For the first time since 1996, India’s ruling BJP is not contesting elections in Kashmir, where powerful local parties like National Conference and PDP are the main contenders. Analysts say the BJP decided to skip as the outcome may contradict the government’s narrative of normalcy in Kashmir after revoking its semi-autonomous status in 2019. Local leaders allege continued discontent and alienation in the heavily militarized region.
Category: India
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Over 80 Air India Express flights cancelled after 300 crew members go on sick leave
Air India Express, owned by Tata Group, canceled over 80 flights after around 300 cabin crew members called in sick abruptly, switching off phones. The airline stated the crew protested against new employment terms through this “mass sick leave.” It apologized for the disruption and is trying to minimize inconvenience. The Civil Aviation Ministry took cognizance of the sudden cancellations spanning Tuesday and Wednesday. Impacted passengers will receive refunds or free rescheduling. The airline advised flyers to check flight status before heading to the airport. Representational Image/The Statesman
Civil servants’ training: Indian team to visit Bangladesh for talks on renewal of contract
An Indian government delegation from the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) is visiting Bangladesh from April 28-30 for bilateral talks on renewing the MoU between the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) of India and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Public Administration (MOPA). The MoU, set to expire in 2025, facilitates training programs for Bangladeshi civil servants in India. Since 2014, 71 capacity-building programs have been held under this collaboration, training 2,600 Bangladeshi civil servants. Photo: Collected
Mamata ‘suffers minor injuries’ after falling inside helicopter
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sustained minor injuries after falling while boarding a helicopter in Durgapur today. Videos show her slipping while trying to sit on the seat after climbing the stairs. Security personnel rushed to help her, but she continued her onward travel to Asansol. This is the latest in a series of incidents where Mamata has suffered injuries, including a car accident and hospitalizations. photo: Collected
India to export 99,150 tonnes of onions to Bangladesh, 5 other countries
India has permitted the export of 99,150 tonnes of onions to Bangladesh and five other countries – the UAE, Mauritius, Bhutan, Bahrain, and Sri Lanka. The National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), a state-owned entity, will facilitate the onion exports to these nations.
Deepfakes of Bollywood stars spark worries of AI meddling in India election
Fake AI-generated videos of Bollywood actors Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh criticizing PM Modi and endorsing the opposition Congress party have gone viral on social media, viewed over half a million times. Khan has filed a police complaint, while the actors and fact-checkers have confirmed the videos are manipulated. The spread of such deepfakes highlights the potential impact of AI-generated content in India’s ongoing general election. Authorities and social media platforms are taking action to remove the misleading videos. Photo: Collected