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Monday, August 26, 2024

under Bangladesh, Hindus are not under danger. Compared to India, minorities are safer there!

 The movement that led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina is not an Islamist revolution. Instead, it is driven by a group of students who are dedicated, principled patriots. These students are committed to achieving a functional, fair, and democratic Bangladesh, a vision that resonates with the hopes and aspirations of all Bangladeshis. They are advocates of democracy and desire a truly democratic Bangladesh, far removed from the ideas of Islamist or militant extremism. Bangladesh itself is neither an Islamist country nor a hub of militancy.

under Bangladesh, Hindus are not under danger. Compared to India, minorities are safer there!

While it is true that Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority nation and that religion plays a significant role in the lives of many Muslim Bangladeshis, this does not mean they are extremists or radicals. On the contrary, most Bangladeshis are God-fearing, law-abiding citizens who simply wish to live peacefully and harmoniously with their neighbors. 

Yes, there was a brief period of chaos and lawlessness in the immediate aftermath of Sheikh Hasina's departure, and unfortunately, some members of the Hindu community were targeted. It is a sad reality in South Asia that minorities are often the most vulnerable in times of turmoil. However, the idea that Hindus were the victims of a coordinated campaign or that their targeting was a fundamental aspect of the revolution is false. 

The situation has since stabilized significantly, and while reports of minority attacks were concerning, there were far more numerous and widespread accounts of Muslims and Hindus coming together to protect temples and minority communities. While Bangladesh still has room for improvement regarding minority rights, minorities in the country are relatively safer and more secure than in other places, such as India, for example.

Contrary to what some might believe, Bangladesh has not descended into a state of chaos and lawlessness since Sheikh Hasina's ouster. Her sudden departure did initially create a power vacuum, leading to instability for several days. However, with the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus now in place, the situation is steadily becoming more stable and secure, even though maintaining law and order remains a significant challenge. The years of corruption and misrule under the Awami League have left the country's institutions in disarray, necessitating comprehensive reforms and rebuilding from the ground up. 

Despite the fragile circumstances—there were no police on the streets for over a week, compelling students and concerned citizens to band together to maintain order and safety—the relative absence of lawlessness during this period was remarkable. Slowly but surely, normalcy is returning to Bangladesh.

The interim government, under the leadership of Dr. Muhammad Yunus, enjoys widespread popular support. Dr. Yunus is a highly respected figure both within Bangladesh and internationally, known for his integrity, competence, and vision. Many believe that if anyone can lead Bangladesh through this critical juncture, it is Dr. Yunus, and this view is widely shared. While there are divisions within the interim government and broader society, Dr. Yunus is seen as a unifying figure capable of bridging these divides and bringing the country together. After 15 years of deeply divisive leadership, his presence at the forefront of national affairs is like a breath of fresh air, and his positive impact is already being felt across the nation. The people of Bangladesh stand with him in this crucial moment of their country's history.

Heartwarming message from Rohit Sharma for "the ultimate jatt" Dhawan Shikhar

 A day after Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from cricket, Rohit Sharma paid tribute to his long-time opening partner with a heartfelt message, acknowledging the crucial role Dhawan played in their successful partnership. "You always made my job easier from the other end," Rohit wrote, reflecting on their time together at the top of India's batting order.

Heartwarming message from Rohit Sharma for "the ultimate jatt" Dhawan Shikhar

Dhawan, who retired on Saturday with a social media video post, concluded an illustrious international career spanning over a decade. During this time, he formed one of India's most formidable opening partnerships with Rohit Sharma, becoming a key figure in India's cricketing success.

"From sharing rooms to sharing lifetime memories on the field. You always made my job easier from the other end. THE ULTIMATE JATT @SDhawan25," Rohit posted, reminiscing about the bond and memories they created both on and off the field.

Read on X Shikhar Dhawan, a left-handed batsman known for his aggressive stroke play, represented India in 34 Test matches, amassing 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61, including seven centuries and five fifties. In limited-overs cricket, he played 167 ODIs and 68 T20Is, scoring 6,793 and 1,759 runs, respectively. Dhawan maintained an average of 44.11 in ODIs and 27.92 in T20Is. His record in limited-overs internationals includes 17 centuries, all in ODIs, along with 39 half-centuries in ODIs and five in T20Is.

Debuting in an ODI in October 2010, Dhawan quickly established himself as a crucial player for India, especially in ICC tournaments, where he often rose to the occasion. A highlight of his career was a remarkable six-year period when he, alongside Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, became part of a prolific trio that collectively scored a century of centuries. From June 1, 2013, to June 30, 2019, the three cricketers scored a combined total of 102 centuries across all formats.

**Breakdown of Centuries by the Trio (June 1, 2013 - June 30, 2019):**  

| Batsman         | Innings | 100s | Tests | ODIs | T20Is |

|-----------------|---------|------|-------|------|-------|

| Virat Kohli     | 274     | 49   | 21    | 28   | 0     |

| Rohit Sharma    | 228     | 30   | 3     | 23   | 4     |

| Shikhar Dhawan  | 229     | 23   | 6     | 17   | 0     |

In his retirement video, Dhawan reflected on his cricketing journey, stating, "It's important to turn the page to move forward in life, and that's why I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket. As I bid goodbye to my cricket journey, I have peace in my heart that I played for so long."

He further added, "I am standing at a point in my life where, when I look back, I see only memories; and when I look ahead, I see a new world. I had just one goal in life, to play for India, and I made it happen."

With his retirement, Shikhar Dhawan leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a reputation as one of India’s most reliable openers, having contributed significantly to the team's success in both Test and limited-overs formats.

2019 वनडे विश्व कप सेमीफाइनल में रोहित शर्मा चाहते थे कि एमएस धोनी चौथे नंबर पर बल्लेबाजी करें; एक पुराना वीडियो वायरल हो रहा है। देखें

 भारतीय क्रिकेट प्रशंसक तब हताश हो गए थे जब टीम इंडिया इंग्लैंड में न्यूजीलैंड से हारकर 2019 वनडे विश्व कप के सेमीफाइनल से बाहर हो गई थी। मैच के सबसे दिल दहला देने वाले पलों में से एक, और शायद हाल के भारतीय क्रिकेट इतिहास में, महत्वपूर्ण रन चेज के दौरान एमएस धोनी का देर से रन आउट होना था। 

धोनी के आउट होने से खेल में एक महत्वपूर्ण मोड़ आया, जिसके कारण एक नाटकीय पतन हुआ जिसके कारण न्यूजीलैंड को 18 रन की जीत हासिल करने और विश्व कप फाइनल में प्रवेश करने का मौका मिला। यह हार भारतीय समर्थकों के लिए विशेष रूप से कठिन थी, क्योंकि टीम ने पूरे टूर्नामेंट में असाधारण प्रदर्शन किया था।

रोहित शर्मा, जो टूर्नामेंट में 648 रन और पांच शतकों के साथ सबसे ज़्यादा रन बनाने वाले खिलाड़ी थे, ने बाद में मैच में धोनी की बल्लेबाजी की स्थिति पर टिप्पणी की। हाल ही में वायरल हुए एक वीडियो में, रोहित को अपनी राय व्यक्त करते हुए सुना जा सकता है: "मुझे व्यक्तिगत रूप से हमेशा लगता है कि उनका नंबर 4 पर बल्लेबाजी करना टीम के लिए आदर्श है। यह पूरी तरह से इस बात पर निर्भर करता है कि कप्तान (विराट) और कोच इस बारे में क्या सोचते हैं। व्यक्तिगत रूप से, मुझे खुशी होगी अगर वह (धोनी) नंबर चार पर बल्लेबाजी करें।

न्यूजीलैंड के खिलाफ महत्वपूर्ण सेमीफाइनल के दौरान, धोनी को सातवें नंबर पर बल्लेबाजी के लिए भेजा गया था, एक ऐसा निर्णय जिस पर कई लोगों ने सवाल उठाए हैं। भारत को 240 रनों का लक्ष्य मिला, जिसका पीछा करते हुए उसे चुनौतीपूर्ण शुरुआत का सामना करना पड़ा। पहले बल्लेबाजी करने के बाद, न्यूजीलैंड ने अपने 50 ओवरों में 239/8 का प्रतिस्पर्धी स्कोर बनाया। जवाब में, भारत ने शुरुआत में संघर्ष किया, 24-4 और बाद में ऋषभ पंत और हार्दिक पांड्या के आउट होने के बाद 92-6 पर खुद को गहरे संकट में पाया।

सातवें नंबर पर आए धोनी ने रविंद्र जडेजा के साथ मिलकर अहम साझेदारी की। दोनों ने सातवें विकेट के लिए 116 रन जोड़े, जिसमें जडेजा ने आक्रामक पारी खेली और 48वें ओवर में 59 गेंदों पर 77 रन बनाकर आउट होने से पहले अर्धशतक बनाया। इस साझेदारी ने भारतीय प्रशंसकों में उम्मीद जगाई।

भारत को आखिरी दो ओवरों में 31 रनों की जरूरत थी, धोनी ने तेजी लाने की कोशिश की, डीप बैकवर्ड पॉइंट पर छक्का लगाकर भारत की संभावनाओं को जिंदा रखा। हालांकि, मार्टिन गुप्टिल की शानदार फील्डिंग के कारण 72 गेंदों पर 50 रनों की उनकी पारी अचानक समाप्त हो गई, जिसके सीधे हिट के कारण धोनी रन आउट हो गए। इस आउट होने से केवल भारत की फाइनल में पहुंचने की उम्मीदें धराशायी हो गईं, बल्कि अंतरराष्ट्रीय क्रिकेट में धोनी के शानदार करियर का भी अंत हो गया। धोनी ने अगले साल 15 अगस्त, 2020 को इंस्टाग्राम पोस्ट के साथ अपने रिटायरमेंट की घोषणा की, जिसमें लिखा था, "पूरे समय आपके समर्थन के लिए बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद। 1929 बजे से मुझे रिटायर्ड मानिए।"

हार के बाद रोहित शर्मा भावुक हो गए और लगभग रो पड़े, क्योंकि उन्हें लगा कि यह मौका चूक गया है। इस बीच, धोनी की पारी को मिली-जुली प्रतिक्रिया मिली; कुछ लोगों ने उनके प्रयास की सराहना की, जबकि अन्य ने उनके सतर्क रवैये की आलोचना की, खासकर तब जब जडेजा आसानी से बाउंड्री लगा रहे थे।

इसके बाद, धोनी और तत्कालीन कप्तान विराट कोहली के साथ-साथ टीम प्रबंधन को भी इस बात के लिए आलोचना का सामना करना पड़ा कि धोनी को पारी के अंत में भेजा गया, जबकि उनका अनुभव पहले ही आवश्यक स्थिरता प्रदान कर सकता था।

इस निराशाजनक अंत के बावजूद, एमएस धोनी क्रिकेट इतिहास में एक प्रसिद्ध व्यक्ति बने हुए हैं। वह एकमात्र ऐसे कप्तान हैं जिन्होंने सफ़ेद गेंद के प्रारूप में सभी ICC ट्रॉफ़ी जीती हैं, जिन्होंने भारत को 2007 T20 विश्व कप, 2011 ODI विश्व कप और 2013 ICC चैंपियंस ट्रॉफी में जीत दिलाई है। एक कप्तान, विकेटकीपर और बल्लेबाज के रूप में उनकी विरासत क्रिकेटरों की भावी पीढ़ियों को प्रेरित करती रहती है। 

In the 2019 ODI World Cup Semifinal, Rohit Sharma wanted MS Dhoni to bat at number four; an old video goes viral. Watch

 Indian cricket fans were devastated when Team India was eliminated from the semi-final of the 2019 ODI World Cup after a tough loss to New Zealand in England. One of the most heart-wrenching moments of the match, and perhaps in recent Indian cricket history, was MS Dhoni's late run-out during the crucial run chase. 

In the 2019 ODI World Cup Semifinal, Rohit Sharma wanted MS Dhoni to bat at number four; an old video goes viral. Watch

Dhoni’s dismissal marked a turning point in the game, leading to a dramatic collapse that allowed New Zealand to secure an 18-run victory and advance to the World Cup final. This defeat was particularly difficult for Indian supporters, as the team had performed exceptionally well throughout the tournament.

Rohit Sharma, who was the tournament's highest run-scorer with 648 runs and five centuries, later commented on Dhoni's batting position in the match. In a video that has recently gone viral, Rohit can be heard expressing his opinion: "I personally always feel that him batting at number 4 is ideal for the team. It totally depends on how the captain (Virat) and the coach think about it. Personally, I would be happy if he (Dhoni) bats at number four." 

During the crucial semi-final against New Zealand, Dhoni was sent in to bat at number seven, a decision that many have since questioned. India, set a target of 240 runs to chase, faced a challenging start. After batting first, New Zealand managed to post a competitive total of 239/8 in their 50 overs. In response, India struggled early on, finding themselves in deep trouble at 24-4 and later at 92-6 following the dismissals of Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya.

Dhoni, coming in at number seven, formed a vital partnership with Ravindra Jadeja. The two managed to add 116 runs for the seventh wicket, with Jadeja playing an aggressive knock, scoring a fighting half-century before being dismissed for 77 off 59 balls in the 48th over. This partnership reignited hope among Indian fans.

With India needing 31 runs in the last two overs, Dhoni attempted to accelerate, smashing a six over deep backward point to keep India's chances alive. However, his innings of 50 runs from 72 balls came to an abrupt end due to a brilliant piece of fielding by Martin Guptill, whose direct hit resulted in Dhoni being run out. This dismissal not only dashed India’s hopes of reaching the final but also marked the end of Dhoni’s illustrious career in international cricket. Dhoni announced his retirement the following year on August 15, 2020, with an Instagram post that read, “Thanks a lot for your support throughout. From 1929 hrs consider me as Retired."

The defeat left Rohit Sharma visibly emotional, almost in tears, as he reflected on the missed opportunity. Meanwhile, Dhoni's knock received mixed reactions; while some appreciated his effort, others criticized him for his cautious approach, especially since Jadeja had been finding boundaries with ease.

In the aftermath, both Dhoni and then-captain Virat Kohli, along with the team management, faced criticism for the decision to send Dhoni in so late in the innings when his experience could have provided much-needed stability earlier on.

Despite this disappointing end, MS Dhoni remains a celebrated figure in cricket history. He is the only captain to have won all ICC trophies in white-ball formats, having led India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. His legacy as a captain, wicketkeeper, and batsman continues to inspire future generations of cricketers.

Sunday, August 25, 2024

"Unified Pension Scheme" for government workers is approved by the center

 On Saturday, the Narendra Modi government approved a new Unified Pension Scheme, guaranteeing 50 percent of an employee's salary as a pension for government workers.

"Unified Pension Scheme" for government workers is approved by the center

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision, stating, "Government employees have requested modifications to the New Pension Scheme. In response, Prime Minister Modi set up a committee led by Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan. This committee engaged in over 100 meetings with various organizations and representatives from almost all states."

Vaishnaw highlighted a distinct difference between how Prime Minister Modi operates compared to the opposition. He noted, "Unlike the opposition, PM Modi believes in comprehensive consultations. The committee, after extensive discussions with all stakeholders, including the Reserve Bank of India and the World Bank, has recommended the implementation of a Unified Pension Scheme. Today, the Union Cabinet has approved this scheme, and it will be rolled out in the near future."

‘50% Assured Pension: The First Pillar of the Scheme’

Minister Vaishnaw elaborated, stating, "The first pillar of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) is the assurance of a 50 percent pension. The second pillar ensures a family pension for employees. Approximately 23 lakh central government employees will benefit from the UPS. Additionally, employees will have the option to choose between the existing New Pension Scheme (NPS) and the new Unified Pension Scheme."

Explaining the details of the scheme further, Vaishnaw said, "The Unified Pension Scheme is built on five main pillars. The employees demanded a guaranteed pension amount, which is a reasonable expectation. Therefore, the scheme ensures a 50 percent pension based on the average of the basic pay of the last 12 months before retirement. If an employee has served for 25 years, they will receive this assured pension amount."

PM Modi Praises the Unified Pension Scheme 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his approval of the Unified Pension Scheme, stating, "We are proud of the dedication and hard work of all government employees who play a crucial role in the progress of our nation. The Unified Pension Scheme is designed to provide financial security and dignity to government employees, reflecting our commitment to their well-being and ensuring a secure future for them."

The government is set to move forward with the implementation of the scheme, which promises to address the concerns of government employees and provide them with greater financial stability in their retirement years.

Amit Shah says it's "time for the final assault" and vows to eradicate naxalism in India by March 2026.

 Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Saturday that it is time to launch a decisive campaign against Naxalism, stating that the moment has arrived for a "final assault" on the extremist ideology. He expressed confidence that the battle against Naxalism is nearing its conclusion and projected that by March 2026, India would be completely free of this threat.

Amit Shah says it's "time for the final assault" and vows to eradicate naxalism in India by March 2026.

Addressing the media after an inter-state coordination meeting attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, chief secretaries, and police chiefs from Chhattisgarh and neighboring states, Shah emphasized the urgency of a coordinated and forceful approach to eradicate left-wing extremism. "The time has come to execute the final assault with a ruthless strategy to deal with leftist extremism and Naxalism," Shah declared, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and aggressive action plan.

Shah explained that the focus of the meeting was to ensure the full implementation of both central and Chhattisgarh government schemes in Naxal-affected regions. The meeting also aimed to advance infrastructure projects in these areas, addressing the obstacles that have hindered their progress in the past. “The goal is to achieve 100% saturation of government schemes in Naxal-affected areas, push forward infrastructure projects, and overcome the challenges faced during their implementation," Shah stated.

Highlighting the progress made in the fight against Naxalism, Shah noted a significant decrease in casualties due to left-wing extremism (LWE) in recent years. "In the first decade, 6,617 security personnel and civilians lost their lives, but now we have seen a 70% reduction in these numbers," he pointed out, indicating a substantial decline in violence and a positive trend towards ending the Naxal threat.

Additionally, Amit Shah addressed the issue of the national population census, assuring that it would be conducted at an "appropriate time." "It will be carried out when the time is right. I will announce the specifics of how and when it will take place," he said, leaving room for future updates on this matter.

During the press conference, Shah also took the opportunity to criticize the Congress party for forming a coalition with the National Conference (NC) for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections. He accused the Congress of not acting in the interests of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), suggesting that the party’s alliances and policies do not favor the marginalized communities.

Saturday, August 24, 2024

When questioned about PM Modi's embrace with Putin, Jaishankar told a foreign reporter, "May not be part of your culture but......"

 NEW DELHI: On Friday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a press briefing to address concerns raised by foreign reporters about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent diplomatic visits, especially his trip to Russia in July. This discussion also touched upon PM Modi's visit to Ukraine, which followed criticism from Western countries regarding his warm interaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
When questioned about PM Modi's embrace with Putin, Jaishankar told a foreign reporter, "May not be part of your culture but......"

During the press briefing, a BBC reporter mentioned that many people were "very upset" to see the interaction between PM Modi and Putin, referring to the embrace shared between the two leaders. Responding to this, Jaishankar pointed out the "cultural differences" between Western and Eastern countries. 

"In our part of the world, when people meet, they often embrace. It may not be part of your culture, but I assure you, it's a significant part of ours," Jaishankar explained, emphasizing that such gestures are common and culturally appropriate in India and many other Eastern countries. He further noted that Prime Minister Modi also embraced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy when they met on August 23. 

"Today, I believe I saw the Prime Minister embrace President Zelenskyy, as he has done with many other leaders on numerous occasions," Jaishankar said, underscoring that the gesture is a customary greeting rather than a political statement. "I think there is perhaps a cultural gap here in understanding what these gestures mean," he added.

When asked by another reporter whether India would consider imposing sanctions on Russia in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Jaishankar clarified India's stance. He stated that sanctions are not typically part of India's "political or diplomatic history."

"In India, we do not impose sanctions on any country. It's not part of our political or diplomatic history. If there are any sanctions we consider, it is generally those imposed by the United Nations. Those are the sanctions we respect," Jaishankar explained.

Further elaborating on the talks between PM Modi and President Zelenskyy, Jaishankar said the discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations across various sectors, including defense, trade, and education. PM Modi's visit to Ukraine was significant, as he became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country since 1992. He arrived in Kyiv by special train and met with members of the Indian community and Ukrainian students learning Hindi, marking a notable moment in India's diplomatic relations with Ukraine.

Jaishankar's remarks come in the context of PM Modi's recent visits to Russia in July and Ukraine in August, amid the ongoing conflict described by President Putin as a "special military operation" in Kyiv. The war, which has continued for over two years since it began in February 2022, remains a critical issue on the global stage.

India's GDP growth projections for 2024 and 2025 are lowered by Goldman Sachs due to a decline in government spending: Report

 Goldman Sachs has revised its forecast for India's GDP growth, reducing it by 20 basis points for both the current year and the next, according to a report by Bloomberg. The downward revision comes as a result of a significant reduction in spending by the Union government. 

India's GDP growth projections for 2024 and 2025 are lowered by Goldman Sachs due to a decline in government spending: Report

The investment bank now projects that India's economy will grow by 6.7 percent in 2024 and 6.4 percent in 2025. The lowered forecast for this year takes into account a sharp 35 percent year-on-year decline in government spending during the April to June quarter, which coincided with the general elections, as noted by economists from Goldman Sachs, led by Santanu Sengupta, in their August 23 report.

Earlier in August, the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) estimated the real GDP growth rate for 2024-25 to be higher, at 7.2 percent. The central bank's projections, released after the Lok Sabha elections in June 2024, outlined an expected growth of 7.2 percent for the year, broken down by quarters as follows: 7.1 percent in Q1, 7.2 percent in Q2, 7.3 percent in Q3, and 7.2 percent in Q4. These figures represent a slight adjustment from their previous projections for each quarter, which were 7.3 percent, 7.2 percent, 7.3 percent, and 7.2 percent respectively.

Also Read : Zelenskyy is consoled by PM Modi, but he is also asked to hold peace negotiations with Russia.

In contrast, the rating agency ICRA has predicted a more modest growth for India's GDP, expecting it to slow to a six-quarter low of 6.0 percent in the first quarter (Q1) of FY2025, down from 7.8 percent in Q4 FY2024. This anticipated decline is attributed to a reduction in government capital expenditure and a dip in urban consumer confidence. 

ICRA's forecast is significantly lower than the RBI’s, which has estimated a 7.1 percent growth rate for the first quarter of 2024-25. The agency attributed the slower growth in the first quarter of FY2025 to a temporary slowdown in certain sectors influenced by the parliamentary elections and reduced government capital expenditure by both the central and state governments.

Zelenskyy is consoled by PM Modi, but he is also asked to hold peace negotiations with Russia.

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought to mitigate Western criticism over his recent visit to Russia by expressing solidarity with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during their meeting in Kyiv. Modi urged Zelenskyy to engage in dialogue with Russia to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict, advocating for "innovative solutions" that would gain broad acceptance.

Zelenskyy is consoled by PM Modi, but he is also asked to hold peace negotiations with Russia.

While Modi did not present any peace plan of his own or endorse Zelenskyy's 10-point peace proposal, he emphasized that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is of utmost importance to India. Modi expressed India's readiness to actively work towards peace. During the meeting, Modi greeted Zelenskyy warmly with a hug and a show of camaraderie, with his arm around Zelenskyy's shoulder. He also visited a memorial dedicated to children who lost their lives in the conflict, an act highlighted by Zelenskyy on social media, stating the children were victims of Russian aggression.

This visit to what is locally referred to as the Martyrologist exposition on children held particular significance. Modi had faced criticism, including from Zelenskyy, for embracing Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Moscow, coinciding with the day Russia bombed a children's hospital in Kyiv. In response to this criticism, the Indian government issued a statement saying, "The Prime Minister was deeply moved by the poignant display set up in memory of the children who have lost their lives in the conflict. He expressed his sorrow over the tragic loss of young lives and, as a mark of respect, placed a toy in their memory."

In his opening remarks, Modi condemned the death of innocent children, calling it utterly unacceptable in a civilized society that values humanity. Despite this show of empathy, the visit underscored the differences between India and Ukraine regarding peace efforts. Zelenskyy urged India to endorse the Swiss peace summit's joint communique, which India had refrained from supporting due to Russia's exclusion from the summit. Zelenskyy argued that the communique could serve as a foundation for promoting peace through dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law. However, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar later told reporters that any productive peace process must include all involved parties, implying the need to involve Russia as well.

PM Modi in Ukraine, to discuss 'peaceful' war resolution with Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Modi conveyed to Zelenskyy that in times of war, truth often becomes a casualty, but he was personally moved by the violence against children. He assured that India would continue its efforts to promote peace, stating, "Even personally, I am ready to make any contribution for peace as a friend. We wish to see the dawn of peace as soon as possible." Modi also mentioned that he brought a message of peace from 1.4 billion Indians and the Global South, which has been significantly affected by the ongoing conflict.

The Prime Minister explained to Zelenskyy that India has approached the war with a two-pronged strategy: providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine while staying away from direct involvement in the conflict. "But this does not mean that we are neutral. We have chosen the side of peace, as a nation guided by the teachings of Buddha and Gandhi," Modi stated.

The joint statement issued after the meeting reinforced Modi's call for sincere and practical engagement among all stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that would be widely accepted and contribute to the early restoration of peace. It also reaffirmed India's willingness to assist in any way possible to expedite a peaceful resolution.

Both leaders acknowledged various initiatives to ensure global food security, including Ukraine's humanitarian grain initiative. The joint statement emphasized the importance of uninterrupted and unhindered supply of agricultural products to global markets, especially in Asia and Africa. Modi extended an official invitation to Zelenskyy to visit India, highlighting that their relationship continued to develop even amid challenging circumstances, demonstrating the maturity of their ties.

Ukraine also raised concerns about India's increasing energy imports from Russia. Addressing these concerns, Jaishankar explained that India's actions were driven by market strategy rather than political considerations, noting that India is a significant oil importer due to its lack of domestic oil resources. He elaborated that the global crude market is highly constrained and volatile due to sanctions on many producers, leading to fluctuations in supply and demand.

Following Modi's embrace of Putin in Moscow last month, Zelenskyy had criticized Modi, describing the gesture as a significant setback to peace efforts. Despite these tensions, the leaders reiterated their commitment to further cooperation in upholding international law principles, including the UN Charter, particularly regarding the respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty. They also agreed to maintain a closer bilateral dialogue to address ongoing issues.

In response to a rape-murder case in Kolkata, John Abraham issues a harsh warning to males, saying, "Behave, or I'll tear you apart."

 John Abraham, known for his candid and outspoken nature, recently spoke out on an important societal issue: the need for better parenting of boys to prevent violence and ensure a safer society. In response to the recent rape and murder case at a medical college in Kolkata, John took to Radio Nasha to deliver a powerful message, calling on boys to 'behave' and urging them to reflect on their actions.

In response to a rape-murder case in Kolkata, John Abraham issues a harsh warning to males, saying, "Behave, or I'll tear you apart."

When asked what message he had for today’s youth, John emphasized the urgent need for boys to change their behavior, pointing out that this change begins with proper upbringing. He stressed that girls should never be blamed for the actions of boys and highlighted the critical role parents play in guiding their sons toward respectful and responsible behavior. He also underscored the importance of supporting girls and fostering a safe environment for them.

In an earlier podcast with Ranveer Allahabadia, John expressed his deep concerns regarding the safety of women, children, and animals in India. He highlighted the necessity for Indian men to learn how to treat women with respect and act as their protectors, rather than perpetrators of violence.

On the professional front, John Abraham recently appeared in Nikhil Advani's crime action-thriller *Vedaa*, which was released on August 15. He is also set to star in a lineup of upcoming films, including *Stree 2*, *Khel Khel Mein*, and *Thangalaan*. Among his upcoming projects is Shivam Nair’s *The Diplomat*, featuring Sadia Khateeb, Kumud Mishra, and Sharib Hashmi. Additionally, he will appear in Arun Gopalan’s action-thriller *Tehran*, alongside Manushi Chhillar and Neeru Bajwa. 

John's advocacy for better behavior among boys, alongside his call for greater awareness and accountability, reflects his commitment to social issues, even as he continues to build a successful career in film.

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