Macron says not to appoint new PM before end of Olympics

Paris, July 24 2024-

French President Emmanuel Macron said that he will not pick a new prime minister before the end of the Olympic Games to avoid “disorder”, local media reported.

“This government has prepared the Games, and our responsibility is to make sure they go well,” Macron said during an interview with France 2 channel, adding that he has chosen “stability” to safeguard the Games, which gather nearly 10,500 athletes and millions of fans, Xinhua news agency reported.

As the change of the prime minister and the appointment of a new government would create “chaos,” Macron called on political parties to seek compromises in the country’s parliament in the absence of an absolute majority.

Gabriel Attal submitted his resignation as prime minister to Macron on July 8 after the ruling party failed to secure a majority in the snap legislative elections.

On July 16, Macron accepted Attal’s resignation but asked him to stay as the head of a caretaker cabinet until the formation of a new administration. (Agency)

Amarnath Yatra proceeding peacefully, another batch of pilgrims leaves for Valley

Jammu, July 24 2024-

The ongoing Amarnath Yatra has been proceeding peacefully since it started on June 29 as another batch of 2,907 pilgrims left Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas for the Valley on Wednesday morning in two escorted convoys.

“First escorted convoy carrying 1,134 Yatris in 41 vehicles left for north Kashmir Baltal base camp while the second escorted convoy carrying 1,773 Yatris in 62 vehicles left for south Kashmir Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp. Both convoys left Jammu at 4.40 A.M. today”, officials said.

The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon.

Devotees believe that this ice stalagmite symbolises mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 metres above the sea-level in Kashmir Himalayas.

Devotees approach the cave shrine either from the traditional south Kashmir Pahalgam route or the north Kashmir Baltal route.

The Pahalgam-Cave shrine axis is 48 km-long and it takes Yatris four to five days to reach the shrine.

The Baltal-Cave shrine axis is 14 km-long and it takes one day for the pilgrims to have ‘darshan’ and return to the base camp. (Agency)

INDIA bloc protests against Union Budget, terms it ‘discriminatory’

New Delhi, July 24 2024-

The opposition INDIA bloc leaders on Wednesday staged a protest in Parliament premises against the Union Budget.

They alleged that the Budget was “discriminatory” against the opposition-ruled states. Holding posters, the leaders raised slogans against the government, saying that the Budget was for “kursi Bachao” only.

The protesting leaders said the Budget was mainly for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh and had nothing for the opposition-ruled states.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, party General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Trinamool Congress MP Dola Sen, Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena(UBT), and other MPs were seen participating in the protest.

The decision to protest was taken at a meeting of the bloc on Tuesday after the Budget was tabled by the Union Finance Minister.

As part of the protest, Congress Chief Ministers will also boycott the NITI Aayog meeting scheduled for July 27.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin also has said that he would not attend the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting.

“This government’s attitude is completely antithetical to Constitutional principles. We will not participate if it is solely designed to hide the discriminatory colours of this regime,” Venugopal alleged.

On Tuesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Budget for 2024-25, marking her seventh consecutive budget presentation and surpassing former Prime Minister Morarji Desai’s record. Prime Minister Narendra Modi later posted on social media: “The ‘#BudgetForViksitBharat’ ensures inclusive growth, benefiting every segment of society and paving the way for a developed India.” (Agency)

Soldier injured in gunfight with terrorists in J&K’s Kupwara succumbs to injuries

Srinagar, July 24 2024-

The soldier injured in an encounter with the terrorists on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district, succumbed to injuries in the hospital.

Officials identified the soldier as Dilawar Singh of 28 Rashtriya Rifles. He was injured in the gunfight with the terrorists in the Kowut Trumkhan forests of the district.

One terrorist has been killed in this ongoing gunfight so far although the body is yet to be recovered.

Security forces had started a CASO (Cordon & Search Operation) in Kowut, Trumkhan forests of Kupwara district on Tuesday evening after getting information about the presence of terrorists there.

Officials said as the security forces closed on the hiding terrorists, they fired triggering the encounter.

Army’s Srinagar-headquartered Chinar Corps posted on X, “OP KOWUT-Kupwara Based on specific input regarding presence of terrorists in general area Kowut, Kupwara, a Joint Search Operation was launched by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice on days leading upto 23 July 24.”

“On 24 July, suspicious movement was observed and challenged by vigilant troops, in response to which terrorists opened indiscriminate fire. In the ensuing fire fight one terrorist has been eliminated and a NCO injured. Operation is in progress,” the Army further said in the post.

Security forces have launched aggressive operations against the terrorists after a group of foreign mercenaries carried out ambushes against the Army in the densely forested areas of the Jammu division.

To eradicate terrorism from these otherwise peaceful areas, over 4,000 Army personnel drawn from elite Commando forces and those trained in mountain warfare have been deployed in the Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Doda and Kathua districts of Jammu division. (Agency)

Punjab will get due share in Central Schemes: Ravneet Bittu thanks FM for incentives to Agri & MSME sector

New Delhi/ Chandigarh, July 23 2024 (Yes Punjab News)

Union Minister of state for Railways and Food processing today hailed the Union budget presented by Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and said that budget would prove boon for agriculture and small and medium Industry in India.

In a statement Ravneet Bittu said that the FM had announced many schemes to support MSME sector which included to set up 24 MSME clusters in the country. He added that this issue was raised by him with the FM during pre-budget meeting.

He said that facility of term loan for MSMEs has been introduced by the FM for purchase of new machinery and equipment without collateral or third-party guarantee. Likewise limit of Mudra loan has been increased from 10 lakh to 20 lakh.

He said that Punjab would get its due share in all the central schemes announced in the budget. He said that both industrial and agriculture sector in Punjab would get big push.

Ravneet Bittu said that it was vision of the Prime Minister Narender Modi to focus the thrust of budget on education, skill enhancement and job creation.

He said that model skill loan scheme would be revised to facilitate loans up to 7.5 lakhs with a guarantee from the central government. He said that 25000 youth would be benefitted every year.

He lauded the budget provisions for agriculture sector and said that 1.52 lakh crore has been earmarked for agriculture and allied sectors.

He said that large scale clusters of vegetable production is one of the core area. He said that center had recently announced higher MSP for major crops, and he hoped new schemes in budget would benefit farmers in a big way.

Thanking the Prime Minister for giving path breaking initiatives in the Ministry of food processing Industries, Ravneet Bittu said that setting up of 50 Multi product food irradiation units in MSME, setting of 100 food quality and safety testing labs with NABL, 100 street food hubs in five cities, reduction in customs duty on marine products, internship to 1 Crore youth in 500 top companies, 40 lac youth to be skilled, 12 plug and play industrial parks, E commerce export hubs would be revolutionary steps.

Ravneet also thanked the Prime Minister for making the railways world class by enhancing the gross Budgetary support to Rs 2,40,200 Cr in 2023-24 which was earlier Rs 28,174 cr in 2013-14.

Three economic railway corridors energy, mineral and cement corridors (192 projects), Port connectivity corridors (42 projects) and high traffic density corridors (200 projects) have been identified under the PM Gati Shakti Mission for enabling multi- modal connectivity.

Celine Dion to return to stage with Paris Olympics opening ceremony

Los Angeles, July 24 2024-

Legendary singer-songwriter Celine Dion, who has been battling a rare neurological condition called stiff-person syndrome, is expected to make her return to the stage at the Olympic Games.

The singer is rumoured to be taking to the Paris Olympics stage during the opening ceremony on Friday, reports Variety.

It will mark the pop legend’s first performance since halting her touring schedule and stepping away from the spotlight after being diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome in December 2022.

As per Variety, the singer arrived in Paris at the Royal Monceau Hotel near the Champs-Elysees, where Lady Gaga, another potential opening ceremony headliner, is also staying. Specific details about Dion’s performance are being kept under wraps.

The Canadian singer teased that a comeback may be imminent in an April interview with Vogue France, in which she said: “I’ve chosen to work with all my body and soul, from head to toe, with a medical team. I want to be the best I can be. My goal is to see the Eiffel Tower again.”

She also said that she was working every day to get stronger. She told Vogue France: “For four years I’ve been saying to myself that I’m not going back, that I’m ready, that I’m not ready… As things stand, I can’t stand here and say to you: ‘Yes, in four months’,” she said. “I don’t know… My body will tell me.”

It turns out that she may indeed be performing in front of the famous Parisian landmark, as the opening ceremony will take place in the shape of a nautical parade along the Seine, culminating near the Trocadero, facing the Eiffel Tower.

The ceremony, which will take place outside of a stadium for the first time in history, will showcase Paris’ iconic locations and bring together 3,500 actors, dancers and musical performers. (Agency)

Realme unveils new quality improvement strategy for a premium smartphone experience across the product portfolio

New Delhi, July 24 2024-

From blurry photos and sluggish performance to fragile screens and short battery life, early smartphones were a far cry from the technological marvels we enjoy today.

Over the years, we’ve witnessed a remarkable evolution in smartphone quality, with each generation pushing the boundaries of innovation and user experience. Today’s smartphones are more powerful, versatile, and durable than ever before.

Yet, as with any rapidly evolving technology, there’s always room for improvement. The quest for the perfect smartphone, one that seamlessly blends cutting-edge features with unwavering reliability, continues to drive the industry forward.

With the upcoming launch of their 13 Pro Series 5G, realme is making a bold statement about their commitment to this pursuit of excellence. The brand’s primary focus is to improve the quality of its products across all segments.

This emphasis on quality is integral to realme’s overall portfolio of smartphones. With the 13 Pro Series 5G, realme aims to deliver not just impressive specs, but a truly premium smartphone experience built on a foundation of exceptional quality, specifically catering to the needs and preferences of customers in the mid-high segment.

By offering superior quality smartphones and an enhanced user experience, realme aims to strengthen its position in the mid-high smartphone market.

This means tackling the pain points users face head-on, starting with the battery. realme envisions a future where battery anxiety is a distant memory, a future powered by larger capacities, smarter power management, and technology that simply keeps up with your life.

But it’s not just about performance; it’s about resilience. realme is dedicated to crafting devices that are as durable as they are powerful, ready to withstand the rigours of daily life. Imagine yourself caught in a sudden downpour — your future realme smartphone, with its IP65+ rating, will shrug off the rain like it’s nothing. Or picture this: you’re washing dishes, and your phone takes an unexpected dip in the sink.

No problem! These devices are engineered to keep functioning flawlessly, even after an unexpected dunk in water.

Future realme smartphones will repel dust effortlessly and remain fully functional even after accidental drops in water. The 13 Pro Series 5G embodies this commitment, proudly boasting the prestigious SGS five-star fall certification, assuring users of exceptional drop and scratch resistance. And because a premium product deserves a premium ownership experience, realme is taking its after-sales service to the next level.

With the 13 Pro Series 5G, realme introduces an unprecedented 30-day replacement guarantee, a testament to their confidence in the quality of their products and their dedication to unwavering customer support. This is realme’s quality revolution: a commitment to excellence that goes beyond the spec sheet, a promise of a smartphone experience that is as reliable as it is innovative.

The realme 13 Pro Series 5G arrives on July 30, marking a new chapter in the brand’s journey and setting a new standard for quality in the mid-high smartphone market. (Agency)

Floods paralyse Philippine capital, many provinces

Manila, July 24 2024-

Continuous rains triggered by Typhoon Gaemi and the southwest monsoon caused flooding that paralysed the Philippine capital Manila and many parts of the main Luzon Island on Wednesday.

The widespread flooding, knee-deep in some areas, forced the government to evacuate people near Manila Bay and rivers to safety, and close schools and offices. Local authorities also evacuated residents of coastal areas in the central and southern Philippine regions, Xinhua news agency reported.

Airport authorities said at least 16 flights were cancelled at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Wednesday morning.

Government offices and classes at all levels in the national capital region were suspended on Wednesday. The Philippine Senate and the House of Representatives also suspended their sessions.

The typhoon destroyed a colony of shanties near Manila Bay. Floods made many roads in the capital region impassable, stranding people who left their homes early to go to work. Radio reported that some cars stalled when trying to cross the flooded thoroughfare.

The government has yet to report deaths related to the flooding.

A radio reported that a 14-year-old boy had been missing after wading through a flood in Rizal province, east of Manila.

The Philippines’ state weather bureau PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) said Gaemi intensified while moving northwestward over the Philippine Sea at 25 kilometres per hour, packing 155 km per hour winds and gusts up to 190 km per hour.

The bureau said Gaemi will continue to dump rain on Wednesday and “flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible.”

It added that the southwest monsoon enhanced by Gaemi will bring moderate to intense rainfall in many areas in Luzon until Friday, as well as areas in the Visayas region in the central Philippines and northern Mindanao in the southern Philippines.

Gaemi, the third typhoon to batter the Philippines this year, is expected to leave the Philippines by Wednesday night or early Thursday.

An average of 20 typhoons lashed the Philippines yearly.

The archipelago is prone to tropical cyclones which trigger heavy rains, flooding and strong winds, resulting in casualties and destruction of crops and properties. (Agency)

Paris Olympics: Top British Olympian Dujardin withdraws over ‘error of judgement’

Paris, July 24 2024-

One of Team GB’s biggest Olympic stars and a clear medal hope, equestrian Charlotte Dujardin has withdrawn from the Paris Olympic Games at the last moment after what she has described as “an error of judgement.”

The 39-year-old, who has three gold medals and six in total in equestrian events, withdrew after the release of a four-year-old video of her in a training session, reports Xinhua.

“A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session. Understandably, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) is investigating, and I have made the decision to withdraw from all competition – including the Paris Olympics – while this process takes place.”

“What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils, however there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment,” explained the rider in a statement.

It was not immediately clear what the video showed.

Dujardin won individual and team gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics an individual gold and a silver in Rio and two bronze medals in Tokyo.

She said she was “sincerely sorry for her actions and devastated to have let everyone down.” (Agency)

IOC confirms 2025 debut for Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia

Paris, July 24 2024-

The creation of the Olympic Esports Games has been confirmed during the ongoing 142nd Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), scheduled for 2025 in Saudi Arabia.

“This is truly a new era for the IOC,” said IOC president Thomas Bach. “With the confirmation by the IOC Session of the creation of the Olympic Esports Games, we are keeping up with the pace of the digital revolution.”

The IOC announced on July 12 that it has partnered with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in the country in 2025, which has been endorsed by the IOC executive board unanimously, reports Xinhua.

“The esports community, represented in our Esports Commission, has enthusiastically engaged with this initiative. This is further proof of the attractivity of the Olympic brand and the values it stands for among young people,” said Bach.

“The NOC of Saudi Arabia will bring great – if not unique – experience in the field of esports to this project. This partnership is based on the Olympic Charter and the Olympic values,” he added.

HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, emphasized the significance of the initiative.

“Our commitment to esports is simply a reflection of the world our young people live in. We now all have the chance to write new Olympic history together,” he said.

“The story of sport in Saudi Arabia is a story of transformation,” added IOC member HRH Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, who is also a board member of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

“With over 23.5 million gamers, many of whom are women, hosting the Olympic Esports Games in 2025 is a natural progression in our journey to open up Saudi Arabia to the world and the world to Saudi Arabia,” she said.

Saudi Arabia has quickly become a hub for esports, hosting numerous international tournaments with significant participation and global viewership in the last two years.

According to the IOC, the planning for the Olympic Esports Games will commence immediately, focusing on the selection of a city and venue, game titles, and the qualification process for participants.

Additionally, the IOC will establish a dedicated structure for the Games, distinct from the traditional Olympic model, to better address the unique nature of esports.

Bach again addressed the Olympic Esports Games at a press conference later on Tuesday, saying that “It is clearly a milestone because we are entering a new ground, but we are entering this new ground on a very firm base.”

The IOC held the Esports Forum in July 2018 following the sixth Olympic Summit in Lausanne the previous year, during which the development of Esports was brought up as a main topic.

In 2023, the Olympic Esports Week was held in Singapore, after which Bach asked the IOC Esports Commission at the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai, India to study the creation of the Olympic Esports Games. (Agency)