Once ridiculed as ‘part-time’ politician, Pawan Kalyan takes centre stage in Andhra politics

Amaravati, June 20 2024-

From being ridiculed by his critics as a “non-serious” and “part-time” politician till a couple of years ago to now Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, it’s quite an achievement for actor-politician Konidela Pawan Kalyan.

The Jana Sena leader, who assumed office on Wednesday, has come a long way since floating the party a decade ago despite the political disaster experienced by his more famous elder brother Chiranjeevi.

Though he made a modest beginning as a campaigner for the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and its ally Bharatiya Jana Party (BJP) in 2014 and had a disastrous electoral debut five years later, Pawan Kalyan stayed the course, determined to carve a niche for himself.

He, however, had to face bitter attacks from YSRCP leaders on his personal life. YSRCP President and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, at every public meeting, targeted the actor-politician over his three marriages, always referred to him as the “foster son” of TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu and called him a “non-resident politician” and a “package star”.

“Power star”, as Pawan Kalyan is popularly known in film circles, has finally tasted victory and power. After succeeding in his mission to end the “destructive rule” of the YSRCP, he appears set to play a big role in the changed political environment.

As the number two in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, the actor-politician is expected to have a major say in the decision-making. He has been entrusted with key portfolios like Panchayati Raj, Rural Development & Rural Water Supply, Environment and Forest, and Science and Technology.

Over the last decade, he has shown keen interest in subjects like rural development and the environment.

As Chandrababu Naidu’s deputy, Pawan Kalyan will not only be looking for an active role in government but may also capitalise on this to strengthen his party, which put up an incredible show in recent elections to win all 21 Assembly and two Lok Sabha seats it contested. After the 2019 disaster when he lost both the seats he contested, Pawan Kalyan was elected from the Pithapuram constituency in Kakinada.

His Jana Sena, which has three ministers in the Cabinet including him, is the second biggest party in the 175-member Assembly after the TDP, which won a whopping 135 seats.

Many from his party had criticised Pawan Kalyan for not bargaining for more seats. He, however, was realistic and admitted the limited bargaining power of his party. “If we had a few seats in the Assembly, we could have bargained,” was his response.

In 2019, the Jana Sena had won a single seat and the lone MLA had also deserted the party. Pawan Kalyan also sacrificed a few more seats to bring the BJP on board in a grand alliance to ensure that anti-incumbency votes are not divided. His initiative to ally with the TDP and later convince the BJP leadership to join them proved a game changer as the YSRCP, which had 151 seats in the previous Assembly, bit the dust.

As the YSRCP’s tally dropped to just 11 in the Assembly, the Jana Sena will be looking to expand in areas beyond certain pockets of south coastal Andhra.

Political analysts say Pawan Kalyan has got a platform from where he can build his party into a major force.

“His achievement is phenomenal. Perhaps there is no other party which achieved a 100 per cent success rate while contesting more than 20 seats,” said analyst Palwai Raghavendra Reddy.

He believes that going forward, Pawan Kalyan’s role will be significant. He may use his good offices with the BJP leadership to take up state-specific pending issues with the Centre. He, however, said it would be too early to predict if he would expand the party beyond the limited pockets where Kapus (the community to which Pawan Kalyan belongs) are in sizable numbers.

“Any serious attempt to expand the Jana Sena in other parts of the state may put him in direct conflict with Chandrababu Naidu’s son Lokesh whom the TDP considers as the future Chief Minister,” he said.

Lokesh is the TDP General Secretary and a key minister in Naidu’s Cabinet. Naidu, who is already 74, will be looking to groom his son as his successor.

Unlike elder brother Chiranjeevi who wound up his Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) within a couple of years of its launch, Pawan Kalyan never feared defeat. Though he began his political career as the leader of the PRP’s youth wing in 2008, he was not happy with the party’s merger with Congress in 2011. After launching the Jana Sena Party in March 2014, he supported the NDA in the elections held the same year as he was angry with Congress for bifurcating Andhra Pradesh, and shared the dais with then Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu.

Pawan Kalyan later distanced himself from both the BJP and the TDP for going back on the promise to accord special category status. In 2019, he had an alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Left parties. However, the Jana Sena could win just one Assembly seat and drew a blank in Lok Sabha polls. After the disaster of 2019, he re-joined hands with the BJP and in September last year, announced an alliance with the TDP. Aware of his strengths and weaknesses, the 52-year-old was cautious not to repeat past mistakes and this was the reason he did not bargain hard for seats. Seen as a youth icon, he crafted the image of a fighter. In tune with his screen image of an angry young man, Pawan Kalyan displayed aggression during the showdown with the Jagan government on a few occasions while taking up people’s issues. (Agency)

Indian Embassy celebrates International Yoga Day in Washington

New Delhi, June 20, 2024
The Indian Embassy in the US has organised a Yoga session in Washington ahead of International Yoga Day, which is celebrated worldwide on June 21.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy shared, “International Yoga Day 2024 celebrated by the Indian Embassy in the US at the picturesque and serene Wharf in Washington. Various community organisations participated enthusiastically in the Yoga and meditation session.”

Emphasising the global reach and popularity of Yoga, Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy Supriya Ranganathan noted that the ancient practice of Yoga has travelled far and wide following its inception in India and today there are hundreds of millions of followers of this discipline around the world.

Outlining the theme of International Yoga Day 2024, “Yoga for Self and Society”, the event also aimed to promote adopting environment-friendly products and practices in daily life.

“Highlighting International Yoga Day 2024 theme celebrating #YogaForSelfAndSociety, the event included elements to inspire the embrace of environment-friendly products and practices in daily life,” the Embassy stated in another post.(Agency)

T20 World Cup: Will think whether to play both Kuldeep and Yuzi, says Dravid ahead of Afghanistan clash

Bridgetown, June 20 2024-

As the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, India’s head coach Rahul Dravid has hinted at a potential change in the playing XI that could see wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav making his tournament debut against Afghanistan on Thursday. This strategic adjustment comes as India transitions from the pace-friendly pitches of New York to the spin-friendly conditions of the Caribbean.

India’s campaign in the league stage was marked by dominance, securing victories in all three completed games, with their final match washed out due to rain. The team’s prowess was on full display at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, where the conditions favoured fast bowlers over spinners, leaving little room for Kuldeep Yadav to showcase his skills.

Looking ahead to the Caribbean leg of the tournament, Dravid emphasized the importance of flexibility and adapting to different playing conditions.

“Tough to leave anyone out. All four being left out do possess the quality. But conditions were in favour of pacers. If we feel the need to play an extra spinner in Kuldeep and Yuzi we will give it a thought,” Dravid said at the pre-match press conference.

“We are lucky to have players with all-round abilities. We had eight batters, but we (also) had seven bowling options,” he added.

With the Super 8 stage set to unfold in the spin-conducive environments of the Caribbean, Dravid’s comments suggest a shift in strategy. Kuldeep Yadav, known for his ability to turn games with his wrist spin, is likely to play a crucial role. Dravid highlighted this tactical consideration, saying,

“Spinners come into play — We picked the squad keeping in mind all kinds of options. In NY we had eight batting options. Yes, wrist spinners will come into play.”

The inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav could provide India with a significant edge, especially in the conditions expected in the Caribbean. Alongside him, Yuzvendra Chahal, another skilled wrist-spinner, remains a potent option, offering depth and variety to India’s bowling attack. This combination could prove to be a formidable challenge for opposition teams.

Dravid also underscored the importance of flexibility in the team’s batting order, highlighting the strategic thinking that goes into such decisions, reflecting on previous games and the unique challenges of T20 cricket.

“Each situation is unique. Can’t set it in stone. I believe in flexibility. In the Pakistan game, we moved Axar [Patel], specifically thinking around it… Rishabh [Pant] up the order [at No.3], lots of thinking goes into it. I don’t think in Tests [cricket], we will have that flexibility. In T20s where it is a lot about matchups, you see it happening more [flexibility in batting position],” Dravid explained.

The concept of “match-up” in cricket refers to the tactical deployment of players based on their effectiveness against specific opponents. This strategy was vividly illustrated during a tense league match against arch-rivals Pakistan. With India struggling at 19/2 after the early dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Axar Patel was promoted to No.4. His quick-fire 20 off 18 balls provided much-needed stability, showcasing the benefits of a flexible approach.

Reflecting on the upcoming matches, Dravid expressed his enthusiasm for the Caribbean leg of the tournament. “Lovely to come to the Caribbean and play cricket. A couple of practice sessions. We are prepared. Afghanistan are a very dangerous side. Their players play more in leagues than our players. They are not a team to be taken lightly. Deservingly in Super 8,” he noted. (Agency)

World’s first Asian King vulture conservation centre in UP

Maharajganj (Uttar Pradesh), June 20 2024-

Uttar Pradesh will soon have the world’s first conservation and breeding centre for Asian king vultures in Maharajganj, a top forest official said.

The facility aims to improve the population of the species, which has been listed as critically endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list since 2007.

S.K. Sharma, the principal chief conservator of forest and the head of Uttar Pradesh’s forest force, said, “This is the world’s first centre for breeding and conservation of Asian king vulture, also called red-headed vulture. It is now ready for formal inauguration.”

“At the moment, we have a pair of male and female vultures. Three more females, who are in the aviary, will gradually get their male counterparts. The aviary is 20-feet by 30-feet,” said Durgesh Nandan, the scientific officer at the centre.

The centre is named Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre, where 24×7 monitoring of the vultures is being done.

Among its staff include a scientific officer and a biologist.

“They (vultures) make one partner in their entire life and lay one egg in a year. Hence, their monitoring is our highest priority,” Nandan added.

Asian king vultures are endangered due to a loss of their habitats and the excessive use of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in domestic animals, which becomes poisonous for vultures, say experts.

The birds at the centre are fed twice a week and each has a diet of around three kilos of meat at a time.

The centre aims to ensure the good health of growing vultures and provide them with a pair. Once a female lays an egg, the pair will be left free in their natural environment.

“We are ensuring that their natural environment is replicated here so that when the birds are left in forests, they do not face any trouble,” said Nandan.

Only the keeper is allowed entry into the enclosure, which is under strict CCTV monitoring.

In Uttar Pradesh, the red-headed vultures are rarely seen.

In 2023, they were spotted in Chitrakoot.

The first vulture brought to this centre was on December 30, 2022. Later, another was brought. After two males, the centre also plans to get two female vultures.

Other vulture conservation and breeding centres in the country have long-billed and white-backed vultures, said officials. (Agency)

Bihar Deputy CM draws links to Tejashwi Yadav in NEET paper leak allegations

Patna June 20 2024-

The Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Vijay Kumar Sinha, claimed on Wednesday that Sikandar Yadvendu, who was arrested in the NEET question paper leak case, is a close relative Pritam Kumar, the personal secretary of former Deputy CM and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

The investigation being conducted by the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police has identified Sikandar Yadvendu, a junior engineer in the municipal committee of Danapur, as the kingpin of the NEET question paper leak case.

“Sikandar Yadvendu is a close relative of Tejashwi Yadav’s PS Pritam Kumar. An NHAI guest house was booked for Sikandar’s sister Reena Yadav and son Anurag Yadav to stay on May 4. A phone number and ‘Mantri Ji’ were mentioned in the diary of the NHAI guest house. The investigating agency is making efforts to know the identity of this Mantri Ji,” Sinha said.

Sinha, who also holds the road construction portfolio, said that he has ordered an inquiry into the booking of the NHAI guest house.

“I am getting a thorough investigation done by my department to find out which officers or employees are working at the behest of Tejashwi Yadav. The entire system of RJD is based on crime and corruption,” Sinha said.

The EOU has found evidence that the question papers of NEET 2024 were leaked. The examination was held on May 5 and the question paper was leaked a day earlier on May 4.

The kingpin of this gang is Sikandar Yadavendu, who has been arrested. The EOU claims that Sikandar made his brother-in-law’s son and many other candidates memorise the answers by giving them the question paper in advance.

On May 5, the police arrested Reena Yadav from the NHAI guest house. The EOU also found an OMR sheet from the guest house. Reena’s son Anurag’s name is written in the register of the guest house, with ‘Mantri Ji’ written next to it.

Sikandar is a resident of Samastipur. He used to work as a contractor in Ranchi. In 2012, he became a junior engineer. He was an accused in the LED scam of Rs 3 crore and served a jail term as well. (Agency)

Brandon King suffers side strain, doubtful for rest of T20 World Cup

Gros Islet (St Lucia), June 20, 2024
In a significant blow to the West Indies’ T20 World Cup campaign, star batsman Brandon King is a major doubt for the remainder of the tournament after sustaining a side strain during their match against England in St Lucia on Wednesday night.

The injury occurred as King was attempting a powerful cover drive off Sam Curran, forcing him to retire hurt and leaving the field prematurely.

King had been instrumental in giving the West Indies a flying start, racing to 23 off just 12 balls, including a massive 101-meter six off Reece Topley that required a replacement ball. However, his aggressive innings came to an abrupt halt when he crumpled over in pain on his 13th delivery. After receiving immediate medical attention, King was unable to continue and was subsequently diagnosed with a side strain.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed the injury and announced that King would not return to the field during England’s run chase. “Brandon King has suffered a side strain and will not return to the field of play in this evening’s match,” CWI stated.

With side strains typically taking several weeks to heal, King’s participation in the remaining World Cup matches is highly doubtful, especially with only 10 days left in the tournament.

The injury is a significant setback for the West Indies, who have relied on King’s experience and skill, particularly in light of his recent captaincy stint against South Africa while Rovman Powell was engaged in the IPL. Although King has not been in his best form during the tournament, with a top score of 34, his presence as a senior player is invaluable to the team’s dynamics.

In King’s absence, the West Indies face the challenging task of finding a suitable replacement from their standby players. The squad includes Andre Fletcher, Kyle Mayers, Fabian Allen, Hayden Walsh Jr., and Matthew Forde.

Kyle Mayers, who was considered unlucky to miss the initial squad selection, is the most likely candidate to step in, given his versatility and strong form. Another option is Andre Fletcher, known for his capabilities as a top-order batter.

As the West Indies prepare for their second Super Eight fixture against the USA at Kensington Oval on Friday, the team will be looking to regroup and adjust their strategy. The match in Barbados comes at a critical juncture, and the absence of King will test the squad’s depth and resilience.

West Indies’ head coach Phil Simmons emphasized the team’s need to adapt quickly. “Losing Brandon is a blow, but we have a strong squad with capable players ready to step up. We’ll be evaluating our options and making the necessary adjustments ahead of our next match,” Simmons remarked.(Agency)

Euro 2024: Germany is first team into the last 16 with a 2-0 win over Hungary

Stuttgart, June 20 2024-

Goals from Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gundogan ensured hosts Germany became the first team to confirm their place in the knockout stage of Euro 2024 with a comfortable win against Hungary on Wednesday.

Germany, who had started their campaign with a 5-1 win against Scotland, registered their second win in the four-team Group A and stormed into the knockout stages of the competition. They now have six points from two matches with Switzerland on four, Scotland on 1 and Hungary yet to open their account.

Germany found it a more difficult evening than their 5-1 win against Scotland in Matchday 1. Julian Nagelsmann’s side had enough about them to get the three points, which ensured they would at least finish as the best third-place team in the group stage.

After an even opening, Musiala became the first player to score more than once at this edition of the European Championship, adding to his strike against Scotland last week by blasting in from close range to give the hosts the lead.

Manuel Neuer, making his 17th Euro appearance to go level with Gianluigi Buffon’s goalkeeping record, was called into action on 26 minutes as he dived to his right to brilliantly save a curling Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick.

Toni Kroos came close to doubling Germany’s lead ten minutes into the second half but his deflected effort was clawed away by Péter Gulacsi before Barnabas Varga headed narrowly over for Hungary.

The game was effectively settled when Maximilian Mittelstädt’s low cross was beautifully stroked into the net by Gundogan to make sure of Germany’s place in the last 16. (Agency)

Goldie Hawn says it would be fun and crazy to make a movie with her famous family

Los Angeles, June 20, 2024
Oscar and Golden Globe-winning actress Goldie Hawn expressed her desire to work on a project with her famous family, stating it would be fun and crazy.

In a new interview, the actress expressed her desire to work with family members, including her husband Kurt Russell and her children Kate Hudson, Oliver Hudson, and Wyatt Russell.

“What I would love, actually — before we all get too old — (it) would be so great to do a movie together,” Hawn said during an appearance on the Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa podcast.

“Wouldn’t it? It would be so fun and so crazy and oh, my God,” she added.

Hawn brought up the idea after podcast host Ripa suggested that her family should star in a reality show, reports deadline.com.

“We might do something with Oliver that is a cartoon, so in other words, we would all be the voices for that. That would be a lot of fun,” Hawn added.

Hawn has an extensive career in film and won an Oscar for her role as Toni Simmons in the 1969 Gene Saks film ‘Cactus Flower’. SShe would get nominated at the Academy Awards again after starring in the 1980 film ‘Private Benjamin’, playing the role of Judy Benjamin.

In 2018, she played Mrs. Claus in the Netflix movie ‘The Christmas Chronicles’ opposite her life partner Kurt Russell, who played Santa Claus. Oliver Hudson also starred in the Christmas comedy.

Hawn and Russell reprised their roles in ‘The Christmas Chronicles 2’, which was released in 2020.(Agency)

US Army kills senior Islamic State official in Syria

Washington, June 20 2024-

The US Army has said they have killed a high-ranking member of the Islamic State terrorist militia in Syria in an airstrike.

“US Central Command conducted an airstrike in Syria, killing Usamah Jamal Muhammad Ibrahim al-Janabi, a senior ISIS official and facilitator,” the US Central Command, or CENTCOM, said in a post on social media platform X on Wednesday.

“His death will disrupt ISIS’s ability to resource and conduct terror attacks,” it added.

“There is no indication any civilians were harmed in this strike.”

US troops are stationed in Syria to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State. They are deployed in areas controlled by the Kurdish militia YPG and its allies.

Despite the military victory over the extremist militia announced in 2019, its cells are still active in the country.

According to observers, however, the US is also seeking to limit the influence of its arch-enemy Iran with its continued military presence in the region.

According to a defence official in Washington, around 700 US soldiers are still in Syria. Their deployment has become more dangerous with the outbreak of the Gaza war.

Pro-Iranian militias have repeatedly carried out attacks on the often small US military bases in the desert. (Agency)

Another Indian-American on strong track to be elected to US Congress

New York, June 20 2024-

“Samosa Caucus” — the group of Indian-Americans in US Congress — has a strong chance of getting another member next year with the victory of Suhas Subramanyam in the Virginia Democratic primaries.

He won the intra-party election on Tuesday to pick the Democratic candidate to contest the November general election for the House of Representatives from a constituency held by it.

The constituency includes some suburbs of Washington.

Meanwhile, in primaries in New Jersey last week, Indian-American Rajesh Mohan won the Republican ticket for a House seat but faces an uphill battle because it is in a strongly Democratic constituency.

There are now five Indian-Americans in the House of Representatives, all Democrats who call themselves the “Samosa Caucus”: Ami Bera and Ro Khanna from California; Pramila Jayapal from Washington State; Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois, and Shri Thanedar from Michigan.

A State Senator, Subramanyam bested 11 other candidates in an ugly contest where his main adversary faced allegations of sexual harassment.

He was backed by the retiring House member Jennifer Wexton, who flipped the seat to the Democratic side in 2018 and was re-elected twice, winning 53 per cent of the votes in 2022 making it a safe seat for the party.

Subramanyam’s family is from Bengaluru.

A 37-year-old lawyer, he was President Barack Obama’s technology advisor working on cybersecurity and modernising government agencies.

In 2019, he was elected to the Virginia General Assembly, and the State Senate last year.

He is also a volunteer medic and firefighter.

Mohan, who defeated his three Republican rivals, will be contesting from a constituency held by a Democrat.

Andrew Kim, who is giving up the seat to run for the US Senate, flipped it from the Republican Party in 2018 and won his second re-election in 2022 by 55 per cent.

Three ratings of the race surveyed by Ballotopedia declared it a solid or safe Democratic seat.

A cardiologist, Mohan received his medical degree from the Delhi University College of Medical Sciences.

In New Jersey, Ravinder Singh Bhalla, the Mayor of Hoboken, lost the Democratic Party primary for the House seat to Rob Menendez who currently holds the seat.

The sitting representative’s father, Senator Bob Menendez, is on trial on corruption charges but undeterred, he waged an ugly campaign against Bhalla, a turban-wearing Sikh, alleging that he made quid-pro-quo deals with the Mayor of a neighbouring city and used images marring his appearance in TV ads.

Susheela Jayapal, the sister of influential Representative Pramila Jayapal, lost the primary for a Democratic seat in Oregon.

Pramila Jayapal heads the Congressional Progressive Caucus, a group of leftist Democratic Party legislators.

She represents a constituency in Washington State, a neighbour of Oregon where her sister Susheela Jayapal was a county commissioner and was among several leftist candidates who faced an ideological backlash in the Democratic primaries. (Agency)

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