News Digest: PFI aimed to co-opt 10% of Muslims 'to subjugate majority community': NIA

		THE TIMES OF INDIA
		Monday, March 20, 2023
		Today's Headlines

		India
		PFI aimed to co-opt 10% of Muslims 'to subjugate majority community': NIA Popular Front of India (PFI) was aiming to associate at least 10% of the country’s Muslim population with itself ”to subjugate the majority community and bring back the glory of Islam,” according to the chargesheet filed by NIA on Saturday against PFI and its 19 office-bearers led by chairman O M A Salam. Eye on China, India to boost defence ties with Maldives With twin events, J&K makes its mark as FDI destination since Art 370 repeal More India News»

		Science
		Scientists detect first evidence of volcanic activity on Venus In a first, scientists have got direct geological evidence of recent volcanic activity on the surface of Venus. The discovery was made by analysing archival radar images of Venus taken more than 30 years ago, in the 1990s, by NASA's Magellan mission. Science gallery Bengaluru campus inaugurated Distant exoplanets could harbour life in 'terminator zones': Study "Terminator zones" on distant exoplanets, or zones where the "day" side of the planet meets the "night" side, could potentially harbour extraterrestrial life, according to a new study. Astronomers from University of California, Irvine (UCI), US, describe "terminator" as the dividing line between the day and night sides of the planet, which have one side that always faces its star and one side that is always dark. More Science News»

		Technology
		Moto Tab G70 receives a price cut in India Motorola launched the Moto Tab G70 in India in January 2022 at Rs 21,999. The Android tablet has now received a price cut of Rs 2,000 and is now available at Rs 19,999. Customers can purchase the Moto Tab G70 from the company website in Modernist Teal colour option. Here's what ChatGPT-maker OpenAI's CEO has to say on 'dangers of AI' ChatGPT, a US-based artificial intelligence company, has seen several upgrades since its launch. The AI capabilities of underlying technology has become so sophisticated that people started raising questions whether AI can replace jobs and be used in spreading misinformation. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has now opened up saying he was "a little bit scared" of his company's invention but is positive about the good it can do. Wipro cuts 120 jobs in US, terms it "isolated incident" In a statement, Wipro termed these job cuts as an isolated incident. The company said, “Wipro has reduced headcount in Tampa due to a realignment of business needs. This is an isolated incident. Wipro remains deeply committed to the region. And all other Wipro employees serving clients in the Tampa area remain unaffected.” More Technology News»

		Business
		Adani Group suspends work on Rs 34,900 crore petchem project Gautam Adani is suspending activities at the Rs 34,900-crore petrochemicals project in Mundra, Gujarat, as the billionaire’s business empire slows down spending following a shortseller attack, news agency PTI reported on Sunday. UBS seals Credit Suisse takeover in bid to calm markets In what is being described as the "merger of the century", UBS Group sealed a deal to buy Swiss bank Credit Suisse in a historic, government-brokered deal, to avoid further market-shaking turmoil in global banking, Swiss authorities said on Sunday. The deal, aimed at containing a crisis of confidence that threatened to spread across global financial markets, came after a hectic day of negotiations between the two lenders. 'Merger of the century': UBS nears deal to take over Credit Suisse UBS was up against the clock Sunday in talks to finalise a mammoth takeover of its troubled rival Swiss bank Credit Suisse and reassure investors before the markets reopen.Switzerland's biggest bank UBS is being urged by the authorities to get a deal over the line, in a bid to avoid a wave of contagious panic on the markets Monday. More Business News»

		Sports
		2nd ODI: Starc's five-for, Marsh-Head blitz hand Australia 10-wicket win Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head scored blistering fifties after fiery pacer Mitchell Starc wreaked havoc as Australia cruised to a resounding 10-wicket win against India in the second one-day international (ODI) at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. 2nd ODI in Numbers: Multiple records broken as Australia sink India Pacer Mitchell Starc turned out to be the tormentor-in-chief with the ball while openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head hit dazzling half-centuries as Australia romped to a 10-wicket win over India in the second one-dayer in Visakhapatnam to level the series. Starc was at his absolute best as his 9th five-for helped the visitors fold India for a lowly 117 in 26 overs. Marsh and Head then wrapped up the chase in a blink of an eye, taking the Aussies home in just 11 overs. It was not a 117 pitch at all: Rohit Sharma Australia hit back strongly to inflict a 10-wicket defeat on India in the second ODI at ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam and drew level in the three-match series. More Sports News»

		Education
		CBSE adopts National Curriculum Framework for Foundation Stage from Session 2023-24 The Central Board of Secondary Education has issued a circular asking all the schools affiliated with CBSE to implement the National Curriculum Framework for Foundation Stage from the current academic session 2023-24. The National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage 2022 was developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) as per the directive of National Education Policy 2020. SSC CHSL Result 2021 declared on ssc.nic.in, check cutoff, result here The Staff Selection Commission has declared the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination Result - 2021 on the official website at ssc.nic.in. A total of 35,023 candidates were shortlisted for appearing in Typing Test, 4374 candidates for appearing in DEST for the post of DEO in CAG and 1511 candidates for appearing in DEST for the post of DEO (other than CAG). Agniveer Registration 2023 ends tomorrow on joinindianarmy.nic.in, apply now The Indian Army will end the online application process for Agniveer Recruitment 2023 tomorrow, March 20, 2023. Interested candidates can register for the Agniveer recruitment through the official website at joinindianarmy.nic.in. As per the schedule, the online application process for Agniveer Recruitment 2023 was supposed to end on March 15, but it was extended till March 20, 2023 More Education News»

		Environment
		Millions of dead fish wash up amid heat wave in Australia Millions of fish have washed up dead in southeastern Australia in what authorities and scientists say is caused by floods and hot weather. The Department of Primary Industries in New South Wales state said the fish deaths coincided with a heat wave that put stress on a system that has experienced extreme conditions from wide-scale flooding. Unusual warming played role in 2002 Antarctic ice shelf retreat: Study The study has revealed that widespread flow acceleration and frequent small-iceberg calving could serve as warning signs for future such ice shelf retreats in the Antarctic, said scientists, who led the study. Ice shelves are floating tongues of ice connected to land but extend out and float on ocean water. They act as a buttress as they hold back glaciers on land flowing toward the ocean. Droughts, wet events made more frequent, intense by global warming: Nasa-led Study More Environment News»

		World
		India summons UK envoy over pulling down of Tricolor at Indian High Commission India on Sunday night summoned the British deputy high commissioner and demanded an explanation over the complete "absence of security" after videos of pulling down of the Indian flag at the Indian mission in London during a protest by pro-Khalistan elements emerged on social media. In a strongly-worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India finds "unacceptable" the indifference of the UK government to the security of Indian diplomatic premises and personnel in the UK. 4 died, 12 injured after unidentified shooters attack van in Pakistan In Pakistan, unidentified attackers opened indiscriminate fire at a van carrying a wedding party in Balochistan's Nasirabad district, leaving 4 people dead and 12 people injured, Dawn reported. According to the local police, around 20 people, including children and women, were going to Gandawah on Saturday, but when they reached the Soheje Levies checkpoint, the motorcycle-riding attackers opened fire at the van using automatic weapons. 'Modi the immortal': Chinese netizens think Indian PM is different, amazing More World News»

		Environment
		Millions of dead fish wash up amid heat wave in Australia Millions of fish have washed up dead in southeastern Australia in what authorities and scientists say is caused by floods and hot weather. The Department of Primary Industries in New South Wales state said the fish deaths coincided with a heat wave that put stress on a system that has experienced extreme conditions from wide-scale flooding. Unusual warming played role in 2002 Antarctic ice shelf retreat: Study The study has revealed that widespread flow acceleration and frequent small-iceberg calving could serve as warning signs for future such ice shelf retreats in the Antarctic, said scientists, who led the study. Ice shelves are floating tongues of ice connected to land but extend out and float on ocean water. They act as a buttress as they hold back glaciers on land flowing toward the ocean. Droughts, wet events made more frequent, intense by global warming: Nasa-led Study More Environment News»

		Hyderabad
		Congress: Assess crop damage immediately Congress has demanded that the BRS government immediately take up assessment of crops damaged due to hailstorm and unseasonal rains in the last few days. CPI & CPM strike pre-poll pact, 1st since statehood For the first time after the formation of Telangana state, CPI and CPM have decided to form a pre-poll alliance for the elections to the legislative assembly scheduled to be held later this year. Man poses as Army officer, extorts money using toy gun in Telangana A man who was posing as an Army officer and allegedly threatening people on the highway and attempting to extort money by brandishing a toy gun, was nabbed by police at Toopran revenue division in Medak district on Sunday. More Hyderabad News»

		Chandigarh
		Chandigarh Literary Society organizes spring edition of literati One killed, another missing after car falls into canal in Kurukshetra The deceased has been identified as Sunil Arora (45), while Bunty Sodhi (31) who was driving the car is missing. Both are residents of Hisar in Haryana. Amritpal Singh crackdown: Punjab Police issues warning against fake news and hate speeches The Punjab Police on Sunday issued a warning to social media users asking them to refrain from spreading rumours, false information, and hate speech in relation to Amritpal Singh. More Chandigarh News»

		Ahmedabad
		Some parts of Ahmedabad get rain; hailstorm in Gandhinagar The city sky remained cloudy in evening hours on Sunday after relatively sunny day. Active Covid cases at 5-month high in Gujarat The state on Sunday recorded 133 new Covid cases, taking the active cases to 740. It was the five-month high active cases for the state. On October 14, the active cases were at 754. AMC workers accuse couple of hurling casteist abuses A sanitation worker with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Saturday filed a complaint with Satellite police against a couple from Bodakdev for allegedly hurling casteist abuses and threatening him and his wife. More Ahmedabad News»

		Chennai
		Unexpected showers increase inflow of water into reservoirs in Chennai The untimely rainfall in the city and suburbs for the past three days led to a slight increase in the inflow of water into the reservoirs that supply water to Chennai. Sports scoring with new momentum: Union min Listing out the various achievements of the country's sportspersons including the performance at the Commonwealth Games, lifting of the maiden Under-19 women's T20 world cup and hosting mega events like Chess Olympiad, Union minister for youth affairs and sports Anurag Singh Thakur on Sunday said, "Sports is scoring with a new momentum." Both AIADMK factions claim victory in Chennai The AIADMK led by interim general secretary Edappadi K Palaniwami and the rival group headed by O Panneerselvam on Sunday cheered the Madras high court nod for the party to hold election for the post of general secretary, while restraining it from announcing the result More Chennai News»

		Bangalore
		3 bikers assault AAP functionary, friend in Bengaluru An Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) youth functionary was allegedly assaulted by three bikers on Friday on Jakkur Main Road. Amruthahalli police have registered an FIR and are investigating. More time to submit report on 'A' khatas in Bengaluru Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has extended till April 10 the deadline for revenue officials to submit detailed reports of illegal 'A' khatas. Chargesheet against 17 PFI members KG Halli police, investigating a case related to the spreading of communal hatred and hatching of criminal conspiracies, recently filed a chargesheet at the NIA special court against 17 members linked with the banned Popular Front of India (PFI). More Bangalore News»

		Bangalore
		3 bikers assault AAP functionary, friend in Bengaluru An Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) youth functionary was allegedly assaulted by three bikers on Friday on Jakkur Main Road. Amruthahalli police have registered an FIR and are investigating. More time to submit report on 'A' khatas in Bengaluru Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has extended till April 10 the deadline for revenue officials to submit detailed reports of illegal 'A' khatas. Chargesheet against 17 PFI members KG Halli police, investigating a case related to the spreading of communal hatred and hatching of criminal conspiracies, recently filed a chargesheet at the NIA special court against 17 members linked with the banned Popular Front of India (PFI). More Bangalore News»

		Mumbai
		Postal department not liable for delay in delivery of post Yogesh Kumar was a member of Niswiz Holidays Company. He applied for a holiday package to Agra. This application was sent by Speed Post on 24 December, 2014 from the Mini Secretariat Branch of the Faridabad Post Office. He was charged Rs 39 towards postal charges In 14 months, 72 held for flying to Yemen, which is under travel ban Conman who decamped with Rs 30 lakh steel bought online held by Mumbai police Mumbai cyber police have arrested a conman who ordered 1,400 tonnes of steel worth Rs 30 lakh online and collected the consignment from the company's warehouse against fake demand draft and decamped with the goods by using fake company addresses and emails. More Mumbai News»

		Delhi
		No MRI machine at Delhi's GTB a hassle for patients, students The lack of an MRI machine at the University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) in Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital for years has become an inconvenience for patients and postgraduate doctors. Protest at JP Nadda house: Cops file case Two days after Indian Youth Congress held a protest outside the residence of BJP President JP Nadda, a case was filed on Sunday for obstructing police officials. Kisan rally to hit traffic movement in central, north and New Delhi The traffic will be affected in Central, North and New Delhi districts of the city due to the Kisan Rally scheduled to be held at Ramlila Ground, police said on Sunday. More Delhi News»

		Delhi
		No MRI machine at Delhi's GTB a hassle for patients, students The lack of an MRI machine at the University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) in Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital for years has become an inconvenience for patients and postgraduate doctors. Protest at JP Nadda house: Cops file case Two days after Indian Youth Congress held a protest outside the residence of BJP President JP Nadda, a case was filed on Sunday for obstructing police officials. Kisan rally to hit traffic movement in central, north and New Delhi The traffic will be affected in Central, North and New Delhi districts of the city due to the Kisan Rally scheduled to be held at Ramlila Ground, police said on Sunday. More Delhi News»

		Delhi
		No MRI machine at Delhi's GTB a hassle for patients, students The lack of an MRI machine at the University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) in Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital for years has become an inconvenience for patients and postgraduate doctors. Protest at JP Nadda house: Cops file case Two days after Indian Youth Congress held a protest outside the residence of BJP President JP Nadda, a case was filed on Sunday for obstructing police officials. Kisan rally to hit traffic movement in central, north and New Delhi The traffic will be affected in Central, North and New Delhi districts of the city due to the Kisan Rally scheduled to be held at Ramlila Ground, police said on Sunday. More Delhi News»

		Allahabad
		Strike leaves residents of Prayagraj 'power'less Power supply remained disrupted in various localities of the Sangam city on Saturday on the second day of the ongoing 72-hour-long strike by the employees of the electricity department throwing routine life out of gear. Court to take up plea of Mohd Ashraf on March 22 The special court of MP and MLA has fixed March 22 to hear the application moved by former MLA Khalid Azim alias Mohd Ashraf, who is brother of mafia don Atiq Ahmad and one of the accused in Umesh Pal murder case, requesting the court that the proceedings regarding remand, etc., be conducted through video-conferencing due to security reasons. Student leaders demolish freshly constructed wall at Allahabad University The wall, constructed by the authorities of Allahabad University to close the entry from the main gate of the Science faculty (Katra side), was demolished by protesting student leaders on the intervening night of Friday-Saturday. More Allahabad News»

		Bhopal
		Chambal river tragedy: Toll rises to 5, search on for those missing Throughout the night, villagers stood gazing at the Chambal River flow past Sabalgarh in MP's Morena district, waiting for news of their relatives who had been swept away in the morning. Two more bodies were recovered by rescuers who braved crocodiles and the swift currents to keep looking for possible survivors. Plane was seen flying low before hitting hill in MP: Witnesses on Balaghat aircraft crash 4 killed in bike accident in Madhya Pradesh's Jhabua Four persons, three of them minors, were killed when an unidentified vehicle hit their motorcycle in Madhya Pradesh's Jhabua district, police said on Sunday. More Bhopal News»

		Bhubaneswar
		Rain, thunderstorm damage property, crops in Odisha Heavy to very heavy rain and thunderstorm with lightning and gusty surface wind lashed parts of south Odisha districts in the last 24 hours, inundating low lying areas and causing damage to houses, property and crops. There was also report of such thunderstorm activities at most other places in the state. Bhubaneswar-based DJ kills self after tiff with lover A city-based disc jockey (DJ) and composer died by suicide at his home here in Kharavel Nagar late on Saturday following a fight with his girlfriend, police said on Sunday. Slide in temperature brings down incidents of forest fire across Odisha ncidents of forest fire across the state have dropped significantly with the dip in temperature. But the forest department has not reduced deployment of manpower because the fire season lasts up to May-end. Currently, around 3,000 personnel of 300 fire squads are engaged across the state. More Bhubaneswar News»

		Unsubscribe | To manage your newsletter subscription settings, click here	Other Newsletters from TOI : Breaking News | Top Headlines | Tech | Entertainment | Movie Reviews | Life & Style