Author: Jerome Anthony

‘Borrowed’ leaders: Congress hits out at AAP for not fielding their own candidates in Punjab

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa on Saturday took a swipe at AAP in Punjab for fielding three “borrowed” leaders in the Lok Sabha elections. The leader of opposition in the Punjab Assembly also slammed AAP for its “failure” to field a woman candidate.

Bajwa alleged in a statement, “It is as absurd as it sounds that AAP has been in active politics for the past more than 10 years. However, it could not develop its party cadre at the ground level. The sole reason why AAP could not develop the base is that the people of Punjab still do not trust the party.”

The Congress leader said AAP has fielded three “borrowed” candidates — former Congress leaders Raj Kumar Chabbewal from Hoshiarpur and Gurpreet Singh GP from Fatehgarh Sahib, and Pawan Kumar Tinu, who was earlier with the Shiromani Akali Dal, from Jalandhar. Bajwa also pointed to AAP fielding ministers and MLAs on other seats.

Also read: EC asks AAP to modify election campaign song and Kejriwal’s party is miffed

It is highly unfortunate for AAP as it did not give representation to women in the Lok Sabha elections, he said. “The party that often talks about women empowerment and equality could not even find a single woman candidate. Earlier, the party did not give representation to women in the Rajya Sabha,” Bajwa added.

“If we look a decade back at the Lok Sabha elections of 2014, AAP lost most of its candidates, leaders and even MPs. Leaders like Harinder Singh Khalsa, Sucha Singh Chhotepur, Harvinder Singh Phoolka, Dharamvira Gandhi, Baldeep Singh, and many others have snapped their ties with AAP,” he said. Polling for Punjab’s 13 Lok Sabha seats will be held on June 1.

Also read: No alliance between AAP and Congress in Punjab for Lok Sabha polls, says Bhagwant Mann

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

EC asks AAP to modify election campaign song and Kejriwal’s party is miffed

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged on April 28 that the Election Commission had “banned” its Lok Sabha campaign song ‘Jail Ka Jawab, Vote Se Denge’, although Delhi poll body officials clarified that AAP was instructed to modify the song’s content due to its violation of EC’s guidelines and advertising codes, PTI reported. The two-minute campaign song, crafted and sung by AAP MLA Dilip Pandey, premiered at the party headquarters in Delhi earlier this month.

Sources from the Delhi Chief Electoral Office told PTI that the song wasn’t banned outright but required revisions to adhere to Advertising Codes outlined in the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994, and ECI guidelines from August 24, 2023, for certification.

The Delhi poll panel criticised certain visuals and phrases within the song, deeming them “slanderous” and potentially damaging to the judiciary and police.

Also read | AAP major beneficiary of proceeds of crime generated in excise scam: ED tells SC

At a press conference, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) senior leader Atishi accused the Election Commission of aligning with the BJP and neglecting its transgressions, insisting that the campaign song did not breach the Model Code of Conduct. She questioned whether the EC aimed to suppress the truth or hide instances of police misconduct and BJP’s political interference.

Atishi contended that the EC’s objections marked the first instance of the Election Commission banning a party’s campaign song, highlighting what she perceived as double standards in EC’s treatment of AAP and BJP.

Also read | Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal to campaign for AAP candidates: Atishi

She maintained that the song, “Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se Denge,” merely shed light on perceived injustices without explicitly naming the ruling party. Despite AAP’s defense, the Delhi Chief Electoral office responded, indicating that certain phrases and visuals in the song contravened ECI Guidelines and incited violence. Atishi urged the Election Commission to focus on BJP’s alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct instead of impeding the opposition’s election campaign, expressing concern over the erosion of democracy and the perceived bias of the Election Commission in favor of BJP.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

This destination in Northeast India has witnessed record-breaking tourist arrivals in 2024 so far

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Parts of Northeast India have been embroiled in violence for a while now, with the situation escalating in May 2023 following ethnic violence in the state of Manipur. Despite instability in the scenic region, the state of Sikkim has witnessed record footfalls, thanks to the culture, weather and scenic locales of the hilly areas. In the first quarter of 2024, Sikkim experienced an unprecedented surge in tourist arrivals, according to official data from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department.

Until March 31, 2024, Sikkim welcomed a staggering 2,90,401 tourists, including 2,56,537 domestic visitors and 30,864 foreigners. This surge in arrivals has been attributed to the recovery made in Sikkim’s hospitality sector, which suffered greatly due to the devastating flash floods in October 2023.

The calamity claimed dozens of 40 lives, leading to a significant decline in tourist arrivals. However, early trends emerging in 2024 suggest that Sikkim would regain its status as a premier tourist destination, reports suggest.

Also read: 12 destinations you must visit in Northeast India for a cool summer vacation

However, the economic impact of tourism on the state is significant, with the industry estimated to have generated over Rs 500 crore in revenue prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sikkim Tourism Department website. As tourist numbers continue to rise, this figure is expected to witness a sizeable increase, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.

There are 1,725 travel agencies catering to tourists looking to visit the state, with a total of 38,208 beds to accommodate the influx of travellers.

Also read: Planning a monsoon holiday in Kullu, Kedarnath, Sikkim or Mumbai? Read this first

According to Tourism Sikkim data, ther has been a consistent upward trend in tourist arrivals over the past decade. Starting from 576,749 visitors in 2013, the numbers surged to a peak of 1,625,573 in 2023. With a promising start in 2024, projections indicate a potential milestone of 1.2 million tourists by year-end if the current growth rate persists.

(With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

MDH says reports on contaminated masalas are baseless, says its spices are safe

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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MDH, a leading spice brand in India, said on Saturday that its products are entirely safe, dismissing allegations of pesticide presence by food regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore. Earlier this month, Hong Kong’s Center for Food Safety (CFS) reported finding pesticide ethylene oxide in samples of pre-packaged spice-mix products from two Indian brands, MDH and Everest.

The CFS advised against buying and selling MDH’s Madras Curry Powder, Everest Fish Curry Masala, MDH Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder, and MDH Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder. MDH clarified that it had not received any official communication from food safety regulators in Hong Kong or Singapore.

Also read: FSSAI to conduct a broader quality check on spices brands amid MDH, Everest scrutiny, say sources

Addressing the alleged presence of ethylene oxide (ETO), MDH stated, “these claims are untrue and lack any substantiating evidence.” The company emphasized that neither the Spice Board of India nor the food regulator FSSAI had received any correspondence or test reports from authorities in Hong Kong or Singapore.

MDH reiterated its commitment to the safety and quality of its products, assuring consumers that ethylene oxide is not used at any stage of storing, processing, or packing their spices.

The company reaffired its compliance with health and safety standards both domestically and internationally, highlighting its tagline, ‘Asli Masale Sach Sach, MDH MDH’ (‘Real Spices of India’), as a reflection of its dedication to providing authentic, high-quality spices.

Following Hong Kong’s directive, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) also ordered a recall of imported Everest Fish Curry Masala. India remains the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices globally, with exports valued at nearly Rs 32,000 crore in 2022-23. Major exports include chilli, cumin, spice oil and oleoresins, turmeric, curry powder, and cardamom.

Also read: Indian spice companies may face an export ban if presence of toxins is confirmed

The Spice Board, operating under the Ministry of Commerce, is engaged in discussions with exporters regarding the matter. The development comes after the discovery of Ethylene Oxide (ETO) residue in popular spice brands such as MDH and Everest. Consequently, both Hong Kong and Singapore have halted imports of these spices.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Airlines in US ordered to provide automatic refunds to travellers for cancelled flights

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Airlines in the US will now have to provide automatic refunds to travellers if flights are cancelled or significantly altered under new US Department of Transportation rules, a significant change for consumers that could drive up costs across the industry.

The final regulations released Wednesday outline the circumstances where passengers are entitled to refunds for all travel to, from and within the US. The goal is to make it easier for people to get money back and to make refund policies more consistent from one airline to the next.

According to the department, complaints related to airlines and ticket agents rejecting or delaying refunds made up 87% of all air-travel service complaints at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

Our department just issued rules to protect people from hidden airline fees and to require airlines to give passengers automatic cash refunds when owed. No more having to fend for yourself and jump through hoops to get your money back—airlines will have to automatically do this. pic.twitter.com/Jv7dFmnNkI

— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) April 24, 2024

Also read: IndiGo beats Southwest Airlines to become world’s third largest by market cap

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them — without headaches or haggling,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

Under the new rule, passengers will be entitled to refunds if there is a “significant change” to their flights. These include:

• Departure or arrival time that moves by more than three hours domestically or six hours for international flights
• Being downgraded to a lower class than originally purchased, as from first class to economy
• Change of departure or arrival airport
• Increase in number of connections
• Changes to connecting airports or planes flown if they are less accommodating for people with disabilities

Travellers will also get refunds for checked bag fees if the bag is lost and not delivered within 12 hours of a domestic flight’s gate arrival. International flights will have from 15 to 30 hours to return a lost bag, depending on their length.

Also read: Air India flyers can now connect to 32 destinations in US, Mexico and Canada

Anyone who pays for a service, such as in-flight Wi-Fi or entertainment, and doesn’t receive it will also get their money back.

In addition, DOT made changes to make it easier for the passengers to receive the money they’re owed by requiring prompt automatic refunds in cash or through the original form of payment. Buttigieg said during a news conference at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday that the bulk of the new requirements will go into effect in about six months.

The refund changes are poised to add significant costs across the airline industry, which could have a disproportionate impact on low-cost carriers, according to Seaport Research analyst Daniel McKenzie. “To the extent low cost carriers have to add costs to comply, reduce growth and/or downsize, they become less competitive,” McKenzie said in a note.

The Airlines for America trade group said in a statement that its member carriers already abide by and often exceed regulation on consumer protection.

“US airlines are providing more options and better services while ticket prices, including ancillary revenues, are at historic lows,” the group said in a release.

Also on Wednesday, the department released a final rule requiring airlines to clearly communicate their extra fees upfront for checked luggage, carry-on bags or for canceling or changing reservations. According to DOT, airlines saw a 30% increase in revenue from baggage fees between 2018 and 2022.

“Airlines should compete with one another to secure passengers’ business — not to see who can charge the most in surprise fees,” Buttigieg said in a separate statement, adding that the rule will save travelers more than half a billion dollars a year.

Buttigieg told reporters at the news conference that more rules are on the way, including to expand rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and to allow parents to sit with their children on flights without being charged a fee.

DOT will also continue to pursue more aggressive enforcement when airlines violate rules, he said, pointing to the department’s $140 million record fine against Southwest Airlines Co. for a meltdown in its operations that left more than 2 million passengers stranded in December 2022.

“The level of toughness reflected in the Southwest enforcement is not an exception, but the new standard,” Buttigieg said.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

US is now asking questions about safety of Indian masalas

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is gathering information on products of Indian spice makers MDH and Everest after Hong Kong halted sales of some of their products for allegedly containing high levels of a cancer-causing pesticide.

“The FDA is aware of the reports and is gathering additional information about the situation,” an FDA spokesperson told Reuters on Friday.

Hong Kong this month suspended sales of three MDH spice blends and an Everest spice mix for fish curries. Singapore ordered a recall of the Everest spice mix as well, saying it contains high levels of ethylene oxide, which is unfit for human consumption and a cancer risk with long exposure.

Reuters is the first to report the U.S. FDA’s review of alleged contamination of Indian spice products.

MDH and Everest did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment on this matter.

Everest has previously said its spices are safe for consumption. MDH has not responded to queries about its products so far.

MDH and Everest spices are among the most popular in India and are also sold in Europe, Asia and North America. India’s food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), is now checking the quality standards of the two companies, following the moves in Hong Kong and Singapore.

India’s Spices Board, the government’s regulator for spice exports, said on Wednesday it had sought data on MDH and Everest exports from authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore, and was working with the companies to find the “root cause” of the quality issues as inspections started at their plants.

In 2019, a few batches of MDH’s products were recalled in the U.S. for salmonella contamination.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Salman Khan shooting case: Lookout notice issued against gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother Anmol

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Following the recent gunfire incident outside actor Salman Khan’s residence in Mumbai’s Bandra, a lookout circular (LOC) has been issued against Anmol Bishnoi, younger brother of incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, disclosed a police official, PTI reported.

Consideration is being given to bringing Lawrence Bishnoi, presently incarcerated in Sabarmati Jail in Gujarat, into police custody, with the potential application of the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), the official indicated.

Anmol Bishnoi, who reportedly admitted to the shooting, has been implicated in the investigation, prompting the issuance of the LOC by the Mumbai police last Friday, an official told PTI.

Also read | Salman Khan residence firing case: Mumbai police arrests two accused in less than 48 hours

“Anmol and Lawrence Bishnoi have been identified as wanted suspects in the case. While Anmol resides in Canada and frequently travels to the USA, investigations have traced the IP address of the Facebook post claiming responsibility for the shooting to Portugal,” elaborated the official.

The initial report filed by the police, under Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 307 (attempt to murder), followed an incident where two individuals on a motorcycle fired shots at Galaxy Apartment in Bandra, the residence of Salman Khan, in the early hours of April 14.

Also read | Salman Khan shooting case: Arrested accused fired at actor’s residence ‘to kill him’, say police

The alleged shooters, Vicky Gupta (24) and Sagar Pal (21), both hailing from Bihar, were apprehended alongside Sonu Kumar Subhash Chander Bishnoi (37) and Anuj Thapan (32), who supplied them with two locally-made firearms and ammunition on March 15, police sources confirmed.

Sonu Bishnoi and Thapan, natives of Fazilka near Lawrence Bishnoi’s hometown in Punjab, were also implicated, along with Lawrence and Anmol Bishnoi, in a shooting incident registered in Gangapur, Punjab, as per the official.

(With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

This spicy, slurpy, steaming Japanese dish is more than just a tourist attraction

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In Tokyo, queuing for hours for a bowl of this savoury dish is a common sight. Despite its humble origins, a piping hot serving of ramen seldom disappoints, offering a comforting respite to its eager patrons.

Typically prepared before patrons’ eyes in modest eateries, ramen prices start at around 1,000 yen (₹450), boasting a variety of flavours and regional adaptations. From the classic salty “shoyu” or “miso” variations to fiery renditions infused with chili, ramen caters to diverse palates. Some variants even eschew soup entirely, opting for noodles dipped in a flavourful sauce.

Compared to the denser buckwheat noodles like “soba” or “udon,” ramen’s curly strands offer a lighter texture, further enhancing its appeal.

Beyond Japan, ramen’s popularity has soared, with the United States witnessing a 72% increase in retail sales since 2000, totaling over $1.6 billion in sales for the year ending April 13. The dish has found its way into diverse culinary landscapes, with restaurants offering innovative interpretations like Del Taco’s Shredded Beef Birria Ramen.

Also read: Most expensive food items in the world 2024 list — Check how much these rare eatables cost

While instant noodles provide a convenient alternative for home consumption, they pale in comparison to the authentic ramen experience found in restaurants. Momofuku Ando’s invention of instant ramen in 1958, amid post-war food scarcity, remains legendary in Japan, laying the foundation for Nissin Foods’ global success.

For enthusiasts like Frank Striegl, ramen isn’t just a meal—it’s an immersive cultural experience. Guiding tourists through Tokyo’s labyrinthine streets, Striegl introduces them to an array of ramen styles, encouraging exploration and education.

Reflecting on ramen’s enduring appeal, Striegl underscores its universal resonance, likening it to “people’s food” transcending cultural boundaries.

As tourists savour their miniature ramen servings, Striegl delves into the dish’s storied history, tracing its origins to ancient Japan and its evolution into a culinary phenomenon.

Also read: Why is Japan home to the world’s longest-living people? The secret’s in their food habits

For tour participant Katie Sell, ramen embodies comfort, particularly during winter months, fostering camaraderie and enjoyment among friends.

Despite its popularity, ramen establishments in Japan have faced challenges amid the pandemic, currency fluctuations, and rising costs. However, innovative solutions like home delivery services and packaged ramen kits offer a lifeline to struggling businesses.

Kenichi Nomaguchi, co-founder of Gourmet Innovation, highlights ramen’s global allure, positioning it alongside animation as Japan’s most successful exports. Nomaguchi attributes ramen’s complexity and depth of flavour to its intricate preparation, involving hours of simmering stock and a myriad of ingredients.

From traditional toppings like bean sprouts and barbecued pork to unconventional variations like coffee-infused ramen, the possibilities are endless. Jiro-style ramen, characterised by towering vegetable heaps and generous pork servings, exemplifies ramen’s fusion of taste and spectacle.

For Kota Kobayashi, proprietor of “Ore No Ikiru Michi,” ramen represents a way of life—an ethos that extends beyond culinary excellence. Kobayashi emphasizes the importance of ambiance and hospitality, ensuring patrons leave not just satisfied but entertained.

As customers return to his restaurant, Kobayashi’s warm greeting fosters a sense of belonging, epitomizing the spirit of ramen—a dish that transcends mere sustenance to become a cultural phenomenon cherished by all who partake.

(With inputs from AP)

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow