This is the first visual identity change by Pepsi in the last 14 years, according to a statement by the American beverage major. 

As part of this, the new Pepsi globe logo was unleashed at Gateway of India in Mumbai, where it took over the monument with a digital artwork, it added. 

"The new logo thoughtfully borrows equity from Pepsi's past, whilst incorporating modern elements to create a look that is unapologetically current and undeniably Pepsi. The updated colour palette introduces electric blue and black to bring a contemporary edge to the classic Pepsi colour scheme," it said. 

The signature Pepsi pulse evokes the "ripple, pop and fizz" of Pepsi-Cola '" moving in time, it said. 

"The fresh design language reflects the invigorating spirit of Indian youth and their boundless pursuit of possibilities," Shailja Joshi, Category Lead, Pepsi Cola, PepsiCo India, said. -- PTI

Once married, he began forcing the woman to convert to his religion, they said. 

According to a complaint she filed at Robertsganj Kotwali, Sahjeb alias Rohan Rai met her on Facebook and later married her, the superintendent of police office said in a release. 

After marriage, Sahjeb started pressuring her for dowry and changing her religion and also threatened to kill her, it said. 

On the basis of the complaint, the man was booked under provisions of Uttar Pradesh Religious Conversion Act and arrested on Friday, the police said. -- PTI

The corporation had earlier proposed a ten percent cut in view of dwindling levels of reservoirs, caused by low rainfall during the 2023 monsoon. 

It had demanded that the Maharashtra government make water available from its reserve for Mumbai, the BMC said in a release on Friday. 

"The proposed ten per cent cut will not happen due to the state government's assurance," it added. 

In the previous two years, monsoon was active in the state till October 15, but last year there was no rain in October, the BMC said, adding that the reservoirs supplying water to Mumbai have 5.58 percent less water storage compared to the previous year. 

As of March 1, the reservoirs had 42.67 percent of water storage. 

The civic body, however, appealed to the citizens to use water judiciously. Mumbai receives 3800 MLD (million litres per day) of water from Bhatsa, Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, Tansa, Modak Sagar, Vihar and Tulsi reservoirs, located in Mumbai, Thane and Nashik districts. -- PTI

A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and Prashant Kumar Mishra said e high court has passed a very reasoned order and it was not inclined to interfere with it. 

"We may, however, observe that the observation made by the judge in the impugned order are to be considered only for the purpose of the notice order and those observations should have no bearing in deciding the criminal revision finally," the bench said.

The high court had on August 31 last year issued notice to Paneerselvam and some of his relatives on a criminal revision case it has initiated on its own. 

The judge said, "This is a case where a political personage has maneuvered the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, the state government and the court to ensure that the trial against him was derailed." 

The court directed Paneerselvam, his wife Vijayalakshmi (since deceased), his son Ravindranathkumar, his brothers O Raja and O Balamurugan and their wives to remain present before it for hearing. -- PTI

Additional district judge Harjyot Singh Bhalla was hearing Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited's plea against two private limited companies that operate and manage the Bloomberg portal for allegedly publishing a defamatory article against it on February 21.

"The said article is defamatory qua the plaintiff (Zee) and has been published in order to malign and defame the plaintiff, with a pre-meditated and mala fide intention," the plea said.

Taking note of the evidence before it, the court said Zee had established a "prima facie case for passing ad-interim ex-parte orders of injunction".        

It said the balance of convenience is in Zee's favour and irreparable loss and injury might be caused to the company if the injunction was not granted.

"In view thereof, defendant no.1 and defendant no.2 (the companies operating and managing Bloomberg) are directed to take down the article dated February 21, 2024m from the online platform within one week of the receipt of this order," the court said.

"The defendants are further restrained from posting, circulating or publishing the aforesaid article in respect of the plaintiff on any online or offline platform till the next date of hearing," it added.

The other defendants in the case include the authors and researchers of the article.

Shivakumar along with home minister G Parameshwara visited the blast site and later also checked on the injured admitted at the hospital. 

"The blast occurred at 1 pm. It happened at Rameshwaram Cafe. A young man of about 28-30 years came to the cafe, purchased rava idli at the counter, placed the bag near a tree (adjacent to the cafe) and left. After one hour the blast occurred," Shivakumar said. 

Speaking to reporters, he said, "it was a bomb blast with a low intensity or impact. He (man) had fixed a timer for the blast to happen after one hour." 

The deputy CM said the Central Crime Branch has taken up the investigation. 

FSL and bomb squad have also come to the spot. 

"Seven to eight teams have been formed and an investigation is happening. There is no need for anyone to worry. Who (the culprit) is being traced...police are free in the investigation. We are confident that within a few hours they will find the culprit," he added. 

Stating that ten people are injured, Shivakumar said no one is seriously injured and all are out of danger. 

"We are looking from all angles. Whatever our police officers feel fit, they are free to do it (investigation) in all angles," he said. -- PTI

The incident took place at Mahid village in Pandharpur tehsil, more than 200 km from Pune. 

The explosion was followed by a fire, said a police official. 

The cause of the explosion was yet to be ascertained, he said.

Jibran Baloch, a Pakistan International Airlines flight steward performed duties on the PIA flight PK-782 on Thursday. 

However, he failed to turn up for duty on the return flight. 

Following a search of his hotel room by the PIA staff, it was revealed that he had slipped away, Geo News reported. 

Confirming the incident, the PIA spokesperson identified the missing flight attendant and confirmed the incident. 

The spokesperson said that measures to stop the incidents of flight crew members going missing in the North American country have turned out "abortive". 

Citing sources at the flag carrier, the report said that its decision to get flight staff to submit their passports to the officials also did not bear fruit. Baloch went 'missing' in Canada allegedly to claim citizenship, the sources said. 

The incident comes days after another PIA flight attendant went missing while on duty after landing in Canada. -- PTI

The PIL, filed by advocate Jaishri Patil and others, said such a decision was taken by the government and opposition for the sake of "dirty politics" and termed the move as "destruction of the basic structure of the Constitution". 

The decision was taken jointly by the state government and the Opposition without following the rules of fair play and due process, and is a "politically motivated" one to take reservations beyond 50 percent without any extraordinary circumstance, the petition claimed. 

The plea claimed everyone was supporting reservation but no one had any sympathy that the open/general seats "remain only 38 percent". 

The Maharashtra legislature on February 20 unanimously passed the Maharashtra State Socially and Educationally Backward Bill 2024 providing 10 percent reservation for the Maratha community in education and government jobs. 

It was tabled in the Assembly during a special one-day session by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. -- PTI

Banerjee said she also took up the issue of the state's pending dues with the PM. 

"I mentioned the issues of the state to the prime minister, besides having a chat with him," Banerjee told reporters after the meeting. 

Asked about the issue of the Centre's dues to the state, which the ruling TMC has been flagging frequently, Banerjee said, "I raised that matter also." 

Modi, who is on a two-day tour of West Bengal from Friday, will stay the night at Raj Bhavan. 

Banerjee's convoy entered the governor's house shortly after the prime minister arrived there. 

Taking to X, Governor C V Ananda Bose said he received the PM at the Raj Bhavan. 

Bose had also attended the prime minister's official programme at Arambagh earlier in the day, where Modi inaugurated, dedicated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,200 crore. -- PTI

FIU-IND initiated a review of Paytm Payments Bank on receipt of specific information from law enforcement agencies in respect of few entities and their network of businesses engaged in a number of illegal acts, including organising and facilitating online gambling. 

The money generated from these illegal operations, i.e. proceeds of crime were routed and channelled through bank accounts maintained by these entities with the Paytm Payments Bank Ltd, the ministry said. 

"The Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND),... has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 5.49 crore on Paytm Payments Bank Ltd with reference to the violations of its obligations under the PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act)," the ministry said. 

The FIU passed its order imposing the penalty on February 15. -- PTI

Bind, who represents Bhabua in Kaimur district, reached the Vidhan Sabha premises in the post-lunch session with deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who is also the state BJP president. 

He entered the House with Murari Gautam, a former minister who had turned his back on Congress a couple of days ago, and the two sat together. 

The development comes on the final day of the budget session when the House was through with legislative business and taking up private members' bills. 

Earlier, RJD MLAs Chetan Anand, Neelam Devi and Prahlad Yadav had switched over to the ruling side, voting against party leader and the then Speaker Awadh Bihari Chaudhary in a no-confidence motion, and supporting the NDA in the trust vote. 

Besides, on Wednesday, RJD MLA Sangita Kumari, along with Murari Gautam and Siddharth Saurav of the Congress, were felicitated inside the premises by Samrat Choudhary, whom they followed into the assembly hall, and amid thumping of desks in approval by NDA members, they sat beside the ruling coalition MLAs. -- PTI

Fadnavis, in a letter to Sharad Pawar on Friday, said that he cannot accept the invitation as he will be engaged in important programmes on March 2. 

"I received the letter written by you, as well as an invitation for dinner from you. As you are aware that after the efforts of deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the Namo Maharojgar Melava is being organised in Baramati. This big programme will be held in Baramati, after that, the bhoomi pujan of the memorial of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj will be held in Badhu Budruk and Tuljapur and immediately after that, the bhoomi pujan of the memorial of revolutionary Lahuji Vastad Salve is scheduled. The whole day is going to be very busy as two important programmes are being organised one after the other. Therefore, I will not be able to accept your urgent invitation this time. Thank you once again," Fadnavis said. 

Sharad Pawar, the Opposition leader, had invited Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the two deputy CMs, including his nephew Ajit Pawar, to share a meal at his residence in Baramati during their visit on March 2. -- ANI

Bhushan Lotan More (33) committed suicide on Thursday afternoon by jumping in front of a mail train between Khadavali and Titwala stations, the official said. 

"His brother told us More was embroiled in a parking allotment dispute with four persons from his housing society and that he ended his life due to harassment from them," senior inspector Pandhari Kandhe of Kalyan railway police station said. 

Based on the victim's brother's complaint, the four have been booked for abetment of suicide and other offences, he said. 

Efforts are on to nab them, Kandhe added. -- PTI

"At 1 pm, a bomb blast occurred at the hotel (cafe), nine people are injured, and no one is serious. We are investigating. FSL (forensic) teams have come and are checking. City police commissioner and other officers are at the spot. We will certainly identify who did it," Mohan, who visited the spot said. 

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said no one has suffered serious injuries and the injured -- both staff and customers -- are being treated in hospital. 

Asked whether an improvised explosive device was used for the blast, he said, "We are checking. Let's not say anything now itself. The FSL team has come and they are checking. Once they collect (samples from the spot), we will examine." 

The DGP said he has spoken to the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and home minister G Parameshwara and has shared the information about the incident to them. 

Asked about reports that some batteries found at the spot, he said once the FSL team does the full examination, there will be clarity. -- PTI

Speaking at the `Brahmin Ekya Parishad' conference at Parli in Maharashtra's Beed district on February 25, Chitale allegedly called for a scrutiny of cases registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in the last five years to check how many of them were genuine. 

Information should be obtained under the Right to Information Act as filing false cases under the Atrocities Act has become a racket, she allegedly said. Premnath Jagatkar, a local resident, lodged a complaint at Parli city police station after listening to the speech online, a police official said. 

A First Information Report was registered against Chitale and the organiser of the conference Bajirao Dharmadhikari on Thursday under Indian Penal Code sections 295-A (hurting religious sentiments) and 505 (2) (statements creating enmity between classes), the official added. 

No arrest has been made in the case. -- PTI

He said those involved will be found and strict action will be taken against them. 

"According to the information I have got, after 12 pm someone placed a bag and went. Investigations are going on, Siddaramaiah said, adding that all the injured persons are out of danger. 

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, he said, "CCTV and other things are being examined. We have come to know about someone placing a bag. It is said to be an improvised explosive blast. We have to see, the investigations are on." 

Asked whether it was a terrorist act, the CM said, it is not known and investigations are on. 

The police are at the spot and he has asked the home minister also to visit the spot. -- PTI

The 88-year-old actor shared a picture of his injured foot on the microblogging site on early Friday morning on X but deleted it soon after, according to reports. 

"Feroz, I have fractured my ankle. With your prayers, I'll soon be healthy again," he replied later in the day when a social media user expressed concern over his health. 

He didn't disclose when and where he sustained the injury. 

Last September, there was speculation that the veteran actor was in the US for medical treatment, a claim he refuted by informing fans that he was on a holiday and would return soon. 

Dharmendra was most recently seen in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, fronted by Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. 

The screen icon will next be seen in Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis. -- PTI

Talking to media persons in Shimla, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said Vikramaditya Singh informed him on Thursday that some of the Congress rebels had approached him and wished to come back. 

 "I told Vikramaditya Singh to talk to these rebels MLAs and the Congress central leadership," the chief minister said, adding that the family members of these rebel MLAs were talking to them and they want to be in the Congress. 

 "Vikramaditya Singh will meet with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi today and we will see what development takes place but there is no threat to the government," he said. 

 The six Congress rebels had cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha election for the lone seat in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, leading to the defeat of the party's official candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi. 

 This triggered a crisis and the party's central leadership sent a team of observers to talk with Congress MLAs in Shimla. Meanwhile, Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania disqualified the six MLAs for allegedly defying a party whip on voting for the state Budget in the assembly. 

 After the cross-voting, Vikramaditya Singh, state Congress chief Pratibha Singh's son, had announced his resignation from the Cabinet but softened his stand after a meeting with the observers. 

 Sukhu said the rebels are staying at a hotel in Panchkula. "We will see what to do when they enter Himachal," he added. On whether the Congress would take the rebels back, Sukhu said, "I have already cleared my stand on the issue..." The chief minister said at a press conference a day before that the party was ready to take the rebels back.

Forensic teams are trying to ascertain the actual cause of the explosion. Those injured have been shifted to different hospitals for treatment. Among them were two staff and seven customers, officials said. 

 A bomb disposal squad and forensic teams are at the spot to ascertain the actual cause of the blast as police now suspect that a bag at the eatery exploded. 

 CCTV footage is being scanned to check if there was any suspicious movement in and around Rameswaram Cafe in Whitefield, where the blast took place. Karnataka DGP Alok Mohan, Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda and other senior officials are inspecting the premises, which has been cordoned off. NIA and IB officials have been informed, the DGP said. 

 "At 1.08 pm today, the fire department received a call about LPG leakage fire in the cafe. When our officers and teams reached the spot, there was no fire or flame. A bag which was lying behind a woman who was sitting with six other customers at the eatery exploded. It is suspected that the explosion could have been caused due to some object in that bag," TN Shivashankar, Director of Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services department told PTI. "It is not clear whose bag it was," he said. 

 Ruling out the possibility of any gas cylinder leakage, the officer said, "I along with my team of officers inspected the spot. But there is no sign of any leakage from the gas cylinder. We have checked it. Another LPG gas cylinder inside the kitchen which was used for tea and coffee was also checked but there is no leakage from it as well. There is no sign of gas leakage from any cylinders at the spot as per our initial probe." 

 In total, nine people, including seven customers were injured. Among those grievously injured is the woman who was sitting near the bag. She is being treated at the hospital, he added.

 The cafe which is located at Whitefield's Brookfield area, a vibrant neighborhood, a business centre as well as a tech hub. The cafe is usually crowded with employees from nearby offices during the lunch hours.

 Edison, an eyewitness said, "I was waiting outside the eatery for my turn when suddenly we heard a loud noise... an explosion. We got scared not knowing what it was. There were around 35-40 people at the eatery. They all started rushing out and there was absolute chaos. They started saying that a cylinder exploded. But we don't know exactly what happened." Amruth, who works at a private firm nearby had just placed his order when he suddenly he heard a huge explosion. "I was waiting outside the cafe after placing my order and the blast took place...we saw some four people were injured. In no time, ambulance and fire engine rushed in. Police teams were here. They started rescuing people...," he said. PTI

 Talking to ANI on Friday, Jayaprakash said that one of the friends of Sidhharth informed him that the death of his son was a well-planned murder, adding that 'brutal ragging' is regular in the college.

 "At the time of the incident, I was in Dubai. When I came back, his (Sidhharth) friend told me that it was a well-planned murder. After that, a few students told me that brutal ragging also happens here but no one informs officials as they are all afraid. The dean or the college officials didn't inform me about anything," he said. 

 Alleging the involvement of SFI workers and leaders in the death of his son, Jayaprakash said, "Even during the postmortem, none of the college officials were there. Right now, I can't say how the investigation is going on because I don't know the clear details. I am 100 per cent sure that SFI workers were involved, not just the workers but the leaders. All those who are suspended in anti-ragging action belong to SFI." 

 Earlier in the day, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal visited the deceased student's parents at Nedumangad in Thiruvananthapuram. Venugopal was accompanied by party leaders T Siddique, M Liju, Rahul Mamkootathil and others during his visit to Sidhharth's house. 

 Speaking to reporters after meeting the family, Venugopal hit out at the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) over the alleged involvement of members of the SFI, the student wing of the CPI (M), in the student's death.

"We witnessed heartbreaking scenes in this house. I cannot even face Sidhharth's mother. This type of situation cannot be described in words. The way in which SFI, CPI (M) criminals are attacking innocent students of the state is not at all acceptable," Venugopal said. 

 "This is not suicide, this is a clear-cut murder sponsored by the Students' Federation of India," he added.

 Twenty-year-old JS Sidhharth, a student at Government Veterinary College at Pookode in Wayanad, was found hanging in his hostel room on February 18, according to police. -- ANI

 Modi also slammed the opposition bloc INDIA for maintaining a stoic silence on the issue of Sandeshkhali horrors. 

"Amid achievements, the entire country is watching the situation of Bengal today. The whole country is sad and angry after seeing what TMC, which beats the drum of Maa, Mati, and Manush, has done to the sisters of Sandeshkhali. 

 "What TMC has done to the sisters of Sandeshkhali is a matter of shame," he said at a rally at Arambagh in Hooghly district. 

 Accusing the TMC government of being corrupt in all spheres, PM Modi said, For INDI alliance leaders, supporting the corrupt and appeasement politics is of prime importance rather than stand by those tortured by the TMC in Sandeshkhali. 

 The TMC is confident that it has the support of the minorities, but the Muslims this too will vote against the goonda raj of the TMC, he said. 

 The Sandeshkhali region, located on the fringes of the Sunderbans, has been engulfed in turmoil for over a month due to accusations against TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his cohorts of sexual abuse and land usurpation. Sheikh was arrested by the police yesterday after being on the run for 55 days. PTI

At least four people were injured in a blast reported at Bengaluru's popular Rameshwaram Cafe outlet in Whitefield on Friday.

In a post on X, the BJP Lok Sabha MP from Bengaluru Central, PC Mohan said, "Concerned to hear about the mysterious blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru Central Parliamentary Constituency. My thoughts are with the affected individuals and their families. Urging authorities to investigate and ensure the safety of all citizens. Stay safe, Bengaluru."

Meanwhile, Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda arrived at the incident spot for the inspection.

Also, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya who represents Bengaluru South Constituency said that the founder of the cafe informed him that blast has occured after a customer left a bag in its premises.

The National President of the BJP Yuva Morcha said that the people of Bengaluru are demanding answers from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah."Just spoke to Rameshwaram Cafe founder Sri Nagaraj about the blast in his restaurant. He informed me that the blast occurred because of a bag that was left by a customer and not any cylinder explosion. One of their employees is injured. It's seems to be a clear case of bomb blast. Bengaluru demands clear answers from CM Siddaramaiah," Tejasvi Surya posted on X.

Police teams and fire brigade teams rushed to the blast site and were seen analysing the after-effects of the explosion. Shattered glass and furniture were seen strewn on the floor of the cafe, which drew attention among residents.

The area was secured by the police and Fire Brigade teams and the injured were hospitalised.

 The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple developmental projects related to sectors like rail, ports, oil pipelines, LPG supply and wastewater treatment. India of the 21st century is progressing at a fast pace and together we all have set the goal of making a developed India by 2047, he said at the programme.

 Modi said the Centre has taken steps for the welfare of the poor and that is why in the last 10 years, about 25 crore people of the country have come out of poverty. Our effort is that the modernization of railways in West Bengal should happen at the same pace as it is happening in other parts of the country, he said. PTI

 The fire on Thursday night that engulfed the Green Cozy Cottage building in the capital's Baily Road area housed several restaurants and shops. 

 The fire broke out around 9:50 pm on Thursday at a popular restaurant named Kacchi Bhai on the building's first floor and quickly spread to the upper floors that had more restaurants and a garment shop, according to fire service officials. 

 Health Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen said around 2 am that 33 bodies were brought to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and 10 others to the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Another victim died at the Police Hospital. The condition of those injured is "critical", he told reporters at a briefing. 

 "One more person died during treatment in the intensive care unit of Dhaka Medical ICU this morning. A total of 46 people have died so far," Sen said on Friday. 

Currently, 10 people are undergoing treatment at the Sheikh Hasina burn unit and two at DMCH, he said. Till now, the bodies of 39 people have been identified. Of them, at least 31 bodies of the victims have been handed over to families without an autopsy. Till now, the identities of six bodies remain unknown. 

The authorities will hand them over after conducting a DNA test. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is closely monitoring the fire incident at the commercial building, the Health Minister said. Hasina on Friday bemoaned that there was no fire exit in the multi-storied building. 

 The fire that broke out in Bailey Road, that is a multi-storied building, but there was no fire exit, she said. She urged all to follow the rules and regulations while constructing any building. Hasina said that 46 people died in the Bailey Road fire incident. What could be more painful than this, she said.

 On May 19, 2023, the RBI announced the withdrawal of Rs 2,000 denomination bank notes from circulation. "The total value of Rs 2000 banknotes in circulation, which was Rs 3.56 lakh crore at the close of business on May 19, 2023, when the withdrawal of Rs 2000 banknotes was announced, has declined to Rs 8,470 crore at the close of business on February 29, 2024," the RBI said in a statement.

 Thus, 97.62 per cent of the Rs 2,000 banknotes in circulation as of May 19, 2023, have since been returned, it added. 

 "The Rs 2,000 banknotes continue to be legal tender," the RBI added. People can deposit and/or exchange Rs 2,000 bank notes at the 19 RBI offices across the country. People can also send Rs 2,000 bank notes through India Post from any post office to any of the RBI Issue Offices for credit to their bank accounts in India.

 The explosion at Rameshwaram Cafe at Kundanahalli led to a blaze. Police and fire personnel have rushed to the spot. PTI

 The banner said budding talent from across the world would directly receive information about casting calls for its films and series through the YRF Casting App. 

According to YRF, the app would help the studio tackle fake casting calls issued in the name of the company. 

It would further enable aspirants to register their profile details and submit their auditions to the banner, it said in a press release. 

Shanoo Sharma, who is in-charge of selecting and grooming actors for YRF projects, will monitor all auditions via the app. 

Sharma said the YRF Casting App is a "progressive step" towards helping aspiring actors reach out directly to the studio for projects. 

The YRF Casting App is now live.

The Rameshwaram Cafe is an extremely popular eatery and makes it several food reels. 

Addressing a public rally in Dhanbad on Friday, PM Modi said that only one sound is audible everywhere and that is 'Ab ki Baar, 400 paar'. 

 "The slogan of '400 paar' is being raised because the country has faith in Modi's guarantee... I want to apologize that the 'pandal' is too small today. Only 5 per cent of the people are inside, the rest 95 per cent are outside in the sun," the Prime Minister said. 

 He further said that the NDA would win over 400 seats in the Lok Sabha polls as the country is relying on Modi's guarantee. The PM hit out at the Congress and its allies saying that they were the enemies of positive development in the country. 

 "Congress and its alliance parties are the biggest enemies of development... The foundation stone of the Electricity power plant of North Karanpura was laid by former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the end of the previous century... After that, the scammer government of Congress came into power and this project was shut down... In 2014, I gave a guarantee of reviving this project. Today, a no. of houses are lightened because of this power plant," the Prime Minister said.

 The banner said budding talent from across the world would directly receive information about casting calls for its films and series through the YRF Casting App. 

According to YRF, the app would help the studio tackle fake casting calls issued in the name of the company. 

It would further enable aspirants to register their profile details and submit their auditions to the banner, it said in a press release. 

Shanoo Sharma, who is in-charge of selecting and grooming actors for YRF projects, will monitor all auditions via the app. 

Sharma said the YRF Casting App is a "progressive step" towards helping aspiring actors reach out directly to the studio for projects. 

The YRF Casting App is now live.

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP's National President JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Organisation General Secretary BL Santosh, Chief Ministers, State Presidents, In-charges, Co-Incharges, and Election In-charges of various states were present in this meeting. 

Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Assam, Uttarakhand, and Goa were also present. 

 Around 17 states like Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Gujarat, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Telangana, Assam, Goa and others were discussed in the meeting.

 Sources say, candidates for nearly 155 seats were finalised in the meeting on Thursday night. 

 As per sources in the UP BJP, discussions were held on 50 seats in Uttar Pradesh; however, the party has decided to release half of the names in the first list. 

Among these seats, six have been given to alliance partners in Uttar Pradesh. Apna Dal (Sone Lal Patel) will fight for 2 seats, Rashtriya Lok Dal is likely to get 2 seats in Western Uttar Pradesh, Om Prakash Rajbhars SPBSP will contest for 1 seat, and Sanjay Nishad's party will contest for 1 seat. All five seats in Uttrakhand were discussed in CEC and the names could be announced in the first list of the party. 

 Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan, BJP leader Prahlad Patel, and BJP's State President VD Sharma were also present in the meeting, where discussions were held regarding the names of candidates for all 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh. 

 Out of 17 seats in Telangana, candidates for 4-5 seats were discussed and will get a place in the first list. Three current MPs, G. Kishan Reddy, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and Arvind Dharmapuri may also get tickets again.

 The total number of children, adolescents and adults worldwide living with obesity has surpassed one billion. 

These trends, together with the declining prevalence of people who are underweight since 1990, make obesity the most common form of malnutrition in most countries, the researchers said. Obesity and underweight are both forms of malnutrition and are detrimental to people's health in many ways. 

The latest study provides a highly detailed picture of global trends in both forms of malnutrition over the last 33 years. The analysis by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) -- a global network of scientists -- and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that among the world's children and adolescents, the rate of obesity in 2022 was four times the rate in 1990.

Want a backgrounder? Read our in-depth coverage of the Sheena Bora trial by Vaihayasi P Daniel/Rediff.com here. 

PS. Vaihayasi also features in the docu series. 

 Mocking Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu for inviting back the six disqualified Congress MLAs, Thakur said, "There can be no bigger joke than this. Perhaps the CM is unable to understand clearly that what is being said. There is such a situation now that he is fearful that the government is going to go away; MLAs are leaving his side. The political situation in Himachal Pradesh is such that whatever the Congress high command may say, things have not settled yet and there is no possibility of that happening." 

 When asked if they will bring a No Confidence Motion against the state government, Thakur dismissed the idea, emphasizing that the internal strife and political developments were solely the responsibility of the ruling party.

 He remarked, "Mere hisab se sarkar rahegi toh chalegi nahi" (According to me, the government will not survive). 

Thakur highlighted that the ruling party's actions have created a situation casting doubt on the government's continuation.

 Asserting the Opposition's stance, Thakur clarified that they are merely observers of the unfolding events and not instigating any action. 

 "We are sitting here, we are not doing anything. Whatever is happening - it is happening amongst them. We are alert regarding the political developments taking place. But the unethical and wrong methods that have been adopted to save the government -- suspension of BJP MLAs, disqualification of 6 Congress MLAs -- and a few hasty decisions that have been taken have affected the image of the CM across the state. He should understand this," the minister said. -- ANI

Class 12 examination of the Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education (CGBSE) began on Friday, while Class 10 board exams are scheduled to start from Saturday. 

This is the second year in a row that a helicopter was used for carrying the board exam papers to Jagargunda exam centre in Sukma, they said. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai's office on Thursday night posted pictures of a helicopter ferrying board exam question papers to the centre in Jagargunda on its 'X' handle, and wrote that the future of students was the topmost priority in his state. 

"This is our Chhattisgarh, where the future of children is our topmost concern. Question papers were sent by helicopter to Jagargunda in Sukma. The board examinations are starting from March 1," it said. 

Appreciating the effort of the local district administration, CM Sai said the initiative taken for shaping bright future of the children in tribal areas is praiseworthy. 

"Let no child remain deprived of good education. Chhattisgarh government is dedicated to the better future of children," it added. 

Of the 16 centres for board examinations in Sukma district, question papers were sent to the Jagargunda centre in a chopper on February 27 in view of security reasons, a district administration official said. Total 36 students, including 16 of Class 12 and 20 of Class 10 belonging to different schools will appear in exams at the Jagargunda centre, he said. 

This is for the second time that a helicopter was used for carrying question papers to Jagargunda. In the previous academic session, a chopper was used to transport question papers at Jagargunda, which was made an exam centre for the first time in 2022-23. 

"Earlier, students from the area had to go to Dornapal for board examinations," he said.

 More than 2.61 lakh students have enrolled for Class 12 state board examination in the ongoing academic session in the state which will be held from March 1 to 23, while over 3.45 lakh students for Class 10 board exams to be held between March 2 and 21. Total 2,475 examination centres have been set up across the state, officials said. PTI

 The embalmed body, draped and kept in a coffin, was sent on a flight to the island nation amidst heavy police protection in Chennai. 

Santhan's mortal remains would be taken to his house in Sri Lanka, his counsel Pugazhendhi said. 

 His mortal remains were handed over by the authorities following completion of all formalities after he died early on February 28 at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai due to a cardiac arrest. 

 Santhan had been battling for his life for nearly a month due to liver failure diagnosed by the doctors at RGGGH as cryptogenic cirrhosis - a condition with no apparent underlying reason. His brother and his counsel were by his side when he breathed his last. 

 On Thursday, the Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu government to take all necessary steps to send Santhan's body to Sri Lanka. Santhan (55) was one among the seven convicts ordered to be released by the Supreme Court in 2022. -- PTI

 Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Pratibha Singh says, "From day 1, I had been telling the CM that we would be able to face the upcoming election only if he strengthens the organisation. 

"This is a very tough situation for us. We can see a lot of difficulties on the ground -- as per the directions of PM Modi, BJP is going to do a lot of things...

"We are on weak footing there. I urged him again and again that we need to strengthen and the party needs to be organised... I can say that it is a difficult time. Still, we have to contest elections and win."

On disqualification of 6 Congress MLAs: "...They have been disqualified. High Command will decide what role they will play now and what strategy will be made in the time to come...They will go (to court) and everyone fights for justice. I don't know what were the directions. They too must have been hurt by this decision because they are all Congress people and were fighting for their rights, for their demands. Let's see how the situation develops."

Face of campaigning in the state -- CM Sukhu or her: "It has to be decided by the high command. That is not for me to decide. I will go just like a worker, like a sitting MP. As the state party chief, it is my responsibility to strengthen the people in the organisation and I am making all efforts towards it."

Who is better prepared as of today Congress or BJP: "A lot of things remain to be done in Congress...It is true that BJP's working is better than ours."

The violence occurred in the university's School of Languages building late on Thursday night. Students from both Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Left-backed groups have filed police complaints against each other. The complaints were registered at Vasant Kunj North police station. A university official said some students have been admitted to Safdarjung Hospital. 

 "We received information about the clashes on the campus at 1.15 am. At least four students were injured. Multiple complaints have been received from both sides. Further inquiry is on," a police officer told PTI. 

 University Vice-Chancellor Santishree D Pandit said the administration will look into the matter and take strict action. 

 "The JNU (students' union) elections are conducted by students. It is their responsibility to ensure that it is a peaceful democratic process. The Inter-hostel Administration (IHA) oversees the conduct of the polls. Any complaints by the students' body will be looked into by the IHA. Very strict action will be taken against those found guilty irrespective of their political affiliation," she told PTI. 

 The vice-chancellor also said once the medicolegal cases of students severely injured in the violence are done, the authority concerned will prepare a report and take appropriate action. Pandit warned the students that any act of violence on campus may lead to deferring the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) polls further. 

 A video clip of the incident showed a man thrashing students with a stick while in another, a person is seen throwing a bicycle at students. Other videos also purportedly showed individuals being mobbed and beaten up by a group while security personnel of the university tried to rescue them. 

 The ABVP told PTI that two students seen in one of the videos beating others with a stick and throwing a bicycle were members of its JNU unit and claimed that they were trying to defend themselves. On the other hand, Left-backed groups alleged that ABVP members, disgruntled by the selection of the election committee members, attacked JNUSU office bearers and other students. 

 JNUSU Joint Secretary Mohammad Danish, who was presiding the School General Body Meeting along with JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh, claimed that he received threats to his life from ABVP members because of his religious identity. He also alleged that he was held hostage during the meeting. 

 "On the last day of the General Body Meeting at the School of Languages, ABVP resorted to another round of violence at the end of the meeting. Initially attempting to disrupt the selection process for the election committee, the ABVP resorted to violence against students when thwarted by JNU students," the Left-backed All India Students Association (AISA) claimed in a statement. 

"Accompanied by Kanhaiya Kumar, a student of Japanese MA and the ring-leader of the SL (School of Languages) unit, the ABVP goons were seen wielding rods and targeting and beating common students indiscriminately. They singled out Muslim students and objected to the names of Muslim students being proposed for the election committee," it alleged. 

 The Left students' group claimed their members Shaurya and Madhurima Kundu, both pursuing PhD, and Priyam and Anwesha, students of MA Linguistics, were chased and beaten up by ABVP members. It also accused the JNU administration of shielding the RSS-affiliated student group. 

 The ABVP, in turn, accused the Left group of foul play in electing the candidates of the election committee and alleged that the politburo chief in the General Body Meeting tried to provide undue advantage to SFI candidates.

 Following the incident, the perpetrator targeted another individual's residence. When the disturbance drew attention from the locals, the assailant fled the scene. 

 Thereafter, the Palghar Police arrested the double murder accused, Kishor Kumar Mandal, from a mud pond nearby a forest area in Koodan village.

 As per reports, the locals of a village in Boisar suspected an individual with erratic behaviour who had been wandering in the village for the past two days. 

 Meanwhile, the brother of the deceased began searching for him. The accused mercilessly assaulted him as well, inflicting fatal injuries. Subsequently, the attacker attempted another assault on a Rupesh Patil's house, but the door was securely locked from inside.

 Sensing danger, the residents raised an alarm, prompting the assailant to flee into the darkness and take cover in a marshy area outside the village.

 Upon receiving information about the incident, local police arrived at the scene, and residents joined forces to track down the assailant. Later, it was discovered that the suspect had concealed himself in the marshland near a pond in the jungle. Police arrested the alleged killer from a nearby mud pond in the forest area.

 The move comes days after the Election Commission sought the deployment of a maximum of 920 CAPF companies in West Bengal.

 The 100 companies of CAPF deployed in West Bengal from Friday are part of the first phase of deployment for area dominance, confidence-building measures, and to ensure free, fair, and peaceful parliamentary elections in the state, they said.

 As per officials privy to the development, the 100 CAPF companies consist of 20 from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 50 from the Border Security Force (BSF), and 10 each from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP), and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). 

 On March 7, the second phase of deployment will commence, involving the relocation of 50 additional CAPF companies to West Bengal. Besides these 100 companies, a total of 3,300 additional companies (3.30 lakh personnel) of the CAPF are likely to be deployed during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as well as the assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim, officials said. 

 The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) would take the decision to deploy the additional CAPF following consideration of a proposal sent by the Election Commission, which earlier sought deployment of around 3,400 companies (3.40 lakh personnel) of the paramilitary wings in all states and Union Territories in a phased manner to ensure conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections. -- ANI

The mathematics and biology question papers of the Uttar Pradesh class 12 board exam were allegedly shared on a WhatsApp group in Agra an hour after the examinations began on Thursday, prompting authorities to lodged a police complaint.

On the complaint of District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), Agra, Dinesh Kumar, an FIR has been registered in Fatehpur Sikri.

The principal of Atar Singh Inter College, Rajhauli, in Kiraoli in Fathepur Sikri, his son, who works as a computer operator at the institute, and others are named in the complaint, the FIR stated.

It is alleged that the question papers were posted on the WhatsApp group 'All Princiapls Agra' by the principal's son, it stated.

Talking to PTI, Joint Director of Secondary Education Department and Observer for the exams, Dr Mukesh Agrawal, said, "We have formed a committee after the incident, and accordingly directed the officials concerned to take necessary steps in this regard. Legal action will be taken against those who have done this act."

The question papers were shared an hour after the exam began in the second shift, officials said. -- PTI

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the Bharatiya Janata Party might increase the cost of cooking gas cylinders up to Rs 1,500-2,000 if it returned to power at the Centre in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing a gathering in Bengal's Jhargram district on Thursday, the Trinamool Congress chief claimed the party would force the masses to return to collecting wood for fire.

"We distributed rice free of cost... If they (BJP) win again, the gas price can be increased up to Rs 1,500-2,000. You have to collect cow dung and wood again for the cooking. This is the scenario in Delhi. They don't love West Bengal and tribal people," Banerjee said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Banerjee warned that central teams sent by the Union government are trying to stoke communal tension in the state.

"The central government has sent around 450 teams, till now, to Bengal. They are the ones who are trying to stoke communal tensions in Bengal. We have to stand united against them," Banerjee said.

The chief minister hit out at the central government for blocking the disbursement of funds to the state.

Banerjee further said that just like the state government is providing beneficiaries with MGNREGA funds, it will do so for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana as well if the Centre does not release funds for it by April 1.  -- ANI

The video of a woman who was allegedly paraded nude in Belagavi around seven months ago has recently gone viral, police said.

Based on the complaint by the survivor's daughter, the police said on Thursday that they have taken up the case for investigation.

According to police, the alleged incident occurred on July 31, 2023 when the survivor and her son were beaten up by her rivals for questioning the encroachment of half-an-acre of land on the three acres of land allotted to her by the government.

The accused not only paraded her nude and beat up her family, but also threatened her with dire consequences if she lodged a complaint, the complainant alleged.

The matter came to light on Thursday when the survivor's daughter lodged a complaint.

Senior officers of the Belagavi district administration have camped in the village to probe it further.

This incident is a reminder of a similar one that took place in Vantamuri village in Belagavi district where a woman was attacked on December 11, 2023 after her son eloped with a girl from his own community.  -- PTI

Dolly Chaiwala, who took the internet by storm after a video of him serving tea to Bill Gates went viral, opened up about his interaction with him and said that he did not recognise the Microsoft co-founder initially until the viral clip surfaced on social media.

In a candid conversation with ANI on the same, the tea seller from Nagpur said, "I was not aware at all. I thought that he was some guy from a foreign country so I should serve him tea. The next day, when I came back to Nagpur, I realised who I served tea to. (Agle din pata chala maine kisko chai pilaya)."

Adding further, he said, "We did not speak at all. He was standing just beside me and I was busy with my work. After sipping on my tea, he (Bill Gates) said, 'Wow, Dolly ki Chai'."

When asked about the unique outfit the Nagpur tea seller dons, Dolly said, "I haven't adopted this style, just copied it from the South movies I watch."

The tea seller also expressed his desire to sell tea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said, "Today, I feel that I have become 'Nagpur ka Dolly Chaiwala'. In the future, I wish to serve tea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

"I just want to sell tea to everybody with a smile all my life and receive all those smiles back," said the Chaiwala gleefully.

The video that is surfacing on social media opens with Bill Gates in the frame, requesting, "One chai, please."

The tea seller's unique method of preparing tea on his cart is a highlight, offering a glimpse into the artistry of making this beloved beverage.

As soon as the video surfaced online, it garnered millions of views.Dolly Chaiwala earlier said that initially it was decided that the video would be filmed in Nagpur, where his tea stall is located, but it was then shifted to Hyderabad.

He was invited to Hyderabad to prepare tea in his signature style but wasn't told about Bill Gates, said the popular tea seller.

Dolly Chaiwala enjoys a massive fan following on Instagram and other social media platforms, where he stays connected with his followers by sharing his reels and pictures.  -- ANI

A devastating incident unfolded in northern Gaza, resulting in the loss of at least 104 lives and leaving hundreds injured, according to Palestinian officials, CNN reported.

The tragedy occurred as Israeli troops reportedly opened fire, causing panic among hungry Palestinian civilians who had gathered around food aid trucks.

Witnesses described the harrowing scene where people, desperate for food, swarmed newly arrived aid trucks in western Gaza City.

As the Israeli forces began shooting, chaos ensued, with many victims tragically losing their lives by being run over by trucks, CNN reported, citing eyewitnesses' accounts.

The Hamas-controlled Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza reported the grim toll, stating that 104 individuals had lost their lives and more than 700 sustained injuries during the incident.

CNN was unable to independently verify the figures provided.

The Israeli military has presented a different version of events.

During a briefing on Thursday, an Israeli military spokesperson expressed uncertainty about the reported death toll and gave an alternative account of the circumstances.

The spokesperson stated that they could not confirm the death toll and highlighted two separate incidents involving aid trucks.

In the first incident, according to the spokesperson, trucks went to the north and were swarmed by crowds, resulting in people being run over. 

Subsequently, the spokesperson claimed that a group of Palestinians approached Israeli forces, who then allegedly opened fire on them.

Contrary to the Palestinian narrative, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson, Daniel Hargari, asserted in a press conference on Thursday that there was no strike on the aid convoy.

Hargari emphasised, "I want to repeat that. No IDF strike was conducted towards the aid convoy. On the contrary, the IDF was there conducting a humanitarian operation," as reported by CNN.

The tragic events transpired when a group of aid trucks arrived at Haroun Al Rasheed Street in western Gaza City, Sheikh Ajleen neighborhood, early Friday.

Local journalist Khadeer Al Za'anoun, an eyewitness on the scene, conveyed that large crowds had gathered in anticipation of receiving food.

He asserted that the chaos and confusion leading to people being struck by trucks only erupted when Israeli forces opened fire.

This heartbreaking incident adds to the toll of one of the deadliest periods since the onset of the war in Gaza, CNN reported. -- ANI

IMAGE: Palestinians transport casualties following what Palestinian health officials said was Israeli fire on people waiting for aid, in Gaza City, on February 29, 2024. Photograph: Reuters TV via Reuters

The smuggler has been identified as Gurpreet Kumar alias Deep, 27, of New Shanti Nagar Bhajwara in Hoshiarpur. 

The DGP said that in a separate case, an MP-based arms racket was also busted by the Commissionerate Amritsar Police with the arrest of two people. 

Four country-made pistols, four magazines, and 16 live cartridges were recovered from their possession. 

Those arrested have been identified as Harminderpal Singh, 23, and Jatinderpal Singh alias Baba, 20, both residents of Guru Nanak Colony in Amritsar. 

Commissioner of police Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the arrest of Gurpreet Kumar alias Deep came on the back off specific information about his activities. 

He said that during questioning, Gurpreet Kumar disclosed that the gang had been receiving heroin consignments from across the border on the instructions of Jasmeet alias Lucky based in the US. -- PTI

Bharatiya Janata Party president JP Nadda and Union ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh were among those who attended the meeting as the ruling party looks to name its candidates for a sizeable number of the 543 Lok Sabha seats before the Election Commission announces the poll schedule. 

Leaders from various states, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Gujarat's Bhupendra Patel, Madhya Pradesh's Mohan Yadav, Chhattisgarh's Vishnu Deo Sai, Uttarakhand's Pushkar Singh Dhami and Goa's Pramod Sawant, were among those who arrived at the BJP headquarters for the meeting. 

State leaders attend the CEC meeting when candidates for constituencies falling in their respective states are discussed. -- PTI

Meanwhile, the spokesperson and deputy leader of Shiv Sena Sheetal Mhatre on Thrusday claimed that the police have information that money was given in the party and added that all this will come out in the investigation.  

"The case involving Shiv Sena-UBT spokesperson's close associate and the Nashik district president, Sudhakar Badgujar, partying with Salim Kutta, a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim, has been filed. What was Sudhakar doing with Salim Kutta, the 1993 Mumbai blasts accused ? In this party, the police have information that money was given,Who gave the money to Sudhakar Badgujar...? Why did he give this money to Salim? ...All this will come out in the investigation..." she said.  

The matter had come to light when a BJP MLA raised the issue of a video of  Shivsena-UBT leader dancing with Saleem Kutta in the Maharashtra assembly's winter session in Nagpur in December 2023.  

Salim was found guilty of taking part in the plot that resulted in the 1993 serial blasts and of distributing explosives and ammunition. -- ANI