'm going to say this, 'That can't be a one time thing’”.Denise said,...
<div>Happy over Kharge’s assurance on resolving K’taka leadership issue: Shivakumar</div>

Happy over Kharge’s assurance on resolving K’taka leadership issue: Shivakumar

INDIA, TOP STORIES
Bengaluru, Feb 21 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday said he was happy over AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge’s assurance to senior Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi regarding resolving the leadership issue in the state.His remarks came amid continuing speculation over leadership matters within the Karnataka Congress. Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi had earlier said that Kharge informed him that a decision had been taken on the leadership issue and assured that the uncertainty would be resolved soon.Responding to a question on the development, Shivakumar told reporters, “I am happy about it.”The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking to reporters at the Karnataka State Higher Education Council in Bengaluru. When asked about reports and social me...
<div>Adani Group’s focus on energy, logistics, infra; more opportunities for tier-3, tier-4 students: Karan Adani</div>

Adani Group’s focus on energy, logistics, infra; more opportunities for tier-3, tier-4 students: Karan Adani

INDIA, TOP STORIES
New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) Adani Group wants to give more opportunities to students from tier-3 and tier-4 cities as young people from smaller towns have strong drive and determination and will play a key role in the company’s future growth, Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and SEZ Limited said on Saturday.Speaking at the Platinum Jubilee (70th) Foundation Day and 20th National Management Day event of the All India Management Association here, he outlined the group’s transformation plans and workforce strategy.Karan Adani said the group’s core focus remains on three key sectors: energy utilities, logistics including ports and airports, and infrastructure.He described energy as the next big opportunity in all its forms. Since 2010, the group has accessed global bond markets for r...
Bihar: Nitish Kumar transfers Rs 113 crore to farmers affected by flood, Cyclone Montha

Bihar: Nitish Kumar transfers Rs 113 crore to farmers affected by flood, Cyclone Montha

INDIA, TOP STORIES
Patna, Feb 21 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday transferred Rs 113 crore directly into the bank accounts of 22,000 farmers under the Agricultural Input Subsidy Scheme.The amount was disbursed as compensation for crop losses caused by floods and Cyclone Montha in 2025.The transfer was carried out through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) from the Sankalp Auditorium, located at the Chief Minister’s residence, 1 Anne Marg, Patna.After releasing the assistance, the Chief Minister said that the state government is fully committed to supporting farmers affected by natural disasters.He reiterated that relief to disaster-hit citizens remains the government’s top priority.Nitish Kumar also shared his message on the social media platform X.“The state government is continuously work...
Karnataka Lokayukta detains Karnataka legislator in bribery case (Ld)

Karnataka Lokayukta detains Karnataka legislator in bribery case (Ld)

INDIA, TOP STORIES
Gadag (Karnataka), Feb 21 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Chandru Lamani, representing the Shirahatti Assembly constituency, was caught red handed and taken into custody by the Karnataka Lokayukta on Saturday in connection with an alleged bribery case in Laxmeshwar town of Karnataka's Gadag district, the official statement by the Lokayukta said. The development is seen as a setback to the BJP, which targeted the Congress-led government in the state for demanding bribes, commissions from contractors and not releasing their payment.The Karnataka Lokayukta said that a successful trap has been laid down by Gadag Karnataka Lokayukta Police under the Section 7 (a) read with 7 (A) of the Prevention of the Corruption Act.The accused is secured and further investigation is progress, the Lok...
<div>Delhi CM’s digital push to ensure transparent school admissions under EWS category</div>

Delhi CM’s digital push to ensure transparent school admissions under EWS category

INDIA, TOP STORIES
New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) A digital platform launched by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday promises to bring transparency and minimise human intervention in admissions to schools under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Disadvantaged Group (DG), and Children With Special Needs (CWSN) categories.Chief Minister Gupta said that the earlier outdated and insecure software for school admissions has been replaced with a secure, cloud-based system. "A comprehensive security audit was conducted prior to launch to ensure data protection and transparency," she said.To prevent fraud and duplication, Aadhaar-based identity verification and digital verification of birth certificates have been made mandatory. Income certificates will also be verified directly through an integrated online ...