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Indian stand-up comic sets off free speech debate with parody song

MUMBAI, March 26 (Reuters) – Indian stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra faces police scrutiny for a performance seen to have criticised a key politician and ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, fanning concerns about the limits of free speech in the world’s largest democracy. The ensuing violence triggered comment on social media and prime time shows, even as Kamra refused to apologise over an accusation that his use of the term “traitor” referenced Eknath Shinde, the deputy chief minister of India’s richest state. “I don’t fear this mob and I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to

Rheumatoid arthritis could be switched off: Study

Patients are taking part in a trial that scientists hope could ultimately lead to a cure for rheumatoid arthritis. It could be possible to “switch off” deliberating pain caused by arthritis following a groundbreaking new study, which could help patients who struggle across the world. It comes as scientists launched the UK trial of a treatment which could lead to a cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Professor John Isaacs, who is leading the research, labelled the study as “pioneering” and shared the numerous benefits for patients of different age groups. The AuToDeCRA-2 study seeks to prove it is possible to train

Ajit Pawar’s aide Anna Bansode elected deputy speaker of Maharashtra assembly

Mumbai, Mar 26 (PTI) NCP legislator Anna Bansode was formally elected as deputy speaker of the Maharashtra legislative assembly on Wednesday. Three-term MLA Bansode is a close aide of Deputy Chief Minister and NCP head Ajit Pawar. The motion for electing Bansode as the deputy speaker was moved by Pawar and seconded by BJP minister Chandrakant Patil. The motion was passed by a voice vote, and speaker Rahul Narwekar announced that Bansode was elected unopposed. Members from various political parties, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (BJP), his deputies Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) and Ajit Pawar and opposition leaders, escorted Bansode

Rupee falls 23 paise to 85.84 against US dollar in early trade

Mumbai, Mar 25 (PTI) The rupee weakened by 23 paise to 85.84 against the dollar in early trade on Tuesday, largely due to month-end demand for the US currency from importers. Forex dealers said positive domestic equities and foreign fund inflows supported the rupee at lower levels. However, key challenges remain for the local unit, including liquidity constraints and concerns over reciprocal tariff implementations. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 85.59 against the greenback, then lost ground and touched 85.84, down 23 paise from its previous close. On Monday, the rupee appreciated 37 paise to close at

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