Month: April 2021

Categories
-Top News India News

Soli Sorabjee, a doyen among legal luminaries, passes away

Born in 1930, Sorabjee started his practice in 1953 and was designated as ‘Senior Advocate’ in 1971 by the Supreme Court…reports Asian Lite News.

Former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee died of Covid in a private hospital here on Friday. One of the top most lawyers of the country, Sorabjee (91) was tested positive of Covid a few days ago and was being treated in a private hospital in the national capital. He is survived by his wife, a daughter and two sons.

In his around seven decades of legal profession, Sorabjee served twice as the Attorney General for India. First from 1989-90 and second from 1998 to 2004.

Born in 1930, Sorabjee started his practice in 1953 and was designated as ‘Senior Advocate’ in 1971 by the Supreme Court.

He was conferred Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award, in 2002 for his exemplary services.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Justice NV Ramana and several Union ministers on Friday condoled the death.

“Shri Soli Sorabjee was an outstanding lawyer and intellectual. Through law, he was at the forefront of helping the poor and downtrodden. He will be remembered for his noteworthy tenures India’s Attorney General. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers,” PM Modi tweeted.

A bench of Chief Justice NV Ramana and justices Surya Kant and AS Bopanna, just before the start of the day’s court proceedings virtually, said, “It a very sad news that human rights fighter Soli has passed away this morning. We pray for the gentle soul”.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh also extended his condolences and called Sorabjee an “exceptional legal mind and a great scholar of the Indian constitution.” “Deeply pained by the demise of India’s former Attorney General and veteran jurist, Shri Soli Sorabjee,” Singh tweeted. “His services to the nation will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family,” he added.

Union home minister Amit Shah said that Sorabjee would always be remembered for his contribution in the field of constitutional law. “Anguished to learn about the passing away of Shri Soli Sorabjee, a noted jurist and former Attorney General of India,” Shah tweeted.

“Sorabjee was a doyen of the legal fraternity, who will always be remembered for his contribution in the field of constitutional law. My condolences to his family,” Amit Shah said.

Also Read-B’wood star Rajiv Kapoor passes away

Read More-British Herald publisher Ansif Ashraf Passed Away

Categories
-Top News COVID-19 India News

Delhi records highest single-day death toll

The city has recorded its highest single-day Covid toll even as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said there was “no more panic on availability of oxygen”…reports Asian Lite News.

Amid a deteriorating Covid-19 situation, the national capital on Thursday recorded its highest ever single-day toll from the disease in 24 hours as 395 deaths were reported.

The situation in Delhi has been quite alarming, with many patients not getting bed in hospitals, along with a widespread shortage of medical oxygen.

The city has recorded its highest single-day Covid toll even as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said there was “no more panic on availability of oxygen”.

On Thursday, while 395 patients died, 24,235 new cases were reported.

During the last 24 hours, 73,851 tests were done. Out of them, 32.82 per cent were found to be corona positive. Besides, since Wednesday, 25,615 corona patients in Delhi have also recovered.

So far, a total of 15,772 people have died due to coronavirus in Delhi. There are currently 97,977 active corona patients.

Also Read-LDF to win big in Kerala

Read More-Exit polls predict win for Stalin, Pinarayi; cliffhanger in Bengal

Categories
-Top News Politics

Exit polls predict win for Stalin, Pinarayi; cliffhanger in Bengal

The polls predicted a sweep for the DMK in Tamil Nadu, signalling the emergence of MK Stalin and an unprecedented return to power for Pinarayi Vijayan in Kerala, reports Asian Lite News.

Exit polls for the latest round of assembly elections on Thursday predicted outcomes along expected lines in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, but seemed to suggest that West Bengal may be too close to call.

The polls predicted a sweep for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu, signalling the emergence of MK Stalin, 62, as one of the most powerful regional leaders in the country; an unprecedented return to power for the Left Democratic Front (LDF), headed by Pinarayi Vijayan, in Kerala; and a successful defence by the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam. But West Bengal, arguably the most intensely and bitterly fought state election in recent times, is also emerging the tightest, the polls indicated.

Some polls gave the BJP, which pulled out all stops in its campaign, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah leading from the front, the edge. Others pointed to an advantage for the incumbent Trinamool Congress (TMC). The truth will emerge on May 2, when votes are counted.

Opinion polls have been horribly wrong in the past, although, sometimes, they have also been prescient.

The BJP’s general secretary in charge of West Bengal, Kailash Vijayvargiya, said the party would form the government in the state. He attributed the indecisive opinion polls to the research firms’ lack of familiarity with the state, people’s fear of “voicing opinions freely” in a state with a culture of political violence, and the presence of a large number of “silent voters”.

The TMC’s Samir Chakraborty chose only to look at polls that gave an edge to his party. “TMC is getting a majority despite Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and top BJP leaders making Bengal their base camp,” he said.

If the BJP manages to pull off a win, it will a remarkable achievement for a party that won only three of the 294 assembly seats in 2016, although it won 18 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state in 2019. The party has long considered Bengal the last frontier, and a win in the state will complete its dominance of the east.

If the TMC manages to hold on — whichever party wins, the margin, if the opinion polls are any indication, will be slim — it will a remarkable achievement for chief minister Mamata Banerjee, whose party was weakened by desertions, faced significant anti-incumbency, and appeared to be behind the BJP for much of the campaign.

It will also elevate her standing in any anti-BJP grouping that coalesces at the national level.

Any such grouping will also have to make space for Stalin, fighting his first assembly election as leader of the party, although he did lead it to a sweep in the Lok Sabha elections in 2019 (the DMK-led alliance won 38 of the 39 Lok Sabha seats in the state). It also means the Dravidian movement, bereft of a leader after the deaths of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s (AIADMK’s) J Jayalalithaa and the DMK’s Muthuvel Karunanidhi, gets a new icon.

The polls also predicted the return to power of the BJP and the LDF in Assam and Kerala, respectively. Both were anticipated.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) was criticised for the eight-phase elections in West Bengal, which meant campaigning continued as cases continued to rise, with all parties flouting Covid-19 safety protocol. Elections in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala, were held in one phase on April 6, and that in Assam, in three phases on March 27, April 1, and April 6.

Now it’s on to Sunday when all eyes will be on West Bengal.

Also Read-BJP targets division of non-BJP votes for Bengal polls

Read More-LDF to win big in Kerala

Categories
-Top News Asia News Saudi Arabia

Iran welcomes rapprochement with Saudi

Sunni Saudi Arabia considers Shiite Iran an archenemy. The two now settle their decades-old political and economic rivalry primarily through proxy wars in Yemen, Syria and other states….reports Asian Lite News

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that it welcomed signs of reconciliation coming from Saudi Arabia and hoped to put a quick end to their political differences.

Iran and Saudi Arabia are both important states in the Islamic world whose cooperation can lead to peace and stability in the region, the spokesman said, according to the ISNA news agency, DPA reported.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman struck conciliatory tones this week regarding Iran. “In the end, Iran is a neighbouring country. All we hope for is to have a good and special relationship with Iran,” he said on state television.

“We want it to prosper and grow as we have Saudi interests in Iran, and they have Iranian interests in Saudi Arabia.”

Sunni Saudi Arabia considers Shiite Iran an archenemy. The two now settle their decades-old political and economic rivalry primarily through proxy wars in Yemen, Syria and other states.

Recently, however, there have been signs of detente.

The crown prince’s softer tone comes after reports earlier this month that Saudi and Iranian officials held talks in Baghdad.

Also read:Syria warned of surge in Covid-19 cases

Categories
India News Sport UAE News

T20 WC could be moved out of India

The T20 world cup tournament was scheduled to start from October 18…reports Asian Lite News

UAE is likely to host T20 World Cup as the Covid 19 situation in India worsening day by day.

The T20 world cup tournament was scheduled to start from October 18 in India.

A BCCI official admitted that the event could be moved out of India due to Covid upsurge and rising death toll,the Khaleej Times reported.

Meanwhile, the worsening Covid-19 situation in India has brought the focus on International Cricket Council’s (ICC) contingency plan for the T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in India in October-November.

The ICC team of officials that was to visit India for a recce during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) cancelled its visit due to the prevailing Covid-19 situation in India.

As of now, the ICC, the organiser of the T20 World Cup, is keeping a close watch on India.

According to sources, the ICC hasn’t yet made up its mind since the situation in India is evolving and the World Cup is still over five months away.

Also read:Sharjah based Dr Bichu creates Sachin Tendulkar cricket Museum

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-Top News Arab News UK News

VIDEO: Labour Leader Lauds British Muslims

Sir Keir Starmer said that he is committed to rooting out Islamophobia in British society. In the message, he praised the immense contribution made by British Muslim communities during the pandemic. He was addressing the Iftar event organised by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims

READ MORE: UK Parliament declares genocide in China’s Xinjiang

READ MORE: UK condemns new sentence for dual citizen in Iran

Categories
-Top News Afghanistan USA

US to deploy forces in Afghanistan to cover troop pullout

US troops in Afghanistan.

Jean-Pierre also said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had directed that a carrier strike group would provide sustained additional force protection capabilities in the region throughout the withdrawal….reports Asian Lite News

The White House has said the US military will send additional forces to Afghanistan to protect US and coalition forces during the withdrawal.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One that “a drawdown is underway,” saying that the US military would deploy additional military assets to Afghanistan and the region to cover the withdrawal, Xinhua reported.

“Elements of an Army Ranger Task Force will temporarily deploy to Afghanistan to assist with the force protection of forces on the ground as we initiate withdrawal operations,” she noted.

Jean-Pierre also said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had directed that a carrier strike group would provide sustained additional force protection capabilities in the region throughout the withdrawal.

“While these actions will initially result in increased forces levels, we remain committed to having all US military personnel out of Afghanistan by September 11, 2021,” she added.

Also read:Afghan, Pak troops exchange fire at Kandahar

The Pentagon last week said that B-52 bombers and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier will deploy to the region to protect U.S. and coalition forces as they withdraw from Afghanistan.

Citing defense officials, CNN reported that fewer than 100 troops and military equipment had been pulled out of the country largely by aircraft to implement the withdrawal order announced by President Joe Biden earlier this month.

Afghan security force members take part in a military operation in Ghazni province, eastern Afghanistan

The US State Department on Tuesday ordered non-essential staff to leave the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. US Charge d’Affaires to Afghanistan Ross Wilson tweeted that the departure was approved “in light of increasing violence & threat reports in Kabul.”

Biden previously announced the withdrawal would begin on May 1, the deadline date for a full U.S. withdrawal under an agreement reached between the former Donald Trump administration and the Afghan Taliban.

The Taliban had warned of consequences if the Biden administration fails to follow through that deadline.

There are roughly 3,500 US troops in Afghanistan, and about 7,000 NATO troops in the country rely on US logistics and security support.

Also read:Pakistan desperate to extradite Farooqi from Afghanistan

Categories
Arts & Culture Lite Blogs

Second Skin: A unique miniature inspiration

Titled ‘Second Skin’, the virtual exhibition presents interesting paintings that have the motif of high heels as the central figure…writes Siddhi Jain.

Creativity makes art more powerful and attractive. A unique virtual exhibition by Baroda-based artist Jignasha Ojha displays works that use elements from miniature painting tradition, infused with the modern visual of stilettos. On exhibition on The Art Platform’s April edition, Ojha’s works are presented by Gallery White.

Titled ‘Second Skin’, the virtual exhibition presents interesting paintings that have the motif of high heels as the central figure. The Art Platform (TAP) India is a platform for galleries, artists and art enthusiasts to continue engaging in conversations around modern and contemporary art.

“My work is inspired by Indian miniature paintings. In my works, I have juxtaposed popular images and Indian miniature figures and style. It is like making a movie, and writing a story which have examples of fusion of past and present. Characters of the past create an element of drama in my work, and often also give a message. Sometimes, they pose a question to our present society and its issues,” Ojha told.

The human figures rendered in typical miniature painting ‘style’ become motifs of sort. While reminding you of a bygone era, also read as agents of tradition and rigidity, their gestures and mannerisms are almost like those of the Gana Figures from reliefs in ancient Indian relief and sculptural traditions. These figures emote a range of behaviors from appreciative, to demeaning, and empathetic to cruel, writes Satyajit Dave.

Introducing them as stimulators or provocators in a scene with one large stiletto heightens the overall emotive capacity of the picture. One first sees the stilettos, observes the various designs and patterns, and then the viewer’s gaze moves across the work from one figure to the other, acts of poking spears, offering appreciation through incessant clapping, taking refuge, offering care and kindness, are some of the many gestures on display, he adds.

“The centrality of the composition forces the viewer to look beyond the obvious, and begin reflecting their experiences and form camaraderie with the metaphor of the stilettos. For the artist, the stilettos stand as a testament to the image of a woman. It is through this that the intentions of almost all male miniature figures become clear.” The exhibition can be accessed at www.theartplatformindia.com.

Also Read-Traditional art forms on exhibition

Read More-Distinctive fusion of contemporary art

Categories
-Top News India News UAE News

UAE’s cargo for medical aid lands in India

UAE's special cargo of medical aid arrives in India(Twitter)

A special cargo for medical aid of 157 ventilators, 480 BiPAPs and other medical supplies arrived from UAE to India….reports Asian Lite News

UAE’s special cargo of medical aid for India to fight the virulent second wave of the coronavirus pandemic arrived here on Thursday.

Official sources said that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had received a call of support from UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on April 25.

The UAE Foreign Minister had expressed his solidarity with India as the rise in Covid-19 infections have triggered a massive crisis. To convey their support, iconic buildings in the UAE were lit up in the Indian tricolour.

UAE’s special cargo of medical aid arrives in India(Twitter)

On Thursday, a special cargo for medical aid of 157 ventilators, 480 BiPAPs and other medical supplies arrived from UAE to India.

An IAF C-17 has so far airlifted 18 cryogenic oxygen containers from Dubai Airport and landed at Panagarh Air Base in three sorties since April 26.

UAE’s special cargo of medical aid arrives in India(Twitter)

Nations across the world have come forward to help India in its fight against the second wave of coronavirus pandemic which is extremely virulent and ravaged the country in the last few weeks.

The US, the UK, France, Ireland, Australia, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, the UAE, Kuwait and Russia have assured medical aid to India with much of the aid on its way.

Also read:UNICEF lauds Mohamed bin Zayed’s support for fighting Covid-19

Categories
India News Politics

DMK-Congress front to sweep TN

The CVoter Exit Poll for Times Now/ABP News shows that the DMK-led alliance is projected to secure 160 to 172 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly….reports Asian Lite News

A post-poll survey shows that the DMK-Congress alliance will return to power in Tamil Nadu with a clear majority.

The CVoter Exit Poll for Times Now/ABP News shows that the DMK-led alliance is projected to secure 160 to 172 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.

The ruling AIADMK-led alliance, of which BJP is also part, is expected to win 58 to 70 seats in Tamil Nadu.

In the 2016 Assembly elections, the AIADMK-led alliance had emerged victorious on 134 seats while the DMK–led coalition managed to corner 98 seats. Smaller parties remain irrelevant in Tamil Nadu politics.

The exit poll shows that a combination of 10-year anti-incumbency factor and the absence of a charismatic successor to J Jayalalithaa are expected to lead to an electoral setback for the ruling AIADMK-led coalition.

In the first polls held after the death of Tamil Nadu political stalwarts Jayalalithaa and M. Karunanidhi, the southern state will witness the return of the DMK-Congress alliance.

The exit poll data show that the DMK and its alliance partners will witness a jump of 7.9 per cent vote share, from 38.8 per cent in 2016 to 46.7 per cent in 2021.

The vote share of the AIADMK-led alliance will drop by 8.7 per cent, from 43.7 per cent in 2016 to 35 per cent in 2021. Other outfits will continue to remain marginal players in the state.

Also read:Banks in TN to open only till 2 p.m

Region-wise, the exit poll data project that the DMK and its alliance partners are expected to win 32 to 34 seats in Chola Nadu, where the AIADMK-led alliance is likely to get 7-9 seats.

In the Greater Chennai region, while the DMK-led alliance is expected to secure 11 to 13 seats, the ruling AIADMK coalition is projected to win 3-5 seats.

In the Kongu Nadu region in the west, the DMK and its alliance partners are projected to win 33 to 35 seats, while the AIADMK and its coalition partners are likely to emerge victorious on 17 to 19 seats.

In the Pallava Nadu region in north, the DMK and its alliance partners are projected to get 36 to 38 seats, while the AIADMK and its allies are expected to secure 8-10 seats.

In the Pandiya Nadu region in south, the DMK-led coalition is expected to win 33 to 35 seats, while the AIADMK-led alliance is expected to win 21 to 23 seats.

In the Puducherry region, the DMK and its alliance partners are projected to win 15 to 17 seats, while the AIADMK-led coalition is expected to win 2-4 seats.

Also read:LDF to win big in Kerala