Allu Arjun, who is awaiting the release of 'Pushpa: The Rule', was in for a surprise as he turned 42 on April 8. Hundreds of his fans gathered outside his house in Hyderabad at midnight to greet him on his birthday. Overwhelmed by their love, Allu Arjun greeted them, waved at them and also thanked them for coming all the way to wish him. His fans gave him the loudest cheer on his birthday. A video of Allu Arjun waving to his fans outside his home is now going viral. In the video, he can also be seen greeting them with folded hands. He blew flying kisses to them as they chanted 'Pushpa' several times.   Source: India Today

The top UN court hands down an initial decision Friday in a case against Israel over alleged genocide in Gaza, a landmark ruling closely watched in the Middle East and around the world.   The top UN court hands down an initial decision Friday in a case against Israel over alleged genocide in Gaza, a landmark ruling closely watched in the Middle East and around the world.     The International Court of Justice could order Israel to stop its military campaign in Gaza, sparked by the unprecedented October 7 attacks by Hamas, or to facilitate humanitarian aid.     The court will not however pass judgement on whether or not Israel is actually committing genocide in Gaza.     At this stage, the ICJ will hand down emergency orders before considering the wider accusation of genocidal acts in Gaza -- a process that will likely take years.     The case has been brought by South Africa, which says that Israel is in breach of the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, set up in the ashes of World War II and the Holocaust.     "South Africa does not need to prove that Israel is committing genocide," said Juliette McIntyre, international law expert from the University of South Australia.     "They simply need to establish that there is a plausible risk of genocide occurring," she told AFP.     Over two days of hearings earlier this month in the gilded halls of the Peace Palace in the Hague, a world away from the violence in Israel and Gaza, robed lawyers argued over the technicalities of the Genocide Convention.     "Genocides are never declared in advance," declared Adila Hassim, a top lawyer for South Africa.     "But this Court has the benefit of the past 13 weeks of evidence that shows incontrovertibly a pattern of conduct and related intention that justifies a plausible claim of genocidal acts," she added.     - 'World is upside down' -     The case has sparked fury in Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring that "the world is upside down".     Israel's lawyer Tal Becker dismissed Pretoria's case as a "profoundly distorted factual and legal picture" and a "decontextualised and manipulative description of the reality" on the ground.     Showing the court images of the brutal Hamas attack, Becker said that "if there have been acts that may be characterised as genocidal, then they have been perpetrated against Israel".     Becker denied that Israel's operations were aimed at the citizens of Gaza. The army's aim was "not to destroy a people, but to protect a people, its people, who are under attack on multiple fronts", he said.     The ICJ's rulings are binding on all parties, but it has no mechanism to enforce them. Sometimes they are completely ignored -- the court has ordered Russia to stop its invasion of Ukraine for example.     Netanyahu has already suggested he does not feel bound by the court, saying "no one will stop us -- not The Hague, not the Axis of Evil and no one else".     - 'Huge' symbolic impact -     "It is conceivable that an order by the court would not have any significant influence on Israel's military operation," said Cecily Rose, assistant professor of public international law at Leiden University.     But if the court decides there is a risk of genocide in Gaza, it could still have a ripple effect, notably on other nations that back Israel politically or militarily.     "It makes it much harder for other states to continue to support Israel in the face of a neutral third party finding there is a risk of genocide," said McIntyre.     "States may withdraw military or other support for Israel in order to avoid this," she added.     In addition, she noted the "huge" symbolic impact of any ruling against Israel under the Genocide Convention, given its tragic history.     In its submission to the court, South Africa acknowledged the "particular weight of responsibility" of accusing Israel of genocide but said it was bound to uphold its duties under the Convention.     Israeli lawyer Becker retorted that "there can hardly be a charge more false and more malevolent than the allegation against Israel of genocide".     The October 7 Hamas attack resulted in the death of around 1,140 people in Israel, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.     At least 25,700 Palestinians, around 70 percent of them women, young children and adolescents, have been killed in the Gaza Strip in Israeli bombardments and ground offensive since then, according to the Hamas government's health ministry.  

On Tuesday, India's Supreme Court is expected to deliver a verdict on whether to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages. The historic case comes after the top court of the world's most populous country in 2018 ruled in favor of eradicating a colonial-era law that effectively banned gay sex. Taiwan and Nepal are currently the only countries in Asia that allow same-sex unions. While Indian society is still largely dominated by traditional values, LGBTQ rights are slowly gaining more acceptance in India. India does not currently recognize same-sex marriage, which means LGBTQ couples do not have access to some legal benefits of marriage such as adoption, insurance, inheritance and so on. What would legal recognition change?  A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court, headed by India's Chief Justice DY Chandrachud heard arguments on the case over the course of several days in April and May.   If the court legalizes same-sex marriage, it could lead to significant socio-cultural changes, and adaptations to family laws.  However, India's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has opposed the move, arguing that the parliament should debate the matter before. It believes the appeal represents "urban elitist views." The BJP has also previously said that such marriages are not "comparable with the Indian family unit concept of a husband, a wife and children." What are same-sex couples saying? People from India's LGBTQ community say they continue to face discrimination in their daily lives, despite the 2018 ruling. They argue that legal backing for same-sex marriage would safeguard constitutional rights for the community. The Special Marriage Act (SMA) is a law that was passed originally to legalize interfaith unions. Now, LGBTQ couples are arguing their marriages should also be recognized under the SMA. Along with not recognizing same-sex marriages, Indian law does not provide for civil unions. Gay and lesbian couples are also not allowed to have children born with the help of an Indian surrogate mother. An LGBTQ person can apply to Central Adoption Review Authority for adoption only as a single parent. LGBTQ couples have still been participating in commitment ceremonies, which are not legally binding but express a couple's lifelong commitment to one another. Couples often have big destination weddings and carry out traditional Indian wedding rituals.

The High Court (HC) today fixed on Wednesday to hold hearing on a rule issued regarding banning the publication and broadcasting of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman's speech in media. A High Court division bench comprising Justice Md Khasruzzaman and Justice Md Khairul Alam set the date. Advocate Qamrul Islam, Sanzida Khanom and Nasrin Siddiqa Lina took part in hearing for a writ petition filed in this regard, while Additional Attorney General SM Munir and Deputy Attorney General Bipul Baghmar stood for the state. Earlier on August 13, The High Court had ordered to correct the addresses of Tarique Rahman and send its notice regarding the rule on those addresses. on January 6, 2015, Advocate Nasrin Siddiqa Lina filed the writ, pleading for court's instructions to take necessary measures not to publish, broadcast, screen and reproduce any statement of Tarique Rahman in any newspaper, electronic media, social media or any other electronic device or media, as he is a fugitive convict. The High Court on January 7, 2015, issued the interim rule over banning the publication and broadcasting of Tarique Rahman's speech in media.

India is an extremely responsible power but when the need for a hot pursuit against terrorist havens was felt, the country went all out to destroy terrorism in the national interest, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said on Tuesday. “India is an extremely responsible power. But when the need for a hard pursuit against terrorist havens, was felt, we have gone all out to destroy terrorism in our national interest,” Doval said during an event at the Islamic Cultural Centre in Delhi. “India has actively been working to combat terrorism through various means, including strengthening its security apparatus, enacting new laws and cooperating with other countries to prevent terrorist activities. However, in this war against terror, even in the face of great provocation, India has steadfastly upheld the rule of law rights of its citizens and protection of human values and human rights,” he added. Doval said India continues to play its role as a refuge for heterodox ideas with infinite capacity to absorb dissent. No religion is under any threat. “As a proud civilizational state, India believes in promoting tolerance, dialogue and cooperation to deal with the challenges of our time. It was no coincidence that despite having around 200 million Muslims, the involvement of Indian citizens in the global terrorism has been incredibly low.” Doval said he agreed with Saudi Arabia’s former Minister for Justice, Mohammad Bin Abdulkarim al-Issa that terrorism cannot be linked with any religion. The former Saudi Arabia minister, who is Secretary General, Muslim World League, also addressed the gathering. The NSA said India has been leading the fight against individuals and organizations – who are promoting extremism, narcotics and terrorism “The challenge of extremism and global terrorism compels us not to lower our guard. To preserve the security and stability within our borders and also rise to the security challenges beyond, India has been leading the fight – the fight against individuals and organizations – who are promoting extremism, narcotics and terrorism,” he said. “I vividly recall the terrorist attack on the Grand Mosque in Mecca in 1979 and how that incident became a turning point in the way Saudi Arabia looked at itself and rest of the world. The attack was carried out by a group of militants who seized the mosque and held the hostages for several days. The attack brought the issue of terrorism to the forefront and forced Saudi Arabia to reevaluate its security measures and foreign policy,” he added. Doval said India has also been a victim of terrorism for many decades and has stuck to rule of law in fight against terrorism. The country has faced numerous terrorist attacks, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which claimed 168 lives. India has actively been working to combat terrorism through various means, including strengthening its security apparatus, enacting new laws, and cooperating with other countries to prevent terrorist activities. However, in this war against terror, even in the face of grave provocations, India has steadfastly upheld the rule of law, rights of its citizens and protection of human values and rights.” Praising Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim al-Issa, Doval said his deep understanding of Islam and religions of the world’s incessant efforts toward interfaith harmony, courage to persistently lead on the path of reforms is not only contributing to a better understanding of Islam and its seminal contribution to humanity but also preventing extremist and radical ideologies to plague the young minds. The NSA said that in his capacity as Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim al-Issa has extensively travelled throughout the world and propagated his message of “peace, empathy and co-existence in the most unambiguous and effective way”. “Your interactions and persuasive articulations have not only brought about a deeper and better understanding of Islam but also worked as a catalyst in promoting the values of compassion, tolerance, and respect among different faiths. The World in conflict and turmoil today, needs it more than ever before,” the NSA said. “You have been a strong votary of the need to shun the paths of conflict and instead supported peace, harmony and understanding. We, in India, too fully subscribe to this approach and believe in doctrines of convergence, dialogue and peace leading to conflict avoidance and mitigation,” he added. Referring to India’s presidency of G-20, he said It is only with mutual trust and cooperation among nations, civil societies, religions and people of the world that security, stability, sustainable development and a dignified life for all citizens can be ensured. “As G-20 President, we ideated our slogan for the Summit as ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,'” he said. Doval said India, the world’s largest democracy and the mother of democracies, is a land of incredible diversity. “It is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and languages that coexist in harmony. As an inclusive democracy, India has successfully managed to provide space for all its citizens, regardless of their religious, ethnic or cultural backgrounds.” He said India and Saudi Arabia have excellent relations that are rooted in “our shared cultural heritage, common values, and economic ties”. “Our leaders share a common vision of the future. The enduring profoundness of our historic relationship can be understood from the fact that Prophet Mohammad’s, PBUH (Peace Be Upon Him), noble wife Hazrat Khadija had a liking for silk and Kashmiri shawls from India,” he said. The NSA said that among its numerous religious groups, Islam occupies a unique and significant position, with India being home to the second-largest Muslim population in the world. “In fact, to give an idea of the scale we are talking about, Indian Muslim population is almost equal to the combined population of around 33-member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation,” he said. The event at the India Islamic Cultural Centre in the national capital was organised by the Khusro Foundation. Saudi Arabia’s former Minister for Justice, who is considered a leading global voice on moderate Islam, said that India with its diversity, is “a great model for coexistence” and that the country can send a message of peace to the world. “We have talked just moments ago about the different components in the Indian society and we have been in the past days engaging with them. And I know that the Muslim component of the Indian society, they are, as I said, proud of their Constitution and proud of their nation and they are proud of the brotherhood that they share with the rest of the components of the Indian society,” he said. Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim al-Issa is on a five-day visit to India.

Speaking from the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Pistorius hailed ASEAN for a reach "far beyond its geographic composition." He also stressed the need to collectively stand against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has stressed his country's commitment to contributing to the Indo-Pacific region's peace and security, during a speech addressing the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Sunday. "And we are ready to strengthen our engagement in the years to come," Pistorius said, referring to the importance of solidifying European-Asian ties. He added that European and Indo-Pacific partners "must defend the rules-based international order — no matter where it is challenged." The defense minister's attendance of the Asia-Pacific security meeting comes after he addressed the Munich Security Conference in February. On Saturday, Pistorius made use of his presence in the meeting to hold talks on the sidelines with Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu. The meeting, which includes talks with defense ministers and other government officials, is considered the region's most significant security forum. Russia's Ukraine invasion 'incredibly dangerous' for world Pistorius used his speech to reiterate his country's utter condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He described it as "an attack on the foundations of international security architecture and the foundations of international law." The German defense minister stressed the danger the invasion poses "for the world order as a whole." "If Russia wins, the message to revisionist powers around the world will be that aggression and the unprovoked use of military force are acceptable and can be successful," he said. "Also here in the Indo-Pacific." He thanked Asian countries who were quick to condemn the invasion for clarifying to Moscow that "the global community does not accept this illegal war." "With dedication, it is opposing any attempt to undermine the rules-based international order, and any attempt to change the status quo by force — be it in Europe, in the Asia-Pacific or elsewhere," he said. Pistorius hails the regional ASEAN union Pistorius said Germany supports multilateral institutions, specifically the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). He hailed the Asian union for its ability "to unite countries with a high degree of diversity in terms of history, ethnicity, religion and governance." "We believe in the centrality of ASEAN – with its reach far beyond its geographical composition," Pistorius said. He added that Germany fully shares the union's "unwavering commitment to the rules-based international order." Pistorius also recalled to Germany's efforts toward establishing a partnership between the Asian alliance and the European Union during its 2020 EU Council presidency. The ASEAN alliance also helps to bring other major global powerhouses to the table, he added. "It provides an excellent platform to maintain dialogue with all important players in the region — including, specifically, the US and China," he said. What did Pistorius say about the US-China tensions? The German defense minister welcomed a Saturday offer of the US administration to enter into negotiations with Russia and China on nuclear arms control, without pre-conditions. Beijing declined an official invitation for a meeting between US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during the Shangri-La Dialogue talks in Singapore. "We will not get very far if we are not ready to stand up for the rules-based international order, also by contributing with military capabilities," Pistorius said. He gave the examples of enforcing United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea, as well as protecting sea lines of communication. Pistorius confirmed that Germany would deploy next year maritime assets to the Indo-Pacific region, including a frigate and a supply ship. In the face of rising geopolitical tensions, Pistorius said it is more important than ever to boost cooperation instead of confrontation. "We need the rule of law instead of the rule of force," the German defense minister said.

Germany is set to abandon the mandatory wearing of face masks on long-distance trains and buses in early February. The requirement is among the last remaining coronavirus pandemic measures to be kept in place. German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach announced on Friday that, from February 2, travelers will no longer need to wear face masks on long-distance public transport in Germany. The minister said the government had taken the decision to scrap the mask mandate several months ahead of schedule because of a reduction in the risk posed by the coronavirus. Why is the rule being scrapped now? "The pandemic situation has stabilized,'' said Lauterbach, who has been under mounting pressure to drop the mandate. The number of known or suspected infections is evening out or even falling, and the number of people hospitalized continues to decline, he explained. "The population has built up high immunity, and the experts who advise us no longer believe there will be another big, serious winter wave." "At this point, we also don't foresee particularly dangerous variants reaching us in the coming weeks and months.'' Lauterbach, himself a trained epidemiologist, nevertheless appealed to people to voluntarily wear masks indoors and also on trains. "We just need to put more emphasis on personal responsibility and voluntariness."  Some rules still in place The requirement to wear FFP2 or medical face masks on long-distance public trains and buses was one of the last remaining measures in place as part of the Infection Protection Act. The law was due to expire on April 7, and the mask mandate with it. The legislation also includes a stipulation for masks to be worn in health care settings such as medical practices, with additional testing requirements for access to hospitals and care facilities. Lauterbach has faced mounting calls from inside and outside the governing coalition to do away with remaining rules, particularly from the neoliberal Free Democrats who form part of Germany's ruling coalition government. The calls grew even louder after famed German virologist Christian Drosten said he believed the pandemic could be considered to be over. Most European countries scrapped mask mandates in 2022, and Germany alongside Spain was one of the few states to keep the rule in place. The Spanish government has announced that the rule will apply until at least March 2023. Although the long-distance transport requirement was nationwide, states make their own decisions about public transport. Three states have already dropped the requirement on regional and local trains, trams and buses, while six more planning to do so by the beginning of next month.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was in Hong Kong to celebrate 25 years of the former British colony's handover to Beijing amid heightened security and a clampdown on pro-democracy protests. China’s president, Xi Jinping, on Friday oversaw tightly choreographed celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of the former British colony’s handover to Beijing amid a massive security presence. After reuniting with the motherland, Hong Kong’s people became the masters of their own city, Xi said at the inauguration of the city’s new government. Hong Kong’s true democracy started from here. Incoming chief executive John Lee was sworn in as part of the festivities. Celebrations kicked off with a flag-raising event at Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor. Lee watched as helicopters flew overhead dangling the flags of China and Hong Kong. A flotilla sprayed plumes of water as soldiers hoisted both flags. Xi arrived in Hong Kong a day earlier by high-speed train, but spent the night in the neighboring mainland city of Shenzhen. This was his first trip out of mainland China since the beginning of the COVID pandemic and the first to Hong Kong since 2017, when he last took part in the July 1 celebrations. The Chinese leader defended Hong Kong’s one country, two systems formula of governance, saying it was successful under China’s comprehensive jurisdiction. For this kind of good system, there is no reason at all to change it. It must be maintained over the long term, he said. Heightened security and no protests Britain returned Hong Kong to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997. For years, the handover anniversary was marked with peaceful pro-democracy protests by tens of thousands of people. This year, however, authorities are clamping down to eliminate public opposition to China’s rule over the financial hub. Authorities deployed a massive security force across the city ahead of Lee’s swearing-in. He takes over the position left open by Carrie Lam. After taking the oath, Lee said the rule of law was a fundamental value for the global financial center, hailing a controversial national security law imposed via Beijing as the harbinger of stability for Hong Kong. Lee, the city’s former security chief, has been sanctioned by the United States over his role in implementing the 2020 national security law, which drastically redefined the definitions of criminal acts like secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign powers. International skepticism as China hails true democracy Critics of the Chinese government, including Western nations, accuse authorities of trampling on freedoms ensured under the one country, two systems formula that guaranteed wide-ranging autonomy and judicial independence for China. In an interview with DW, pro-democracy activist and former Hong Kong legislator Ted Hui said there was no reason to celebrate 25 years since the handover. People cannot take to the streets. There’s no public protest or demonstrations ever allowed, he said. All the free press has gone, civil society disbanded and more than 1,000 political prisoners are in jail. So how can I be happy? Hui, who is in exile in Australia, called for the international community to speak about Hong Kong’s freedom and democracy, given the restrictions on freedom of speech within the territory. A day earlier, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain was not giving up on Hong Kong, accusing Beijing of failing to keep its promises: It’s a state of affairs that threatens both the rights and freedoms of Hongkongers and the continued progress and prosperity of their home. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed Washington’s solidarity with the people of Hong Kong as they experience what he referred to as an erosion of autonomy under Chinese rule. It is now evident that Hong Kong and Beijing authorities no longer view democratic participation, fundamental freedoms, and an independent media, Blinken said in a statement, calling for people’s personal freedoms to be restored. Australia remains deeply concerned by the continuing erosion of Hong Kong’s rights, freedoms and autonomy, two years since the imposition of the National Security Law, the country’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, said on Friday. Beijing rejects such accusations.

Turkey has declared that fully vaccinated travelers from India will no longer be subjected to a mandatory 14-day quarantine rule, with effect from September 4, the Turkish Embassy in New Delhi informed on Saturday. The announcement will ease the travel restrictions for fully vaccinated passengers of 12 years of age and older, travelling from India or those who stayed in India in the last 14 days. The vaccines that have been approved by WHO or the Turkish Government are covered under this exemption. In addition to WHO-approved vaccines, the vaccines approved by the Turkish Government are Pfizer Biontech, Sputnik V and Sinovac. For the same, a traveller must have taken the second dose (if Johnson&Johnson one dose is sufficient) at least 14 days prior to the date of travel. Indian travellers who are vaccinated with Covishield will also be allowed to travel to Turkey. Once, Covaxin gets a nod from WHO, travellers vaccinated with the same will also be able to visit Turkey. The fully vaccinated travellers are also required to submit their negative PCR test report taken 72 hours before departure in order to be exempt from the quarantine. Non-vaccinated travellers are required to undergo mandatory quarantine for 10 days in a hotel or a location mentioned in the declaration. As of September 4, the Turkish government has successfully vaccinated 79 per cent of its population above 18 of age with the first dose and 62 per cent population above 18 of age with both doses. The tourist inflow numbers in Turkey between January-July 2021, despite the pandemic, were recorded at 11.9 million. In July 2021, 4.3 million international visitors visited Turkey. Source: Khaleej Times BM

The High Court has issued rule asking why not order would be given to compensate and rehabilitate the children who are victims of rape. The High Court bench of Justice Md. Mojibur Rahman Mian and Justice Md. Kamrul Hossain Mollah issued the rule on Wednesday. The rule also wanted to know why not order would be given to the government to formulate a regulation to compensate the children who are victims of rape whether the case is proved or not. Barrister Abdul Halim took part in the hearing for the writ petitioner. Advocate Isharat Hasan and Advocate Shayla Jahan accompanied him. The rule asked 15 persons including Home Secretary, Women and Children Affairs Secretary to answer within seven days. An organization named ‘Children Charity Foundation’ filed the writ with the High Court on January 2 attaching three incidents of rape published in the mass media in different times. Lawyer Abdul Halim said, 97 per cent accused in rape case are acquitted. Is that mean 97 per cent incidents of rape did not happen? The reason of acquittal is that the state fails to present proper evidences. Then why victims will be responsible? They have self dignity. Education of the children has been damaged. These children cannot go to schools. Then where they would go? Here comes the matter of responsibility of the state. There are regulations across the world to compensate the rape victims. We have submitted the example that Indian Supreme Court ordered to compensate a rape victim by paying 10 lakh rupees. AH