NATIONAL 
EXPRESS

Indian Air Force has embarked on a transformative digital journey by integrating with the DigiLocker platform, a flagship initiative under the Digital India programme. The integration with DigiLocker will streamline various processes within the Indian Air Force, including the Agniveer Vayu recruitment, where the candidate’s academic document verification will be conducted digitally. The Air Force and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology have signed an MoU in New Delhi to leverage DigiLocker’s secure and accessible document repository services.

Q. Nīraba Mr̥tyudaṇḍa, could you please provide information on the power of The Silent Execution? Soumeek Chowdhuri: Nīraba Mr̥tyudaṇḍa, the film adaptation of my English novel "The Silent Execution" which was subsequently translated into Bengali and Spanish, has garnered immense acclaim and numerous accolades. The film boasts a compelling storyline and a well-crafted plot, which has captivated audiences and critics alike. Its remarkable success is evident through the overwhelmingly positive reviews it has received and the multitude of awards it has garnered. Q. Could you give an overview about the narrative of the movie? Soumeek Chowdhuri: In today's modern world, a working couple in their early middle age finds themselves in a difficult situation after the lockdown is lifted. They are faced with the heart-breaking loss of their baby and are now in disagreement about who should have taken care of the child. The baby falls ill and tragically passes away, with symptoms resembling ethylene glycol poisoning. While the forensic expert believes this to be the cause, the defense argues that it is a metabolic disorder, bringing in a genetic expert to support their claim. Suspicion falls on the wife, but there are many factors that could point in either direction. As the story unfolds, the plot takes unexpected turns, leaving the reader with a brain-twisting challenge and an analysis of the characters that has been highly praised. The cast includes individuals who are not professional actors or actresses, but have been trained to maintain their authenticity and reflect the essence of real-life characters rather than polished ones. Q: Is Nīraba Mr̥tyudaṇḍa being presented to a global audience as an Experimental Film originating from West Bengal? Soumeek Chowdhuri: This unique and challenging experiment has been tried by only a few directors, with theatre actors also contributing a unique element. The success of any project, including this one, relies heavily on the audience's preferences. Such experiments are rare, and the realism in our production is something I believe the audience will appreciate, as their tastes have likely evolved over the years. It will take time to see if the audience truly appreciates the tapestry we have created. The evolution of their tastes will be evident in their reception of this experiment. The collaboration between directors and theatre actors in this endeavor is a testament to the dedication to pushing boundaries and creating something truly different in the world of theatre. Q: How do you anticipate the film being received in its home country? Soumeek Chowdhuri: It is my hope that when Nīraba Mr̥tyudaṇḍa is released commercially after being showcased at a few international film festivals, it will receive a response that is both encouraging and realistic. As a filmmaker, I understand that a realistic film may not always generate a commercial response, and I am not necessarily seeking that outcome. However, the experience of creating my first film has taught me invaluable lessons, and I am eager to apply these learnings to my next project, which is scheduled for next year. This upcoming endeavor will likely serve as a culmination of all the knowledge and skills I have acquired thus far, making it a truly significant milestone in my journey as a filmmaker

Former United States President Donald Trump has claimed that pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses are more hateful than the infamous 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Speaking to reporters outside his hush-money trial in New York on Thursday, Trump said the Unite the Right rally was “nothing” compared with the hate being expressed at student demonstrations against the war in Gaza. “We’re having protests all over,” Trump said as he left the Manhattan courtroom where he is standing trial over alleged payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election. “Charlottesville was a little peanut, and it was nothing compared – and the hate wasn’t the kind of hate that you have here, this is tremendous hate,” Trump said. Trump’s comments follow a Truth Social post on Wednesday in which the Republican presidential contender described the Charlottesville rally as a “‘peanut’ compared to the riots and anti-Israel protests that are happening all over our Country.” The White House rebuked Trump over his comments. “Minimising the anti-Semitic and white supremacist poison displayed in Charlottesville is repugnant and divisive,” deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said in a statement. US President Joe Biden, who is expected to face off against Trump in November’s presidential election, has repeatedly invoked the Charlottesville rally as a decisive moment in his decision to run against Trump in 2020. During the event on August 11, 2017, white supremacists rallied against the removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E Lee, chanting slogans including “You will not replace us!” and “Jews will not replace us!” A day later, James Alex Fields Jr, a self-identified white supremacist, deliberately drove his car into a crowd of counterprotesters near the rally site, killing Heather Heyer. Trump’s response to the rally, including saying that “both sides” were to blame, marked one of the most controversial moments of his presidency. There have been no comparable incidents of violence at the pro-Palestinian protests roiling multiple US universities, including George Washington University, Yale, New York University (NYU), Columbia University and the University of Texas. But reports of harassment and threats against Jewish students have prompted condemnation from officials including Biden, House Speaker Mike Johnson, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Footage shared on social media last weekend appeared to show activists telling students to “go back to Poland” and that October 7 is “going to be every day for you” – referring to Hamas’s attacks on Israel in which 1,139 people were killed. Chabad at Columbia University, a chapter of an international Orthodox Jewish movement, also reported that protesters had told Jewish students, “You have no culture”, “All you do is colonise” and “Go back to Europe”. On Sunday, a group of student activists representing the protesters released a statement distancing themselves from “inflammatory individuals” and condemning “any form of hate or bigotry”.

In Para-Shooting, Indian para-shooter Mona Aggarwal claimed a gold medal in women’s 10m air rifle while Army man Amir Ahmed Bhatt secured a silver in 25m pistol at the World Shooting Para Sport tournament in Changwon, Korea, last night. 37-year old Mona claimed the R2-10 metre air rifle standing SH1 gold medal with a score of 250.8 in the final. It was her second World Cup title of the year following her win in the same event at the World Cup in New Delhi last month, when she sealed a Paralympic quota. Slovakia’s Verónica Vadovicova won the silver and Swedish shooter Anna Benson won a bronze medal.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar arrived at Renigunta Airport this morning as a part of a one-day visit to Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh. He was warmly welcomed by Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazir and state government officials. The Vice President left for Tirumala by road from Renigunta Airport for darshan. He will also participate in the third graduation ceremony at National Sanskrit University as a chief guest. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will be visiting Hyderabad later today. He will visit Bharat Biotech vaccine company located in the Genome Valley on the outskirts of the city.  He will also visit Raj Bhavan and participate in a programme at Hitex Exhibition Hall before leaving tonight.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur has requested the voters of all the seats in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections to exercise their right to vote. In a social media post, Mr. Thakur urged everyone to go and vote and ensure participation in building a strong and capable India.

Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane will lead the Indian delegation to Astana, Kazakhstan today for the Annual Meeting of the Defence Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States. The meeting will review the regional security issues within the SCO, including the defence cooperation initiatives. During the two-day visit, the Defence Secretary will deliver India’s statement at the ministerial meeting. He will also hold meetings with Defence Ministers of the friendly countries of the SCO to discuss issues of bilateral defence cooperation.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has said that society cannot be changed overnight and that it requires deep deliberation and a legal basis. While speaking at a Social Justice Conclave organised by Congress in Delhi, Mr. Kharge added that Congress’ heroes have ensured both. He also said that Congress has a history of fulfilling promises made to people and the implementation of schemes like MGNREGA, RTE, RTI, and RIGHT TO FOOD SECURITY is a true reflection of its commitment.  Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also addressed the conclave.

The Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande has reiterated the commitment of the Indian Army to continue its pursuit towards transitioning into a modern, agile, adaptive and technology-enabled future-ready force. He urged all stakeholders including the Services, Industry Partners, Research and Development institutions and Policy Makers to synergize their efforts and develop a vibrant national defence eco-system. The Army Chief was speaking at a seminar cum exhibition organized by the Indian Army on the theme -Year of Technology Absorption – Empowering the Soldier in New Delhi today. He stressed the need to be self-reliant in warfighting platforms and systems besides achieving self-sufficiency in critical technologies through indigenous Research and  Development. He said,  technology has emerged as the new strategic arena of competition which drives geo-political powerplay.  Citing examples from recent conflicts, General Pande mentioned that disruptive and dual-use technologies are proliferating at unprecedented scale and transforming the Character of Modern Wars.  He mentioned that a suite of digital technologies encompassing Electronic Warfare, Micro-electronics, Drones, and Precision Attack Systems among others are challenging traditional force multipliers. The seminar brought together technology experts and industry professionals to deliberate on the adoption of modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence and advanced hardware in the military domain.It aimed at fostering a collaborative environment for academia and the defence industry to fast-pace the ongoing initiatives for technological absorption in the military.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his best wishes to Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj on being elected as the President of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. In his message, Mr. Modi said he was sure that he would guide society to greater wisdom and compassion.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has extended the heat alert for three more days from Monday. Meteorologist Md Bazlur Rahman said the prevailing extreme heatwave may linger in Bangladesh for the next 72-hour starting from Monday (April 22). Earlier on April 19, the Met Office issued the first three-day heatwave alert. Very severe heat wave has gripped parts of Bangladesh, with maximum temperatures ranging from 40 degrees Celsius to over 42 degrees Celsius in some areas. Very severe heat wave is sweeping over north, north-east and north-west districts of Bangladesh and a severe heat wave is sweeping Dhaka and parts of Khulna divisions and Rajshahi district, said a bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Monday. Bangladesh’s highest temperature was recorded at 42.2 degrees Celsius in Chuadanga on Sunday while the season’s highest temperature in the capital Dhaka was recorded at 40.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday, said meteorologist. Four people died from heat stroke in Bangladesh in last three days amid the extreme heat weather due to the prevailing heat wave for the past few days, The heat wave condition forced the authorities concerned to close all schools, madrasas and colleges till April 27. Dhaka University authorities also announced to hold classes online due to the scorching heat. Over 42 degrees Celsius temperature is considered as a very severe heat wave while between 40-41.9 degrees Celsius is considered as severe and 38 to 39.9 degrees Celsius is considered as moderate heat wave while 36 to 37.9 degrees Celsius is considered as mild heat wave in the country, according to the BMD.

In Madhya Pradesh, 127 candidates are left in the fray in the third phase of Lok Sabha polls. On the last day of withdrawal of nominations yesterday, 14 candidates withdrew their nominations. Meanwhile, 47 nomination papers have been filed by 28 candidates for the fourth phase so far. Meanwhile, meetings of star campaigners are being held in the election campaign in the state.  Akashvani Correspondent reports that BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda will be on a visit to Tikamgarh, Rewa and Satna districts in Madhya Pradesh today. Mr. Nadda will participate in public meetings and local programs. Senior BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will campaign in Madhya Pradesh tomorrow. On the other hand, State Congress President Jitu Patwari, former Union Minister Arun Yadav and Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha will address public meetings at various places in favour of the Congress candidate in Raisen and Narmadapuram districts. In the second phase of voting to be held on April 26 in Madhya Pradesh, a total of more than one crore 11 lakh 62 thousand voters will cast their votes. So far, voter information slips containing QR codes have been distributed to more than 1 crore 10 lakh 39 thousand voters by the Election Commission.