SHARAD PAWAR RESIGNS AS NCP CHIEF, LATER AGREES TO RETHINK

Famous for shrewd power games in national and state politics, veteran Sharad Pawar on Tuesday announced his resignation as Nationalist Congress Party chief. However, hours later, his nephew Ajit Pawar said the decision would be given a rethink as cadres pleaded with the Maratha strongman not to renounce the top party post.

“Sharad Pawarji has agreed to rethink his decision. He needs two-three days. But he will do it only if all protesting workers go home,” Ajit told a large gathering of the NCP cadre which refused to leave the Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan in Mumbai, where the opposition stalwart announced his resignation.

The announcement, made by Sharad during the launch of his revised autobiography Lok Majhe Sangati (People Accompany Me), evoked extreme reactions.

Announcing the decision, former four-time Maharashtra CM Pawar, 82, said he was not retiring from active politics but wanted to withdraw from organisational role. “After serving in public life for 63 years, starting May 1, 1960, it is time to step back. I have three years of the Rajya Sabha membership left. I will focus on national and Maharashtra issues with the condition that I will not accept any party post. I have decided to step down as NCP chief,” said Pawar, sending the gathering into a frenzy.

He also announced a committee comprising party’s top leaders, including Praful Patel, Ajit Pawar and daughter Supriya Sule, to decide on the elections to fill the NCP chief’s post.

The committee met amid signs that it would ask Sharad Pawar to reconsider, something the latter agreed to do by the evening.

The development triggered intense speculation about motives behind Pawar’s latest play, coming at a time when Ajit Pawar has been displaying chief ministerial ambitions with subtle moves at a split, powered by the support of some 40 NCP MLAs whom he met over the last few days.

Conscious of his nephew’s ambitions, Sharad recently said he would not let the NCP split. Ajit, too, had denied talk about his defecting to the BJP.

DOVAL MEETS RAISI AS INDIA, IRAN CALL FOR TAKING TIES TO ‘NEW LEVEL’

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has pitched for taking India-Iran ties to a “new level”, especially in the economic and commercial fields, during a meeting with National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval in Tehran.

The NSA was on a daylong visit to Iran on Monday. Besides calling on Raisi, Doval held separate talks with his Iranian counterpart Ali Shamkhani and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian.

At their meeting, Doval and Amirabdollahian exchanged views on the development of the Chabahar port, ways to deal with terrorism, issues relating to bilateral banking and the situation in Afghanistan, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.

In a statement, it said the Iranian Foreign Minister called for boosting trade ties and hoped that the holding a meeting of the joint economic commission in Tehran would provide fresh momentum in the relations. It said Doval talked about unfolding developments globally and referred to a broad range of areas where Tehran and New Delhi could work together.

EC FLAGS ‘PLUMMETING’ LEVEL OF KARNATAKA CAMPAIGN DISCOURSE

Taking note of the “plummeting” levels of discourse in the Karnataka Assembly election campaign, the Election Commission on Tuesday issued an advisory to all recognised national and state parties to maintain “the expected level of dignity”, particularly with respect to their designated star campaigners.

The EC’s advisory to the parties comes in the wake of the BJP and the Congress submitting multiple complaints against each other for remarks made during the campaign. The BJP had, on April 28, complained to the EC about Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a “poisonous snake” while the Congress sought a ban on campaigning by Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for trying to create “an atmosphere of communal disharmony” through their statements.

The EC reiterated provisions of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) against the use of provocative and inflammatory speech, intemperate and abusive language “transgressing the limits of decency and attacks on the personal character and conduct of political rivals” that vitiate the level playing field.

NO INTERIM RELIEF FOR RAHUL GANDHI IN DEFAMATION CASE, VERDICT IN JUNE

Stating that it will deliver its verdict on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s plea for a stay on his conviction in a 2019 defamation case only after the summer vacation ends in the first week of June, the Gujarat High Court Tuesday declined to grant him interim protection.

On Tuesday, Justice Hemant Prachchhak called for records of the defamation trial before the Surat magistrate court for his perusal.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi , Gandhi’s counsel, sought interim relief by way of a stay on the conviction in the period leading up to the final pronouncement of the verdict after the judge indicated the expected timeline of the verdict.

Justice Prachchhak, however, said he would be passing final orders in the case and refused to grant any interim stay.

The High Court, in its order, recorded that “since the court has finally heard the matter, in the interest of justice, the interim protection cannot be granted at this stage. Hence, the request for interim protection is refused.”

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

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PAK’S INFLATION OUTPACES LANKA’S AS ASIA’S FASTEST

Pakistan took the crown for Asia’s fastest inflation from Sri Lanka as a weaker currency and rising food and energy costs drove price gain to a record in April.

Consumer prices rose 36. 4% in April from a year earlier, the highest since 1964, according to data released by the statistics department on Tuesday. The data shows Pakistan’s inflation outpaced price gains in Sri Lanka that eased to 35. 3% in April and is starting to show signs of recovery from an economic crisis.

The Pakistani rupee is one of the worst performing currencies globally so far in 2023, declining 20% to the dollar, and making imported goods more expensive. Transport prices climbed 56. 8% while food inflation quickened 48. 1% in April from a year earlier, data showed. Clothing and footwear prices gained 21. 6% and housing, water and electricity costs rose 16. 9%.

Pakistan’s inflation is expected to rise further after authorities raised taxes and fuel prices to meet the IMF’s conditions for the revival of a $6. 5 billion loan programme. To rein in price pressures, the State Bank of Pakistan hiked its benchmark interest rate last month to 21% — the highest since central bank data going back to 1956.

RUSSIA TIGHTENS CURBS IN OCCUPIED UKRAINE

As Ukrainian forces step up their assaults behind enemy lines ahead of an expected counteroffensive, Russia is imposing stricter measures on civilians in occupied areas of Ukraine, Ukrainian officials say. Russian occupation authorities have “reinforced” counterintelligence units and are restricting travel between towns and villages, the Ukrainian military high command said Tuesday, following efforts to Russify and punish dissent in areas of Ukraine under Russian control.

The moves come after the Kremlin last week decreed that anyone in occupied areasof Ukraine who did not accept aRussian passport could be relocated from their homes — an edict that has been sowing confusion and fear among Ukrainian residents. On Monday, Ukraine’s human rights commissioner urged Ukrainians living under Russian occupation to get Russian passports for their own safety, calling it a matter of survival.

Russian security officers have started working in crowded public spaces in plain clothes to track down members of the Ukrainian resistance in occupied areas, according to the National Resistance Center, a Ukrainian govtagency that coordinates and tracks activity in those areas.

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CONGRESS MANIFESTO PROMISES TO BAN BAJRANG DAL, RESTORE 4% MUSLIM QUOTA

The Congress proposed banning the Bajrang Dal in its manifesto released today for the May 10 Assembly elections in Karnataka. “The Congress is committed to taking firm and decisive action against individuals and organisations spreading hatred amongst communities. We believe that the Constitution is sacrosanct and cannot be violated by individuals and organisations like the Bajrang Dal, PFI or others promoting enmity or hatred, whether among majority or minority communities,” the manifesto stated. The document mentioned that the party, if voted to power, would take “decisive action as per law, including imposing a ban on them”.

The proposal drew sharp reaction from the BJP with PM Narendra Modi accusing the Congress of attempting to “lock up Bajrangbali”. “First they locked up Lord Rama. Now they have pledged to lock up those who chant ‘Jai Bajrang Bali’. First they had problems with those chanting Lord Rama’s name. Now they have problems with Lord Hanuman’s followers,” said the PM leading the offensive on the issue.

The Congress also promised to repeal all “anti-people and unjust laws” enacted by the BJP govt.

While stating that reservation would be increased to 75 per cent to accommodate SCs, STs, OBCs and minorities, the party also promised to restore the 4 per cent quota of for Muslims which has been scrapped by the BJP govt.

CONGRESS CENTRAL TO OPPOSITION UNITY BUT…: SHARAD PAWAR IN AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Sharad Pawar, in an updated version of his Marathi autobiography 'Lok Majhe Sangati' (People Accompany Me), accused the leaders of the grand old party of stubbornness when discussions were underway to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) govt in Maharashtra. "Congress suddenly remembers its stature as a national party when it is dealing with other parties and this attitude was evident during the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance," Sharad Pawar revealed in his autobiography.

"Congress is undoubtedly central to the opposition unity. But when it comes to reconciling with other parties and giving them importance, it suddenly realises its nationwide strength. This is my observation," Pawar wrote in the book.

The six-time Maharashtra chief minister, in his book, also stated that he had flagged the "arrogant attitude" of the Congress during an interview where he compared the grand old party to a landlord, who has lost his lands and can not maintain his mansion but keeps boasting about past glories.

Pawar also mentioned the Congress's attitude during talks to form the MVA, saying the party tested his patience and at one point, he even felt that the parley could not continue.

IT’S OBVIOUS THEY DON’T WANT US TO HEAR CASE: JUDGE ON BILKIS BANO’S PETITION

A Supreme Court Bench led by Justice KM Joseph on Tuesday expressed anguish over convicts in Bilkis Bano case using procedural lacunae to delay adjudication of petitions against their premature release.

“I think it should be more than clear to you what’s happening. The problem for me is that I am retiring on June 16. It’s obvious that they don’t want us to hear the matter...That’s more than obvious,” said Justice Joseph. “This case came to my court in March and we issued notice on the very first day. That’s the earliest we could do it. If it had come before me earlier, it’s a different matter, it would have taken a different turn,” he addeed.

Justice Joseph’s comments came as he was forced to adjourn hearing on petitions challenging the premature release of 11 men convicted of raping her and killing her family members during the 2002 Gujarat riots after some of the convicts said they had not been served with notices in the matter. The convicts accused petitioner Bano of playing a “fraud” on the court by stating that service was complete.

The Bench – which also included Justice BV Nagarathna – posted the matter for May 9 for completing the procedural formalities before summer vacation begins on May 20.

"WE REGRET": UKRAINE APOLOGISES AFTER BACKLASH OVER GODDESS KALI TWEET

Ukraine Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova today expressed "regret" after an image of a female above blast smoke was tweeted by the country's defence ministry triggering outrage with social media users pointing out the resemblance of the image to the depiction of Goddess Kali.

The country's deputy foreign minister Emine Dzhaparova said that Ukraine "regrets" the defence ministry's depiction of goddess Kali in a "distorted manner" and that the European country "respects unique Indian culture and highly appreciates support from India".

She added the depiction had been removed.

On April 30, Ukraine's Defence Ministry tweeted with the caption "Work of art," and shared a picture of a blast with an improvised picture by Ukrainian artist Maksym Palenko. In the picture, the artist depicted the blast in a unique yet offensive blend of famous American actress Marilyn Monroe in her 'flying skirt' pose with the face and detailing resembling Hindu Goddess 'Maa Kali'.

After posting the picture, the tweet triggered a massive backlash, forcing the Defence Ministry of Defence to delete the Twitter post.

DELHI GANGSTER KILLED INSIDE TIHAR JAIL

Sunil Balyan alias Tillu Tajpuriya was beaten to death allegedly by rival gangsters inside a high-risk ward at the capital’s Tihar Jail early Tuesday morning when the security was “weak”, said police.

Detailing the sequence of events, an official said that 33-year-old Tillu was roaming in his barracks when the four rivals pounced on him around 6 am in Jail No. 8.

The accused allegedly used an improvised rope to get down to the ground floor. Police said the accused had “sharpened” their hand-made weapons over time and used these to kill Tillu.

“It wasn’t a simple murder. Tillu was one of the most dreaded gangsters in Delhi. Days before the incident, the accused cut a section of iron mesh (separating the two floors) but jail officials didn’t take notice of this,” said a police officer.

The incident occurred days after another gangster Prince Tewatia was killed by fellow inmates inside jail number 3 with sharp-edged objects made with metal spoons and aluminium plates.

In August last year, a 20-year-old prisoner, Samir Khan, died of head injuries after a brawl with a fellow inmate. On March 3, 2021, one of UP’s most wanted criminals, Ankit Gujjar (29), was found dead inside Tihar’s jail number 3 after sustaining injuries allegedly due to a fight.

GO FIRST GOING DOWN; BANKS FACE A LOSS OF RS 5,600 CRORE

Banks are staring at a loss of over Rs 5,600 crore in Go First Airlines which has filed for insolvency at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

The total financial liabilities of the airline were at Rs 14,172 crore as of December 2020, according to theIPO prospectus filed by the airline. This has shot up further in the last two years.The company which proposed an IPO three years ago had postponed it at least three times due to several reasons, including the pandemic impact. Banks are cautious while increasing their exposure to the airline sector as the collapse of Kingfisher Airlines and Jet Airways has led to heavy losses for the banking sector.

The total bank loan outstanding of the aviation sector amounts to Rs 28,330 crore as of March 2023, according to RBI data.

LONELINESS NOW A HEALTH EPIDEMIC IN US: ‘AS DEADLY AS DAILY SMOKING’

Widespread loneliness in the US poses health risks as deadly as smoking a dozen cigarettes daily, costing the health industry billions of dollars annually, the US surgeon general Dr. Vivek Murthy said on Tuesday in declaring the latest public health epidemic. About half of US adults say they’ve experienced loneliness, he said in a report from his office. “Millions of people in America are struggling in the shadows, and that’s not right. That’s why I issued this advisory to pull back the curtain on a struggle that too many people are experiencing. ” The declaration is intended to raise awareness around loneliness but won’t unlock federal funding or programming devoted to combatting the issue.

DHRUPAD SINGER W DAGAR, AR RAHMAN IN ROW OVER MANI RATNAM FILM SONG

The melody of Veera Veera, a song by composer A R Rahman in Mani Ratnam’s recently released film Ponniyin Selvan 2, was “lifted and sung in the same taandav style in which my father and uncle sang their Shiva Stuti”, Delhi-based dhrupad singer Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar has alleged, a claim lawyers of Madras Talkies, director Mani Ratnam’s production house and producers of films PS1 and PS2, have denied.

A letter sent on behalf of Madras Talkies denied ‘Veera Veera’ was in any way a copy of the Dagar Brothers’ composition and alleged that Wasifuddin’s copyright claim is “misconceived”. They also indicated that Wasifuddin is on a “fishing expedition” and is doing this allegedly “for monetary gains & publicity”.

IPL MATCH 44: DC KEEP PLAYOFF HOPES ALIVE WITH WIN OVER GT

Aman Khan's maiden T20 fifty was beautifully complemented by the pacers as Delhi Capitals kept their playoff hopes alive with a tense five-run win over Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

Bowling impeccable lengths, Mohammed Shami (4/11 in four overs) was lethal with the new ball as he knocked the wind out of the Capitals' top order, as Gujarat Titans restricted DC to 130 for eight after being asked to bowl. DC were were tottering at 28/5 at the end of the Powerplay.

In reply, Hardik Pandya's (59 off 53) sedate fifty and Rahul Tewatia's (20) hattrick of sixes were not enough a Wins Tally: MI 4/8; RR 5/9s Delhi bowlers held their nerves to stop the defending champions at 125 for 6.

Wins Tally: DC 3/9; GT 6/9

INDICATORS

Sensex 61,355 (+242), Nifty 18,148 (+83)

Nasdaq 12,081 (-132) Dow 33,685 (-367), S&P 4,120 (-48)

US$-Rs. 81.78 GBP-Rs. 102.06, Euro-Rs. 89.84, UAE Dhm-Rs. 22.26, Can$-Rs. 60.19, Aus$- Rs. 54.56

GBP 0.80 /US$, Euro 0.91 /US$, Jap.Yen 137.08 /US$, Aus$ 1.49 /US$, Sing 1.33 /US$, Bang Taka 104.89 /US$, Can$ 1.35 /US$, Mal Ring 4.45 /US$, Pak Re 283.40 /US$, Phil Peso 55.38 /US$, Russian Rouble 80.12 /US$, NZ$ 1.61 /US$, Thai Baht 34.10 /US$, Ukraine Hryvnia 36.54 /US$)

Bitcoin - USD 28,513, Dollar Index 101.55, Brent Crude 75.27, BDI 1,552.00

Gold world Spot Price USD/aoz 2,017 India (Rs. per gm 24k/22k) 6,076 / 5,570, Silver (Rs. Per KG) 76,100

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending. - Lazurus Long

OFF TRACK

A man walked into a bar on a slow night and sat down. After a few minutes, the bartender asked him if he wanted a drink.

He replied, "No thanks. I don't drink. I tried it once, but I didn't like it."

So the bartender said, "Well, would you like a cigarette?"

But the man said, "No thanks. I don't smoke. I tried it once, but I didn't like it."

The bartender asked him if he'd like to play a game of pool, and again the man said, "No thanks. I don't like pool. I tried it once, but I didn't like it. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't be here at all, but I'm waiting for my son."

The bartender said, "Your only child, I guess."