thestateline

Feb272024 by thestatelineNo Comments

UN to Convene World Social Summit in 2025

The UN General Assembly has approved a resolution to hold the World Social Summit in 2025, aiming to address disparities and reaffirm commitment to the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the Program of Action. The summit intends to galvanize efforts towards achieving the 2030 Agenda. The resolution, adopted on Monday, outlines the appointment of two co-facilitators—one from a developing nation and one from a developed nation—to oversee the preparatory process leading up to the summit. This process will determine the modalities and outcome, culminating in a concise political declaration adopted through consensus. Additionally, the resolution mandates the UN secretary-general to provide necessary support, leveraging existing resources, for the intergovernmental preparator...

Feb272024 by thestatelineNo Comments

Russian Casualties in Avdiivka Exceed Soviet-Afghan War Toll

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Washington: According to the latest report by the Institute for the Study of War, more Russian soldiers are estimated to have lost their lives during the seizure of the Donetsk town of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine than in the entirety of the Soviet-Afghan war. As the Russia-Ukraine conflict commemorates its second anniversary, this grim assessment underscores the intensity of the ongoing struggle. Despite weariness and concerns among Ukrainians regarding potential cessation of US military assistance, the report highlights their unwavering determination and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. Ukrainian forces continue to engage with resilience, utilizing innovative tactics to counter Russian aggression. Notably, Ukraine's air defense units have successfully downed Russian aircraft, ...

Feb262024 by thestatelineNo Comments

Singer Pankaj Udhas Passes Away at 72

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Mumbai: Renowned singer Pankaj Udhas, known for iconic songs like 'Chitthi Aayi Hai', has passed away in Mumbai after battling a prolonged illness, as confirmed by his family today. The Udhas family issued a statement expressing their profound sadness over the demise of Padma Shri Pankaj Udhas. The singer, celebrated for his contributions to Hindi films including "Naam", "Saajan", and "Mohra", breathed his last around 11 am at Breach Candy hospital. His timeless ghazals such as 'Chandani Raat Mein', 'Na Kajre Ki Dhaar', and 'Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein' have left an indelible mark on music lovers. Beyond his film career, Udhas was known for his global concert performances and television show 'Aadab Aarz Hai'. Tributes poured in from all quarters following the news of his demise, with P...

Feb262024 by thestatelineNo Comments

Supreme Court stays Criminal Proceedings Against TN BJP Chief Annamalai

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Chennai: In an interim decision, the Supreme Court on Monday intervened to suspend criminal proceedings initiated against Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai. The case stemmed from statements made by Annamalai during an interview in October 2022, where he alleged that a Christian NGO was responsible for initiating a case to ban the use of crackers during Diwali. The court, presided over by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, noted that prima facie, no evidence of hate speech was found, leading to the stay on further proceedings. The bench, including Justice Dipankar Datta, issued a notice to the complainant, V. Piyush, who had filed the case against Annamalai in Salem’s magistrate court. The matter is scheduled to be heard during the week commencing April 29, 2024. The Madras High Court had previo...

Feb262024 by thestatelineNo Comments

Maryam Nawaz Makes History as Pakistan’s First Woman Chief Minister

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Islamabad: In a landmark moment for Pakistan, Maryam Nawaz of the PML-N has been elected as the first female Chief Minister of Punjab province and the country. Despite boycotts and delays, Maryam secured an overwhelming victory with 220 votes, defeating her rival Rana Aftab Ahmed Khan of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC). In her hour-and-a-half-long victory speech, Maryam expressed her disappointment at the opposition's boycott but extended an olive branch, stating that the doors of her chamber and heart would always remain open to them. She attributed her success to the struggles she faced, including legal battles and family hardships, and dedicated the victory to all the women of Pakistan. Maryam emphasized her commitment to the PML-N's goals of providing employment, education, and h...

Feb262024 by thestatelineNo Comments

MeT Department Issues Advisory as Widespread Snowfall Forecasted in J&K

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Srinagar: The Meteorological (MeT) department has predicted rain and snowfall across widespread areas in Jammu and Kashmir starting Monday evening. An advisory issued by the local MeT department urges travelers and tourists to plan their journeys accordingly and adhere to administration and traffic advisories, especially in light of heavy and very heavy snowfall expected in middle and higher reaches. Residents in hilly and avalanche-prone regions are cautioned against unnecessary outings. Farmers are advised to suspend agricultural activities during the first week of March. Temperature readings indicate chilly conditions across the region, with Srinagar recording minus 2°C, Gulmarg at minus 9°C, and Pahalgam at minus 7°C for minimum temperatures. In the Ladakh region, Leh town regist...

Feb262024 by thestatelineNo Comments

Monkey Fever Claims Another Victim in Karnataka; Death Toll Reaches Four

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Bengaluru: Tragically, an elderly woman succumbed to Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), commonly known as monkey fever, in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district, bringing the state's death toll from the disease to four. The 60-year-old woman, a resident of Koorlakai village in Siddapur taluk, had been undergoing treatment at Meggan Hospital in Shivamogga for three days before passing away on Sunday night. Diagnosed with monkey fever 20 days prior, she had been battling symptoms of high fever. Siddapur taluk alone has witnessed a surge in monkey fever cases, with the tally reaching 43. Across the state, there are currently 103 active cases of monkey fever, with previous fatalities recorded in Chikkamagaluru, Uttara Kannada, and Shivamogga districts.

Feb262024 by thestatelineNo Comments

25 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Attacks on Gaza City

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25 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Attacks on Gaza City Gaza: Reports from medical sources and eyewitnesses reveal that at least 25 Palestinians lost their lives in Israeli attacks in Gaza City on Sunday. Among the casualties, fifteen, including children, perished when warplanes targeted a residential building in the Zaytoun neighborhood without prior warning. The Israeli army's operations in the area, ongoing since February 20, have focused on Hamas-affiliated infrastructure, as reported by Israel’s state-owned Kan TV news. Additionally, ten Palestinians were killed in airstrikes along the coastal road west of Gaza City, where artillery shells and airstrikes targeted individuals awaiting aid trucks, resulting in fatalities and injuries, as confirmed by local sources and eyewitnesses.

Feb262024 by thestatelineNo Comments

6 killed as bus rams into tractor-trolley in Jaunpur

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Lucknow: A devastating accident in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, claimed the lives of six laborers and left six others injured when a Uttar Pradesh Roadways bus collided with a tractor-trolley near Samadhganj. The incident occurred around midnight on Sunday as the bus was en route from Prayagraj to Jaunpur. Five victims lost their lives at the scene, while the sixth passed away during treatment at the district hospital. The laborers, hailing from Alishapur village, were aboard the tractor-trolley. Police swiftly responded to the scene, providing assistance and transporting the injured to the hospital for medical attention

Feb262024 by thestatelineNo Comments

Himachal Pradesh Achieves Impressive Literacy Rate of Over 88%

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Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur proudly announced on Sunday that the state's literacy rate has soared to over 88%, a substantial increase from a mere eight percent at the time of Independence. This accomplishment places Himachal Pradesh as the second-highest in literacy rates across the country. Attributing this remarkable progress in education to the exceptional quality and standards of the state's government schools, Minister Thakur highlighted the pivotal role played by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu and the state's first Chief Minister Y.S. Parmar, who both received their education from government institutions within the state. Speaking as the chief guest at the launch event of the 'Mere Shehar Ke 100 Ratan' scholarship program by Crack Academy, which ai...