Sunday, March 31, 2024

Dhoni Slams 37* Off 16 On IPL 2024 Batting Debut, Internet On Overdrive

Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) icon MS Dhoni batted for the first time in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) when he walked out in the middle during the side's IPL 2024 game against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Visakhapatnam. Dhoni didn't get the chance to bat in CSK's first two matches, having demoted himself in the order. The player, however, came out to bat against DC when CSK went 6 down. Dhoni walked out to bat amid raucous reception from the crowd in Vizag and ended up slamming 37 not out off 16 balls, an innings that was laced with 4 fours and 3 sixes.

On the very first ball he faced, Dhoni hit Mukesh Kumar for a boundary and never looked back. Though CSK lost the match by 20 runs, Dhoni made sure the crowd got the perfect entertainment through his pyrotechnics.

Here is how the fans reacted to it:

During the IPL 2024 match against Delhi Capitals, Dhoni also became the first player to reach 300 dismissal mark in the T20 format.

Dhoni who is often hailed as one of the best wicketkeepers of the modern era once again showed his prowess behind the stumps by completing a clinical catch.

Ravindra Jadeja forced out an edge from Prithvi Shaw and Dhoni didn't make a mistake behind the stumps as he held onto the ball to complete his 300th T20 dismissal.

The wicketkeeper who comes closest to Dhoni is former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal with 274 dismissals in T20 cricket.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) veteran keeper who hasn't taken the role behind the stumps this season is in the third spot with 274 T20 dismissals.

South Africa's Quinton de Kock and England's Jos Buttler are on the fourth and fifth spot with 270 and 209 dismissals respectively.

(With ANI Inputs)



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IPL: Pant, Mukesh's Heroics Help DC Beat CSK Despite Dhoni's Late Show

DC vs CSK IPL 2024 Live Score: Mukesh Kumar has taken his third wicket of the day and this time, he dismissed Shivam Dube for 18. Ravindra Jadeja has now been joined by MS Dhoni as six-down Chennai Super Kings aim for a stable partnership in the chase of 192. On the other, DC bowlers are eyeing some quick wickets. Half-centuries by David Warner and Rishabh Pant helped Delhi Capitals post 191/5 in 20 overs against Chennai Super Kings. Opting to bat first, DC started off on a brilliant note with openers Warner and Prithvi Shaw forming a good partnership. However, CSK bounced back by scalping four wickets in a quick succession. Later, skipper Pant played a quick knock as helped DC post a big total. (Live Scorecard)

Live Updates of IPL 2024 12th Match Between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings, straight from Visakhapatnam



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Saturday, March 30, 2024

They Wanted To Go To Germany, Sent To Russia Instead By Agents

Two men from Haryana's Karnal were allegedly lured on the pretext of a permanent work visa in Germany and tortured by agents, police said on Saturday. They had been promised jobs in a hotel and a permanent work visa. But they were sent to Russia instead where they were allegedly tortured by the agents.

"I went abroad on September 24 last year. The agent who sent me said that they will provide me with a permanent work visa in Germany, but they handed over a Bangkok ticket. When I reached there, they started torturing me. Additionally, they took money from my family," Mukesh, one of the men who allegedly faced torture in Russia, told ANI on Saturday.

"From Bangkok, they (agent) game me the ticket to Russia and said that their people would come to pick me up at the airport. After reaching Russia, they began torturing me. Donker took me to their place, started beating me and demanded money," he said.

Mukesh further alleged that he was denied food and was kept thirsty while in captivity.

"By taxi, I was taken to Belarus from Russia; they took me to their place in the border forests, put burnt cigarettes on my body. Through me, they used to do video calls to my family, and threatened to kill me if my family didn't credit money," he said.

"We were then arrested by the Army for not having valid travel permits. They asked us to join the army or serve in jail for 10 years. We refused to join the army, then they tortured us, and put us in jail in Moscow, the youth added.

"I was sent to a camp in Moscow, where I was asked if I wanted to join the army or get deported. I chose to be deported.I returned to India on March 14," he said.

According to the police, the family of the man have filed a complaint with the Haryana police regarding the alleged torture.

"They sent their sons abroad, but Donker blackmailed them and trapped them there. They charged Rs 10 lakh and took away Rs 25 lakh in total. An FIR has been launched and arrests will be made soon," Sandeep Kumar, Investigating Officer (IO) of Munak Police Station in Karnal, said while speaking to reporters on Saturday.

"They are still recovering. We met them today. As soon as their condition improves, they will be brought in for further investigation," the officer added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



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Xiaomi's HyperOS Update Is Coming to More Devices: See Eligible Phones

HyperOS — Xiaomi's new skin for Android smartphones — has been rolled out to several eligible smartphone models since the update was released in the country at the end of February. The company has now announced the next phase of the HyperOS update to eligible Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones and tablets in the country. The Chinese smartphone maker's new handsets, smart home devices, and electric vehicles — such as the new Xiaomi SU7 — are all expected to run on HyperOS.

The company shared its HyperOS rollout plan for Q2 2024 via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday. The list of eligible smartphones includes the Xiaomi 11 Lite, Xiaomi 11iXiaomi 11i HyperCharge, Xiaomi 11T ProMi 11 Ultra, Mi 10, Redmi K50iRedmi 12Redmi 11 Prime, along with the Redmi 13C series and Redmi Note 11 series. The Xiaomi Pad 5 will also be updated to HyperOS, according to the firm.

When the HyperOS update arrives for these Xiaomi and Redmi devices, users should see improvements to system performance, task switching, and message delivery. Meanwhile, the amount of inbuilt storage taken up by the system has also been reduced, according to the company. Even tasks like downloading and installing over-the-air (OTA) updates are said to take less space and complete much faster than MIUI 14.

You also get access to lock screen customisations after updating to HyperOS, while the control centre, icons, and fonts have been revamped. New productivity features like a Workstation Mode (for tablets) and interconnectivity features — including the ability to view your phone's screen via your tablet. Using the Xiaomi Smart Hub, you can see individual smart home devices and control them.

The company said that it has already rolled out the HyperOS update to the Xiaomi 13 Pro, Xiaomi 12 Pro, the Redmi Note 12 and Redmi Note 13 series of smartphones along with other Redmi phones. Both the Xiaomi Pad 6 and Redmi Pad have also been updated by the company. More handsets and tablets are expected to get the HyperOS update later this year.


Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 the best foldable phone you can buy in India right now? We discuss the company's new clamshell-style foldable handset on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.


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Watch: Pak Sailors' "India Zindabad" Chant After Rescue By Indian Navy

As many as 23 Pakistani nationals rescued by the Indian Navy from Somali pirates after a daring operation in the Arabian Sea on March 29 thanked India and raised slogans of 'India Zindabad'.

The Indian Navy's specialist team had protected them from nine armed pirates, and completed sanitization and seaworthiness checks of fishing vessel Al-Kambar.

The Pakistani crew of the rescued Iranian flagged fishing vessel could be seen raising "India Zindabad" slogans in the Arabian Sea after they were rescued from the pirates.

Based on the inputs on a potential piracy incident onboard Iranian Fishing Vessel late evening on March 28, two Indian Naval ships, mission deployed in the Arabian Sea for maritime security operations were diverted to intercept the hijacked fishing vessel.

The FV at the time of incident was approximately 90 Nm south-west of Socotra and was reported to have been boarded by nine armed pirates. The hijacked FV was intercepted on March 29.

The Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring maritime security in the region and safety of seafarers, irrespective of nationalities, according to the statement.
 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



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Friday, March 29, 2024

Priyanka Chopra Attends Cousin Mannara's Birthday Party With Nick Jonas

Mannara Chopra's 33rd birthday celebrations got bigger and better as her cousin mimi didi AKA Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas joined the party in Mumbai on Friday night. Priyanka Chopra looked gorgeous as ever. She wore a white ensemble. Priyanka kept her accessories minimal while Nick Jonas was dressed in a casual outfit. Birthday girl Mannara wore a red gown. Priyanka's mother Madhu Chopra and brother Siddharth Chopra also joined the celebrations. Among other guests, Ravi Dubey and Sargun Mehta, Darshan Kumar and Zeeshan Siddique (Baba Siddique's son) were pictured arriving at the party. Take a look at the pictures here:

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On Thursday, Mannara Chopra shared pictures of a Holi bash hosted by her cousin Priyanka Chopra. Priyanka celebrated the festival of colours with her husband and their little bundle of joy Malti Marie in Delhi. Sharing the pictures, Mannara wrote, "Thank you, Mimi Didi, Jiju, and Mm for an amazing Holi get-together. It always feels so good to be spending time with family. Cheers to endless dance sessions, scrumptious food, and the countless happy moments." Take a look:

Mannara met her "forever favourite human being" Salman Khan at the screening of Vivek Budakoti's Patna Shuklla, which is produced by Salman's brother Arbaaz Khan on Thursday night. Mannara shared a montage on Instagram featuring her pictures with Salman from the event. In the caption, the actress wrote, "It's indeed a blessed start to my birthday, having met my forever favourite human being, Sir Salman Khan. Whenever I meet Sir, I find myself at a loss for words and simply strive to be a good student, forever under his mentorship."

Mannara Chopra continued, "Also I have to say I just met sir at the screening of #patnashuklla which is an amazing courtroom drama, interesting, incredible cinema. I would love each one of you to watch it. With some amazing actors Raveena Tandon, Satish Kaushik, Manav Vij, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Jatin Goswami and Anushka Kaushik in the lead roles; and kudos to Arbaaz Khan for producing such an admirable social drama." Take a look:

Mannara Chopra was the 2nd runner-up of Bigg Boss 17. She recently appeared in a music video Saanware with the 1st runner-up Abhishek Kumar.



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Kohli's Flicked 6 Off KKR's Rs 24.75 Crore Buy Viral. Gavaskar Says This

Virat Kohli was at his best for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Kolkata Knight Riders in an IPL 2024 match on Friday. Continuing his good show in the IPL 2024, Kohli yet again scored a half-century. While wickets kept falling at the other end, Kohli kept his cool to craft his innings with precision. However, the one shot that got everybody talking was his flick off KKR's Rs 24.75 crore buy Mitchell Starc in  the third over that resulted in a six. 

Sunil Gavaskar (part of the English commentary) and Ravi Kishan (part of the Bhojpuri commentary panel) could not keep calm after the shot. 

"What a shot. Look at that bottom hand," Sunil Gavaskar said.

Talking about the game, Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

RCB registered their first win of the season following their four-wicket triumph over Punjab Kings in their second game of the campaign. While KKR also clinched their first win of the season in their second game of the season. They edged past Sunrisers Hyderabad with a 4-run win in a nail-biting thriller. Both teams will be looking to keep the winning momentum in their favour.

KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer said after winning the toss, "We are going to bowl first. HAd a brief chat with the curator, she was like the ball will spin as well. (Morale) It is fantastic, everyone is in high spirits. We have to carry forward the same momentum. It is important to be in the present. My role is to play an anchor role. It's always good to have a lethal bowling line-up. It is important to stay in the present. We have to see to it that we capitalize on the start. The bowling - Anukul comes in. I am seriously confused. There are two teams given to me."

RCB captain Faf du Plessis said during the time of the toss, "The same (would have bowled first). It's a fresh wicket, looks a good wicket, you have to see how it plays in the first innings. It's important to close games early in the season. All the great crickets adapt, it's important to assess the conditions. We love the support and atmosphere. Same team."

Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Philip Salt(w), Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer(c), Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Mitchell Starc, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis(c), Cameron Green, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Anuj Rawat(w), Dinesh Karthik, Alzarri Joseph, Mayank Dagar, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal.

With ANI inputs



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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Woman Says Air India Gave Away Mother's Business Class Seat, Airline Reacts

A woman took to X to slam Air India after the airline allegedly gave her mother's Business class seat to another passenger on a flight from Delhi to Washington DC. The user, Vitasta, called the airline's behaviour "absolutely ridiculous" and criticised Air India for showing "no regard for customers.''

In a tweet, she recounted the frustrating experience saying how her mother was initially told that her business class seat did not recline. She was then told that the seat was reserved for the crew, but later another passenger was seen sitting there. Meanwhile, her mother was moved to economy class with a fixed armrest which was ''uncomfortable and unacceptable'' to her. 

''@airindia how dare you give my mom's business class seat to someone else on a long haul flight from Delhi to Washington DC? First telling her the seat doesn't recline, then saying the seat is for the crew and then she finds someone else sitting there as she is sent to the economy?'', Ms Vitasta wrote on X.

''Absolutely ridiculous behaviour and no regard for your customers! We will be complaining about this. Air India, do better!'' she added.

Here's the post:
 

The airline later reached out to her and assured her that they were investigating the matter on priority with the airport team. ''Dear Ma'am, please be rest assured that we're investigating the matter on priority with our airport team. We'll connect with you soon,'' they wrote. 

Later, the user said that the airline offered to compensate 75% of the fare, and gave her an upgrade voucher. 

''Here is the update: they've compensated 75% of the fare + an upgrade voucher (what a joke). The ground staff at Delhi was extremely rude and behaved disgustingly. My mother was listed in the flight manifest as a business class passenger, yet made to ride in economy,'' she wrote. 

''The issue remains that a passenger was given my mother's seat. A business seat was indicated on mom's boarding pass. My mother who has health issues and paid a higher fare to travel in comfort was told by the Delhi ground staff that her luggage would be taken off the plane if she didn't simply take the economy seat,'' she added. 

However, internet users were not convinced by the airline's compensatory actions and asked the user to file a complaint against them. 

One user wrote, ''Please file a complaint with the Consumer Forum for deficiency of service.'' Another commented, ''Don't accept the 75%, she paid for a service and didn't receive it, she should get 100% minimum.'' A third said, ''@airindia's careless, arrogant culture would never change irrespective of who owns it. This behaviour wouldn't change no matter what.''

A fourth added, ''Compensating the fare is no solution. Your mom booked a business-class seat for comfy travel. Getting money back is not a solution. Air India can't get away by refunding. The whole point of booking a business class seat was for comfort. Refund of money is neither here nor there.''

A fifth wrote, ''Terrible. Wish she had refused to fly. They should better refund the entire fare for the mishap.''



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Wednesday, March 27, 2024

BJP Welcoming Tainted Leaders? "Doors Open For All," Says Finance Minister

All major political parties encashed electoral bonds and nobody has a moral authority to say anything as it was legal and according to law, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.

She also said that given the Supreme Court's judgment against electoral bonds, more debate is needed to find a better system for electoral funding.

The minister said the law, now scrapped by the top court, was passed by parliament and the bonds were purchased as per the prevailing law of the time.

"It was passed by parliament and based on the law, bonds were bought and encashed by all parties but one... Everyone has received from everybody. Every donor has given to everybody.

"The very party which now says this is a scam, this is a scandal, had also taken money through the bonds. Tell me what moral authority anyone has to speak because it was the law then... it went lawfully. It was a step better than what prevailed earlier," Ms Sitharaman said.

On what the new government can do in this regard, she said there is a need to understand how to better the system, which has now been rejected.

The system of electoral bonds was still better than the previous system, "which is what we've gone back to now. We need to do something better, but a lot more work is required", she added.

Last month, a five-judge Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, said the electoral bonds scheme violates the right to information and the freedom of speech and expression under the Constitution.

She also dismissed the allegations of connections between the Enforcement Directorate's raids and bond purchases, stating that even companies that donated to the BJP through electoral bonds were raided.

"ED raids still happened. It did not give them (companies) any immunity," she added.

The minister added that the law enforcement agencies are not acting with any political agenda as the law pursues those who disobey it.

"Stop making political arguments over them," Ms Sitharaman said.

Asked why the BJP is welcoming tainted politicians, she said the "doors are open for all".

"If people see work happening... and a party is making a difference, they obviously would want to come and join. But the BJP has value systems and the way in which the party runs under certain leadership. I don't think there is ever a compromise on that," she said.

Replying to a question on Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate's remarks against BJP Lok Sabha candidate Kangana Ranaut, she said it is "outrageous" and "abhorrent".

Ms Shrinate should have tendered an unconditional apology, she added.

A controversial comment was posted on social media platforms from Congress leader Shrinate's accounts about Kangana Ranaut, the actor fielded by the BJP from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh.

Following a row, Ms Shrinate removed the post and said that it was not posted by her but by someone who had access to her accounts.

The Finance Minister refused to call the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal a case of political vendetta.

The Delhi Chief Minister had not complied with several ED summonses, she said, adding that governance has gone down the drain in Delhi and Punjab - the two states where the AAP is in power.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



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SRH's 277/3 Is Not The Highest In T20 Format - A Look At Top Team Totals

Records tumbled left-right and centre as Sunrisers Hyderabad smashed 277 for three, the highest total in IPL history, to leave Mumbai Indians shell shocked on Wednesday. Travis Head (62 off 24) and Abhishek Sharma (63 off 23) came up with a sensational display of power-hitting, that saw the latter snatching the franchise record for fastest fifty from the Australian within minutes. Heinrich Klaasen (80 not out off 34 balls) provided the fireworks in the end to help SRH break an 11-year-old record. The previous highest total in IPL was 263 for five achieved by Royal Challengers Bangalore back in 2013.

It was raining fours and sixes throughout the innings as Head and Sharma toyed with the Mumbai Indians attack.

Head, who was surprisingly left out of the playing eleven for the opening game, reinforced his status as one of the most dangerous batters in the game with a whirlwind effort.

He broke David Warner's record of the fastest fifty by a SRH batter with a 18-ball half-century before Sharma surpassed Head's feat 20 balls later by reaching the milestone in 16 balls.

Head, who was dropped by compatriot Tim David at the start of his innings, opened his front leg and hit boundaries at will, collecting nine fours and three sixes in total.

The southpaw completed his fifty with an inside out four wide of mid-off before dispatching a bouncer from Gerald Coetzee for a six over deep midwicket, prompting opposition skipper Hardik Pandya to acknowledge the Australian's brutal assault.

When Head departed, Sharma went hammer and tongs, mostly targeting the cow corner region for his seven sixes and three boundaries.

It was a nightmarish start to the IPL for the 17-year-old South Africa pacer Kwena Maphaka, who made the Mumbai Indians squad at the back of his exploits in the U-19 World Cup.

He leaked as many as 66 runs in his four overs. The left-arm pacer could not recover from Head's onslaught in his second over in which he conceded 22 runs.

With the majority of the Mumbai bowlers taken to the cleaners, it was surprising that Mumbai Indians skipper Pandya waited till the 13th over to give Jasprit Bumrah his second over.

Following Sharma's dismissal, the in-form Klaasen ensured there was no stopping to the SRH's six hitting spree. Klaasen ended up with seven sixes with the maximum off a Bumrah bouncer standing out.

Klaasen had almost taken SRH over the line with his breathtaking knock against KKR at the Eden Gardens.

Former skipper Aiden Markram chipped in 42 off 28 balls. 

However, SunRisers Hyderabad's 277/3 is not the highest score in the shortest format. 

Highest team totals in the format (T20I and T20 combined)
1. Nepal 314/3 vs Mongolia, 2023
2. Afghanistan 278/3 vs Ireland, 2019
3. Czech Rep. 278/4 vs Turkey, 2019
4. SunRisers Hyderabad 277/3 vs Mumbai Indians, 2024
5. Punjab 275/6 vs Andhra, 2023



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Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Grand Alliance Agree On Seat Sharing, Big Meet In Delhi Tomorrow

The Grand Alliance in Bihar has come to an understanding about the sharing of the state's 40 Lok Sabha seats. Sources said the under the deal, Lalu Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal will contest 26 seats, the Congress 9 seats, the Left parties five of which the CPIML will contest three seats.

The parties will hold a meeting in Delhi tomorrow to take a final call on the constituencies, after which the formal announcement will be made from Patna, sources said.

Key leaders of all the parties will be present in the meeting at Delhi tomorrow. It is likely that Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and the Gandhis will attend the meeting, sources said.

The Congress had contested on nine seats in 2019 as well. Of those, the party won just one seat. The RJD failed to win any. The NDA had won 39 of 40 seats, of which the BJP won 17, Nitish Kumar's Janta Dal United just one seat behind, and Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party all six it contested.

This time, Nitish Kumar is back again in the NDA after a brief stint with the Grand Alliance. The BJP has also retained Chirag Paswan, despite the split in his party and their initial backing of his rebel uncle, Pashupati Paras.

The announcement has to take place soon, since the filing of the first phase of nomination in Bihar ends on Thursday -- the extra days being on account of an extended government holiday for Holi.

Last week, the NDA formally announced its seat share in Bihar, in which the BJP took pole position, contesting 17 seats.

Mr Kumar's JD(U), which previously dominated the alliance in the state, will contest on 16 seats. The Lok Janshakti Party will contest on five seats, Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustan Awam Morcha and Upendra Kushwaha's RLM gets one seat each.



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Saudi Arabia To Participate In Miss Universe Pageant For 1st Time Ever

Saudi Arabia will participate in the Miss Universe pageant for the first time, making it a historic event for the Islamic country.

Rumy Alqahtani, a beauty pageant veteran and an influencer on Monday announced this news on her Instagram handle that she will be representing the kingdom in one of the most popular pageants in the world.

She shared glamourous pictures of herself. In the picture, model can be seen wearing a strapless sequined gown.

Along with the photos, she wrote, "I am honoured to participate in the Miss Universe 2024 competition. This is the first participation of Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe competition," she wrote in Arabic on Instagram.

According to the Khaleej Times, born in Riyadh, Alqahtani is no stranger to the spotlight. She has joined numerous global pageants, with the latest one being Miss and Mrs Global Asian in Malaysia a few weeks ago.

Last year, Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios was crowned Miss Universe 2023.

For the first time, a contestant from Nicaragua became the winner of the contest while Antonia Porsild from Thailand and Moraya Wilson from Australia secured the second and third positions respectively.

The organizers of the event had announced last year that the next edition will be held in Mexico.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



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Monday, March 25, 2024

Watch: Hardik Walks Away As Rohit, Bumrah Continue Discussion. Video Viral

After any loss, it's a tough time for any team. The same is the case with Mumbai Indians, who began their journey under new skipper Hardik Pandya on a losing note. The five-time champions went down to Gujarat Titans on Sunday, which was Pandya's former franchise. Since the time he was made skipper in place of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya has been under intense scrutiny. He himself must have felt the eyeballs following him a little bit more than in earlier years. 

After Mumbai Indians' loss to Gujarat Titans, the internet has been on overdrive. A video has gone viral on social media, which shows Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah discussing something. After Pandya walks away, Rohit and Bumrah continue chatting. This has led to intense speculation.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians' batting coach Kieron Pollard backed Hardik Pandya's move to open the bowling instead of Jasprit Bumrah and also said the skipper batting at number seven in their IPL opener against Gujarat Titans was a "collective decision".

An inexplicable batting strategy saw MI lose their opener by six runs here on Sunday after they looked on course for victory.

Mumbai Indians won the toss and opted to bowl first and surprisingly, Hardik opened the bowling against his former side.

"You have to plan and decide what you want to do as a team. Hardik (Pandya) has also bowled with the new ball for Gujarat over the last couple of years. He swung the new ball and bowled it well, which was nothing new to us.

"We tried to use the advantage of the new ball swinging along. When I look at the decision made, there is nothing wrong with it, and we move on," Pollard said at the post-match press conference.

When the discussion turned to the logic behind Hardik coming in to bat at number seven Pollard said one can't attribute the decision to the skipper.

"No decision is made on full autonomy, so we can't say it is his decision. As a team, we have plans; we talk about setting entry points for batters. The top order batted deep into the game, and we also had two power hitters to go in the back end.

"Usually, if you look at it over time, Tim (David) has finished games for us, and Hardik has done it over the years.

"So, at any point, any one of them can resurrect the situation. It didn't happen tonight, so there will likely be a chat about who should have gone earlier.

"But all of those things are in hindsight, and as a team, we make decisions, so let's put a stop to 'Hardik made a decision, Hardik did this, Hardik did that'. We are a team. We make decisions collectively as one," the West Indian said.



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IndiGo Passenger Shares Pic Of Damaged Luggage, Airline Responds

From missing seat cushions to finding a screw in a sandwich, in recent months, several unusual incidents have occurred on IndiGo flights. Now, a woman recently took to social media to express her disappointment with IndiGo Airlines. Shrankhla Srivastava, an X (formerly Twitter) user, shared a picture on Saturday of her damaged luggage after her Indigo flight. "Dear @IndiGo6E, Thank you for taking care of my luggage," the user wrote in a sarcastic post and tagged the airlines. 

Ms Srivastava's post soon went viral on social media, prompting reactions from internet users. Her post also caught the attention of IndiGo Airlines, which issued an apology and expressed regret. "Hi, we sincerely regret the inconvenience caused. We request you please allow us some time to check. We'll connect with you," the airline tweeted. 

Take a look below: 

In the comments section, some users also shared similar incidents, while others criticised the airline over poor luggage management. 

"Mine was also handled this well in December. Broken handle and cracked shell. I think hard shell bags are not made for airlines," wrote one user. "Faced a similar issue with them. Ground staff offered peanuts. Not even covering the cost of the bag. Then escalated it to the highest level and got compensation," commented another. 

"Even my suitcase zips were torn apart during indigo luggage handling last Diwali. It was a soft luggage suitcase that's why too big breakage didn't occur. I would be traveling soon again, so now I have to replace the zippers of my suitcase within next few days," said a third user. 

"Shifted to a soft bag because I travel every week. I have a question/ if you come across any recommendation of a hard case bag that doesn't break with rough handling, pls help me (for good karma)," expressed another. 

"One of the worst air line I have ever seen.. very arrogant staff who thinks that they are the top of the world .. even the behaviour of the cabin crew is pathetic," wrote a user. 

Also Read | Video Of Tiger's Majestic Leap To Cross River At Sunderbans Wows Internet

Meanwhile, earlier this month, a woman took to social media to share her harrowing experience with the airlines. Yavanika Raj Shah, an X (formerly Twitter) user, shared a picture of a missing seat cushion on an IndiGo flight. She was flying from Bengaluru to Bhopal on flight 6E 6465. 

The airlines took note of the same and expressed regret. IndiGo said that the cushions were replaced for cleaning and the cabin crew had informed the customers. "Ma'am, thank you for speaking with us. The seat cushions were replaced prior to the flight for cleaning purposes. Our cabin crew promptly informed the customers who were allotted these seats. This is a standard practice for cleaning during transit as and when required," they wrote. 



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Big Security Breach As Virat Kohli Is Stunned By Fan Who Hoodwinked All

Virat Kohli brought out his classy form at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Punjab Kings on Monday. The former RCB and Indian cricket team skipper struck a 31-ball half century to boost RCB's chase against Punjab Kings in the teams' second match of the IPL 2024. However, he was also stunned by a massive security breach as a fan tricked all to enter the ground. The person also managed to touch Kohli's feet before he was nabbed.

Earlier, the pragmatism of captain Shikhar Dhawan was the bedrock on which Punjab Kings built their 176 for six as Royal Challengers Bangalore bowlers found their bearings on a Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch that offered them springboard bounce on Monday.

Dhawan (45, 37b), Jitesh Sharma (27, 20b) and Prabhsimran Singh (25, 17b) were the main contributors for the Kings after Royal Challengers opted to bowl first on a track that had a smattering of green.

For RCB, Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell took wickets apiece.

The Kings made a shaky beginning as Jonny Bairstow got out early as his outings on these shores, which is stretched back to last year's World Cup, has now become more barren than the Indian summer.

In the latest instance, the Englishman's poorly-executed close-to-the-body pull of pacer Siraj was taken by Virat Kohli inside the covers.

But from 17 for one, the visitors found some runs through Dhawan and Prabhsimran who tackled the pitch and the RCB bowlers with aplomb, milking 55 runs off 38 balls.

Dhawan was not precisely smooth during his stay but showed enough pluck to cash in on the loose deliveries, such as a length ball on the off-stump from left-arm spinner Mayank Dagar which he lofted over long-on for a six.

In fact, the RCB bowlers, especially impressive left-arm seamer Yash Dayal (1/23), did well to tie him down with deliveries that darted in to him from just short of good length.

Prabhsimran also occasionally vented his aggressive instincts, and the most telling piece was his flicked six off Cameron Green that sailed 90 meters over mid-wicket for a maximum.

But just as the alliance was blossoming, Prabhsimran tried to pull Maxwell but a feeble top edge was easily grabbed by stumper Anuj Rawat.

Rawat soon doubled the number of his catches when he latched on to a wild heave outside the off-stump by Liam Livingstone off Alzarri Joseph in the last ball of the 12th over.

But the Punjab side suffered a heavier blow as Dhawan got in the very next ball.

The left-hander's attempt to hoist Maxwell out of the ground ended in the hands of Kohli at long-on as the Kings slipped to 98 for four in 12.1 overs.

It wasn't an ideal situation for Kings as they needed a few more runs on the board to give a meaningful challenge to the home side.

They found those from Jitesh, who hammered Dagar for two sixes in a row, and Sam Curran, who added 52 runs for the fifth wicket off 34 balls to push the PBKS past the 150-run mark, that was swelled by a couple of beefy hits by Shashank Singh, who carted Joseph for 20 runs in the final over.

But they would have liked a heavier looking scoreboard in pursuance of their second successive victory.



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Sunday, March 24, 2024

Naveen Jindal, Sita Soren Among BJP's Newest Members Who Got Tickets

  1. Mr Jindal was also a Congress MP. He represented Kurukshetra constituency in the Lok Sabha from 2004 to 2014 as a Congress MP. This time, he said he wants to contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's agenda of 'Viksit Bharat'.
  2. Mr Jindal had lost from Kurukshetra in 2014. He said the country has progressed under PM Modi's leadership in the past 10 years, and many historic steps such as the scrapping of Article 370 under the Constitution have been taken.
  3. The dream of having a Ram temple in Ayodhya has also been realised, Mr Jindal said. The BJP has said Mr Jindal's presence in the party will help the government's agenda of boosting the country's economy and prosperity.
  4. Sita Soren is the sister-in-law of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. She will contest from Dumka (Scheduled Tribes) constituency. She joined the BJP on March 20, citing "isolation" and "neglect" by the JMM since her husband Durga Soren's death in 2009.
  5. Sita Soren was first elected MLA from Jama in 2009. She then became the JMM's national general secretary. She won the Jharkhand assembly election from Jama again in 2014 and 2019.


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In Bengal, Former Judge, Erstwhile Royal, Fashion Designer In BJP Line-Up

The BJP, determined to meet party chief JP Nadda's target of 35 of Bengal's 42 Lok Sabha seats, has come up with a  mixed bag from Bengal, which contains a High Court judge, an erstwhile royal, and a woman from Sandeshkhali. Added to this is the usual celebrity component that adds to the sheen of the elections in eastern state known for its intelligentsia and a thriving film industry.

Leading the BJP charge is Rekha Patra. The candidate from Basirhat is one of the women from Sandeshkhali who has been at the forefront of the fight against local Trinamool strongman Sheikh Shahjahan.

In Krishnanagar, the BJP has fielded erstwhile royal Amrita Ray to take on Trinamool's Mahua Moitra, who is back in the electoral fray after being disqualified from the Lok Sabha in connection with the alleged cash-for-questions scam.

Former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay, who joined the BJP recently after taking voluntary retirement, will contest from Bengal's Tamluk. He is the first retired judge to join electoral politics,  moving away from the way the judiciary has so far distanced itself.

Also in the line-up is Tapas Roy, who quit Trinamool after it became clear that he was going to be denied ticket following a raid of the Enforcement Directorate at his house. Now in the BJP, he takes on senior parliamentarian Sudip Bandopadhyay in Kolkata North.

Asansol MLA and former fashion designer Agnimitra Paul, who has been vociferously defending the BJP in Bengal, has replaced Dilip Ghosh in Medinipur. She will face actor and Trinamool MLA June Maliah.

Mr Ghosh, who is credited with delivering 18 seats to the BJP in 2019, has been moved to Bardhhaman-Durgapur, where he faces Trinamool's Kirti Azad.



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Saturday, March 23, 2024

Video: Elephant Attacks Another Elephant At Temple Event, Many Injured

A video of an elephant going berserk and attacking another elephant at the Tharakkal temple festival in Kerala has emerged on social media. The incident happened around 10.30 pm on Friday when the elephant, Guruvayur Ravikrishnan, carrying the 'Ammathiruvady' deity, lost control and attacked the other elephant, Puthupally Arjunan.

 The video shows the elephant charging at another elephant, Puthupally Arjunan, carrying the 'Arattupuzha' deity, and chasing it for almost one kilometre. The elephant's mahout Sreekumar narrowly escaped after the elephant made three attempts to attack him.

 The incident caused panic among the devotees and many people attending the festival suffered injuries. People carried by the elephants sustained injuries too and those seated atop the elephants tried to escape but fell and got hurt.

 Both the elephants could be seen charging and chasing each other in the viral video. Both the elephants were later brought under control by the elephant squad, reported local news outlet Mathrubhumi.

The incident comes at a time when the issue of human-animal conflicts continues to haunt Kerala. Nine people have been reported killed in Kerala due to attacks by wild animals.

Recently, a 62-year-old woman was attacked and killed by a wild elephant in a forest area near Athirappally. In February, a 42-year-old man died after being attacked by a wild elephant that strayed into a human settlement near Mananthavad. 



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Arvind Kejriwal Seeks Cop's Removal, Court Wants CCTV Footage Preserved

A local court has directed to preserve CCTV camera footage on a plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, seeking the removal of a Delhi Police officer deployed for security in the court for alleged misconduct.

"Application has been filed on behalf of the accused (Kejriwal) stating that the security staff/in-charge responsible for bringing him for production before the court, namely ACP (Assistant Commissioner of Police) AK Singh, is unnecessarily harsh and mishandled the people around the courtroom," Special Judge Kaveri Baweja noted.

The application was filed by Kejriwal on Friday, along with his submissions opposing the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) plea for his custody.

The court, however, remanded him in ED custody till March 28 in the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.

It further noted that, according to the plea, while producing co-accused Manish Sisodia in the case, a written complaint was filed against the officer.

Kejriwal sought the court's directions to remove or replace the officer, the order noted.

"Having considered the submissions made, I deem it appropriate to direct that firstly a request letter be sent to the Principal District & Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge (CBI) to get preserved the above CCTV footage and to get produced a copy thereof before this court on the next date for the purpose of disposal of the above application," the judge said.

According to sources, on Friday, when Kejriwal was produced before the court, which was jam-packed with lawyers, litigants and security personnel, the ACP allegedly misbehaved with several people while trying to prevent them from entering the court. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



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Friday, March 22, 2024

What We Know About Shooting At Concert Venue Near Moscow

Russian news agencies reported multiple casualties after a shooting incident at a concert venue near Moscow on Friday.

Here's what is known about the shooting so far:

Unidentified gunmen opened fire at the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk near Moscow on Friday evening during a concert of the band "Picnic", TASS reported.

Preliminary information suggested machine guns were used in the shooting, TASS reported.

Eyewitnesses told Russian agencies there were many injured and dead.

Video posted online by Russian news agencies showed billowing clouds of smoke and flames rising from the venue building. TASS reported that people remain inside the building, which is almost completely engulfed in flames.

Special units of Russia's national guard as well as police and firefighters are on the scene, TASS said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



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Wearing 'Sindoor' Religious Duty Of Woman As It Shows She Is Married: Court

A family court in Indore in Madhya Pradesh has asked a woman to return to her husband's home with immediate effect while observing that wearing the ritualistic 'sindoor' (vermillion) was the duty of a (Hindu) woman as it demonstrates that she is married.

Indore family court Principal Judge NP Singh's direction came while hearing a petition of a man seeking restoration of his rights under Hindu Marriage Act after his wife walked out of the marriage five years ago.

In his order of March 1, the judge said, "When the statement of the woman was recorded in the court, she admitted she was not wearing 'sindoor'. 'Sindoor' is a religious duty of a wife and it shows that the woman is married."

After perusal of the entire submission of the woman, it was clear she had not been abandoned by her husband and that she had left him and wanted a divorce, the order further said.

"She has forsaken her husband. She is not wearing the 'sindoor'," the court said.

In her defence, the woman accused her husband of physical and mental harassment for dowry.

After hearing both sides and going through the material on record, the court said the woman had not submitted any police complaints or reports regarding her allegations.

The petitioner's lawyer Shubham Sharma said his client got married in 2017 and the couple has a 5-year-old son.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)



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Thursday, March 21, 2024

US Attorney General's Full Speech On Suit Against Apple For iPhone Monopoly

The US Department of Justice on Thursday sued Apple for illegally maintaining a monopoly for its iPhone by stifling competition and imposing exorbitant costs on consumers.

The lawsuit, which was also brought by multiple US states, attacked the iPhone for raking in hundreds of billions of dollars by making it difficult for consumers to switch away to cheaper smartphones and devices.

Apple joins Amazon, Google and Facebook-owner Meta which are also facing antitrust lawsuits in the US.

What US Attorney General Merrick Garland Said On Lawsuit Against Apple

Earlier today, the Department of Justice, joined by 15 states and the District of Columbia sue Apple in the U.S. District Count for the District of New Jersey for violating Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

Over the last two decades, Apple has become one of the most valuable public companies in the world. Today, its net income exceeds the individual Gross Domestic Product of more than 100 countries. That is in large part due to the success of the iPhone, Apple's signature smartphone product.

For over a decade, iPhone sales have made up a majority of Apple's annual revenue. Today, Apple's share of the U.S. performance smartphone market exceeds 70%, and its share of the entire U.S. smartphone market exceeds 65%. Apple charges as much as nearly $1,600 for an iPhone.

But as our complaint alleges, Apple has maintained monopoly power in the smartphone market not simply by staying ahead of the competition on the merits, but by violating federal antitrust law.

Consumers should not have to pay higher prices because companies break the law.

We allege that Apple has employed a strategy that relies on exclusionary, anticompetitive conduct that hurts both consumers and developers.

For consumers, that has meant fewer choices; higher prices and fees; lower quality smartphones, apps, and accessories; and less innovation from Apple and its competitors.

For developers, that has meant being forced to play by rules that insulate Apple from competition.

And as outlined in our complaint, we allege that Apple has consolidated its monopoly power not by making its own products better - but by making other products worse.

Apple carries out its exclusionary, anticompetitive conduct in two principal ways: 

First, Apple imposes contractual restrictions and fees that limit the features and functionality that developers can offer iPhone users.

Second, Apple selectively restricts access to the points of connection between third-party apps and the iPhone's operating system, degrading the functionality of non-Apple apps and accessories.

As a result, for most of the past 15 years, Apple has collected a tax in the form of a 30% commission on the price of any app downloaded from the App Store as well as on in-app purchases. Apple is able to command these fees from companies of all sizes.

Apple has also suppressed the emergence of programs like cloud streaming apps - including gaming apps - as well as super apps that could reduce user dependence on Apple's own operating system and expensive hardware. 

And, as any iPhone user who has ever seen a green text message, or received a tiny, grainy video can attest - Apple's anticompetitive conduct also includes making it more difficult for iPhone users to message with users of non-Apple products.

It does this by diminishing the functionality of its own messaging app and by diminishing the functionality of third-party messaging apps.

By doing so, Apple knowingly and deliberately degrades quality, privacy, and security for its users.

For example, if an iPhone user messages a non-iPhone user in Apple Messages, the text appears not only as a green bubble, but incorporates limited functionality:

  • The conversation is not encrypted;
  • Videos are pixelated and grainy; and
  • Users cannot edit messages or see typing indicators.

As a result, iPhone users perceive rival smartphones as being lower quality because the experience of messaging friends and family who do not own iPhones is worse - even though Apple is the one responsible for breaking cross-platform messaging.

And it does so intentionally.

For example, in 2013, a senior executive at Apple explained that supporting cross-platform messaging in Apple Messages, "would simply serve to remove [an] obstacle to iPhone families giving their kids Android phones."

In 2022, Apple's CEO was asked whether Apple would fix iPhone-to-Android messaging. The questioner added: "not to make it personal but I can't send my mom certain videos."

Apple's CEO responded, "Buy your mom an iPhone."

In addition to selectively controlling app distribution and creation, we allege that Apple is violating the law by conditionally restricting developers' access to the interface needed to make an app functional on the Apple operating system.

For a product like a smartwatch or a digital wallet to be useful to an iPhone user, it must be able to communicate with the iPhone's operating system. But Apple creates barriers that make it extremely difficult and expensive for both users and developers to venture outside the Apple ecosystem.

When it comes to smartwatches, Apple not only drives users to purchase an Apple Watch - which is only compatible with an iPhone - it also uses its technical and contractual controls to make it harder for someone with an iPhone to use a non-Apple smartwatch.

And when it comes to digital wallets, Apple's exclusionary conduct goes a step further. Digital wallets allow users to store and use passes and credentials in a single app - including credit cards, personal identification, movie tickets, and car keys. Apple Wallet is Apple's proprietary digital wallet on the iPhone.

Apple actively encourages banks, merchants, and other parties to participate in Apple Wallet. But it simultaneously exerts its monopoly power to block these same partners from developing alternative payment products and services for iPhone users.

For example, Apple has blocked third-party developers from creating competing digital wallets on the iPhone that use what is known as tap-to-pay functionality. That is the function that makes a digital wallet - well, a wallet.

Instead, Apple forces those who want to use the wallet function to share personal information with Apple - even if they would prefer to share that information solely with their bank, medical provider, or other trusted third party.

When an iPhone user puts a credit or debit card into Apple Wallet, Apple inserts itself in a process that could otherwise occur directly between the user and card issuer. This introduces an additional potential point of failure for the privacy and security of Apple users.

And that is just one way in which Apple is willing to make the iPhone less secure and less private in order to maintain its monopoly power.

The Supreme Court defines monopoly power as "the power to control prices or exclude competition."

As set out in our complaint, Apple has that power in the smartphone market.

Now, having monopoly power does not itself violate the antitrust laws.

But it does when a firm acquires or maintains monopoly power - not because it has a superior product or superior business acumen - but by engaging in exclusionary conduct.

As set out in our complaint, Apple has maintained its power not because of its superiority, but because of its unlawful exclusionary behavior.

Monopolies like Apple's threaten the free and fair markets upon which our economy is based. They stifle innovation; they hurt producers and workers; and they increase costs for consumers. 

If left unchallenged, Apple will only continue to strengthen its smartphone monopoly.

But there's a law for that.

The Justice Department will vigorously enforce antitrust law.

Enforcing the law protects consumers from higher prices and fewer choices. 

That is the Justice Department's legal obligation.  That is what the American people expect. That is what they deserve.

I am grateful to the attorneys and staff of the Department's Antitrust Division for their tireless work on this case on behalf of the American people. I will now turn the podium over to the Deputy Attorney General.



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"Shouldn't Have To Pay Higher Prices...": US vs Apple Over iPhone Monopoly

The US Department of Justice sued Apple on Thursday for illegally maintaining a monopoly for its iPhone by stifling competition and imposing exorbitant costs on consumers.

The lawsuit, also brought by multiple US states, attacked the iPhone for raking in hundreds of billions of dollars by making it difficult for consumers to switch away to cheaper smartphones and devices.

The long anticipated case against Apple sees the company founded by Steve Jobs in 1976 clash with Washington after largely escaping US government scrutiny for nearly a half century.

It joins Amazon, Google and Facebook-owner Meta which are also facing antitrust lawsuits in the United States.

News of the lawsuit sent shares in Apple down by as much as 3.75 percent on Wall Street on Thursday.

At the heart of the case is Apple's alleged exclusionary practices that set strict and at times opaque conditions on firms and developers seeking to reach the iPhone's 136 million US users.

According to the lawsuit, these rules and decisions have been designed to force Apple users into staying in the Apple ecosystem and buying the company's more expensive hardware, the iPhone.

"Consumers should not have to pay higher prices because companies violate the antitrust laws," said Attorney General Merrick Garland. 

"If left unchallenged, Apple will only continue to strengthen its smartphone monopoly," he added.

Apple fights back

The far-reaching case singled out practices that it said was making Apple richer to the detriment of advancing innovation and technology for consumers.

In a statement, Apple denied the merit of the lawsuit, saying it was "wrong on the facts and the law, and we will vigorously defend against it."

If successful, the suit would "set a dangerous precedent, empowering government to take a heavy hand in designing people's technology," the company added.

The lawsuit for example accused Apple of squashing the creation of Super Apps, one-stop web portals that could exist on an iPhone and give consumers other ways to get services, such as music, photo or movies.

Other big tech giants such as Meta have long dreamed of opening such super-apps on the iPhone, which accounts for roughly half of the smartphone market in the United States.

The accusations also target Apple's wallet, which is the only application allowed on the iPhone to access the technology to make tap payments in stores, forcing others to pay a fee.

Messaging apps are under the microscope too, with prosecutors accusing Apple of making it hard for Apple users to interact easily with Android phone users, coercing them to buying the more expensive iPhone.

The broad case also mentions smartwatches, with the Apple Watch only being available through the iPhone, and competing smartwatches having very limited functionality on the iPhone.

The complaint alleges that these nefarious practices go into other services such as web browsers, entertainment and even automotive services.

In recent years Apple has invested heavily in promoting services as well as hardware as it seeks ways to make money beyond the iPhone, which was introduced in 2007 and changed the world of consumer technology.

But iPhone sales growth has been slowing in recent years, raising pressure on the company to find other sources of revenue.

The DOJ pointed out that Apple's profits exceed any other company in the Fortune 500 and that it exceeds the gross domestic product of more than 100 countries.

In 2023, Apple saw global sales of $383 billion and net profit of $97 billion.

The DOJ's investigation of Apple began in 2019 under the Trump administration.

Apple largely won a US lawsuit from Fortnite-maker Epic Games that has been pursuing Apple in jurisdictions worldwide over the rules and fees it imposes on the iPhone.

In a case brought by Spotify, the EU this month hit Apple with a 1.8-billion-euro ($1.9 billion) fine for preventing European users from accessing information about alternative, cheaper music streaming services.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



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Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Amit Shah Slams Rahul Gandhi Over "Hafta Vasooli" Jibe On Electoral Bonds

Responding to Rahul Gandhi's reference to electoral bonds as 'hafta vasooli', Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the Congress leader needs to clarify where he obtained Rs 1,600 crore from.

"Gandhi also received Rs 1,600 crore. He should clarify where he got that 'hafta vasooli' from. We assert that it's a transparent donation, but if he labels it as vasooli, he should provide details," Mr Shah said in a video posted on his X account.

When asked if the BJP would disclose their donor list like other parties, Mr Shah responded, "I assure you, once the details are out, the INDIA alliance will find it hard to face the public."

"Electoral bonds were introduced to end the domination of black money in Indian politics, they were brought to eradicate black money. Now the scheme has been scrapped and I fear the return of black money," Mr Shah said.

He further stated that there should be reforms regarding the electoral bonds, rather than scrapping it.

"I believe that rather than scrapping it, there should be reforms, but it does not hold any significance, as the top court has given its verdict and I respect that," he added.

"But my personal opinion is that bonds had almost ended black money in politics. This is why the entire INDIA bloc, led by Rahul Gandhi, was against the bonds and they wanted the old system of cut money to rule over politics once again," the senior BJP leader stated.

The Electoral Bond Scheme was a way for political parties in India to get money without revealing the donor's identity. But, the Supreme Court, in a ruling in February, struck down the scheme and ordered the State Bank of India (SBI) to stop issuing electoral bonds immediately.

In compliance with a directive from the Supreme Court, the Election Commission of India (ECI) recently uploaded data on electoral bonds on its official website. The SBI had supplied the information, which includes details about these electoral bonds.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



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Billionaire Businessmen Arrested In Multi-Crore GST Fraud Case In Noida

In a breakthrough in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) fraud case, the Noida Police on Wednesday said it has arrested two Haryana-based "billionaire businessmen" who allegedly masterminded the multi-crore revenue loss to the exchequer.

The accused are in the business of metal scrap and have collectively caused a revenue loss of around Rs 25 crore to the exchequer, a senior police officer said.

Known as the "GST scam", the case came to light in June 2023 and pertains to revenue loss to the exchequer through input-tax credit (ITC) being claimed by thousands of bogus companies that were floated using forged documents.

The police investigation has shown the involvement of hundreds of bogus firms and transactions of around Rs 10,000 crore by those, and more than two dozen people have so far been arrested in the case, according to officials.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Shakti Mohan Avasthy said a few months ago, a team from Noida's Sector 20 police station busted a racket and arrested some suspects who were allegedly behind floating around 2,600 bogus companies.

"In pursuance of that case, the masterminds of the racket who fraudulently claimed ITC from the government and caused revenue loss to the exchequer were arrested on Wednesday. The masterminds are billionaire businessmen and have been identified as Sanjay Jindal and Ajay Sharma," Avasthy told reporters here.

"Jindal runs a company by the name of AS Brownie Metal and Alloys located in Sonipat district of Haryana. He fraudulently claimed Rs 16.9 crore worth of ITC. This amount was later frozen by enforcement agencies. Sharma used six companies to cause a revenue loss of Rs 8.57 crore. This amount was also frozen later by the GST department following a report by the Noida Police," the officer said.

Avasthy, who has been leading the investigation in the matter since it came to light, said both the accused are "billionaire businessmen" and have "huge businesses" in Sonipat.

Jindal and Sharma were wanted by the Noida Police for long and carried a reward of Rs 25,000 each on information leading to their arrest, the DCP added.

"Jindal and Sharma are the masterminds of the racket. They were the real beneficiaries of this fraud business of floating bogus companies and claiming ITC on their behalf. So far, we have arrested 32 people in connection with the case and some more linked to it will be held soon," he said.

Police said an FIR was lodged at the Sector 20 police station under Indian Penal Code sections 420 (cheating), 467, 468, 471 (all related to forgery) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).

Last month, the Noida Police attached assets worth approximately Rs 12 crore of the gang members involved in the GST "scam", including immovable properties at multiple locations in Delhi.

The case came to light in June 2023 after thugs applied for the registration of bogus companies by fraudulently using the PAN details of a journalist and got two firms registered --" one in Punjab and one in Maharashtra -- while the request for a third such company to be registered in Delhi was rejected by the GST authorities.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)



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NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Achieves Closest Sun Flyby Ever on December 24

NASA's Parker Solar Probe is set to perform its closest flyby of the sun on December 24, 2024, at 6:53 a.m. EST. The spacecraft, which ...