Author: Deshwale Editorial Desk

South Sudan has launched a nationwide polio vaccination campaign, targeting 3.47 million children under five. This initiative follows the detection of 36 cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) across eight counties. The campaign aims to eliminate polio transmission and prevent the virus’s debilitating effects. Supported by the Ministry of Health, WHO, and UNICEF, the campaign uses the new Oral Polio Vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) to provide enhanced immunity. Health workers are mobilising to reach even remote communities, overcoming challenges like population displacement and logistical constraints. This vaccination drive is part of South Sudan’s broader strategy to protect children…

Pakistan cricketers Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, and Kamran Ghulam have been fined for breaching the International Cricket Council’s Code of Conduct during a one-day international match against South Africa in Karachi. The ICC imposed financial penalties and disciplinary sanctions after reviewing incidents involving inappropriate physical contact and provocative celebrations. Shaheen Afridi was fined 25 percent of his match fee for obstructing South African batter Matthew Breetzke during a run. The incident occurred when Afridi deliberately moved into Breetzke’s path, leading to physical contact. The ICC deemed this a level-one offence under the Code of Conduct, which prohibits deliberate obstruction or…

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has penalised Pakistan cricketers Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, and Kamran Ghulam for violating the Code of Conduct during the ODI tri-series against South Africa. Shaheen Afridi was fined 25% of his match fee for inappropriate physical contact with South African batter Matthew Breetzke. The incident occurred during a heated exchange, escalating after Afridi obstructed Breetzke’s run. Meanwhile, Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam faced a 10% match fee deduction for aggressive celebrations after dismissing South African captain Temba Bavuma. Their animated gestures were deemed provocative by the ICC. In addition to fines, all three players received…

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), set to commence passenger operations in May 2025, is in discussions with global logistics leaders FedEx and DHL to develop a significant cargo hub. The airport’s strategic location near Jawaharlal Nehru Port and the availability of operational slots are key factors in these negotiations. The airport’s master plan allocates 29 hectares for cargo operations, featuring ten freighter stands and a fully automated terminal. This infrastructure is designed to handle up to 2.6 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. While domestic cargo services are slated to begin alongside passenger flights, international cargo operations will be introduced…

A recent United Nations report has unveiled extensive human rights abuses during Bangladesh’s 2024 anti-discrimination protests, implicating former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government and security forces in actions that may amount to crimes against humanity. The report estimates that up to 1,400 individuals were killed during a three-week crackdown on student-led demonstrations. Security forces are accused of employing live ammunition and excessive force, leading to numerous extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and instances of torture. Particularly affected were members of the Hindu, Ahmadiyya Muslim, and indigenous communities. The report documents widespread attacks on homes, businesses, and places of worship belonging to…

Air India has opted to hold off on exercising its options to purchase additional Boeing 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner aircraft, citing concerns over delivery timelines and existing backlogs. This decision reflects a cautious approach to fleet expansion as Boeing navigates production challenges. In 2023, Air India placed substantial orders totaling 470 new jets from Airbus and Boeing, including options for an additional 70 Boeing planes. However, delays in aircraft deliveries and the refurbishment of existing planes due to supplier issues have prompted the airline to reassess its immediate expansion plans. The airline’s leadership emphasised the importance of delivery certainty,…

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project has marked a major milestone, completing over 50,000 door-to-door surveys. This achievement paves the way for the rehabilitation of approximately 150,000 tenements in Asia’s largest slum. The project, led by Navbharat Mega Developers Private Limited (NMDPL) under the Adani Group, aims to transform Dharavi into a modern urban hub with improved housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. According to project officials, the surveys have mapped tenements across the sprawling area, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of eligible residents. Those qualifying for rehabilitation will be resettled within Dharavi, preserving community ties. Ineligible residents will be relocated to modern townships…

Mumbai’s roads are set for a major upgrade as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) pushes to complete the concretisation of 132.75 km of road stretches by the first week of June. The project, part of a broader initiative to improve the city’s infrastructure, aims to provide more durable roads that require less frequent repairs. The BMC had earlier awarded contracts for concretising a total of 324 km of roads across Mumbai. These contracts cover 698 roads and come with an estimated budget of ₹6,000 crore. The project was initiated in February 2023, and work is currently being executed in phases.…

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held a series of crucial meetings in Washington ahead of his much-anticipated discussions with US President Donald Trump. Key figures, including entrepreneur Elon Musk, Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy, and US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, engaged with Modi on topics spanning trade, technology, and strategic cooperation. On Thursday, Modi met with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and his family at Blair House. Their discussion revolved around Tesla’s potential expansion into India, renewable energy projects, and technological innovation. Musk expressed interest in the Indian electric vehicle market, while Modi highlighted India’s focus on sustainability…

World Radio Day, celebrated every year on 13th February, is a global tribute to one of the most enduring and accessible forms of communication: radio. Maybe the world has seen rapid advancements in technology. The dominance of digital platforms is all over. Still, radio holds a special place in the hearts of millions. In a diverse and culturally rich country like India, it still holds a lot of value.We have actually seen a century of radio broadcasting. World Radio Day takes on a renewed significance, celebrating its ability to inform, educate, and entertain while adapting to the changing times.  World…