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Pakistan police halt bid to arrest ex-PM Imran Khan after clashes with supporters

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LAHORE: Pakistan police appeared Wednesday to have given up an attempt to arrest former prime minister Imran after violent clashes with hundreds of his supporters.

AFP correspondents and witnesses near Khan’s home in the plush Zaman Park suburb of Lahore said police and paramilitary rangers had retreated after abandoning a series of roadblocks and checkpoints.

“The police and rangers sent to harm Imran Khan were pushed back by the people,” his official Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party tweeted, along with a video of supporters celebrating outside his house.

“More people are coming to Zaman Park and will never let the evil intentions of this imported government succeed, God willing.”

Police had fought pitched battles with Khan’s supporters throughout the night, firing fusillades of teargas and dodging rocks thrown by angry crowds.

Groups of police were seen running in disarray from the direction of the house Wednesday afternoon.

Khan was ousted from office by a no-confidence vote last year, and has been snarled in dozens of legal cases as he campaigns for early elections and a return to office.

Official social media accounts inside his garden, and jubilant supporters celebrating outside.

Police insist they have a warrant to arrest Khan following his failure to appear before an Islamabad court on graft charges, but the former premier and his lawyers say he has been granted bail on the charge.

“The PTI leader does not have protective bail for this particular case,” Muhammad Taqi Jawad, spokesman for Islamabad police, told AFP.

He said the arrest warrant would stand and denied police had retreated, adding: “Our actions will strictly adhere to the law, and we are committed to fulfilling our duty.”

Earlier Khan issued a video sitting in front of Pakistan and PTI flags at a desk decorated with spent teargas canisters.

“They will teargas our people and do other such things, but you should know that they have no justification to do so,” he said.

Supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan chant anti government slogans as they gather outside the Khan’s residence, in Lahore, Pakistan.

Residence ringed
On Wednesday morning hundreds of PTI supporters had ringed Khan’s residence in the plush neighbourhood, holding off fresh attempts by police to storm the premises.

Video circulating on social media — much distributed by official PTI accounts — showed several bloodied supporters and others struggling to cope with tear gas.

A PTI official tweeted that there was “an urgent need” for first aid kits at the Zaman Park neighbourhood.

“The way the police attack our people, there is no precedent for this,” Khan said.

“Water cannons, teargas… they shelled inside the house (grounds) where there were servants and women.”

Khan later tweeted pictures of bullet casings purportedly collected from the scene, but a Punjab government official denied live rounds were fired

“Clearly ‘arrest’ claim was mere drama because real intent is to abduct & assassinate,” Khan tweeted.

The Islamabad High Court was meeting Wednesday to hear a fresh petition from PTI to prevent Khan’s arrest, which could defuse the situation.

Khan, 70, has been summoned to court to answer accusations he did not declare gifts received during his time as prime minister, or the profit made from selling them.

Officers first made an attempt to arrest him earlier this month, but said the politician was “reluctant to surrender”, without offering further details.

Khan has been pressuring the coalition government that replaced him, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with popular rallies and daily addresses.

Sharif said on Wednesday that Khan considered himself “above the law”.

“He is defying each and every court of the country. It’s naked defiance,” he told reporters.

Last year the former international cricket star was shot in the leg during a political rally, an assassination bid he blamed on Sharif.

As the political drama unfolds ahead of an election due by October, Pakistan is in the grip of a stark economic downturn, risking default if help cannot be secured from the International Monetary Fund.

The security situation is also deteriorating with a spate of deadly attacks on police headquarters, linked to the Pakistani Taliban.

“The standoff in Lahore reflects the worst state of affairs in the country,” said Tauseef Ahmed Khan, an author, political analyst and human rights activist.

“On one side, it is failure of police and the law enforcement agencies… on the other, this has been a new trend in the South Asian politics — that a political leader is defying the arrest by using his workers and supporters.”

Over 50 per cent of rural households use fossil fuel for cooking: NSSO

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NEW DELHI: The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) carried out the Multiple Indicator Survey (MIS) covering the entire country in its 78th round. The survey says that over 50 per cent of rural households do not use a clean source of energy for cooking food. 

Overall, around 37 per cent of households still use polluted sources of energy for cooking purposes. It raises questions over the success of the Government of India’s flagship scheme, Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana (PMUY), under which over 9.58 crore households received LPG cylinders.

However, in a stark difference,  92 per cent of urban households use clean energy sources for cooking. Here clean fuel refers to LPG, other natural gas, gobar gas, other biogas, electricity (including solar/ wind power generators) and solar cookers.

Experts say that higher costs of LPG are major hindrances against the scheme. The filling rate of the LPG cylinder has been low. However, last year Rameshwar Teli, Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in Lok Sabha, informed Parliament that the per capita consumption of PMUY beneficiaries increased from 3.01 refills in 2019-20 to 3.68 in 2021-22.  

Domestic emission is one of the major sources of pollution in the Indo-Gangetic plains, one of the most polluted regions of the planet. People are using firewood, chips and crop residue, kerosene, dung cake and other traditional sources of fuels for household cooking, which is the primary source of emissions of Particulate Matters (PM) 2.5 in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar  Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Chandigarh and Delhi. “The unclean fuels contribute nearly 19 per cent of the total emissions in the region,” said Bhupender Yadav, Union minister for environment, forest and climate change, told the Lok Sabha.

The NSSO survey was scheduled for January-December 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey continued up until August  15, 2021. The report also says that 99 per cent of households lighting their house and 36.6 per cent of households heating their house are using a clean energy source.

Both houses of Parliament adjourned amid row over Rahul’s UK remarks, Adani

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NEW DELHI: Both houses of the Parliament were adjourned for a fourth consecutive day amid uproar over the BJP’s demand for an apology over Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in the UK, while the opposition pushed for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into alleged stock manipulation by the Adani Group. 

The rucks come as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is expected  today at parliment

As soon as the Lok Sabha assembled for the day, some opposition members came to the well of the house and began shouting slogans, demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into alleged stock manipulation by the Adani Group. Members of treasury benches also raised counter-slogans from their seats, demanding an apology from Gandhi for his remarks.

Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla urged the members to allow the House to function.

“I want to run the House, I want to give you enough opportunities and enough time to speak. You have to go to your seats. You come to the well and then go outside and tell that you don’t get a chance to speak. This is not right,” he said.

Birla said the House has to be to function smoothly. “You don’t allow to run the House. You shout slogans. Parliament has dignity and we all have to maintain the dignity,” he said.

As the opposition members ignored his pleas, the speaker adjourned the House till 2 pm.

Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha witnessed uproarious scenes soon after it met for the day, with the proceedings adjourned till 2 PM.

Trinamool Congress MPs were in the well of the House even before the start of the proceedings and raised slogans saying they are not being allowed to speak. TMC members were also wearing black masks as a mark of protest.

Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar urged the members to take to their seats but the treasury benches raised their pitch demanding an apology from Rahul Gandhi for his democracy remarks made abroad.

Opposition members also created an uproar and the chair adjourned the House within two minutes of the meeting. The Rajya Sabha has not been able to transact any business ever since it met on Monday for the second leg of the Budget session, amid opposition uproar. The opposition members have been blaming the BJP for creating pandemonium in the House and for not allowing it to function.

Summertime in Bengaluru

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Women shield themselves from a scorching summer sun on Monday |PTI

This summer could be a harsh one. Rising temperatures across the state are a forewarning about what April and May could be like, say weather experts. As with every summer, there is concern about drinking water availability, the power situation and forest fires.

In Belagavi, the impact assessment of the approaching summer seems to have raised some worries. The supply of drinking water has been delayed several times during February. This year, the authorities were able to provide drinking water supply for only five days throughout the month.

Due to decreased water levels in Rakasakop reservoir, there has been a change in the schedule of water supply to Belagavi city, according to the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation authorities.

They say that this year, water level in the reservoir is approximately 4 feet lower than last year, which may result in disruption of 24/7 water supply, including the 24/7 demo zone of Belagavi city. Belagavi’s public has been asked to use water sparingly, the authorities say.

Abhimanyu Daga, a noted water warrior who has been engaged in water conservation activities across Belagavi, says improper coordination and communication among government authorities and L&T is one of the major reasons for Belagavi facing drinking water supply problems.

Also, water lifting from resources and proper distribution is required with strong technical support to sort the problem more efficiently. “We are unable to protect and utilise existing resources like wells and lakes which would have supplemented water in peak summers. Unauthorised borewells with a lack of ground water recharge has led to poor ground water levels, which was predicted long ago,” Daga said. 

Task forces in every taluk
Shivamogga Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer ND Prakash says arrangements are being made to face the upcoming summer. Task forces are formed in every taluk to evaluate the drinking water situation.

The task force to monitor drinking water supply consists of executive officers (EOs) and tahsildars of the respective taluks. A committee meeting will be held to prepare a plan on prevention of drinking water shortage in the identified villages.

The proceedings of the meeting will be analysed and sent to the state government by the end of March. Based on the task force report, a proposal will be sent to the government on the requirement of funds to manage uninterrupted supply of drinking water, he says.

The situation seems more dire in Dakshina Kannada. Water available at Thumbe Dam is sufficient only for the next 50 days. The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has urged citizens to use water judiciously, as there are chances of the city facing water scarcity if pre-monsoon showers do not begin soon.

Former mayor Premanand Shetty said the water level has come down to 5.9 metres at Thumbe Dam, against the maximum storage level of 6m, which is a matter of concern. “We depend on inflow to the Nethravathi river, but it has decreased, which will result in a water shortage in MCC limits in April and Mays. We have been ordered to stop water supply to construction and other commercial works on a temporary basis. We urge the public to use the water supplied only for drinking water purposes and use it judiciously. If pre-monsoon is delayed, we will face water shortage till June 15,” he cautioned.

He added that water will be utilised from the AMR Hydel power project’s vented dam at Shamboor, upstream of Thumbe, where the water level is 18.9m at present, but this would still not be sufficient. “We are staring at a water crisis similar to what we faced in 2019. MCC Commissioner Channabasappa K has also directed engineers to submit an action plan as to how this water can be distributed ward-wise. We may have to opt for water rationing,” Shetty added.

Cauvery at a low 
Meanwhile, in Madikeri, with summer already setting in, the scarcity of water is being reported across urban areas, including Kushalnagar. The Cauvery has reached an alarmingly low level even before peak summer season, and steps are being taken by the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board to build sand bunds to preserve water for pumping into water supply units.

Officials, however, confirmed that the situation would come under control if the district gets pre-monsoon showers. With sprinkler irrigation activities carried out across coffee estates in the district, natural streams are drying up at a faster pace, and a few homestays pay up for drinking water supplied through tankers on the outskirts of Madikeri.

Meanwhile, wildlife is also being catered to at Nagarahole Tiger Reserve. “To provide water to animals, solar powered water pumps have been installed to draw water to tanks. There are 17 tanks which are connected to solar pumps and there are other tanks which have water and can last till the end of the summer,” said Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Harshakumar Chikkanaragund.

Forest fires
At Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, preparations are being made to protect forests and wildlife ahead of summer. “We have created a 2500-km forest fire line in eight forest ranges under the reserve. In order to handle potential forest fires, we have outsourced 400 fire watchers who will be deputed at all watchtowers. They will be in charge of providing information on forest fires, smoke and weather conditions through wireless devices. If there are any fires, they will inform staff and rush to the spot along with forest guards and officers to douse the fire. At vulnerable points, fire engines and quick response vehicles have also been stationed,” DCF Harshakumar Chikkanaragund said.

He said the department has enough fire extinguishing equipment to handle any fires. “If there is a serious wildfire, the department will also provide helicopters. The fire service department deployed 14 fire tenders and 28 firemen at Nagarahole to handle any fires till the end of summer,” he said.
Chikkanaragund appealed to people travelling inside the forest area not to smoke or carry inflammable material which can potentially start a fire. He also sought help in supporting the department.

This, however, does not seem to be the case in Dakshina Kannada. Forest fires in Shishila and Shibaje areas of Belthangady taluk and many other areas of Dakshina Kannada district have continued. Wildlife enthusiasts have started a campaign on social media, demanding swift action like the usage of helicopters to bring fires under control. They have demanded that the government immediately arrange helicopters from the Coast Guard or Indian Navy.

Similarly, in Kodagu, forest fires are threatening the rich vegetation and wildlife. Fire incidents on denotified forest lands are being reported every day across the district, and over 100 acres have been so far lost in the fire.

POWER CUTS
In Belagavi, frequent power cuts during the summer is common in Athani, Chikkodi and Raibag taluks. According to people in those areas, even convincing replies from officials are not available. When summer is at its peak in April, along with the shortage of power supply, the availability of fodder also becomes difficult, they said.

WEATHER FORECAST 
India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials say that as per the long-range forecast issued by the ministry, the forecast is probabilistic. “Near normal summer has been forecast for parts of south interior and north interior Karnataka for the month of March. Above normal summer temperature has been forecast for coastal Karnataka. A heat wave warning has also been issued for the month of April, for parts of north interior Karnataka, including Bidar, Vijayapura, Raichur, Bagalkote, Yadgir and other surrounding areas,” said an IMD official. The officials say heat waves are normal during summers and will be short-lived. “A heat wave is declared when the temperature is 4-5 degree above normal for over two days, and in more than 2-3 stations. The highest of 40.2 degree Celsius was recorded in Karwar last week. This week, Panambur has been recording temperature of around 39- 39.6 degree Celsius. In fact, Bengaluru has been recording cool temperatures in March, varying around 28- 30 degree Celsius,” one of the officials says. The long-range forecast issued by the IMD states: “During MAM (March-April-May) season, above normal minimum temperatures are very likely over most parts of the country, except south peninsular India where normal to below normal minimum temperatures are likely. Above normal monthly minimum temperatures are most likely during March 2023 over most parts of India…”

MGNREGA WORKERS
For the safety and health of workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), officials at the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department (RDPR) are issuing a circular advising people to start work early (even at 7am) and wind up before noon. This would be especially applicable for regions of North Karnataka and Hyderabad-Karnataka, where summer is harsh during MAM.

HEALTH EFFECT
With early onset of summer, cases of influenza and viral infections are rising, as are cases of H3N2. This forced the state health department to issue a heat wave advisory alert, citizens not to venture out from 12 noon to 3pm, especially women, children and senior citizens. The department also advised people to avoid hot drinks like tea, coffee and alcohol, and consume healthy fruits, food and more liquids.

STUDENT SAFETY
To ensure the safety of students, especially those writing exams, the education department has ensured that all exams are scheduled in the early morning hours and centres are located close to the homes or schools of children. Education department officials said directions have also been issued to teachers to ensure there is sufficient water and if need be, some sweets for children who may find the heat oppressive. 

POWER SECTOR
As per Bescom records, the demand for power is not going below 7000 – 7200 MW on a daily basis since January. They said this was because most parts of south interior Karnataka, especially areas surrounding Bengaluru, have been experiencing warm and bright sunny days since January. 

Modi says Karnataka engine of hi-tech India

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BJP leaders present a replica of the famous Kalaghatgi cradle to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Dharwad on Sunday | D Hemanth

DHARWAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Karnataka is the engine of high-tech India which needs the power of a double-engine government. Speaking after the inauguration of the campus of IIT-Dharwad and some other development works, and laying the foundation stone for others including Hubballi branch of Jayadeva Cardiovascular Science and Research Institute on Sunday, Modi said that Karnataka has given a tech-future identity to India, and it was time to take it forward. 

Everybody demands better infrastructure and today, he said, adding that in “New India”, everyone is benefitting from modern infrastructures. As the central government has been working continuously over the past nine years, the rural road network has been strengthened, highway length has increased by over 55 per cent, railway infrastructure and service have improved and number of airports have doubled, he said.

Because the country has offered a strong and cheap digital infrastructure and service, the country has emerged as the strongest digital economy in the world, he said. In the last nine years, on average 1.5 lakh broadband connections were given and also penetration reached every village, he said.

Along with economic infrastructure through PM Gatishakti, Modi said that social infrastructure also been improved by building toilets, providing LPG connections,  better and cheap healthcare facilities, offering power connection, and building affordable houses to poor and good educational institutions for youths. 
Modi said the central government has focused on opening more IITs and IIMs, and 250 more medical colleges have been added.

Shri Siddharoodha Swami Hubballi Railway Station has the longest railway platform in the world. It entered the Guinness Book of World Records, recently. The 1,507-m-long platform has been built at a cost of Rs 20 crore.

Too hot to handle People in Dakshina Kannada struggle with rising temperature

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Heat Wave

MANGALURU: People are struggling to cope with a relentless heat wave, with temperatures reaching record highs in coastal Karnataka. Panambur in Mangaluru recorded the highest maximum temperature of 39.6 degrees Celsius on Saturday. Having to contend with sunburns and other humidity-related disorders, people are being extra cautious. Citizens blamed damage to nature as the only reason for extreme weather conditions.

Santhosh Poojary, who works in a private college in Bantwal, said he has developed sunburns as he is allergic to sunshine. Joshwa from Mangaluru said that the rise in temperature is a manmade catastrophe. “We need to plant more saplings, conserve the existing trees and preserve and re-energise open water resources,” he said. Preethi D’Souza, a beautician from Mangaluru, said, “The minute I come home from work, I feel so drenched and exhausted. Even my kids are complaining of the severe heat outside.”

“Rising temperatures reduce the performance levels for people and consumes significant energy leading to fatigue. Heat-induced stress is also leading to increased cardiovascular risks, which is being pointed out by a growing body of evidence. Almost everyday, firecrackers are burst in Mangaluru, which will make the weather worse and it will significantly damage the environment at large, besides eventually contributing to air pollution and noise pollution,” said Dr Edmond Fernandes, Director, Edward & Cynthia Institute of  Public Health.

Prasad A, an IMD scientist from Bengaluru, says during the summer, the probability of above normal temperatures in coastal Karnataka is around 50 per cent, as per the seasonal forecast and there is slight fall in temperatures now and they are expecting light rain in the third week of March. “Dakshina Kannada witnessed two heat wave spells on March 3, 4, 5 and 10,” he said.

The extreme weather conditions are causing health disorders. Dakshina Kannada DHO Dr Kishore Kumar said the heat wave and rising temperature cause dehydration, muscle cramps, viral infections, and senior citizens and pregnant women need extra care. “One has to drink plenty of water, fruit juices, lemonade, buttermilk, and coconut water, which will help maintain the body’s vitamins and minerals. People need to avoid roaming in the sun. If there is a fainting attack or severe weakness, one needs to consult a doctor immediately,” he advised.

Class X science paper leak leaves Assam government embarrassed exam cancelled

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Question paper leak, Telangana Inter Paper leak

GUWAHATI: The leak of general science question paper of the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination, 2023, conducted by the Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA), left the Himanta Biswa Sarma government embarrassed.

The exam was cancelled on Sunday midnight, barely nine hours before it was to have been commenced at 9 am of Monday. Many students across the state went to their examination centres, unaware of the cancellation of the exam. 

A beleaguered Education Minister Ranoj Pegu told journalists SEBA was forced to cancel the exam on Sunday midnight after getting “clues” about the paper’s leak. 

He said the question papers were kept at the police stations and they were to have been dispatched to the exam centres on Monday morning. He said the last time a paper of the HSLC examination got leaked was in 2006.

The minister said he spoke to Director General of Police GP Singh after SEBA had lodged a case with the police. He promised that the guilty would be punished after a proper investigation. He also said that the next date of the general science exam would be notified by SEBA in due course.

There are demands that he resign but he said, “The chief minister will decide.”

Earlier, a notification, signed by SEBA Controller of Examinations NJ Sarmah, said, “…a news is telecast in a section of media today evening that a hand written model question paper of HSLC examination of General Science (C3) subject, which is to be held on 13 March, 2023 (Monday), is available in the hands of some candidate and it is also spread in the social media.”

“We have a belief that such news may create a confusion in the minds of the candidates and keeping in view of this, the examination of General Science (C3) subject is hereby cancelled,” the notification further said.

It added that SEBA initiated an inquiry and would take all necessary actions in this respect.

Bangladesh stun England to seal T20 series

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Bangladesh stun England to seal T20 series

DHAKA: Mehidy Hasan Miraz shone with ball and bat as Bangladesh stunned England to win the second Twenty20 international by four wickets and seal the series 2-0.

Mehidy bowled a career-best 4-12 to help the hosts bowl out England for 117 before he hit 20 off 16 balls as Bangladesh raced to 120-6 in 18.5 overs.

Najmul Hossain top-scored at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka with 46 not out for Bangladesh, who have now won at least one series in one format against all Test-playing countries.

The hosts won the first match of the series by six wickets in Chittagong.

Sent into bat first, England were rarely in the contest after losing their way in the middle of the innings as their batsmen struggled to cope with a low and slow wicket in Mirpur.

Shakib Al Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud and Mustafizur Rahman each complemented Mehidy with a wicket apiece.

Ben Duckett top-scored with 28 while Phil Salt made 25 off 19 balls.

Taskin dismissed opener Dawid Malan for five but Salt and Moeen Ali showed positive intent to put on 34 runs for the second wicket.

The visitors then lost Salt, skipper Jos Buttler (four) and Ali (15) in consecutive overs to ruin their prospect of putting in a big total.

Mehidy then struck twice in one over to dismiss Sam Curran (12) and Chris Woakes (0) to deny England a late recovery.

Bangladesh in their reply lost both their openers Liton Das (nine) and Rony Talukdar (nine) cheaply but young Towhid Hridoy made 17 to steady the innings.

Najmul and Mehidy put Bangladesh in charge with a 41-run stand. England sniffed a chance with a few late wickets as Jofra Archer wracked havoc to finish with 3-13.

However, Najmul thwarted the visiting side with his unbeaten 47-ball innings featuring three boundaries.

Taskin completed the win with consecutive fours off Chris Jordan in the nineteenth over.

The third and final match of the series will be held at the same ground on Tuesday.

England won the preceding three-match one-day international series 2-1.

The matches are important practice for England on South Asian pitches ahead of the ODI World Cup to be held in India later this year.

India qualify for WTC final for 2nd successive time after New Zealand beat Sri Lanka in thriller

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India will take on Australia in the final of the World Test Championship 2021-23 in June at the Oval, London. India qualified to the summit clash after New Zealand won a last-ball thriller vs Sri Lanka in Christchurch on Sunday.

India qualified for the World Test Championship final

In Short

  • India reached the WTC final for the second successive time
  • India will take on Australia in the final at the Oval in London from June 7
  • India lost to New Zealand in the final of the inaugural WTC in 2021

The week-long suspense came to an end on Monday, March 13. India qualified for the World Test Championship final for the second successive time even before their final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia came to an end in Ahmedabad. India went through to the final after Sri Lanka, who were also in contention for the summit clash, lost the first of their 2-Test series in New Zealand in a thrilling finish on Monday.

India will take on Australia in the final of the WTC at the Oval in London from June 7 to 11. Australia qualified for the final after winning the 3rd Test against India in Indore earlier in the month. India needed to avoid losing more than 1 Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and hope New Zealand don’t suffer a 2-0 whitewash in their Test series at home.

As it turned out, even before India were in action on Day 5 of their Ahmedabad Test, their berth in the London final was confirmed as Sri Lanka lost the opening Test to New Zealand in a thrilling final day battle.

India, under Virat Kohli, qualified for the WTC final in 2021 and they lost to New Zealand in the summit clash. Notably, this will be second major ICC event for India in 2023 as the ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held at home in October-November.

After Australia made it to the final, only India and Sri Lanka were in the race for the WTC final in the second week of March but the islanders’ valiant fight in the Christchurch Test was not enough to keep their hopes alive.

There was genuine interest from Indian fans in the Sri Lanka-New Zealand first Test as the islanders came up with a valiant fight in the series opener at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Sri Lanka came up with a solid batting effort in their first innings to post 355 on the board but a stunning hundred from Daryl Mitchell helped New Zealand seal an 18-run first-innings lead. Sri Lanka were in a spot of bother when they lost 4 early wickets but senior batter Angelo Matthews helped Sri Lanka set a stiff target of 285.

The first Test in Christchurch was set up for a thrilling finale even as the Ahmedabad Test, which was played on a flat surface, headed towards a draw despite India posting 571 in response to Australia’s total of 480 in the first innings.

New Zealand were in a spot of bother when they lost opener Devon Conway early on Day 4 and Sri Lana also struck early on Monday with the wicket of Tom Latham. However, a 142-run stand between Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell.

Those ‘destroying’ democracy are talking of saving it: Congress chief Kharge slams BJP

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NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday hit back at the government for raising Rahul Gandhi’s democracy remarks in Parliament, saying those “crushing” democracy are talking of saving it.

He also dubbed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “dictator”.

Kharge took out a protest march from the Parliament House complex to Vijay Chowk along with MPs of other opposition parties, including those of the BRS, Left parties and AAP, after the BJP launched an offensive against Gandhi for allegedly defaming India by his remarks on democracy and demanded an apology from him.

Gandhi had recently alleged in London that the structures of Indian democracy are under “brutal attack” and there is a full-scale assault on the institutions of the country.

Talking to reporters at Vijay Chowk, Kharge said, “They (BJP) are crushing and destroying democracy and are talking of saving democracy and the country’s pride.”

He charged that there was no rule of law and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was running the country like a “dictator”.

“They are ‘suppressing’ opposition parties through ‘misuse’ of agencies. This is like ‘ulta chor kotwal ko daante’ (pot calling the kettle black),” the Congress chief alleged.

Kharge alleged that PM Modi has “ridiculed” India abroad several times and cited examples of his speeches in China, South Korea, Canada and UAE.

If the prime minister can say all kinds of things against India, why is it a crime if Rahul Gandhi does so, he said.

Kharge alleged that all this is being done by the government to divert attention from the Adani-Hindenburg issue. “We are demanding a JPC on the Adani issue. The government is trying to divert attention from this…We are together and will continue to demand JPC on the Adani issue,” he said.

The Leader of the Opposition also alleged that he was being discriminated against in the Rajya Sabha as the Leader of the House was allowed to speak for 10 minutes and when he rose the House was adjourned after two minutes.

Opposition parties earlier met in the chamber of the Leader of Opposition to coordinate their strategy in Parliament. This is the first day of the second part of the Budget session of Parliament.

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