Live News Updates: Haryana to provide Rs 5 lakh as 'preparation money' to Olympic qualifiers

The Haryana Cabinet has decided to provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the sportspersons as 'preparations money' who have qualified for Olympic Games, said State Minister Kanwar Pal Gujjar on Wednesday.

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07:00 AM

Haryana to provide Rs 5 lakh as 'preparation money' to Olympic qualifiers

The Haryana Cabinet has decided to provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakhs to the sportspersons as 'preparations money' who have qualified for Olympic Games, said State Minister Kanwar Pal Gujjar on Wednesday.
Gujjar informed that to promote sports in the state, the state Cabinet decided to create a separate cadre under which, "50 posts of deputy directors in group-A, 100 posts of senior coaches and 150 posts of coaches in group-B, and 250 posts of junior coaches in group-C have been sanctioned."

07:00 AM

Earthquake of 4.9 magnitude hits Afghanistan

An earthquake of 4.9 magnitude on the Richter scale occurred at the Hindu Kush area of Afghanistan on Thursday, roughly 277 km north-northeast of Kabul, according to the National Centre of Seismology.

06:59 AM

No change in policy on Jammu and Kashmir, says US

"I want to be very clear there has been no change in US policy in the region," State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told reporters in view of a tweet from the South and Central Asia Bureau of the State Department which welcomed the resumption of 4G mobile internet in Jammu and Kashmir.
"We welcome the resumption of 4G mobile internet in India's Jammu & Kashmir. This marks an important step for local residents and we look forward to continued political & economic progress to restore normalcy in J&K,” tweeted the South and Central Asia Bureau of the State Department.
Responding to a question, White House Press Secretary told reporters, "Of course, we always have concerns about crackdowns on freedom of speech, freedom of expression happening around the world and when it doesn't allow people to communicate and peacefully protest."

06:59 AM

13 Naxals surrender in Dantewada under 'Lon Varratu' campaign

A total of 13 Naxals including three carrying rewards of Rs 1 lakh each surrendered before the Chhattisgarh Police in Dantewada on Wednesday as part of the 'Lon Varratu' campaign.
Pallava launched the 'Lon Varratu' (return home) campaign in June 2020, and police said that in the past eight months, as many as 310 Naxals have surrendered in front of police, including 77 with rewards on their heads.

06:58 AM

Biden announces creation of new China task force to counter growing challenges

"Today I was briefed on a new DoD-wide China task force that Secretary Austin is standing up to look at our strategy and operational concepts, technology and force posture and so much more. The task force will work quickly, drawing on civilian and military experts across the department to provide within the next few months recommendations to Secretary Austin on key priorities and decision points so that we can chart a strong path forward on China-related matters," said US President Joe Biden while delivering remarks at the Pentagon.

06:58 AM

Responsible entities expected to remain committed to compliance to law of land: GOI to Twitter

On the request of Twitter, Secretary to Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India held a virtual interaction with Twitter officials on Wednesday and expressed strong displeasure on the way Twitter acted after an emergency order was issued to remove this hashtag 'farmer genocide'.
In a conversation with Vice President Global Public Policy Monique Meche and Deputy General Counsel and Vice President Legal Jim Baker, Secretary reminded Twitter that in India," its Constitution and laws are supreme", and it is expected that "responsible entities not only reaffirm but remain committed to compliance to the law of land."

06:56 AM

Oscars will be broadcast from multiple locations

Hollywood's Dolby Theatre has been the home of the Oscars since 2001 and the organisers say the upcoming show will keep that tradition, but they will enlist a supporting cast of venues.
An academy spokesperson said Wednesday that the ceremony will broadcast live from multiple locations on April 25. The announcement comes as many cities that are important film hubs, including Los Angeles, New York and London, remain under strict coronavirus restrictions.