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The excitement is building! The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back for its 17th season, and the schedule for the first two weeks has been revealed. Get ready for 21 action-packed matches across 10 cities, starting March 22nd and running until April 7th. Each team will play at least three matches, with some facing off five times during this initial period. Here is the list of teams and players of IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings: Sunrisers Hyderabad Royal Challengers Bangalore: Mumbai Indians: Delhi Capitals: Read more about IPL schedule 2024: https://www.thenexnews.com/post/cricket-action-begins-bcci-released-the-ipl-2024-schedule-know-the-dates-days-times-and-venues Kolkata Knight Riders: Gujarat Titans: Lucknow Super Giants: Rajasthan Royals: Punjab Kings:

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the schedule for the first 21 matches of the  IPL (Indian Premier League) 2024 on Thursday. The matches will be played across two weeks, from March 22nd to April 7th. This year's IPL will retain its usual format of 74 matches, including the four knockout matches. Notably, all teams except the Delhi Capitals will be playing their home matches at their designated venues in the initial schedule. The complete schedule remains to be announced due to the upcoming general elections in India. The Election Commission is expected to reveal the nationwide polling dates in the second or third week of March. The BCCI will then release the remaining schedule in consideration of these polling dates. Despite the uncertainty around the complete schedule, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal has confirmed that the tournament will be held in India. The BCCI is committed to collaborating with government and security agencies to ensure a smooth and secure event during the election period. "We will work closely with government and security agencies, adhering to all necessary protocols and advisories related to the Lok Sabha elections. Once the polling dates are announced, we will review and address any concerns regarding the first two weeks of the schedule. Subsequently, we will finalize the schedule for the remaining season in collaboration with local authorities, considering the polling dates,"- the BCCI stated in a press release. Read more about IPL 2024 teams and players: https://www.thenexnews.com/post/ipl-2024-a-look-at-teams-and-players IPL SCHEDULE 2024:

In fulfillment of a promise made in their 2023 election manifesto, the Karnataka government has discussed the creation of a separate ministry dedicated to Non-Resident Indian Kannadigas (NRKs). Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara told this during the legislative assembly session on Wednesday. He welcomed a delegation of NRIs from over 15 countries who were present at the Vidhana Soudha to witness the proceedings. The delegation, which included representatives from Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Australia, Singapore, and Western Asian countries, had appealed to the state government for financial aid and to establish a dedicated ministry to address their concerns. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded positively to their request and agreed to establish a separate ministry for NRIs in the state, following the Kerala model. Kerala has a dedicated Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Department, which provides various services and support to the state's NRK community. Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Department: Established in 1996, NORKA (Non-Resident Keralites Affairs) helps bridge the gap between Keralites living abroad and the Kerala government. This first-of-its-kind department in India addresses issues NRKs face, strengthens their connection with their homeland, and even aids returning NRKs with rehabilitation. NORKA Roots, launched in 2002, is a crucial link between NRKs and the government, ensuring their voices are heard and concerns addressed. What will the new ministry focus on? The new ministry in Karnataka is expected to focus on addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by NRKs (Non-Resident Indian Kannadigas), such as attracting investments and expertise from the NRK community for state development, streamlining access to services and grievance redressal for NRKs, and fostering cultural connections between NRKs and their homeland. The implementation details of the new ministry, including its structure, functions, and timeline, are still being finalized. The announcement has been welcomed by the NRK community, who see it as a positive step towards recognizing their contributions and addressing their concerns.

A new storm has brewed in West Bengal's turbulent political landscape, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing the Centre of deliberately deactivating Aadhaar cards of residents, particularly those belonging to minority communities. This action, she claims, is a "conspiracy" to deprive beneficiaries of welfare schemes and create panic ahead of crucial Lok Sabha elections. However, the Centre denies any intentional deactivation, attributing it to a technical glitch. Union Minister Shantanu Thakur assures swift reactivation of affected cards, while the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) clarifies that no numbers have been cancelled, only notifications sent for data updates. Despite the Centre's explanation, Banerjee remains unconvinced. She launched an "Aadhaar Grievances Portal" for affected citizens and promised alternate cards to ensure continued benefits. she also alleges that the targeting of specific communities like Matuas and Namashudras, further escalating the political angle. Meanwhile, the BJP dismisses Banerjee's accusations as "lies" and "fearmongering" aimed at diverting attention from other issues. This fuels existing political divides on citizenship issues, particularly the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The Aadhaar deactivation issue has become a flashpoint in West Bengal's already charged political atmosphere. It remains to be seen how this controversy unfolds and what impact it has on the upcoming elections and the broader national debate on citizenship and identity.

In a bold move beyond the screen, actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu opens about a challenging personal journey. Facing an autoimmune condition and a "difficult year" marked by stress, she launches a podcast. More than just sharing her struggles, she aims to empower others through health awareness and education. This podcast marks a return to work after a health break, and also sees her starring alongside Varun Dhawan in an upcoming series. A Year of Shadows in the life of Samantha Ruth Prabhu: Sam paints a picture of the year before her diagnosis as "extremely difficult," marked by stress and a yearning for calm. While she doesn't explicitly mention her separation from Naga Chaitanya, the timeline suggests it may have played a role in this emotional turmoil. However, amidst the hardship, a moment of peace offered a glimmer of hope, making the subsequent diagnosis even more jarring. From Struggle to Strength: Facing a lifelong condition could have easily daunted her spirit, but Sam chose a different path. Her diagnosis became a catalyst for action, inspiring her to launch her podcast, Take 20, –a platform to educate and empower others about health issues. Beyond raising awareness about myositis, she emphasizes the importance of prioritizing overall well-being, urging listeners to prioritize their health and avoid similar struggles. It's like saying, "Hey, let's all be healthy and avoid what I went through!" Facing Challenges: Being sick isn't the only hurdle. Samantha admits it wasn't easy being "jobless" while focusing on her health. This shows everyone that being sick can bring financial worries too. Plus, she talks about how hard it is to open up about being vulnerable, something we often hide. But hey, being honest is powerful! A New Chapter: Work, Passion, and Empowerment: Despite the challenges, Prabhu's spirit remains undimmed. She recently announced her return to acting and her unwavering passion for her new podcast. Additionally, she'll be starring alongside Varun Dhawan in an upcoming Indian adaptation of the American series "Citadel." This isn't just a story about getting sick, it's about bouncing back even stronger. Samantha inspires us to take care of ourselves, be open about challenges, and keep chasing our dreams, no matter what. So, listen to her podcast, take care of yourself, and remember, even when things are tough, there's always hope!

After weeks of tense standoffs and a massive "Delhi Chalo" march, a late-night meeting between farmers and the government offered a potential breakthrough in their ongoing dispute. The government proposed a five-year guaranteed purchase scheme for key crops, including pulses, maize, and cotton, specifically targeting farmers in Punjab. This comes in response to the central demand of farmers for assured minimum support prices (MSP). While the "Delhi Chalo" march, symbolizing the farmers' protest, has been temporarily halted, the farmers have warned of resuming it on February 21st if their demands including a law guaranteeing MSP, debt relief, and pensions for farmers and farm laborers, are not met. Security measures remain in place, highlighting the situation's lingering tension and uncertainty. Swaminathan Commission Recommendations: The Swaminathan Commission, led by renowned agricultural scientist Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, proposed a comprehensive roadmap for reforms in 2006. Key recommendations included: Ensuring Fair Prices: Setting MSPs at least 50% above the weighted average cost of production, including land lease and family labor, to provide a guaranteed minimum income for farmers. Investment in Infrastructure: Prioritizing public investment in irrigation, storage, and research to improve yields and resilience. Empowering Farmers: Strengthening farmer organizations, facilitating market access, and reducing input costs to give them greater control over their livelihoods. Addressing Land Issues: Implementing land reforms to protect farmers' rights and prevent unfair land acquisition. Farmers' Demands Align with Swaminathan Commission: Farmers' current demands beyond guaranteed prices resonate with several recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission. These include: MSP Implementation: A legal guarantee for MSP on all notified crops, based on the C2+50% formula, similar to the Commission's recommendation. Debt Relief: Comprehensive debt relief measures to address the burden of mounting debt faced by many farmers. Sustainable Practices: Increased support for sustainable farming practices and diversification of crops, aligning with the Commission's emphasis on long-term agricultural development. Pension Schemes: Pensions for farmers and farm laborers, reflecting the Commission's concern for social security in the agricultural sector.

On February 17, 2024, at 5:35 pm, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will launch the INSAT-3DS satellite into orbit. The launch will take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, using the GSLV-F14 rocket. The INSAT-3DS satellite is designed to enhance weather forecasting and disaster warning capabilities in India. It will provide accurate and timely information on weather patterns, enabling better preparation and response to extreme events. Mission Objectives of INSAT-3DS Satellite: The INSAT-3DS satellite will carry out a range of missions, including : Monitoring Earth's surface to study cloud properties, fog, rainfall, snow cover, snow depth, fire, smoke, land, and ocean. Conducting oceanic observations to monitor sea surface temperatures, ocean currents, and wave height. Studying the environment using various spectral channels of meteorological importance. - Providing data collection and dissemination capabilities through data collection platforms. Offering satellite-aided search and rescue services. Enhanced Weather Forecasting: The INSAT-3DS satellite will significantly improve the accuracy of weather forecasts in India. By providing real-time data on various meteorological parameters, the satellite will enable better prediction of weather patterns and extreme events. This information will be crucial for timely alerts, evacuation, and disaster management. Disaster Warning and Management: The satellite will also play a vital role in disaster warning and management. It will provide early warning of impending disasters, such as cyclones, floods, and earthquakes. This will allow authorities to take necessary measures to evacuate vulnerable populations and minimize damage. GSLV-F14 Rocket and Launch Details The INSAT-3DS satellite will be carried into orbit by the GSLV-F14 rocket. The GSLV, or Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, is a reliable launch vehicle with a proven track record of success. About 20 minutes after liftoff, the satellite will be deployed into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Subsequent orbit-raising maneuvers will place it into a Geo-stationary Orbit within a couple of days.

Farmer unions, unitedly, called for a Bharat bandh today. There were talks going on between union ministers and the farmers' union. So far, three rounds of talks have been held, but the output is inconclusive. The fourth round of talks is to be held on Sunday. Farmer unions decided on a day-long Bharat band from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Farmers are organising a large-scale roadblock protest, known as "chakka jam," on major highways throughout the country from noon to 4 p.m. Farmer unions called for a Bharat bandh to pressure the central government to accept their demands. Their demands include legislation on the minimum support price, the implementation of Swaminathan Commission recommendations, and others. To know more about farmers demands of farmers: click here- https://www.thenexnews.com/post/what-is-the-delhi-chalo-march-which-farmer-unions-are-involved-and-what-are-their-demands Closed during Bharat Bandh: Transportation Agricultural activities The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act Private offices Village shops Rural industries Service sector institutions On February 16, several political parties, including Congress and leftist parties, expressed support for farmer protests and called for a Bharat bandh (nationwide strike). Trade unions announced that mining and public bus services would remain suspended. In Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida), the police enforced restrictions under CrPC Section 144, prohibiting unauthorised public gatherings throughout the district. The protests have been met with both support and opposition from different political groups and organisations, leading to a complex and evolving situation.

To combat cash donations in political funding, India introduced electoral bonds scheme in 2018. These bonds were created by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to enhance transparency in political contributions. The system mandates that only registered political parties with a 1% vote share in the last election to the parliament or a state assembly can receive electoral bonds, which must be redeemed within 15 days. Despite their initial aim, electoral bonds have since become the dominant source of political funding in India, accounting for an overwhelming 56% of all funding, as revealed by a report from the ADR. Supreme court decision in electoral bonds scheme: The Supreme Court ruled that the anonymous electoral bond scheme violates the right to information and Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. The Court held that there are alternative methods to combat black money and declared the scheme unconstitutional due to its non-disclosure provision. The bench led by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, B R Gavai, J B Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra determined that the scheme's infringement on the Right to Information was unjustified. The Supreme court has directed SBI to furnish detailed information regarding all electoral bonds issued since April 2019 to the Election Commission of India within three weeks. Political parties face an additional burden, with a 15-day deadline to return all uncashed electoral bonds in their possession. This verdict ushers in a new era of transparency in political funding, potentially altering the landscape of Indian elections.

In response to the world's pressing challenges, the World Government Summit (WGS) stands as an annual global gathering that convenes influential leaders, policymakers, experts, and thought leaders across diverse fields. This esteemed platform fosters dialogue and collaboration, addressing critical issues that shape the future of governments and the world at large. As the world grapples with Gaza conflicts, artificial intelligence regulations, and myriad other complex challenges, the WGS emerges as a beacon of hope, offering solutions and insights that can pave the way for a better tomorrow. At the World Government Summit 2024, held from February 12th to 14th, artificial intelligence (AI) took centre stage. The summit, themed "Shaping Future Governments," recognised AI's transformative potential across various sectors and its role in shaping the future landscape of governance. India holds the guest of honour position on the third and final day of the summit, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to deliver a keynote address. The summit serves as a platform for global leaders, experts, and innovators to discuss and collaborate on pressing issues, including the responsible and ethical use of AI in governance. A 2-day visit by PM Modi to the UAE includes: Prime Minister Modi's two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) features a packed itinerary, including an address to the Indian diaspora in Alhan Modi event, the signing of various agreements, participation in and address at the World Government Summit, and the inauguration of the first BAPS Hindu temple in the UAE. In a significant move to strengthen economic ties and promote digital transformation, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed agreements on the interlinking of digital payment platforms: UPI (India) and AANI (UAE). This strategic move will facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries, fostering economic growth and convenience. The agreements build upon the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on interlinking payment and messaging systems that were signed in July 2021 during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Abu Dhabi. Additionally, as a tribute to Prime Minister Modi's attendance at the World Government Summit, the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai was illuminated with the words "Guest of Honour—Republic of India," warmly welcoming the Indian Prime Minister. These initiatives underscore the growing partnership between India and the UAE in various fields, including digital infrastructure, trade, and investment. Modi attended the Alhan Modi event yesterday at Zayed Sports City Stadium. He addressed the Indian diaspora with the message of Vasudeva Kutumbhbhava. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the historic BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14, 2023, marking a pivotal moment for the city's Hindu community. This magnificent temple, crafted from pink sandstone sourced from the state of Rajasthan and pristine white Italian marble, stands as a testament to the shared cultural heritage between India and the United Arab Emirates. The intricate carvings and architectural elements of the mandir were meticulously crafted in India and then assembled in Dubai, showcasing the dedication and expertise of artisans from both countries. The temple's construction was initially announced during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the UAE in 2018 and has since garnered immense anticipation among the region's Hindu community. Upon its inauguration, the mandir will open its doors to the public on March 1, 2023, serving as a spiritual and cultural landmark for generations to come.

Delhi Chalo marched today. Over 250 farmers' unions from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh planned to march towards the national capital on tractors to pressure the government to accept their demands. The main objective of the march was to ensure a fair price for agricultural produce and protect the interests of farmers. Meetings were held between farmers and union ministers on the demands yesterday in Chandigarh. But the ministers couldn’t come up with any solutions to meet the demands of the farmers. In response to this, farmer unions, Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, announced the Delhi Chalo march. Over 200 farmer unions are set to gather in Delhi. Farmer unions involved Demands of farmers Security placement at borders Farmer Union involved in Delhi Chalo march-Samyukta Kisan Morcha: The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an alliance of over forty Indian farmers' unions, was formed in November 2020 to collectively oppose three agricultural laws enacted in September of the same year. The SKM asserts that these laws are an unwelcome imposition on farmers, violate the constitution, favor big businesses at the expense of farmers, and undermine the existing agricultural support system, leading to widespread protests and a prolonged standoff between the farmers and the government. The SKM includes farmers unions from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and additional states. Farmer Union involved in Delhi Chalo march-Bharatiya Kisan Union: The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), also known as the Indian Farmers' Union, is a prominent farmers' representative organization in India. Founded by Chaudhary Charan Singh, the BKU strives to remain non-partisan and acts as a pressure group from outside the realm of electoral politics. Its primary purpose is to advocate for the rights and interests of farmers, serving as a powerful voice for the agricultural community in India. Demands of farmers: Farmers are demanding legislation on the minimum support price. - Implementation of Swaminathan Commission recommendations Pensions for farmers and farm labourers Farm debt waiver Withdrawal of police cases Justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act Withdrawal from the World Trade Organization Compensation for the families of farmers who died during the previous agitation Security placement at borders: Security Forces Deployed at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh Borders Companies of security forces:  10 companies at the Ghazipur border, 8 companies at the Singhu border Police personnel: deployed along the Chilla border on the Noida-Delhi link road near Nagda Measures taken: Authorities are preventing protesters from entering the national capital through these routes. Imposed Section 144 across Delhi

A major event in Sri Lanka and Mauritius. Today, these two island nations are set to launch Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services at 1 PM. Three leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, are set to participate in a virtual meeting to commemorate the launch of UPI services in their respective countries. This initiative aims to enhance digital connectivity and facilitate seamless financial transactions among the three nations. What is UPI? The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), makes quick money transfers through mobile applications 24*7 for 365 days, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2016. It is a real-time payment system that facilitates inter-bank transactions through applications. It allows person-to-person and person-to-merchant transactions. UPI also has a QR code payment system. What services are being launched through video conferences? According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Sri Lanka and Mauritius are going to launch: Launch of Indian payment system UPI services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius: Indian nationals travelling to these two island nations can use the UPI payment system. Mauritius residents can also use UPI services in India. Launch of the RuPay card in Mauritius: Mauritius is introducing the RuPay card. This initiative will allow Mauritian banks to issue RuPay cards, enabling Mauritians to make seamless transactions in India and Mauritius. Additionally, Indian nationals visiting Mauritius can conveniently use their RuPay cards for payments, eliminating the need for currency exchange and enhancing the overall travel experience. This collaboration promotes financial inclusivity and fosters economic growth in both countries. Countries that are using UPI services: